Nathanael and I have learned all about God’s provisions over the past nine months. Last August, he took a part-time job to help with the bills. This allowed me to stop keeping kids in my home in order to focus on my own children and Micah’s preschool. But only two months later, Nathanael was laid off. I immediately turned our finances over to him. I just didn’t see how we were going to make ends me. He put us on a budget. It was tight. We actually had $6 left over at the end of the week, but our bills, food, and gas were taken care of.

On seven different instances, God provided for a specific financial need in our lives (between October and January). From winter clothes for the children to a washer that died while on vacation to a tax bill that was very unexpected. In all of these instances, God laid it on someone’s heart to give to us in a monetary way.

We both believe God used this season of our lives to grow our faith. We learned just how big our God is…and how important obedience to God is. I couldn’t help but think what would have happened if those who were prompted by God didn’t follow through. It reminds me of the miracle Jesus performed when he fed the 5,000. We focus a lot more on the miracle of that story. But wouldn’t that story turned out so much differently had that little boy not given of his lunch?

Three times (at least) since January, we’ve been blessed by others giving generously to us.  We’ve been able to get through this past month of not having a pastorate because of God’s faithfulness and the obedience of His people.  Many times those who bless us are in a faith-based ministry as well.  They well know the faith we’re speaking of.  I pray we’ll be able to give so generously when God calls us to do so.

Well, this week we were blown away once again by our God! Earlier this week we found out that we didn’t have all the money we thought we had for our down payment. But neither of us thought much about it. I will admit I thought of how I could fix it on my own, but Nathanael knew God was going to provide this money in His time, in His way. Yesterday, we received a check in the mail from two very special people. God has provided once again for our needs, down to the dollar.

“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:19 (NIV)

And I’ll share another provision that may not seem as big to some, but it means a great deal to us. Since we are moving the day before Bethany’s birthday, we weren’t sure how we were going to celebrate her birthday. I want to make her day special, but with all the moving expenses and time crunch, we just weren’t sure what we were going to do. Well, a church member from Cardinal Village contacted me this week, and asked if she could throw Bethany a party. Her very own birthday party! Bethany’s been asking about a butterfly birthday party, and we didn’t quite know how to address this with her. So, I was thrilled to know she was going to have a party complete with friends and a birthday cake. Isn’t God great? And I love to see His people sharing in His love. It’s just so overwhelming.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:4-7 (NIV)

After nearly four months of waiting on the Lord, seeking His will, and many conference calls with our Lord, we can see what He had in store all along. The them of our summer is summed up so well in Psalm 27. David penned:
“Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.”

So many times prayer warriors and friends would share that verse with us through prayers, emails, or as a word of encouragement. I have never been good at waiting. As a child, I would ask questions of time often. As a teen, I wanted what I wanted right here and right now. As an adult, if I’m ready before Nathanael is to leave home, I go into a tizzy. I do not wait well. Ironic that my last name is Waites, huh?

This summer the waiting we endured as a family was so different than any other. We were waiting for God to reveal His plan for us. I knew He had it all mapped out on His GPS. Jeremiah 29:11. But I was so ready for Him to reveal that will to me. Just press the GO button! That’s what I wanted. And then a sweet email or friend would remind me of Psalm 27. Someone even prayed for us once that we would rest in Him. I found no rest with waiting.

Verses 7 & 8 of this Psalm were so relevant to me. I felt the agony and the desire in David’s words as he cried out, “Hear my voice when I call, O LORD; be merciful to me and answer me.
My heart says of you, ‘Seek his face!’ Your face, LORD, I will seek.” I remember clearly the morning I gave my GPS over to God. I was packing and cleaning my room and just had a moment with God. We talked, I cried, He comforted, and I left that conversation knowing three things: He had not fallen asleep on the job. He was still in control. He had a great plan for our lives. I believe it was less than two weeks after that that we received the call from Brother Ray that Nathanael had a trial sermon to prepare for.

Today we can see full-well God’s plan in action. I’ve mentioned before just how wonderful the Cardinal Village family is. We knew right away that this was what God had been preparing for us. Nathanael and I have discussed how this church has everything we’ve been praying for and some. First of all, Nathanael will be able to be a full-time pastor for the very first time. This has been his desire for some time. I can not wait to see him thrive in this role. The church has several ministries already in place: children, youth, music, Bible studies, Sunday school, community outreach, and the list goes on. I am excited to see where God will utilize me at CV.

This past Sunday CV had 17 youth attend their youth group. They’ve outgrown their youth room and will be painting and decorating a new room in two weeks due to the growth demand! To God be the glory! The Sunday before that we were blessed when we heard that 3 youth joined the church and another one gave His life to the Lord. God is doing some great work at our church. Just a few more days, and we’ll be able to witness it first hand.

I think a desire every woman has is to have a home she can call her own. This was a dream I never even would allow myself to touch. I knew, as a pastor’s wife, that if I ever owned a home, it would be after an empty next and a life of ministry beside Nathanael. But here we stand watching this dream become a reality (and before our 30th birthdays). My cup truly is running over. To think of the time line of how things have “worked out” in the past 3 weeks is nothing short of a God-sized movement. Three weeks ago today we only knew that Nathanael was scheduled for the trial sermon, nothing else. Today we have been called to the church, have plans to move in 9 days, temporary housing has been set up for us, and a home is under contract.

When we went to look at homes on Saturday, we had 13 homes to visit. The one we are under contract with was house number 3. God is so good, let me tell you. We are truly blessed. Now we have to really get going on the packing, planning, inspections, assessments, etc. We’re learning much about relocating and buying a house, that’s for sure! But with every step, we’ve seen God’s hand. We know He’s going to provide a way and that He’s going to work it all out for His glory.

“The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?” -Psalm 27:1 (NIV)

Nathanael received the call to Cardinal Village Free Will Baptist Church last night. We are so excited about what God has in store for us at the church. What a blessing! We’ll keep you updated on the upcoming move.

I’m going to take a break for the family blog, and just write what’s on my heart this morning. Two very wise women have suggested that I journal about this journey God has led us on this summer. I found myself up early this morning. I was prompted to pray. I spent time alone with God, and now I sit ready to journal about this past summer with you.

On April 25, Nathanael and I took a huge step of faith. He resigned, after much prayer and direction from God, from Hopewell and Hebron. Nathanael says often that it was like jumping off a cliff. As we began this journey, there was a mix of emotions. Sadness for leaving our church home, excitement for what was to come, fear of the unknown.

I remember having an epiphany moment in Albany, GA on May 23. As Nathanael was preparing for his first trial sermon of this process, God revealed to me that it’s one thing to say I have faith in God. It’s a totally different thing to put that backpack of faith on. And that’s exactly what we have done for the past three plus months. We were literally trusting God’s hand daily. Every door that was opened to us, seemed to shut. We prayed for clarity and were given just that–but in the door shutting each time.

I have grown in the Lord more this summer, than I have in ten years (since my car accident). God has used this time to stretch my faith, my patience, my trust, my understanding of who He is to me. I find my feet more firmly rooted in His care now than ever. But let me be the first to tell you–I had SO many moments of doubt, disbelief and strife. There were days, weeks even, where I didn’t want to get out of bed. I didn’t want to face another closed door. But day by day, hour by hour, He sustained me. He was with me. (Do you hear a Mandisa song coming on??)

This past weekend, Nathanael, the kids and I headed up to a city we had never visited. We ate dinner with people we had never met. We worshiped God with people we had never seen before. But this I know: God was at work in us and in them. If God could have hand-picked (and I know He did) a church for us, this is it. Nathanael and I both agree that stepping into this church was like going home. After only twenty four hours with the pulpit committee and church body, we felt as though we had always been a part of this church family.

God gave us so many special moments this weekend. The first was when we showed up at the church, we met a beautiful young lady. Her name is Sarah. Those of you who have worshiped with us at Hopewell know Angela. Angela is our prayer warrior. Angela has down syndrome and fervently prayed for Nathanael during his eight year ministry at Hopewell. She is a light that shines for Jesus. Well, when Sarah walked up to us with her beautiful smile and arms outstretched, both Nathanael and I gave part of hearts away to her. Her mother told us later that Sarah is the best Christian she knows, and prays whole-heartedly for those who request it.

The meeting with the pulpit committee was two parts. First, we went out to eat with them and their spouses. The children were wonderful! After sitting in the van for four and a half hours, they sat and played and colored while the adults talked. I was very proud of them. In fact, throughout this entire summer, they have been such troopers. We’ve lost count of how many churches we’ve visited this summer, and each time our children have embraced the people and have been on their best behavior. Don’t worry though, they have had plenty of non-angelic moments at home (as have I!)! The second part was a meeting with the pulpit committee. Nathanael and I felt God’s hand upon us the entire time. He had moments of nervousness (as did I), but he got through it. Immediately following, we met with the church members for a Q&A time. I’m sure some of the responses will have the church talking for quite a while…you’ll have to ask Nathanael about the Southern Gospel comment!

Sunday morning was wonderful. Sunday school was simply amazing! Brother Tommy brought my favorite passage to life, and we were preached to before ever hitting the sanctuary! The children also enjoyed Sunday school in their respective classes, and they followed it up with Children’s Church. Worship began with praise and worship, with a very talented group of individuals leading it. Such a sweet spirit of fellowship was in this place. You could feel God’s love and presence. Nathanael preached on Exodus 4, a sermon entitled “No Excuses.” It was wonderful! The altar was filled with believers who were making decisions for Him. To God be the glory!

It was truly a wonderful weekend with the Cardinal Village family. I do not know if this is where God will have us next, but I do know that I was impacted by this church family. This coming Sunday night, after a week dedicated to a season of prayer, the church will vote on Nathanael. Please join us in praying for clarity from the Lord, a united spirit among the members of this church family, and wisdom for all.

If this is what God has been preparing us for, He’s showing off. I love when He does that! We pray for His will, His timing, and He shows up and shows off. If this is not His will, then we can’t wait to see what His will does look like. Thank you all for your prayers and encouragement. We have felt those prayers in a mighty way throughout this process.

We leave you with our love…

Yesterday we went to the “baby doctor” as we call our midwife appointments. First thing was the “big” ultrasound. Nathanael and I just knew that he/she was going to be uncooperative, but first thing we saw was her little legs spread wide open. She was in a breech position, which gave a great view of all her anatomy. Little Joyanna looks absolutely perfect. All of her major organs were looking good and in good working order. She moved a lot while we were looking, and even tried to get her right hand in her mouth a few times. I didn’t even think to ask how many ounces she was. But everything I’ve read said she should be around a pound at this point. Micah and Bethany were hoping for a little sister, so they were thrilled (though not surprised) to be told they were having a girl. Micah insists her name is Spider Girl, while Bethie waves between Joyanna and Dora.

Here she is! I’ve already heard that she looks like me from a friend! It’s really amazing the detail you can see in the 4D imaging.

In other news, we have yet to have direction from the Lord as to where we’ll be heading after July 31. We’re seeking His will and know that He’ll reveal it in His time. I won’t say it’s been easy, it’s been a tough few weeks/months. But we know that something great is in store.

Nathanael graduated from seminary on May 15! What a milestone for him! He had so much love and support from family and friends. He had 12 out of state family members come for the ceremony. It was a wonderful moment for our family.

And here are some pics of my mom’s side of the family. Our birthday gift to her was a picture of the family together before my brother, sister-in-law and niece moved (yes moved) to Romania. They’re there safely and settling in to their new life.