A New Chapter

It's Monday, the beginning of a new week, the start of a new chapter...

For the past year and a half I have been working two jobs. I work full time at my church and then part time at a local homeless shelter. I have been working 52 + hours a week. But the 'work, work, work' chapter came to an end on Saturday.

I made the decision to leave my part-time job in order to spend more time focused on support raising. Big decisions are hard to make and this was one of those!

Once again I was challenged, forced to come face to face with the condition of my heart. Bit by bit, piece by piece Jesus is giving me opportunities to surrender control to Him. Being a very independent and self sufficient person I have found complete surrender of control hard to handle! My heart wanted to stay working in order to keep they pay check coming... giving up the extra income was a challenge for me. Knowing I would be forced to live within tighter means was uncomfortable. I was tired of working so much but I liked the lifestyle I had made for myself by working so much.


However I did make the decision to leave and I have absolute peace in that decision! But I definitely underestimated just how emotionally hard it would be to leave a place I spent so many hours every week and the friendships I have cultivated.

Saturday was a big mix of emotions... happy, sad, peaceful, empty, excited, heartbreaking...

The day was calm and uneventful (a rarity at the mission!). I spent the day saying goodbye to faithful volunteers and making commitments to not lose touch with friends. To end the day my co-workers and I got some fantastic ice cream at a local shop down town, talked and was prayed over. I realized then just how blessed this past year and a half has been!

And of course I cried.

Even though it was a hard decision (for many reasons) I know that it was the right one to make. Because our God is so good He gave me some awesome confirmation last week... after 2 months of no appointments for support raising I have four appointments set and three waiting to be set! That's possibly 7 appointments this month!!!! Thank you Lord for your grace and favor.


I encourage you today to pursue obedience to Christ. The Lord has amazing plans for those who love Him and He will lead you down the path of righteousness if you are willing to obey. Obedience takes surrender. Today don't be afraid to surrender, to obey, to trust, to live in the goodness of the Lord!

~Nicole