Church Transitions

Today was a hard day at church. Our pastor and wife have moved on to another church. It was time in their ministry to transition away from our church. It's hard to see them go, but I know that if anyone knows the will of God it's Pastor Pat. I know that he must follow after this great God that we serve. But parting is always so bittersweet.

If you read this blog and are a praying person, I would appreciate if you add my church to your prayer list. It seems that the transition will be smooth, but I'm sure that there will be some snags along the way. Change is the only constant thing in life, but that doesn't mean that it hurts any less.

Another change at church is happening in our small group ministries. Really this is the beginning of small groups/home groups. As of right now I'll only be involved with the youth small groups, but I might possibly be involved with a group eventually. It's a change that is welcomed by some, but feared by a lot. I'm not sure how I feel about such a change to the adult ministry, but I more than welcome the change to the youth ministry. I feel like this will be a prime opportunity to practically invest in the spiritual lives of these teens on a more one on one basis.

I've also been asked to teach Sunday School for the teenagers more often. However, my women's class was just accepted and I'll be beginning teaching that at the first of May. I'm ecstatic over the teaching opportunities that have been presented to me. I know this is God's way of showing me that I do have a specific purpose here at this church and at this time in my life. I am most grateful for the feeling of importance this brings to my life.

My last thing has nothing to do with church transitions (well maybe a little). I have a very important doctor's appointment tomorrow. I desire as many prayers as I can possibly get. The appointment is extremely necessary, but it's not one that I'm looking forward to. The nervousness and anxieties surrounding this appointment are immense. I'm praying for good news, but keeping in mind that I may need to prepare myself for the worst. It's a case of not being able to let it go and give it fully to God. I admit that fault. I recognize the need to let it go, yet as hard as I try, I just haven't been able to so far.

There's only a few more hours Lord. Please help me to turn loose of this overwhelming fear I have toward this appointment. I want to give it to you, but I don't know how. Lord, please show me how and take these feelings away from me. I know that it is all in Your Almighty Hands. Please help me to leave it there.

~*Melody*~

The Scripture I've Been Praying Over My Life Lately:

Psalm 86 (NIV)

1 Hear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.

2 Guard my life, for I am devoted to you. You are my God; save your servant who trusts in you. 3 Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I call to you all day long.

4 Bring joy to your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.

5 You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you.

6 Hear my prayer, O LORD; listen to my cry for mercy.

7 In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me.

8 Among the gods there is none like you, O Lord; no deeds can compare with yours.

9 All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, O Lord; they will bring glory to your name.

10 For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God.

11 Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.

12 I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever.

13 For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths of the grave. [a]

14 The arrogant are attacking me, O God; a band of ruthless men seeks my life— men without regard for you.

15 But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.

16 Turn to me and have mercy on me; grant your strength to your servant and save the son of your maidservant.

17 Give me a sign of your goodness, that my enemies may see it and be put to shame, for you, O LORD, have helped me and comforted me.