Thank you Lord for your grace and mercy

It hit me this morning that Marc has been "pastoring" (is that a word) at the small inner city church for close to 8 months! It would never have occurred to us that he would be in this position this time last year. Let alone right after his illness. The process for pastor at our church has been long, sometimes painful, sometimes joyful and sometimes exciting. When Marc got sick last year taking over the responsibilities of a church in transition didn't even register on his radar. Especially since he was waiting word from our home church. What we have been learning is that God was just setting the stage, preparing him to lead, giving him the "hands" on training that he needed. Since that time I have seen him grow in so many ways. He has baptized people, done funerals and this weekend he will christen a young child. Its not that he has not done these things before ( he has been in ministry for nearly 16 plus years) but watching him now I can just see the passion and love God has laid on his heart for lost people.

For years he has been talking about a church that reaches beyond the four walls and reaches out to touch the people in its community. Little did we know then that this would be the vision that God was laying on his heart for such a time as this. We are at a crossroads in life (which is ironic since that is the name of the church in which Marc was licensed). Many years ago we came to that same little inner city church where he is now interim looking to become their pastor ( but God had a different plan). That afternoon he traveled with the church to another church in the area as their guest speaker. That church is now the church we call our home church ( the one we are waiting to hear from about the pastors position )! I don't believe in coincidence. God had a plan back then and he has a plan today. I truly believe that by the end of next month we will know for sure where God wants us to be.

Marc has always said that wherever God places him it had to be because God made it so. On paper he shouldn't be where he is today. He sacrificed greatly for our family. For 25 years he has been the head of our home,all of the financial burdens have fallen on him. He watched as our daughter finished college while he worked to keep a roof over our head ( while maintaining a private business, and working in ministry). This past week he got some great news. He received an acceptance letter to go back to school and finish up his education ( he is so close its not even funny ).

He has received many honors over the years but I know the one thing that he has wanted more then anything is to preach and teach. In a few weeks God will answer his prayers and place him out there to do his will and carry out his vision for the church. He reminds me each day that it is only by God's grace and mercy that we have come this far. Many said our marriage wouldn't make it ( especially being so young ). Many doubted that we had what it would take to raise a family. But we are still here 25 years later, and our children are beating the odds, and I know without a doubt that it has all been made possible because of my heavenly father. So I just wanted to stop right now and tell him thank you.