A Month of Firsts!

Firsts are best because they are beginnings.

— Jenny Han

Has the past month offered you opportunities to do something for the first time? What did you do that required bravery? What did you dread doing … but the challenge wasn’t as great as you anticipated? Were you aware of God’s presence with you as you experienced these firsts? Were you satisfied with a sense of accomplishment when you did something for the first time? All these — and more — describe my past month: A Month of Firsts!

1. David’s family and I celebrated my birthday by checking off a bucket list event: attending my first Water Lantern Festival! It was a peaceful, thoughtful, beautiful, and life-giving experience. I highly recommend it!

2. I hosted the first debrief in my new home! A sweet missionary stayed with me for four days and we processed her recent season of life and ministry with Jesus. It was a precious time for us both. For the past two years, I have been asking the Lord for a beautiful place, inside and out, where guests would feel safe and seen and at peace. He has given me such a place!

3. I’m at it again … remodeling! Hahaha! A few things needed to be changed in my new place to make it more “me”, like adding French doors to my piano room. The first (minor) remodels have opened the space and created more peace. I’m thankful.

4. The first trip from my new home and back again was to Boston! What a great city 😊 I discovered a shuttle service to and from the airport which is super close to my home, reasonably priced, and very accommodating. I couldn’t be happier with the service! The staff training at YWAM Boston (another first) was well-received. Coming alongside Church leaders is such a privilege.

5. First guests, first bill-pay cycle, first HOA, first house repairs, first fire alarm, first bike ride around the lakes, first conversations with new neighbors, first Loveland errand-day … and many, many more! Grace, grace, grace …

6. Although not firsts, Colorado School of Worship is off to a great start with 22 eager students! It’s an honor to invest in raising up the next generation of worshipers and worship leaders. And next Sunday will conclude my 4-month stint at Friends in Faith Community Church in Wyoming. I’ve learned so much about ministry, drawing on God’s strength and wisdom, loving people, dependency on the Spirit, and our topic: The Lord’s Prayer. I’m going to miss being with those precious people every Sunday — what a gift from God they have been to me!

Thanks for tracking with me, friends, and for your love, friendship, support, and prayers. “I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you [and me] will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6

Peace to you today, and courage as you face the “firsts” in your life, Mary Jean :)

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Ways to partner: Give online at getthewordout.cc/give · Venmo: @Mary Jean Powers / Get the Word Out · By check: Get the Word Out, 4210 Vulcan Creek Dr. Unit 208, Loveland, CO 80538.