Here's the irony of trying to keep up a personal blog...the more you have going on in your life, the less you have time to blog about it. So, that leaves many of my posts as retrospective summaries, but I'm okay with that since part of my goal for this space is to chronicle our lives.
In late December when I was thinking about 2008 and things I might like to see happen, I had no idea what was ahead. I listed big changes and small changes I wanted to work towards, thinking I'd tackle some of the little things and start with baby steps toward the major ones. In general, I wanted to quit being so scared of change and begin trying more new things. But when God saw I was finally ready, He stepped up the pace beyond what I ever could have expected.
One of the biggies on my list was to explore the idea of a new job. My position at CP had changed so much during the last half of 2007 that more and more of my time was spent doing things that I wasn't very good at or frustrated me to the limit. Still, CP felt like my baby because I had been there since its very beginning and I continued to love being able to support and encourage pastors throughout the world. After many prayers for guidance, God gave me a moment of lightning-bolt clarity which led to complete peace about the next step I needed to make...leaving the job I'd had for five years. I didn't have anything else lined up, but it was absolutely unmistakable that it was time to take a leap of faith from comfort and security into the unknown. (This is the point of the story where I give thanks for having such a supportive husband who encouraged me to take this step without regard to our personal finances.)
God has always been faithful when we've had the courage to make those leaps and He's blown us away every time by what He's provided. This time is no exception. Just two weeks after my last day of my previous job, I started working with another church in their ministry to pastors and church leaders. I get to help LifeChurch.tv spread the word about the free resources they offer through their OPEN website. For various reasons, we've decided to take the next half of the year and try this out on a contract basis, especially since I'm working from another state. (See how God continues to lure me out of my desire for security? ;) I just took my first trip up there last weekend to see the campuses, meet the team and generally get acquainted. It was an incredible experience and I can already feel my mind stretching to new dimensions. I love the vision there and I'm feeling especially blessed to take some small part in it.
There you have it. Where I intended to "explore possibilities" God came in and brought about major change...speedy quick! I've got lots more I want to post about in the future, but this has been such a big part of our lives that I had to get it out there before I could move on. It's been an amazing chapter in my ongoing journey with God!
Congratulations! I'm excited to see how the Lord works in your new adventure as well as helping LifeChurch.tv resources be maximized for the glory of Christ.
Good luck!
Posted by: Greg Davis | May 03, 2008 at 02:52 PM
Great to hear how things are going with you. Since I'm also doing some contracting with LifeChurch.tv and with CP, I feel like we're living in one small world.
Posted by: Andy Knight | May 03, 2008 at 03:41 PM
Lori, it was awesome to see you last week, and I can not tell you how excited I am to have you on the LC.tv team. I look forward to what God has in store...
You post reminds me of the series Craig is speaking on right now.. Habakkuk.
Love the new blog!
Posted by: Terry Storch | May 03, 2008 at 07:12 PM
Thanks gentlemen for your kind words.
Greg, great to have you stop by and thanks for the well wishes.
Andy, I like this small world we live in and the fact that it leads us to cross paths personally and professionally :)
And Terry, the feeling is totally mutual! Thanks for everything.
Posted by: Lori Bailey | May 03, 2008 at 10:53 PM
I'm thrilled to be working with you. It is going to be great!
Posted by: Bobby Gruenewald | May 04, 2008 at 12:09 AM
Lori Congrats! Your situation brought me Proverbs today...
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and don't lean on your own understanding. In all things acknowledge him, and he shall direct your way." Proverbs 3:5, 6
Amen sister!
Posted by: Theresa Locastro | May 04, 2008 at 10:33 AM
Thanks, Bobby. It's already been fun and we're just getting warmed up!
Posted by: Lori Bailey | May 04, 2008 at 06:19 PM
Theresa, preach it sister! Amen :)
Posted by: Lori Bailey | May 04, 2008 at 06:21 PM
any chance to connect with you is greatness. glad you're back blogging ;)
Posted by: Katie | May 04, 2008 at 06:57 PM
Love the new blog and crazy happy that we are "working" for the same church again. Even from afar!
Posted by: Robin | May 05, 2008 at 07:00 AM
I'm a fan of the LifeChurch family... and the OPEN website. I'm sure you'll be a great fit and enjoy every minute of it.
Posted by: Terrace Crawford | May 05, 2008 at 09:51 AM