So I've thought and thought about how to say this, and I'm thinking that the direct approach is best. We've got some news...
We're staying in Arizona for another year!
Remember how God kept pointing out Isaiah 43:18-19 to me last month about making a way in the desert (here and here)? I suspected God was specifically saying we would be staying in Arizona another year. But I sort of doubted it at the same time, wondering if I was reading too much into it. So I didn't really say much. Instead, I asked for more information and determined to wait some more.
All along, we've said that we would obey God and go where he said. Go where? He wasn't saying. It seemed that what was most important was for us to determine that we'd obey no matter where he said to go.
And all along, we've said that be it returning to Denver or staying in Phoenix, we'd be really happy and really sad. We are beyond blessed to feel so at home in two places.
Then last week, we got a phone call from the pastor at church and rushed off to a meeting (I hadn't even had a shower yet--I think I beat a record for showering and getting dressed and getting to a meeting on time) in which he asked us to stay another year and run twoignite again next year.
We said we'd think about it and pray about, but it was pretty clear that it was God. Because here's the thing, wherever we live, we need a job. Pretty important detail.
And so we are staying here. And we are really, really excited. And we are really, really sad.
Excited to continue to develop some incredible friendships. Excited to stay at this church we love. Excited to be warm. (Yep, it's just about warm enough to hit the pool today.) Excited to know what's happening in July when we really expected not to know until March or even April.
Sad to be far from family (especially now that my sister is back in Denver and having her third baby in April). Sad to be far from dear friends we love. Sad to not have our stuff and live in the house we love.
But above all? We are grateful.
We inquired of the Lord and he responded. So much sooner than we'd anticipated. Grateful that there's some level of certainty about our near future. Grateful for the opportunity to continue to work together.
Grateful that when we ask for direction, for guidance, God gives us. He is good!
SO happy and still sad for you!! :) Grateful for your example of obedience and following hard after Him.
I love ya girl!!
Posted by: Dedra Herod | February 04, 2010 at 02:41 PM
Wow.
Posted by: Susan | February 04, 2010 at 02:46 PM
Is it ok that I'm crying? I love you, friend! And I'm so proud of you and Toben. Really. What a blessing and honor it is to journey with you no matter where you live.
Posted by: Holly @ Crownlaiddown | February 04, 2010 at 03:13 PM
Happy... and sad, too! We are looking forward to getting to know you all better, whenever it is that you finally return to CO. Just look at it this way: you'll likely miss out on all the crazy construction traffic near your house as they build the new IKEA. :)
Posted by: Nikki | February 04, 2010 at 03:18 PM
I am joyful for you. I think joy can be both happy and sad and it is just amazing to be in the place God wants you to be.
I can't wait to see what He has in store for you over the next year.
Posted by: Sarah Canfield | February 04, 2010 at 03:56 PM
Wow, Joanne. This is amazing. Such an awesome place to be--right smack dab in the middle of God's will.
Love you!
Posted by: Marla Taviano | February 04, 2010 at 04:06 PM
I am happy that God spoke so clearly and that you have such an awesome opportunity!
Blessings,
Adrienne
Posted by: fuzzytop | February 04, 2010 at 04:23 PM
Yes, He is GOOD! My first thought was how He allowed you to get some things to feather your nest. He was preparing you for your stay!
Posted by: Melissa @ Breath of Life | February 04, 2010 at 05:15 PM
What a great testimony of faith! And of God's goodness. Thanks for sharing your journey with us. It's very encouraging.
Posted by: Lisa notes... | February 04, 2010 at 06:49 PM
Not surprised at all! God is good! Enjoy this season, it will be over so quickly.
Posted by: Jen | February 04, 2010 at 07:57 PM
Hopefully, my baby girl will get to meet you this summer...maybe when you are visiting K's baby...
Posted by: Janna | February 04, 2010 at 09:44 PM
I love how God prepares our hearts for our next steps. I love how He makes His will clear when we are listening. I love how He provides for all the details in our lives. I love knowing that we are prayer warriors together whether physically in the same room or across state lines. Thank you for sharing your update. I'm glad I checked FB tonight!
Posted by: melissa schaap | February 05, 2010 at 12:30 AM
I'd like to add that the Schaap Family and your Denver Christian Family will MISS YOU DEARLY again next year!!!!! There is a Heim Family Void there right now! We eagerly await your return...whenever that is God's plan!
Posted by: melissa schaap | February 05, 2010 at 12:33 AM
We will be on again for breakfast next year when we visit my husbands family.
Posted by: Kimberly | February 07, 2010 at 01:57 PM