One "Yes" at a Time: How Ministry Shaped Our Marriage

Sure! Here’s the structured transcript with headings and corrections:

Social Media and You

You show up on social media a lot. The story is, I didn't like you at first. You still don't like being on social media. My mindset, come home from Bible school, and then I met you. Being accepted and adopted by a father. So that's when the Lord really shifted my heart. Well, here we are. Here we are. How do you feel about doing this? He's extremely out of my comfort zone. But here I am, doing the things.

Yeah, it's funny because I've been out here doing these for months, almost a whole year. I think 50, a couple episodes have gone up. Wow. Right now, life is a little crazy. I got three episodes ready to edit and get published. It's been fun talking to people. And so like one of the things you and I talked about was like getting a chance to just sit down, have a conversation, and maybe people will learn a little bit about our backstory.

Our Story Together

Because you show up on social media a lot and on my feed, you are the only video that I've had that has got almost a half a million views on a little reel of you laughing. And so, which is ridiculous. Yes, yes, I feel the same way. Like, that's a viral. It's not really viral, but it's viral for my page. And like for it to go that crazy.

And there was no effort in that video. No, and today it's very random. We've been out here for 30 minutes setting up. And on, yeah. And so you have been on my page a lot. People see your face and your pictures. They like them more than mine. Well, it is what it is. So let's talk a little bit about our life and story together.

And one of the things I thought would be fun to talk about, especially since we do a lot of like addiction-related stuff on the podcast, and I'm sharing a lot about stories and testimonies and some of the struggles of the rebuild, is thinking about kind of how you and I met all those years ago. So we've been married, what, 15 years now?

Early Days of Love and Struggle

15. Yeah, one year more than Chloe. And so for anybody that's joined math, we have a daughter that is 14. And we got married a year prior. She was born 13 days after our one-year anniversary. Right. And so that's cool. But let's talk about us meeting back then. You're not coming from a drug and alcohol background. Right. And me having that history, being fresh out of Teen Challenge.

And so like I guess first and foremost, what everybody wants to know is what were you thinking? Right. Well, I guess it was really just the Jesus factor, right? And my mindset to come home from Bible school and then I met you through another friend. And so the whole drug factor wasn't like a thing. It was the Jesus factor now, you know? And seeing that like your walk was real and that you had intentions to be in ministry, and that kind of drove everything.

The Journey of Faith

And the story is, I didn't like you at first, right? Right, yes. But you still don't like me now sometimes. I feel like you wanted to say something else there. It's okay. No, it's fine. And you would tell me stories. And maybe you've mentioned on the podcast before of like opportunity like before you even started dating, opportunity to go back and do the things that were a part of your life in the drug life.

And you say no to those. So it really made it clear to me like this guy is serious. Like he really is going to pursue God now. He's already said no to so many things that were a part of that life. So that really says to me like, he's really going after God, you know? He's going to walk away from that life. And he's really going to go for the things that really matter.

So talk about your journey up to that point though, like Bible college, right? I know the story, and other people don't like, right? How did God call you to go to Bible college being from Stanton, V.O.S., Virginia, even though like going all the way across the country to Dallas, Texas, like that's a big deal.

The Call to Ministry

You know, and I know in our marriage like I know how much your family means to you. So talk about that a little bit, your call. You like call of God to go do that. So I really got saved like, I guess I was in ninth or tenth grade. And then from there, it was dramatic for me. Like, okay, so I'm saved now as a teenager. And so like this is going to be for real. This is how it's going to be.

And I'm not going to steer away from this. And so, you know, it was just committed to church and youth group. I was a youth student leader, kind of. They put me in that role a little bit. So then there was just a moment during a service on Sunday that I just felt the draw of the Holy Spirit, just pulling me toward the altar.

Discovering God’s Plan

And I remember sitting there with my mentor crying saying like whatever it takes, whatever God wants me to do, I'm going to do it. You know, and that was like my moment from then on. It was like, yeah, this is it. Like there's no other question. And so I ended up going to EMU in Harrisonburg and just wasn't like I was committed, you know, and I wanted to be in an atmosphere that was 100% committed to.

So being in Harrisonburg, it still was like a kind of a party school. And being close to Jamie, like we still did all the things. And I was like, yeah, this is not me. Like I need something more serious. And at that time, my youth leader, he had come back from CFNI, Christ for the Nations. And so he was all telling me, hey, they're really serious, like you're in worship all the time. You know, this is how it is.

The Path to Bible College

And I was like, huh, well, if that's more serious, then that's what I'm going to do. So I remember going to EMU first semester. And I actually remember sitting at the table with my mom and dad and saying, hey, guys, I'm going to Texas. And they were like, what? And I was like, I'm going to CFNI, and I'm going to go next semester. And they were just kind of like, okay, you know, and then from there, we just kind of backed the car, you know, they drove down and then, yeah, drove down, flew back, I think helped me get settled, and the rest is history, yeah.

Yeah, that's really good. So what happened like in your heart, right? So they're called of God to be serious, be all in. Like, that's the person that I've known you, right? When you're committed to something, you're in it. And I know sometimes like, right, speaking to our marriage, like your commitment didn't come easy.

Marriage and Ministry

Like, you didn't want to deal with me. But like, once you're in something, you're in it. And I've seen that in your life consistently. It's not even a pretty, it has been consistent in our entire relationship. And so what had the Lord done in your life during that season while you were at Bible college and then like getting from there to marrying a former addict and more working and rehab together? Like, did you see that?

No. Bible college. So what was the Lord dealing with you about at Bible college? Yeah, I didn't want to come back like this honestly. I was set to graduate in Texas, and I had a pastor and his wife that had an extra room in their basement and I was going to stay and I was going to help them. It was kind of like, I don't know, church plan or just a new church that was just kind of getting started. And so I was like, hey, I'm going to stay with you and, you know, I'll help you with the church and then was really just praying about it.

God’s Timing

It was like, I don't know, maybe a month left at the semester. I had to make the decision and I remember, yeah. God just kind of was like, yeah, you're going home. And I was like, I'm not going home. And I was like, no, you're going home. And I was like, okay, I'll go home, you know? And so, yeah, so I came home to start working and went back to my original church and started helping them with the youth there, I believe. And then I met you and yeah, it was room with my friend.

That was a three-hour night of worship, right? Jason Upton. Yes, we did go there. Man, I miss. I need to go. We need to go see Jason Upton. That would be good, like, yeah.

Building a Life Together

That was such a good time. So we met, got married eventually, right? And then obviously youth pastoring for a little bit, but that was just like kind of a blip on the right arm. It's interesting to try to figure out how God redirects paths, right? Because I'm 38 now, pastoring a church, and I thought I was ready to do this at 22. You know, I realized now, all these years later, that what was the delay was really God's mercy, because I wasn't nowhere near mature, ready to be the lead pastor of a church.

Sure. Dealing with people from 18 to 85, right? Or 8 months to 85, whatever that ranges, the whole story of life. And realizing like, I hadn't been through some stuff, but I hadn't been through enough to be able to have the depth in the context to speak to people at different stages of their life. Sure.

And that was one of the things like I always wanted to do early and I thought that like early on in our ministry, we would do that. And then we ended up trying to plant that church. Right. And from there, like TC Women's Ministry started to grow after we decided to step away from the church plan.

The Journey in Recovery

I guess I'm trying to figure out maybe I know maybe to give context for the audience, degree, spirit-filled, Bible college, totally goes, getting a hold of your life with the children's ministry. Children's ministry. To rehab, adult men and women struggle with substance abuse. Like, right, he used to call the TC man the drug bus, all the slang terms and the education you've been getting.

Oh, yeah. Because you didn't know any of that. No, I didn't. Yeah, I was educated very fast. Every conversation. Even then, I remember the first time we talked about Mary Jane, and I was like, who? Which I'd be interested in. Oh, yeah. I remember the times. But what did that feel like stepping into drug and alcohol ministry? Because you know, as well as I do, that a lot of the people that are struggling with addiction have this mindset, "Well, you've never been there."

Navigating Challenges

Right. So how can you help me? You don't understand what I'm going through. Right. You stepped into that role. And when we launched the Women's Home, I mean, you did it so well for so many years. And I mean, there's still people that comment on your Facebook page now randomly that will pop a memory up and share the impact that you had on their life, you know?

And so how did you navigate that feeling called to do this thing? And then all of a sudden, this other thing that was not a plan, not a leader anywhere, right? And being able to just step in that confidently and just be who God called you to be in the middle of it. Right. I think it just comes down really to like obedience. Like I was going to do it with you.

You know, we were married now. We're going to walk in the same together. You know, we're going to do ministry together and like that was your passion. I mean, you were already in Teen Challenge and leading when I met you, right? You stepped into that. So it was just me kind of like stepping into that with you. And I think that was really easy for me because we were doing it together.

Embracing Our Call

And there wasn't like, I didn't have any doubt. Like I'm going to be obedient and to the Lord, not to me. Yeah, obedient to the Lord. Yeah, and really, yeah, walk with my husband. Yeah, now that we're one, you know? And so it was a super new thing for me. Absolutely. I didn't want to see it canceled.

Oh, funny. But you know what? We're really stuck with me. A lot of times, it's two things. Like David Wilkerson wasn't an addict, you know? And so that's one of the things like he followed the Holy Spirit and he was compassionate and he loved well. So that really just did to me like, it's possible no matter what people would say or how they would look at me like, dude, your Teen Challenge that was started by someone who was just loving and followed the call of God, you know?

And so as much easier. And then, you know, anything can happen. Like when you're just walking with Holy Spirit and just being obedient. So what would you say to somebody, or a piece of encouragement that like, if somebody's standing across us even now, kind of grappling with God, calling them to something, and there's no question that God's asking them to do this thing and be obedient.

Trusting God's Timing

But like, I'm sure in the process of that, there was, I mean, there were moments of self-doubt and inadequacy feeling and all that coming up. How did you, I guess, grapple with that and cope with it and be able to keep moving forward? Back to like just being obedient.

Like, I'm really standing in your word and focusing on the plan and that call that He has on you. Like, if He has called you to it, man, He's going to, what's that thing, because you do, He's gonna get you through it and people sit there before. But really like...

Staying On Course

That's real. Is it? Yeah. Okay. That's getting chopped up. Yeah. So like, stay focused on that. Like so many people want to say so many things, but when you stay confident on like God's called me here. Like, He obviously showed me that this is where I'm supposed to go, like, just stay confident in that. And be obedience because He's going to, it's just gonna take you through.

Well, I can't say back then because we're back in it now. But some of the craziness, like, you know, walking through that and maybe for context, it might make it a little more easier for people to understand. The fact that there were like, you were pregnant. We had kids like, like, you were still nursing, but yeah, when we started the women's home, you know?

Balancing Family and Ministry

Like, when we got a woman's home in our basement, living in the mountain and some of those seasons of life, like just the craziness of one of it. Raising a family above the ladies. Yeah. I mean, that was just wild and up the stairs, not like above, but like, three bedrooms in the basement. But just walking through that season, raising a young family, but yet having to trust in every step and obedience. Because that's where the Lord had called us in that season.

I know that wasn't easy in those first four years, right? For the kids who got in school. You know, obviously, there was more time, you know, to do ministry. And I know that sounds crazy, but we're homeschoolers, right? And so once we hit five, like, things changed dramatically for Chloe. And then now, you know, three girls in school.

But on some of the fun stories, right? Praying for people and then getting cursed out by them. Yeah, they wanted to fight me. In 30 minutes later, I'll never forget that. I hate you so much. We crying at the altar and then right up in the face ready to get their office just a few minutes later. And yeah, that's the time for real.

Future Plans and Reflections

Yeah, for sure. So that was a fun season. Yeah, for sure. And everybody's listening now. So are we ever doing it again? Another woman talking to the future? Maybe so. Who knows? Yeah, maybe so. I mean, there's some dreams in that, though. I think one of the things you and I were pretty consistent on growing, you know, when we got married was having to and adapting to, even though I fought you, when we wanted to adapt.

Yeah, right? Yeah, we both came together with that idea, which was cool. Yeah, everything's easy till you do it. Right. You know, and sometimes like, I man, yeah, that's just, that's enough. I don't even have to say anything else about that. But that was part of our journey, too.

So we go through this season, like I come home from Teen Challenge, you graduate Christ for the Nations. We end up in rehab ministry together for years, while raising kids, figuring all that out, and then homeschooling, and now foster care and adoption being a major part of our life. I mean, I'm not afraid to say it.

Like you were much more passionate about foster care and adoption more than I was. Sure. So where did that come from? Like, you've had some dreams. We got dreams along the way.

The Vision for Foster Care

And what? Like what did God, how did He speak to you to do that? You know, be so passionate about that? Well, I've always been passionate about kids, right? So that's always been a focus for me. But yeah, like I would have these kid dreams at Safe and I. One particular, I know it's God dreams.

That's what I call it. Like I found this. There's a baby sitting in a shopping cart outside of Walmart, and it's dark outside and the light is shining down on him. And he's just sitting in the cart crying. I think that was the very first dream that I had was like, what is this? Like where is this going?

Recognizing God’s Voice

And so then, yeah, and I think I just continually, like, melted my heart. You know, I would see like commercials or advertisements or something like that. And like as soon as it like started, like I'll just start bawling. I'm like, well, something's happening here. Like God is like shifting me a little bit.

And so now it's really, I'm really passionate about like His kids like having a family. Like they all deserve a family, you know? And being pulled out of hard situations.

Do you think Emily was a fulfillment of that dream? I don't know. I've never talked about that before. I'm just kind of dawned on me like hearing you say it, you know? And yeah, the circumstances in which we got Emily and her being abandoned, you know, and what not. And then it's kind of wild.

Embracing the Journey

So the first time doing that, I mean, we had our first two kids come home during the pandemic. Right. We were out of Teen Challenge at this point. That's a whole other story. And I've talked about that on previous episodes on, but like the first two children coming in and that was a learning experience. It was. Yes.

They were older and we had talked about keeping in our, which is what it's not called the age range. Yeah, in birth order, yeah, you know, we are excited. First kids and we said, yes, well, let's take, let's go out of what we had said and out of the birth order. And that was a little chaotic, you know?

And of course, the country shut down for COVID. And so five girls and nowhere to go. Yeah. So I've ever been to work. Oh, yeah, I like you. Yes, here we were. And again, a mission's high. This is the first place.

Challenges of Foster Care

And it's, you know, the girls built good friendships after, you know, it took some time to get used to it. But by the end, they're good friends. Yeah, yeah, that was such a learning experience. And then the part of like, this is going to be six months and 18 months later. Like everything was just super slow.

Yeah, and I get it. You know, they don't know, you know, they can try to guess the best you can. COVID slowed down things. Yeah, and so, but that was fun. That was a year and a half and learned a lot. We did.

Growing Through Adversity

And then we adjusted the age range, I think, the next time around. And so I want to ask like, you don't have to, I can cut this out if you don't want to share it. But like the experience of getting the call and going over the mountain. And we've talked about this a bit and what not.

And I'm like, even then just speaking about this place of obedience, right? We say that a lot. That's kind of our statement. And I don't know who we picked it up from. I don't know if it was the others or the stume others or somebody in our circle used to use the statement this phrase all the time just saying the next yes. Yes, just do it.

The Power of Obedience

Yeah. And so we've kind of co-opted that. Right. And it's like, yeah. We don't have to figure the whole plan out. It's just the very next yes. Right. And so that's been our life. I mean, use ministry, church plant that we walked away from because God was calling us to Teen Challenge.

And there are stories all along the way that what looked like failure to everybody on the outside was really God setting us up for the next thing. That had we not been obedient to walk into something that like failed. I think sometimes and we don't, we don't think about that a lot that like God's not calling us to success always, or at least in at least in the worldly standards, right?

Trusting God's Intentions

Right. He's calling us to obedience and like even going up and doing that church plant thing and then like feeling like, well, this was for nothing. And we, it felt like a failure. And then from that place, like we were there and that's where God began to grow SVTC.

Like it was just straight up into the right yes, you know, over those next few years. And had we not said yes. And then when we were, I don't think that that would have never happened. And then even that the foster care of pastoring now, everything's just been a yes, being back at Teen Challenge.

Looking Ahead

And some people would be like, well, you're a rabbit squirrel, you're kind of all over the place, but it's like, I'm just trying to be obedient. And sometimes I struggle with that because I think the more you grow and the more you mature, the more open doors happen for you because there is like God directing the steps.

And then man wants to give opportunity. Sure. The struggle sometimes I think is discernment and knowing like, what is an open door just because I've got some experience now? Right. And what is actually a God door? Right.

And we, I think we've done all right figuring that out. But sometimes you're like, yeah, well, not that it's been easy. Right. We learned some things in the way. Taken the long path there sometimes. Right.

The Call to Action

So specifically, they're going over the mountain, getting that call and not even knowing that we didn't know whether it was a placement, whether it was an adoption, like we had no information other than just come hold this baby. I don't know. You feel comfortable like kind of bringing this in. You went over first by yourself, I believe, right?

No. You went in the first time. And then you started going back over and over and over. Right. So I wasn't with you like when all those visits and so maybe I should have been because like I set myself up for a long lifelong commitment. No, I'm just kidding. But yeah, but just what was God doing in your heart?

God’s Faithfulness

First, it was like when we first committed, it was just like, you know, it had to be open to whatever, however this goes, right? And oh my gosh, it's a baby, you know? So whatever needs to happen. And then when she said like, you know, it was a couple of days and the baby hasn't been, she hadn't been named. What was her name? Baby girl, right?

And so they just referred to her as that. And so then a couple of days later, they're like, well, we're just waiting for DSS to name her. And they're like, well, would you guys do it? And I was like, oh my gosh. Yes, and of course, like talk to Justin. I'm like, okay.

Giving Her a Name

So but then I remember I was standing in our bedroom and I was just thinking like, you know, because when you name, you know, it could just cause so much more like connection, right? And so we really had a partner on that too. But I remember being like, oh my gosh, God, you know, before I think I talked to you, I was like, are we supposed to do this, like should we name her, what's going on here?

And that's to remember him saying, "You're going to give her identity." And like, that's all, I don't want to cry. But like, that was it. And I'm like, okay, we're going to do this, you know, and then whatever it takes in that time, you are like, well, we don't know, right? Let's just stick with fostering. And we don't know about adoption, you know?

Obedience in Action

And so I was like, and so then whatever I had to put that back on God too, I was like, well, whatever this needs to look like, God, I'm just going to be obedient, you know, just back to that. Like, I'm just going to do what I need to do at this moment. And so we were able to name her and then it began.

And yeah, so every other day, I was going to EV to see her, well, to sit there for a while because at first, you know, I can hold her very much or at all, it's hard to think back to all that. But and really just God working there too because it's not an easy thing to sit in the NICU for hours. Like praying for all those babies and there's so many things going on and there's so many different issues going on, you know, and babies come and go because, you know, they've been released in yay and, you know, I'm still sitting there and then other babies have been there for a long time and, you know, just seeing like everyone having to walk through their stuff, you know, and so it can be challenging.

A Divine Appointment

And then just sitting there like watching the monitors, like the Bowers, and so it can just be very wearing. But, you know, it was a God thing that when we first got there, I don't know if you remember the story, but like the nurse was like, "We've been waiting for you," you know?

Because she hadn't had anybody to come and hold her and any other people. And like I totally believe that that was God because that of all the nurses, I saw so many of them, like that one nurse who had been there since Emily had been born. Like I never saw her again, you know? And so I know like, wow, like God was working through things like from the very beginning.

Reflecting on the Journey

Yeah, yeah, that's crazy. Yeah, I think about that and like I think God is like, He's been faithful at times to send things in my life to slow me down. And in a good way, I don't mean that as a knock, like when I may be on a trajectory that's not healthy for myself. And ultimately give me His best, even though I had different plans. Sure.

And like, I was hesitant. Like we didn't sign up to do adoption at first. Right. Because like we were going to be short-term foster parents. And you know, everybody we talked to is like, "Well, I don't know how you could do that." But we had spent 15 years in transient ministry. Right, people come in and going all the time. Right.

And so like, I think we were equipped for at least that part of it. I mean, it's never easy, but like you work through it. Yeah. And so, you know, I think that part was, was okay. Like we have a job, we have a role to play and we're comfortable playing that role. Whatever that needs to look like. Right.

The Journey of Adoption

And so this was like, oh, like this is lifelong. And I was in. Well, no, I knew as soon as you named her. I remember it's having that conversation. But that's where I was struggling. Because it's like, man, we're a few months in. We have no clue what her future is going to look like. I mean, medical issues, all that stuff that was just questioned up in the air.

I was wrestling with that. It's like, I, this commitment could change drastically. And I think in the back of my mind, I'm on, yeah, that stuff terrifies me, you know, I don't, I don't do well around hospitals and sickness and, and he did pass out when I was giving birth. Both times. But on that part was, was tough.

The Blessings of Family

But then like God, like I remember pacing around the yard. And God was dealing with you. You had made your commitment. And I remember pacing around the yard just praying and pondering one evening. And so that's when the Lord really shifted my heart. And it wasn't, still wasn't easy. You know, we had to go through some stuff and there was a lot of other stuff going on.

I think on the outside, there's just causing pressure. But like from there, I think we were, we were in and on. And then it was just waiting to see, right?

Closing Thoughts

Does I tell the story right? Was I in after that? Or no? Yeah, you were in after that. I gotta give you turmoil. No, I think not. Not that you’re in. Yeah. And so now, like the faithfulness of the Lord two years later, like she's running, she's healthy. She's good.

Yeah. And not knowing any of that. But like, yeah. And she's so joyful. Like, like nothing's never gone wrong, you know? Yeah, she is, she is pretty incredible. And so that's been fun. And then now pastoring and Teen Challenge and all of that. But on, I don't know, I don't want to go into all that in a degree of what we're doing now. But Sunday, we get to do this again with other people on stage. So I'm excited about that to chat with Amber.

The Future of Ministry

And Amanda, I think it is for Project Belong. We're going to be on stage at church. And we get to have some conversations about foster care and how they're making a difference. And that's awesome. I know you are passionate about this because you're going to be on stage.

And so, so yeah, we'll ask a couple of questions, just to kind of close out and have fun. We're not really have fun, but really just kind of put a bow on the whole thing. Sustained obedience to the Lord over the long term is not easy. I guess it can be a muscle. The more you use it, the better and easier. Now, I don't know that it ever gets easier.

The Importance of Consistency

And there's still wrestling almost that happens. Sure. What's been key for you? Because the one thing I know about you, actually, is like, it may be a lot of people don't, that a lot of people who aren't close, like you are just consistent. You just are who you are, no matter where we go. Opportunities don't change that. You know what I'm saying?

Like there's, like we've got to do some cool stuff. We've been in some fun places, but like no matter where the Lord puts us, you're just who you are, you're just consistent. And it's a good thing, right? But like in that, you have this ability to just be obedient to the Lord and what He's asking out of you.

The Journey of Trust

And so what has been like Bible college, leaving home all this journey of life and every step along, yes, Lord, yes, Lord, yes, Lord? You know, I, how do you keep your heart tender? And I guess maybe even your mind and your spirit open to be able to hear from the Lord and know and be able to just say yes, you know, consistently as you have.

Like, I don't know if you ever really comfortable with it because you just never know. Like some yeses, I'm sure they've been like, mm, like really, like I really have to do that, you know? But then like knowing that, gosh, He's a good Father, you know?

Embracing God’s Goodness

And so really, you know, in the back of your mind, like really the front of your mind that He wants all good things for me, you know? Even if I don't like it or it's different or there's a change, you know? Like in the end, it's for my good, you know? And He doesn't waste anything.

Like I remember when someone said that to me, like it's forever stuck with me. He doesn't waste anything that happens to you. You know, so He turns all things around for the good. And so, you know, I don't know if I've really ever re-doubted because if He, gosh, if He's got the big picture, you know?

The Journey Unfolds

And this is the way He's pointing me, then like why not? Yeah. You know? Yeah, that's good. Then, yeah. Yeah, that's awesome. Does that make sense? It does, absolutely.

I do want to speak to one more thing about these dreams and the funny part about these God dreams. And now, like, I don't know, I never dreamed a lot when we first got married. But now, like, like I'm getting them randomly, it's been happening recently. But like, I don't want to talk about my dreams in this moment. I want to talk about yours and the dream on the mountain. And like, do you remember that?

A Nostalgic Dream

I do. Yeah, do you want to tell a story? No. Please. It's so good. I'll tell my part. Yeah, because I think you remember more than I do. No, you remember. I don't remember. Yeah.

So I dreamed that like something was being covered up on the mountain. And, you know, I mean, God is on it, man. And so like that was the one thing that we were always like, well, something's going on. You know, we're like, should we go investigate? Like, no, you know, God was so faithful all the time.

The Divine Connection

Like, if there's something going on, like crazy, then He's going to reveal it, right? That was like, He is so faithful with that. And so I turned up in my dream. I was like, well, this is what I dreamed. This is interesting. Let's go check it out. And for sure, they're sure enough where it was in my dream is when we found what was being exposed.

And so, like, you called me and told me about the dream. Oh, did I? Yeah, I don't even remember all the details. If you had the dream, you told me about it. And I'm like, well, I'll just go do a room search. And so I went to ensure enough it was exactly what you dream. And that's crazy.

The Assurance of God

Like, it's not crazy because God speaks. And He speaks through dreams and probably all kinds of different things. He has ways of speaking, but I'd have never doubted like your ability to hear the Lord and dream. And I think that was one of those things where like God had been faithful.

Like, man, sometimes too, like we're, I think it's that season that gave me so much patience. Like, even though I like to pursue things, like in regards to if I'm leading something and things are happening and motives aren't right, and people have impure motives or doing things behind the scenes.

Trusting in God’s Plan

Like, ultimately like God will fight my battles. He'll fight our battles. And sometimes I think we end up causing more chaos and our relationships and conflict in our life because we are trying to uncover things and expose things. Yes, there is a responsibility as leaders to correct. But like, if God uncovers something, like His corrections going to be much better than my correction will ever be.

Sure. And like I, we realized that it's in challenge. Now, don't get me wrong. We did a lot of correction. It's in challenge as well without dreams. But when I was needed. Yeah, but like those moments undeniable. Right. Like the Lord showing up.

Getting Real

And speaking and exposing something that could have caused much more damage in the long term. And I think I'm so grateful for the faithfulness of the Lord and that.

Says, we close out. What's the thing that annoys you about me the most? What annoys you? Always annoys me. About me. Okay, yes, so we are so different, right? You're a visionary. You're like on the go. You jump things, jump from one thing to the other. And as you said, I like keep it going.

The Beauty in Our Differences

You know, like the details and just a lot different. So I guess I've actually learned that it's actually a blessing most of the time. Like, cause an instance, like in homeschooling, you've gotten really, really much better at this. But there'll be days like we're just working, working, working, especially toward the end of the year because, you know, you have to get things done.

Learning to Adapt

So you can do the testing and all that stuff. But like I'll be on track and I'm focused and the girls are focused. And then in the middle, you like hop in the door and you're like, let's go for ice cream. And I'm like, are you kidding me? And I remember, you know, and at the very beginning, like in our early days, I was like, are you serious? Like, do you see my schedule here? Do you see what's going on?

Finding Balance

We have things to do. You know, but I've learned that that was like healthy most of the time because, you know, it would take some of the stress off. It would break up our day. You know, we had the freedom to do that. And then like the girls super enjoyed it. Like, yes, and it was such a brain break that we actually really needed.

And I mean, it was annoying for a second, but then, you know, and so it's turned out to be a blessing most of the time, but sometimes it could be irritating just because and we are so different.

Final Thoughts

Yeah. Yeah, that's fun. Do I hear mine? Yeah. Sure. No, I'm just kidding. I mean, whatever. No. No. Yeah, no, that's cool though. I think that's the beauty of like God bringing us together in the two different worlds that we came from.

And then like the difference in personalities, like just walking alongside of each other. And you have in dreams, me having dreams, but then like even on, even a TC, like I've told you this privately, but none of that happens without you.

Like and because I do know that like I live in the clouds and you've always been the steady in the balance. Like you need both, right? And I think that's the beauty of sometimes we end up trying to be what we're not. Well, I people make that mistake and it's like, well, I've got to be better at this thing.

Embracing Our Journey Together

And yes, there's personal development and there's growth, but God created all of us uniquely. And I think that's the beauty of even the fivefold ministry, right? That like not everybody's called to do the same thing. And when the body works together and functions, and that's what marriage is, right? A day for Amsy, I remember I'm saying all the time, if you marry somebody just like you, you want to be as unnecessary.

And I'm grateful that neither of us is unnecessary, right? So that's always good to know that and know that there's that balance and just see what the Lord does next, you know? So I'm excited though, because this is just kind of a get to know you session. And yes.

Engaging with Our Audience

Yeah, how was it? It was fine, it was better than I thought. So try to get together and talk a little bit more. And so just wanted to get a chance to introduce people on the podcast to the person behind the scenes. And man, we were listening to a sermon yesterday about that that wrecked my world and I won't go into the details on that today, but just knowing God created you to be, even though you've been on stages before, like that's not where you're running, you're not running to that.

And like the person you are steady and constant and consistent and, you know, faithful in whatever you do behind the scenes, like I value and appreciate that. And so I think for people to better watch and even on YouTube, Facebook, all the places that we put this, like I'm on my faces out there all the time, right?

Thank You for Joining Us

And even ministry life and Teen Challenge, I was the guy with the mic doing all of that. But like, I'm very aware, you know, that without you, I'm a hot jumbled mess. And so I'm excited about that. And you know, talk a little bit more. Thank you guys for watching.

And I hope you enjoyed this conversation with Ashley. And we're gonna be trying to do these every two weeks. So if you have any questions, comments or any topics that you like us to dive into going forward, just as we engage in conversation, please leave those below.

Also, please don't forget to hit the like button, share the video, subscribe to the channel, if you're not already. Thank you for tuning in. God bless you guys. We'll see you soon.