Never Once

This has become my life theme song as of late.  HE has never let us walk alone... NEVER ONCE.

Tonight the whole family got to Skype with  AU.  It was great to finally meet them and have a personal connection, instead of only messages through Chris.  :)  But Still moving forward with them.

In the states, Chris has been recently corresponding with a Chinese Church in TX about a pastorate of an English Congregation.

Thats it for now... short and sweet and God is good.

Kim

So this is what peace feels like.

Update:
Not much has changed as far as Australia or Chris's job search.  City on a Hill is still working out the details of Chris's visa application and paperwork... moving forward; and he is still submitting resumes here and there around this country. :)  

But this is what God is doing in me...

God seems to move when you least expect it.  So. I have a friend who sends a daily verse out via text message.  So I don't always read them on that day, so one morning I was just going through and reading and deleting them.  But, when I got to two specific verses, God stirred in my soul about Australia. 
Those verse were...

Psalm 22:5
"They cried to You and were set free; they trusted in You and were not disgraced."

Psalm 31:24
"Be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord."

I wasn't praying, I wasn't having trouble... just simply reading and the Lord put a peace in my heart and a readiness to go to Australia, if that's where he sends us.  Up to this point I kept waiting for him to close that door and say, "Just Kidding"  And, like I heard in the sermon on Sunday .... "In every situation Christ is saying "Follow Me!"  It's not just a once and your done thing... The life of faith is All about the faithfulness of God!!"  

As alone, scared and worried I have been about this Australia possibility, I now feel and realize that I am not alone.    I'm reminded through Luke 22:32 & Romans 8:27 ... That Jesus prays for me.  FOR ME! 

Well that being said I will end with a few lines from a song... 

I know Who goes before me
I know Who stands behind
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side
The One who reigns forever
He is a Friend of mine
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side
Chris Tomlin - Whom Shall I Fear (God Of Angel Armies) Lyrics | MetroLyrics 

until next time....
Love,
Kim 

Meanwhile...

Unemployment update and What God's doing in me...

Australia.  They sent Chris an email basically outlining what they tentatively could offer him in pay and benefits.  We spent a week or so researching health insurance, international moving cost, etc.  Then he basically replied with..."Looks great, what's the next step?" Waiting on a response.

Meanwhile in Michigan:  Chris received a questionnaire from a church in Michigan who wants to get to know more about it.  Questionnaire sent.  Waiting on a response.

Just this week he received another questionnaire from a church in Illinois (i think that's where its from).  He hasn't had time to fill that one out yet, since he's preparing to speak at a church retreat this coming weekend.

Meanwhile, in my heart there is a struggle.  Still.  Still struggling to trust God.  Change is hard and I have been a ball of nerves lately.  But God is amazing.  He always finds ways to encourage me and lift my eyes to Him.  Its like He takes my face in His hands and lifts my eye to Him.

This morning I was listening to the Daily Audio Bible.  Brian's commentary on the reading in Ezra today what for me to hear.  He talked about how sometimes God asks us to do something that may not always be easy.  We can't back out or quit something, or think its not from God just because things get hard.  If He calls us to do something, we need to trust and obey...even if its hard.

Also, the other day I read Kris Camealy's blog post What Carries You Through The Unknown
and her word spoke to me too...

"We simply follow the One who is greater, the One who leads us blindly, yet willingly, (if we are faithful) into the vast unknown.

We live the free-fall of life, not knowing where or when we will land, but trusting that it is good, because He is good."

"For now I take from this dream the idea that no matter what, in the scariest of potential circumstances, I need only to trust. Minutes and days are not to be frittered away, choking on the fears and worries that steal joy.

Life is meant to be lived with arms raised, hands open, wings of faith spread wide with anticipation for whatever may come. 

I keep counting my gifts, because in doing so, my focus shifts from the wings that have been sheered off, to the joy of knowing, the relief of trusting, that whatever happens, His outstretched arms will always catch me."

Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Not sure where we will end up, But, trying to learn to trust HIM!  Its a moment by moment thing.  

Oh and in the meantime I was asked to help as a teachers aid at the preschool Levi attends.  

We shall see!!

Kim

Lessons from Little ones.

 

This verse was Levi's VBS memory verse this week.  Little did I know the LORD would use him to minister to me.
As we continue to wait to see if the Lord is going to send us to Australia, this morning I confessed to my family that I was scared. Levi's little ears tuned into Chris and I discussing this.  God brought to his mind his memory verse and he was able to apply it to my situation.  He even realized that it didn't mean you would never be scared; stating that he still gets scared at night, but that God would be there with you.
So this convicted me and encouraged me to memorize
Hebrews 13:5-6

5 Your life should be free from the love of money. Be satisfied with what you have, for He Himself has said, I will never leave you or forsake you. 6 Therefore, we may boldly say:

The Lord is my helper;
I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?

Eastern Horizon or Western Limits!

Psalm 139:9-10

9."If I live at the eastern horizon or settle at the western limits, 10. even there Your hand will lead me; Your right hand will hold on to me." 

I've held on to vs 10 as my life verse remembering that where ever I am, or whatever situation I may find myself in He will be right there holding my hand.  How often I forget that and let worry take over.  

Australia (City on a Hill) is still the only job offer on the table and they let Chris know this week that he is their #1 choice for the job.  They are in the process of discussing salary and benefits details.  The next steps will be for Chris to go to the Au. Embassy to find out more about what our Visas require for our medical coverage down there.  Then they will fly Chris out there for a week to get to know him face to face. 

To be honest, part of me would feel relieved if we found out we were going to Au. Its a big deal to move your family to another country.  There are so many unknowns.   Chris and I have talked a lot about this and maybe we are so apprehensive because its such a huge leap of faith.  But isn't that exactly what God wants from His children, to walk in faith trusting HIM to take care of our every need.  

Continue to pray for us as we take the next steps in this journey to the Eastern Horizon or Western Limits!

In the meantime, the boys and I were able to take a long vacation to visit family incase we do move somewhere where its not as easy to visit.  

We headed up to Ky to visit family and friends there.  oh how nice it was to see them all.  Why did I wait so long. <3

My Uncle, Aunt and cousins!! 

Then it was off to Florida to spend some time with my parents and family and friends down there.  It was so nice to get away for a while.  

Here we are, minus Lucas :(, in St. Augustine getting ready to take Levi on a pirate ship.  

Until next time...

Love, 

Kim and the Boucher Famiy

Missed Calls

Missed calls.  They can leave wondering.   Australia seemed like the only open door.  Out of all the resumes Chris has sent out, they were the only one reaching out.  Until today....?  Maybe...?

Chris missed a call from the Missouri area code today. This is probably the seminary in Kansas City that he applied for at the same time as City on a Hill (Australia).  They haven't attempted a call back...yet.  

I asked Chris "What if it is the seminary calling..."  He said..."I'd be confused"  

:)  We shall see... Prayerfully waiting .... and waiting....Praising Him in the hallway. 

Ebenezer

• Here I Raise My Ebenezer, Hither By Thy Help I come  

1 Samuel 7:12

Afterward, Samuel took a stone and set it upright between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer,explaining, “The Lord has helped us to this point.”

This was the verse shared in church yesterday.  I was reminded of when Chris graduated from seminary and we gave our family a members a framed stone with the word Ebenezer on it along with this verse.  It was a symbol of our gratitude for allowing God to use them to help us through that stage of life.

As I look back, I can see God's hand helping and leading us all along the way.  So through the sermon yesterday I was encouraged and reminded once again of His unfailing faithfulness and love for me.

Update:  Chris got another correspondence with City on a Hill yesterday.  Sounds like they will have a more definitive answer for us in the next week or so.  At which point they will make Chris possible offer.  If he accepts that offer, they will fly him down there to spend a week with him, getting to know him in person, at which point, if they want to continue to move forward would make him a more firm offer.

I think in the back of my mind I have been waiting for this to all fall through and continue his job search in the states.  But the reality that Au is a very real possibility is really starting to sink in.

Thank you all for your faithful prayers and encouragement.  They are so appreciated and coveted.
Keep them coming.  

Stay tuned.

Road Trip!!

Chris received his 3rd response from City on a Hill (the Australia church) yesterday.  They have a questionnaire they want him to fill out as the next step in the process.  Along with that questionnaire, he will be inquiring on some details about the job that is important in our decision.  

In the meantime.... 

Since doors keep opening Down Unda.... We have been living and planning as if we are truly moving to Australia.  Packing boxes, purging, talking to Levi about it to prepare him.  

So, the other day at lunch I expressed a desire to see my Kentucky family.  They have never met my boys and if we are going to move to the other side of the world, it would be nice.  My sweet mother in law suggested that I make a side trip over there before I head to Florida.  What a great idea!!  So I mentioned it to my mom and WE ARE GOING. 

My mom is flying up here and then we are heading to Louisville!  I can't wait to see family and friends I haven't seen in ages. Not to mention meet new ones I've only got the privilege to meet on Facebook.  

So, I told me mom we would be like Thelma and Louise with 2 kids (minus the killing men, and driving off cliff...basically just the road trip part.  lol)  

I plan to take LOTS of pictures.  

Stay Tuned.

    

So Much Encouragement

Greeting,

I just have to say I am overwhelmed by all the encouraging words I have received.  God is using those close to me and those I just met to point me to Him.  Many people are praying and I know it and THANK YOU!                                                                           One of my greatest source of encouragement this week came from my Uncle. We don't talk much, but when we do I always hang up with fuller heart.  He and my Aunt had read my previous posts and called me.  I thought he was calling me to catch up on live and stuff, but it was so much more.  He spoke the word of God into my life regarding this journey.  When I would share a concern or worry with him, he would lift my spirits.                                                                                                                   ~                                                                                            On top of that I have gleaned something from each person who God places in my path for exhortation and encouragement. 

Although God had ALWAYS provided for our every need in our times of need (and some times  He provided some wants too!), I tend to still have times of worry and anxiety when I sit down to write the bills and see the money going away.   A dear sweet friend suggested that maybe God lead us through the financial trial at CBS to prepare us for this time in our life's.  

There is a note we received anonymously a couple years ago that hangs on our fridge that reads. "I will provide for you! ~God  And He has... every time.    

Thank you all for allowing God you use you in my life to encourage and lift me up just when i need it.  

Praise be to God   

WARNING: Honesty Ahead.

So, I am not good with being honest with my thoughts and feelings.  I wear a mask around trying to make others believe I got it all together.  However, I recently started reading Jill Savage's latest book "No More Perfect Moms" and today I read. "Once we’re honest with ourselves, it’s much easier to be honest with others. By admitting your needs, you create a safety zone for your friends to do the same."1.   So, here's to vulnerability.

What does all this have to do with this Australia or church plant or...where ??  journey?  Well, I'll tell you.  As I tell friends and family about the details of this pilgrimage most of them get a big smile on my face and a "If that's where God wants us to go, I want to go." But after talking it over with my very wise husband I finally came to the realization that if God wanted us to go to Australia, I didn't want what HE wanted.  That was hard to admit and even harder to say out loud.  To be honest I was worried and scared as I contemplated that possibility.  Far away from my family, Lucas's health care, cost of living... on top of that, I haven't prayed much about it. Just a little "Hey, God, help us know what You want us to do."  every once in a while when i feel overwhelmed and worried.
The neat thing was, that after that conversation with Chris and a little research on Melbourne, Au. I started to get a little less anxious and a little bit excited. I mean how many opportunities will we get to go to Australia?  This may not even happen. But if it does... what an opportunity.
So whether we go Down Under or not, I can see God is doing a work in me through this process and for that I am thankful.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

Thanks for reading,
Kim


1.Savage, Jill (2013-01-16). No More Perfect Moms: Learn to Love Your Real Life (Kindle Locations 388-389). Moody Publishers. Kindle Edition.

Where will YOU send us?

We have started packing and purging the house. Still not sure where our next God assignment will be.
But the catch you all up on our journey to where we are today....

A few months ago, after Lancaster Bible College took over WBC/CBS, Chris found out that his contract would not be renewed.  So as of May 31st. he is unemployed.  He has experienced a plethora of emotions but his steady faith in God always encourages and amazes me.   When worry and anxiety flood me, he is always the one to bring me back to God's unwavering faithfulness.  Reminding me of all the time HE has provided for us at just the right time.  Its awesome to have a Godly husband. :)

So since before receiving the news about his job, he as been submitting resumes here and there with a steady stream of "no's". Until one day he found 3 jobs on a Christian Counseling website and decided to apply for all three.  Why not right. After all Christian Counseling is in his blood.  Its what he's been learning, teaching and doing for the last 12 yrs.  One is a job "around the corner" in Alexandria, Va. working as a Christian Counselor. Another is in Kansas City, MO at a Seminary teaching Counseling.  The last one is in Melbourne, Australia as a Counseling Pastor.

So, he had an interview with the counseling center in Va.  He wasn't thrilled with this position, but tucked it away in his back pocket as..."better than nothing".

Then he got a call for a phone interview with the Seminary.  That job sounded pretty good.  He would be able to teach the same material he had been teaching at CBS for years. And, although his desire would be to work in a church next, this would be better than nothing.

The same day he had the KC, Mo. interview, the church in Australia called and wanted to set up a Skype interview.  We were blown away.

The day of the Australia Skype interview came and Chris sat down at his computer and immediately started feeling nauseous.  Although, excusing himself twice to throw up during the interview, he was a trooper and came back each time to finish the interview.   Not sure what was wrong with him but over the next several days he didn't feel good on and off.

In the meantime, he worked on filling out and submitting the application for the KC Seminary and get a 2nd interview with Va. scheduled.  All the while wondering what the church staff who did the interview in Australia thought about his bout of sickness could mean... was it a sign that he wasn't the one, would they see his endurance and willingness to stick with it in spite of the vomiting?  

A few days later he shot them an interview just to follow up and see how they were processing it.  A couple days after that they replied and ended up scheduling a 2nd Skype interview with the lead pastors.

That interview was this past Monday.  Right before he was to sit down for the interview the nausea hit, so he prayed that if this job was not meant to be that God would make him sick again during the interview.  This time... as soon as he sat down, he felt better and ended up having a great interview this time.  

After that good interview we called family members to let them know how it went and Chris's dad was able to speak wisdom into his decisions regarding his upcoming Va, counseling interview.  Why would he go to an interview where he wasn't excited about the position and probably wouldn't accept.   This advice led him to cancel that interview.

We haven't heard back from KC Seminary.

Oh and other option we have been throwing around and  praying about is a church plant either here in this area or in TN with some great friends.

So, thats where we are.  We feel at this time we are down to 2 options.  Church Plant or Australia.

More to come... need to go feed my little ones....

or  ????

Prayerfully waiting,
Kim