Grab a Cuppa...This is Gonna Be a Long One.

I've been laboring over this post. I want to write it, but don't really have a "feel" for it. Sometimes that's how the very best posts begin...sometimes not. I suppose we'll see which it turns out to be.

As I shared this summer, we moved back to our home town the end of June. It was a very difficult decision; actually, the final decision was a swift one, it was releasing ourselves to the very thought, that was tough. Once we told the Lord we would go WHEREVER He wanted us to go, peace came flooding in. And though we hated to leave our good friends and the city we had come to love, our path was clear, and just as Prov. 3 :17 promises, "all [wisdom's] ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace."

We found remarkable favor everywhere we turned; from the storage facility owner, to my in-love's, right on through finding a home to lease and a job for RedDaddy! The stories of God's goodness to us during that time are innurmerable; here are just a few:

Peach woke Sunday July 12 with terrible stomache pains, after a quick Internet check we were off to the ER. Sure enough, a few hours later she was in surgery having her appendix removed. Of course, the hospital's first question is, "What insurance do you have? Oh, none? Then how are you going to pay for this?" Enter God's goodness: because RedDaddy had not officially been hired (he started his job the next week), Peach qualified for medicade. The total of all the bills: $27,000...yes, that's twenty-seven THOUSAND dollars!! 100% covered! Can you say Hallelujah?!

RedDaddy's job was another amazing move of God. He found the job listed on Craig's list, after combing the Internet for months. He applied, interviewed and tested over a period of three weeks. He landed the job over 20 other applicants by a mile! He scored the highest on the aptitude test and greatly impressed his employer. I am so proud of him; all of his years of listening and learning about business paid off! The Lord's blessing on this job was further manifested when his status was changed from independant contractor to employee just weeks in. This meant the difference between being paid by the piece each month, and a weekly salary...Glory to God!

And have I told you about our house? It is a 1941 gem! We have always wanted an old vintage home. This is just a charmer: wood floors throughout, a beautiful fireplace with a cherry mantle and a green marble facing, original tile but updated fixtures in the baths, granite countertops in the kitchen, a brick garden patio, plantation shutters...I could go on and on. Did I mention we are half a block from "the River", which is a salt water inlet from Tampa Bay...which means palm trees, pelicans, and dolphins?! I know you need pictures, but I'm having camera/computer issues...sorry :( Anyway, we were able to work out a great deal to lease with first right or refusal on a purchase. AND we payed more in Tallahassee for a smaller house without all the charm. Overall: it was God!

During all of these events we have been assured God is with us. His Presence has been almost tangible. Our desire to serve Him has never been stronger. Our original plan was for RedDaddy to work hard, and for us to tithe and serve in the local church, and just live a "normal" life (insert wild laughter here). However, "the gifts and calling of God are without repentance"; in other words, "Hey, Pink family, you're not going to get off that easy!" 


We can't get away from our calling! God has placed in us the gifts of the Pastoral office and with that the charge to steward that gift wisely. We are relationship builders and do it wherever we are; we also shepherd people wherever we are. This puts us in a strange place within the local church. So, after much deliberation, we informed our former pastor that we were leaving that local body to fulfll the call of God on our lives. And so we are!

The last few weeks have been chock-full of vision, and purpose, and great fulfillment! We are ministering to everyone that God brings our way, on the job, in our home, extended family, through the Internet...it is truly amazing how many doors have opened to us now that we are "free" to give of ourselves. We have purposed to allow the Father to complete His refining process (remember this?) and through it all He has kindled the passion in us to a full-on blaze!!

Right now we are meeting with the people God has placed on our hearts as possible "pioneers". We are casting vision and allowing the Holy Spirit to draw those who share our passion for the family. This is a new day, and God is doing new and exciting things.

We covet your prayers. Put our names on your fridge and pray for us everytime you pass it. We ARE going to serve our community the love of God, the wisdom of God, and the freedom found only in Christ!