Moving Forward

Today was the last day in Oak City's old sanctuary.  We are in the process of building a new Church on the same grounds, the old sanctuary will be torn down and a New and larger one will take it's place.  As I look back over the past 4 1/2 years that we as a family have attended Oak City, I am made aware of the many memories there.  Our family all joined the church together there after many years of seeking God's will as to where we would call our church home.  I remember the first time we went, is was as if we had been there since the beginning.  It wasn't so much about the building because on the outside the church looked small and old and not very inviting, but as soon as you walked through the doors, you knew you were in a special place, an anointed place, a place filled with smiles and warmth of some of the most amazing people.  I know that God already knew all the things in life that we would face and he had this special place for us to be where we could be loved and cared for and where we could return that love to others. 
This was the place where Holly would use her voice which is so anointed to touch lives for God.  This is the place where Kelly would come out of her shell and be the 'Star' in a Christmas play and even sing a solo.  This is the place where JHugh would find friendships and Christian male role models that he so longed for.  A place where God would bring Daniel into our lives, a true Miracle for Holly, Macy and our family.  This is the place where Papa would get to enjoy his favorite past-time of playing softball and bonding with some of the greatest friends he has ever had.  This is the place where Jesse, Macy and Cole would have the most amazing Children's Service - Kidtropolis, whoever would have guessed they would be sliding into the children's service on a real slide.  This is the place that Grammy dreamed of and desired for herself and her family, a place where we are could feel apart and be under a Great man of God and be under the anointing of God.  A place filled with uplifting Praise and Worship to our God.  A place where we could just be ourselves and be loved and accepted by God and others.  Not compromising with the world but being part of God's chosen people and folowing after his commandements and walkin in his will and in his favor.
Pastor Matt Campbell told us today "that God always rejoices when we Dare to Dream".
As I dream about the future and what I want for myself, my family and my church.   I want to see God's Supernatural miracles, I want to see lives changed, I want to be a part of God's plan where we take the gospel to everyone and that all will hear of his love.  Pastor Matt was so right today when he said "It's not about the building, it's about the people in the building that make-up the Church.  And each and everyone of us are missionairies and are chosen by God to go out everday in our everday lives and make a difference and show his love to the world.
I am excited about the future of Oak City and I am excited for my Children and Grandchildren that they are part of God's plan for this church.  I believe God is going to use each of them and his favor is upon them.
I love this song, it seems to sum up the reason why we move forward not only at Oak City, but in each of our lives, so we can declare the freedom we have in knowing Christ as our Savior.

I'm not going back

I'm moving ahead
Here to declare to you
My past is over in You
All things are made new
Surrendered my life to Christ
I'm moving, moving forward

What a moment
You have brought me to
Such a freedom I have found in You.
You're the healer
Who makes all things new

I'm not going back
I'm moving ahead
Here to declare to you
My past is over in You
All things are made new
Surrendered my life to Christ
I'm moving, moving forward

You have risen
With all power in Your hands
You have given me
A second chance
You make all things new
And I will follow You