Something we all should expect as time moves on with our children is transition.  From an infant to a toddler, our children change, grow, and learn in abundance.   Then when they start school, the years begin to fly by.  We all know it’s coming and want to make the most of each phase in life.  Even though we know change is always happening, we tend to experience a wide range of emotions when we are walking through a transitional time.  I know for me, this has meant being sad, scared, excited, and happy all at once.  Lately, I have experienced this within one big ball of emotion.

As you all know, our family is going through a transition right now.  It is an exciting time that brings about many emotions.  As Kris came to me and shared how God was leading him to move our family from the medical/dental mission last September, I honestly can say I was scared.  I didn’t know where we were going to live, what we were going to do, or how it was all going to take place.  Since we moved to Honduras, we have depended on the Lord to guide us in what He would have us to do on a deeper level than previously in our lives.  Guidance in all things, both big and small.  He has taught us that He desires that type of surrender from everyone no matter if you have never moved or changed careers.  He wants us all to trust Him for daily guidance.  Back to our move, God quickly opened  a door after Kris shared with Brantley and I about leaving the mission.  The International Christian Fellowship Church asked Kris to pray about possibly becoming the pastor. Wow!  How wonderful it felt to have God moving in a powerful way when we were unsure of our next step.  I went from feeling like I had my feet kicked out from under me to having the Lord’s arms wrapped around me.  He provided total security.  From that time, He has put a theme in my heart and it is still with me today.  JUST TRUST ME
IMG_0089We knew the Lord had answered a prayer.  Brantley was able to re-enter Bowdon High School and graduate with his lifelong classmates.  Back last summer, Kris and I had decided that returning to BHS was not going to work.  We had prayed about that since we started seeking the Lord’s guidance about moving to Honduras three years ago.  With this transition, we no longer had to question that decision and we knew it was meant for Brantley to return to Bowdon.  We also knew He would provide for us when it was time to transition back to Honduras and Brantley to college.  Even though the emotions will come and go and at times it will seem that I can not move forward, I can stand on the fact that God is in control and He is directing our steps.  He reminds me…JUST TRUST ME.

Yesterday, Kris and I arrived back to San Pedro Sula.  Brantley will be staying with Jan and Terry while working, traveling to West Virginia with Bowdon Baptist’s Mens Mission Team, and meeting with his golf coach in West Point to work on his game.  I know God has given Brantley peace about us being in Honduras.  He is excited for our family even though it is going to be tough being so far away.  Brantley has said for a long time that he thought Kris would be the pastor of ICF.  Talk about providing peace!  Seeing the joy on Brantley’s face helps give me the strength to be in Honduras while he is in Georgia.  I know it is not going to be easy for us all to be apart, but I do know God has a plan and will provide our needs on His timing.  We can all try to imagine the best plan for our lives.  When I can see God’s plan being revealed in my life, I often think back to how I thought things should go and have a good laugh because my plan is always worse!  Praise the Lord for His guidance!  Wherever you are at this point in your life, God is working His plan.  It may look really messy, be painful, or seem like nothing is going on.  I encourage you to allow the Lord to direct your steps and He will confirm to you His plan.  He does not reveal things way into the future.  That is the way we all like to think life plans should happen and is actually a good description of our own plan.  He reveals His plan on His timing and it is normally piece by piece.  You can look back over your life and see the pieces fitting together.  What is the next piece of God’s plan for my life?  I do not know.  I currently am asking the Lord to guide my steps in where I should be serving with the church and in the community.  He says, JUST TRUST ME.

Maybe you are not sure what God’s plan for your life is or how to find it.  Maybe you are thinking, well she’s a missionary.  I can tell you that He has a personalized plan for each person and we are all equally important to the Lord.  Titles and positions are not important to the Lord.  He sees us all as His children and we should see each other in the same way.  The Bible tells us to “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33  Simply reach out to God for His direction.  You can not tell Him what you think is best.  You must ask Him what is best for your life.  He will direct your path, change your heart, and replace fear and anxiety with peace and comfort.  Those are the steps He wants from us.  JUST TRUST ME. -Alania