I don’t know about you but it just seems like many people are moving or taking off to do something cool for a season. For instance…
Our good friends, Tom and Jamie (true Jersey-ites, born and raised in Essex County, mind you) are moving to Philly this summer so Jamie can get her Masters at Westminster! Our friends, Scott and Karen are moving back to Boston (after braving New Jersey for a few good years) to be closer to their family. Our friend, Jason is taking off to Brasil this summer to work and live among missionary friends, Tom and Kathy Padley. Some friends of ours are selling their home that they put a ‘lot of love and tender care’ into so they can move closer to their kids’ school (no more ridiculous commute)! Another couple friend, are going to Africa for a month to serve missionary friends who work in the Gambia and to seek the Lord for future direction. We are moving to Belfast in just 34 days… but who’s counting?
With so much transition amidst one may wonder, “Lord, what are you doing?”
Then there is our friend, Jenny, who is staying in Jersey… in her adorable home in Essex County to teach another year of English at a high school in the area. There is our friend, Amy, who will be finishing up her social work degree at Rutgers this upcoming year. Noelle’s brother, Noah, is also finishing up his degree at Rutgers this year. Our friends, Gayle and Kevin – will continue to work faithfully at the company they have been with for years…
With so many continuing as they have been one may wonder, “Lord, what are you doing?”
When the Lord calls us to ‘move’ or ’step out’ into something different, we typically respond with…“But why, Lord? Why now? Why there? Is it even possible?”
When the Lord calls us to ’stay put’ and ‘to be faithful’ in what we are already doing, we sometimes will respond with…“But why, Lord? Why here? For how long? Is it even possible?”
Point being: boldness and faith are required to both ‘up and leave‘ and to ‘stay put and just be‘. “Bold moves” are anything and everything that we TRUST the Lord in. Whether it is leaving New Jersey to move to PA or selling our house in a stinky market, or having to grade 125+ research papers yet again (right, Jenny?)… walking in faith and in boldness is simply surrendering ALL to Jesus. Surrender looks different for each of us and sometimes it may mean we pack up and move. Sometimes it just means, we keep going until He asks us for something different.
It’s exciting to hear of so many who have heard the Lord and are obeying in what He has asked them to do! We believe that the Lord is doing something pretty cool…there are so many new things happening around us! It’s going to be awesome!
So tell us of YOUR adventures… whether the Lord is taking you somewhere new or having you stay where you are. Keep us posted on what is happening and how we can pray for YOU! Email us – emailrhodes@gmail.com! Don’t be a stranger!
Whether we are leaving or staying, remaining or moving on – the Lord is with us every moment and in every way!
We love YOU!
Because Jesus IS Love,
Troy and Noelle
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