Thursday, July 24, 2008

How Big Is Your God?

I don't know how big your God is but my God is ginormous. If you had told me a month ago that I would be moving to Loveland, CO, I would have asked what you were smoking. Here is our story about how God turned our lives upside-down...


On June 16th, Brian said to me "When Ben graduates, let's pack our stuff and move to Colorado." He had been frustrated with the weather and our business. I said "Yes dear" to appease him. On June 20th, I told Brian "I'm not looking for a job but if one presented itself I would at least investigate it." I had no idea the implications that statement would have on the rest of my life.


July 1st our friend, Pam, called. She asked me to step outside while we talked. For the life of me I couldn't figure out what she would need to say to me that no one could hear. She began to tell me that Ken, her husband, asked her to call me two weeks prior. Instead, she prayed that God would prepare my heart for what she had to say. I was thinking what does my heart need to be prepared for. They had been interviewing people left and right for two positions they needed to fill at the company they worked for in Loveland. No one had the skills they needed. Ken told Pam that he thought Brian and I were a perfect fit. I felt the tears sting my eyes as I recalled my statement just ten days back. She asked that we talk and pray about it.


Okay God where did this come from. Now I completely understand the whole "out of left field" thing. Brian and I spent time praying and debating and praying.


A good friend gave me some advice a few months back. Act and let God intervene rather than do nothing and make the decision for Him. Wow! This has impacted my world more than once.

We called to let the Burge's know that we would love to come but we just couldn't afford the trip right now. They asked for our resumes, DISC profiles, and ministry matches anyway. A few days later they called to tell us the company would pay for us to come. Obstacle overcome - Go God! We had one week before we were to leave.


On Sunday, July 13th, Brian woke up with a major headache and did not feel like sitting through the worship service after assisting in The Wave Middle School hour. We had, Frank Banfill, who was guest preacher that morning. He was oblivious that God would use him to speak to us. Before the service began Brian's headache had not receeded, but he felt the Lord's leading to stay because, "God had a special word for us".

Frank preached from Gen 12:1, The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you"

I didn't dare look at Brian for fear of bursting into tears. I had prayed that the Lord would make it very obvious if we were to go. Frank continued saying that sometimes we just have to completely leave our comfort zone. Yes, God I hear you.


On Monday, we learned that Fort Collins, CO is the #2 Best City in America to live in. Fort Collins and Loveland are like Wylie and Sachse. Our oldest son, Ryan, also told us he would move with us but if we needed him to stay here so that Ben could finish his senior year he would stay. Huge God Moment.

We wondered if this was where God was calling us what would we do about our bounce business. Before we left for Denver, we received phone calls from three different churches asking us if we ever sold any of our bounces. God at work!

Our next question was how could we even afford to move if we got the jobs? Brian had only taught one Franklin Covey class this whole year. The day before we left he got a call asking him to teach some upcoming classes. To be exact he was asked to teach 9 days inside of the next 30. How big is your God?


On Thursday, July 17th, we flew to Denver. We had a great time with the Burge family. They were very gracious and hospitable. Friday, Brian was reading Joel Comm's blog (Joel is the owner of the company) and discovered that Joel was really good friends with a man from Edmond, Oklahoma named Ken Surritte who had just left Loveland the day before we arrived. Brian and I went to church with Ken when we lived in Oklahoma. This huge world just keeps getting smaller. On Monday in Brian's interview he learned that Joel trained Mark Massey to take his place at Hope for the Heart in Dallas in 1991. When I met Joel he shared with me his priorities of his faith first and his family second. We talked about how the office was a mission field because of the unbelievers there.


We were both offered the jobs, they gave us the salaries we asked for (enough to keep our home in Texas and a place for Brian and I in Loveland), we will have great insurance and benefits. They even gave us money to move. Oh did I mention that every office has a view of the Rockies.


Everyone is welcome to come and visit. We really do mean that. But we can't guarantee that you will want to ever leave once you get there.


We are terribly sad to leave the church we love and the people that have so richly blessed our lives. We have no doubt that this is God's plan for our lives. We will not be happy unless we are in the center of His will.


Our prayer is that you would have great faith and pay close attention to the voice of the Father and be obedient to wherever He calls you. Be careful what you pray for - you just might get it!


Many Blessings!!!!

6 comments:

Handyman Jim said...

Guys,

This is so cool. How awesome is it to know God is calling you, not know how it will get done, and to watch HIS plan unfold before your eyes!!! I am so proud of you.

Mandy and I will miss you, and will look forward to taking a vacation to Colorado.

YBIC,

Jim

Handyman Jim said...

Hey you two,
I'm am so happy for you. What an awesome opportunity to serve Him! We are very proud to have friends like you. We wish you well in your new life. We will be praying all goes well. Tell Ben he can call us anytime for anything.
We love you guys!
Mandy

Angie Keener said...

I would agree with you, that God is gi-normous!!! What a powerful testimony of God's personal touch on our lives! We love Colorado, so we will have to come for a visit!

Prism Web Media said...

Karen & Bryan,

We love you, we'll miss you and we'll pray for you. Thanks for all you've contributed to WBF. Your new church home will benefit greatly by your gifts and your service. Breathe some (cool) mountain air for us! Loveland is a great place. Congratulations to you both!

Carol and Joe

Anonymous said...

What a great testimony of God's leading and your obedience! Thanks for sharing. Speaking of small world, I attended high school with Brian and recently moved from Loveland. Such a beautiful area...even more so when you know God has moved you there! I look forward to what God has in store for your family.
Blessings,
Cheri Coyner Keas

Anonymous said...

I stumbled across your blog and was surprised to see your story. Thanks for sharing your journey of God's leading. You never know how God might use what He lays on your heart to share.

Blessings,

Frank Banfill