Delayed story telling!!!

As I was visiting with a friend this morning, I was sharing this story that happened back in June. It hit me that I never published it. I had written it out as not to forget the details and I'm so glad I did because today when I was retelling the story, I couldn't remember her name OR where she was from. Age, it's a real thing! LOL 

I can't begin to tell you I understand all the unfoldings of this last year but this little memory warms my heart!!!!!  We continue the processing... one day (sometimes minute) at a time. 

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Have you ever headed to accomplish a task and then with one single interaction you realize... it's not about your task? 

For the past 5 months I've missed photography. It had just become part of me, I love everything about freezing time! So you can imagine my excitement when a young man (just happens to be the age of my oldest man-child) approached me and said "I heard you were a photographer, would you take some pictures of me proposing to my girlfriend?"  Say wha???  Well, of course I will young man... just let me finish this box of tissues here and I'll get right on that. With my son just getting married and being away from them this was just about too much for this mama heart. All in a good way of course! I'm ecstatic but nervous! As much as I love taking pictures, I've never photographed a proposal EEeeekkk!  True to form, I start overthinking EVERYTHING - ALL. THE. THINGS.  Because, that's what I do, I truly don't have a reason :)  

My ever loving husband (25 yrs this month YAY!) went with me to the park so I could see if the lens I have will work for this particular setting.  Beautiful park!!! We find the area he was talking about so we start discussing options. I had Jeff walk to the other side and sit on the bench so I could see if it was too far.  I see a bush with a bench close to it in the distance so I take a few shots and start walking down the sidewalk. I see an elderly lady sitting peacefully, thoughtfully looking out at the fountain in the pond. I get close and politely say "excuse me for  getting in the way, I'm just going to take a shot real quick to see if it will work". 

She says "oh, no problem! I'm a artist, can I see the shot?"  

As I explained what I was doing and was showing her the shot, she said "oh, that's so sweet!"  

At that point I motioned to Jeff to come on around. 

I said "that's my husband, we've been married 25 yrs this month" (can you tell I'm proud of that haha)

With a sweet expression she says "oh that's precious, are things still going well?!" 

Taking that question in, I said "ya know, they really are!!! I'm blessed and can't complain"

She very emphatically says "God has to be center"

Taken back just a little I said "yes ma'am, I can honestly say there's no way without Him!"

She then asked if we went to a specific church here. What was so interesting was, we visited this church and REALLY liked it! We've been praying about a church... well, just praying about life in general to be honest but church has been up there on the list! 

About that time Jeff reached us and I introduced him to my new friend who up until that point was nameless to me.  She introduced herself as Lilly! Sweet 87 yr old Lilly! I sat down in the middle of the bench facing her as much as I could. I felt Jeff sit behind me at the end of the bench. He knows me well <3 To give every detail of this conversation would be simply impossible. It truly went EVERYWHERE! Sweet Lilly is from Austria but has been here in our beautiful country longer than we have :)  She married in Austria at 18 and her husband sent her to the states and he followed in early 50s.  From our conversation we found out she was a poet and an artist. She had a gallery in Manhattan but has lived here for 23 yrs. She lovingly said "I've lived here a complete life time"

I said "yes ma'am, that's how old this young man is who is getting engaged"

We shared stories with each other.

We soaked in the wisdom.

We saw God.

I asked "so did you get saved at a young age?"

She replied with LOVE in her eyes "oh no, I was about 30"

She continued to share every detail of coming to Christ and with tears in her eyes she said "I felt God's overwhelming love. You can't beat it. Man tries but they just can't"

I believed her.

As we stood to leave she said "there comes my Hungarian, he's number 2" LOL

She had told us earlier that her first husband who ended up being a minister, passed away. Apparently he just couldn't keep up with her. Wish I could have photographed the twinkle in her eye!

She grabbed my hand with both of hers and prayed. Not a frilly prayer, a prayer full of the Holy Spirit's guiding. A prayer that touched not only my heart but undoubtedly the heart of God! 

We talked with the "Hungarian" for a few minutes and then we said our goodbyes. I reached down and gave her a hug and expressed to her how much of an encouragement she had been to my heart. She held on to me and prayed... again... I didn't want to leave.  

We did.

In silence we walked hand in hand, each knowing we experienced a special God appointment. It was quite a bit before either of us broke the silence and of course it was me who said the first word through a few tears. 

Did God speak specifics, well no. 

Did he encourage our hearts, um... that'd be a yes!

We held hands pretty much the rest of the evening. We've had a few of those experiences in our 25 years of marriage. What does it mean?  

Well, I haven't the foggiest idear other than... keep listening. He's there! 

One day at a time!

Meet my friend Lilly! <3 

Take a step... the fog is clearing!!!

Don't you hate driving through thick fog???  It gives me more anxiety than fingernails on a chalkboard, and that is saying A TON!!!  We lived on a "mountain" here in the Huntsville area for about 6 years. It was terribly foggy because the Tennessee river was just at the foot of the large hill :)  (to be honest, I don't know for a fact that is the reason it was foggy... could have just been the elevation, I'm just assuming...)  I digress...  man, that ADD is a booger LOL

And... we're back on track... 

Even having driven that SAME road a thousand times, knowing EVERY road mark and every turn... I would get so nervous to drive in the fog. Why? Because the fog hides things, mainly CARS :)  When you can't see in front of you, you have no idea if there is a car there and how fast it is or isn't going.  It feels like you are driving a lethal weapon with a blindfold tied tightly around your eyes! I'm not a fan!

On the other hand, I LOVE looking at the fog!!! It's beautiful and mysterious IF I'm sitting still, staring at it from the comfort of my home! God designed the most gorgeous foggy day for my son's wedding and it was breathtakingly beautiful - while we were looking at it. Being still... not driving!!!

This morning I got up and my sweet coffee-bringing husband softly says "it's foggy out". It immediately made my head spin. Feeling as though the weather had caught up with me. Somehow I feel like I've been "driving" in the fog for quite a while. Just moving forward blindly! Praying for whatever is in my way because... I can't see a darn thing!!!  As I sip on my coffee and try to wipe the sleep from my eyes, God began to speak to my soul "trust me, I can see!".

Yes God, I KNOW this, I've reassured many people of this MANY times, but I don't FEEL this truth!  Here's where faith takes over. Faith has to drive. Corrie ten Boom said, "Faith is the radar that shines through the fog".

Faith over Feeling

This journey once again looks nothing like we thought it would. We find ourselves in unknown territory, driving through the fog.  I know we're not alone...

Ok my friends, we can do this!!!  Let faith take over, take that next step because...

The.
Fog.
Will.
Clear.

But for now, just for this moment, maybe God wants you to sit and breathe. Take a minute and let the fog lift.
If it doesn't then go ahead and step forward, slowly :)

September??? Yes, Merry Christmas!!!

Welcome to the August... eeerrrr... September edition of inquiring minds want to know!!! :)

It's been a while since we've had an update, not because there hasn't been anything to update. More like, there's been more to update than my brain could process so it comes out like ghiaopefwnaoife and well... that doesn't do anyone any good. It was kind of fun to type out though haha

Ok... the meat!

We're back in Huntsville!!!

And all God's chill'ns say "WHAT HAPPENED?"

Nothing, and everything! Each of you have everyday lives with all the dynamics. You understand the complexity of everyday life. You've probably even been on a missions trip. When you get back, what is the ONE question everyone asks? "How was your trip?" Um... sure yeah, lemme sum up one week of amazing/hard/overwhelming/incredible/questioning/tiring/holy spirit-filled week in 2 seconds. So you just reply with "good". :)  I'm really not trying to be as cynical as I sound. Well, ok, maybe I am. As much as we would love to go over every detail that not only led us to Florida and now leads us back. We can't, it's a process. It's not ONE thing! We knew we were to go and we knew we were to come back! Other than that... we don't know much.
One thing we DO KNOW and it NEVER changes!!!!
God.
Is.
Faithful.

We were very blessed to spend this year with ITEC! We appreciate their work! We hated to leave, they hated to see us leave... that being said, we love them! God has great things in store!!!

We appreciate your prayers and thoughts!!! We are more than open for conversation but the truth is, you may not get a ton of answers :)

Much love and hugs!!!!!
Team Thomas

February Update

Yes, I realize it's March (I think it's March...) but to be honest... I'm really not sure what happened to January and February. I would give you a detailed update of the last 2 months but I'm having a hard time remembering. Something about a new house, new job, new friends, leaving our kids, meeting lots of people, a son getting married, sickness, a niece getting married... it's all running together really. Oh... and a snake thrown in for good measure. All of that to say, life has been life-ing at warp speed no less! We are blessed to be here in Ocala and getting to be a part of the work here at ITEC! We do know that eventually, it will feel like home, but right now... we aren't sure where home is :)

Interesting thought right?! We're guilty of saying "it just doesn't feel like home". Well, does it HAVE to? I'll leave you with that question because... I'm struggling with that one!

A transition is challenging. It's never easy but one doesn't really know how hard it will be until that first step is taken. Lemme tell ya, watch out for that first step, cuz... it's a doozy :)

Then why do it? Well... because He's worth it! He is worth all of the change and heart ripping, He has saved us and given us new life... HE. IS. WORTH. IT. We don't consider ourselves sacrificing anything, we are following a calling. We are living a "cushioned" life if you want to play the comparison game (I don't recommend it though, you can never win).

We've seen God's hand and we are forever grateful!!! He is allowing us to serve Him in this full-time ministry and we don't take that for granted!!! We are still praying for full support. Right now we are at 50%. If you would like to help in that capacity, please go here:

https://give.cornerstone.cc/ITEC

A little tip for the site - where it says “designation”, select “other designation”

In the memo field enter “Jeff and Joy Thomas”

The opportunity has come for me to be involved in a Trauma counseling program. Our Physician here at ITEC has been working on finalizing a curriculum to use Trauma counseling with the indigenous people groups that we work with across the globe. I'm very excited and nervous about this opportunity! I'm headed to training... oh, in about 2 hours haha Please pray that my heart and mind are clear to receive the knowledge God would have me take in at this time!

We are ever so grateful for your prayers and support!!!

God is faithful!!!!

You're Gonna Miss This

Music speaks to my heart, that's no secret! I would rather listen to music than watch a movie or tv ANY day!!! This morning I've been cleaning up around the house and continuing to get "settled" in this new Florida environment.  I've heard this song "You're Gonna Miss This" by Trace Atkins a thousand times and I've loved it EVERY TIME!!!  Even the tears that come with it, it's the emotion music brings!!! This morning, I heard a new version sung by Point of Grace. There was something about a female voice singing these words that are so very true!!!!  Of course I began to think of my own journey of getting married, having babies, the adventures of being a family....

But then I stopped and I felt God speaking to me ever so sweetly through the tears rolling down my cheeks...

"Joy, you're gonna miss THIS!!!!  This moment in time is the one you should cherish!" Do I miss my babies? Yes, of course, but am I amazingly THRILLED with the men they have become and the life they are leading! Absolutely!!!!! I know I will miss these moments of "new adventures", feeling my way through relationships and situations where I feel like I'm drowning. Yes! I will miss THIS!  Because every day God gives new opportunities and we can soak them up and enjoy them OR we can live in the "man, I miss those days". Don't get me wrong, memories are precious and they are what make our life story but I really sense God telling me to not forget NOW! 

Years ago we had a "Grandma", she was 91. She asked how old my mom was and I believe my mom was 58 at the time. Grandma Jo said with GREAT expression "OH, that was the PRIME of my life!!!!"  Wow! perspective! 

I've been challenged! I don't wanna sulk and mope about missing my babies and stinky boys. I want to remember and smile!  I want to see TODAY and each TODAY forward as the "best days"!!! 

Can a picture really talk?

Ever had one of those pictures where it truly DOES say a thousand words???  One that freezes time so well and seems to tell a story that begs to be spoken.  Yet, beckons you to stare and think!

A week ago a friend of mine (my Lani Sunshine) was kind enough to provide us with an area and surroundings for our friends and family to come together and pray for us.  I was all for it UNTIL the day of... the actual DAY I began to think, what are we doing? This is nuts? I can't see all of these people in one room and hold it together? I really just wanted to call it off, pack our things and leave TOMORROW.  

We didn't.

We went.

I'm so very glad we did because God spoke loudly to us both, not just that these people love and support us but that this gathering was as much for THEM as it was for us. Ya see, it's not about US!  Shocking right?!  So many times, things happen and my immediate reaction is "I can't" or "I'm not strong enough".  NOT ABOUT ME!!!! It's a constant minute by minute fight to remind ourselves 

NO WE CAN'T! 

HE CAN!

He can give you a passion and a calling!

He can give you the strength to say yes!

He can walk with you through EVERYTHING it takes to get there!

HE CAN!

He can calm the shaky body from crying all night.

He can soothe the deep hurt.

He can breathe new life into your bones!

HE CAN!!!!

We can't!!!!

Yes, I've allowed myself to cry, grieve and deeply feel this process. This is His calling for us and we are

ALL IN!!!!

THANK YOU so much to all who came out and took the time to love on us, we feel it in so many ways!!!!  The Uhaul is scheduled for January 2nd. We plan to pull out of the drive on January 3rd.

Adventures Await!!!!!!  

Thank you so much to Brooks for capturing this moment in time!!!!!!!  

Blessings!!!!!

Moving (literally) Forward!!!!

November, 2018! Really??? Did I just type that... AND it's almost over!!!! 

WOW WOW WOW!!!!!  I know I can't be the only one just in shock at how fast this year has flown by!!!!  This year has been so full! January of this year we started out on a journey that we knew would be challenging... we knew there were lots of unknowns. We were right :) 

Jeff and I decided to go work full time with ITEC (https://www.itecusa.org/) in Ocala, Florida. We set a goal of 6 months to a year. 6 months quickly showed us that it would be more like a year. This allowed me some time to train a new photographer and wrap up some things at work (https://spoiledrottenphotography.com/) and also allowed Jeff some time to switch over his responsibilities at work as well. We had the goal to try and get the boys situated, wherever that might be. It's gone back and forth... sometimes daily, from "the boys are going with us" to "the boys are staying". "We are selling the house" just kidding "we are keeping the house", to everything in between.  We've had deaths, births, ups, downs.

Now, here it is... time to pack. We have been slowly going through things. It looks as though the boys are staying here and renting our house, but... ya never know, just stay tuned :) We knew it would be a challenge to raise support in this short amount of time and that has proven to be true as well. We are still trusting God in this area (if you're feeling called to help let us know... just think about it as buying us a meal per month $30. OR virtual coffee because I would LOVE to have coffee with each of you!!!!!) So many of our friends have given (and will give) sacrificially and it is extremely humbling to be on this side of things. We've spent 25+ years on the other side of giving and to be honest... I'm more comfortable with that side. This side is hard. Very hard! We've read all the things, know all of the scripture... etc. It's still hard :)  BUT we move forward! We are ALL IN!  There's a song, I've played over and over through every valley that seems to almost make us say "ok, just kidding... we change our mind". 
Matthew West - All In
Go here to listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RwDpnKIvUI

We've prayed for perspective during this process! God has shown us so many things about who He is and who we are IN Him!  There were a few times when tears would form in my eyes and I would think "God, it's like a death... this time in our family is dying. Things will never be the same. Are we helping or hurting the boys with this decision?"  Then like a loving God that He is, He sent this message to remind us. In order to live, something must die.  We live because Christ died. Scripture says a grain of wheat must DIE in order to LIVE! John 12:24

We watched this message by David Platt https://www.mcleanbible.org/sermons/order-live-you-have-die
It was the perspective we needed.  Yes, maybe this is a death (in a sense) but out of it WILL spring forth LIFE! Even if it means we die for the cause of Christ... WE LIVE!!!!!  Our boys LIVE!!!!!  Yes, there will be goodbyes and see ya laters. There will be tears (I'm only human). There will be chocolate... lots of chocolate! But know this.... there will be life ONLY after something dies. This has given me a HUGE new perspective on things. I was trying of my own power to focus on the positive and not think of all that we were leaving... blah blah blah. That wasn't working, I was tiring of the battle quite often. Here's where my hope is - die to live!

Thank you for riding this amazing roller coaster with us!!!  We are super excited about this next chapter. God has given us renewed strength and purpose. It's not supposed to feel good to die haha but... it's worth it <3  God is so faithful!!!! 

Blessings to each of you during this holiday season!!!!!!