As I look back, I’m overwhelmed by the miracles God performed and by the people He placed in our lives—those who supported us, prayed for us, and walked with us through the ups, downs, struggles, and victories… even during moments when it likely looked as though we had completely lost our minds. There is so much more to the story, of course, but this particular chapter of the journey came to a close when God moved us into the Bed & Breakfast. And then—just like that—a new adventure began.
Tom and I are no longer at the Inn. In October 2024, we would have celebrated fifteen years there, but in June of that year the owners felt it was time to close the B&B. Our years at the Inn were deeply transformative. God brought tremendous healing to our hearts and our marriage, and He continued to reshape and deepen our relationship with Him. We were also incredibly privileged to coach, encourage, and walk alongside many others along the way.
In many ways, we experienced transformation twice—like caterpillars becoming butterflies. The first transformation happened during the fifteen months we lived nomadically, clinging to God as we learned to trust Him no matter what things looked like, even as it seemed we were losing everything. The second transformation unfolded during our nearly fifteen years at the B&B. I can say with complete honesty that I am not the same person I was when this journey began.
Regarding the house church, the Inn became a place of countless “God appointments.” Guests would ask how we ended up in North Carolina from California, or how we became Inn Keepers—completely unaware of how loaded those questions were. When hearts were open and the Holy Spirit led, God would open doors for ministry that were truly remarkable, sometimes even miraculous. Many guests became dear friends, and some we now consider family.
Early on, during one of those God appointments, I was sitting in the breakfast sunroom, watching God move in the lives of our guests. In my heart I said, “God, this is incredible. What a privilege it is to be used by You and to have front-row seats to watch You work.” And then I heard Him say, “This is your house church.” I remember thinking, Oh. My. Goodness.
From that point on, we truly believed that every person who walked through the doors of the Inn was brought there by God—whether we ever spoke about Him or not—to be loved, served, prayed for, and ministered to as He directed. Only God could orchestrate something like that. It also reminded me of a prophecy spoken over us on 07/07/07: “You won’t need to go get people; people will come to you.” That word has continued to unfold, even through the life-coaching ministry that followed. Only God.
As for the marriage retreat, that vision has not yet come to pass. At one point, we believed God might be opening a door to host it at the Inn, but it became clear that the timing was ours—not His. We fell flat, released it, and chose to trust that if it was truly meant to happen, God would bring it about in His way and in His time.
There are a few additional personal journal entries from late 2009, but in January 2010 I began a blog titled “Journey to Know God.” That blog continues our story from the B&B and eventually expands into reflections on what God showed me through His Word—insights that were both inspiring and life-changing. While working long hours in the Inn’s kitchen, I listened to the Bible on CD, and God began to reveal truth, gently helping me unlearn some things I had misunderstood and teaching me things that deeply transformed my faith. Those reflections are documented there, and I hope you’ll take time to explore them if you’re able.
As we close this chapter, our hope is not simply that you enjoyed the journey—but that you were encouraged by God’s faithfulness when we chose to trust Him, regardless of how things appeared. He is faithful. He is trustworthy. And He loves you far more than you can possibly imagine.
No comments:
Post a Comment