Here we go!

When things start to go wrong, I always pause and seek the Lord. I ask Him if it's a sign - are these roadblocks You're putting up because we're not going the right way, or is it time to change course.

The Lord, in His kindness, knew that when our youngest son, our sweet Thomas, passed away unexpectedly almost 10 months ago, I was going to start floundering. But so many times since then, God has gently reminded us that He is with us... and that we are exactly where we need to be.

A Family Resource Center was our original, "this is too big for us... this is only going to be God... Holy Spirit take the wheel" kind of dream. The kind that feels a little crazy when you say it out loud. And that dream started almost 7 years ago.

This Resource Center has quite literally placed in our laps. We haven't asked for a single thing along the way - people have just given.

We were meeting with our Network Superintendent about something completely unrelated when this property and building came up. I was asked if I had any idea what it could be used for, and I jokingly said, "For our ministry!"

Several months later... we were handed the keys.

Then seemingly out of the blue, someone from our national office in Springfield reached out and asked if we had any needs BGMC could help with. I had just gotten an estimate to replace all the windows at the center - they desperately needed it - so I thought, why not? I sent in a picture of the estimate and didn't think much more about it.

Until our next disbursement... when there was an extra $16,000 from BGMC.

I made a video and started budgeting what it would take to begin renovations. Our local BGMC Director saw it and asked me to submit another request. I told him we couldn't - we had just received $16,000.

He said, "That was national funds. I have local BGMC funds set aside, and I want to fully fund this."

Then our Network Youth Director was helping me with paperwork and asked if we had any media or sound equipment needs. I said yes, and he had me submit that request too - and those Speed the Light funds were approved immediately.

It's been overwhelming in the best way.

But if I'm being honest... I haven't been able to feel excited. Not the way I thought I would.

Grief has been so heavy. Most everyday things still feel really hard. Thomas was the happiest, most joyful child on the face of the planet. And life without him as felt like all our joy is gone.

But this week, as I've been setting up for our very first event at the center happening this Saturday... something shifted.

For the first time, it feels real.

I stood in that room and just felt overwhelmed with emotion.

The wild dream... is a reality.

God has done the impossible.

We are standing in the middle of promises fulfilled.

And don't worry - there are still so many way for you to be a part of this. There is still work to be done.

But just take a moment and look at what God has already done.