Fernandez Family of Five: Changes in the New Year 2010...

We are very excited about what lies ahead for 2010. Our family made a big decision this past month, probably the hardest decision we have ever made next to moving from Georgia. A pastor at our church (the pastor of our flock/Sunday School) was offered to take over a church plant 5 minutes from our house. He asked many families that live near the church to pray whether the Lord would have us come with him or not. When I first heard the news I was very upset and said, "definitely NOT!" We have been at our current church for 10 yrs. and I have just gotten involved in leadership in our women's bible study this year and was also very involved with the preschool Sunday School program at our church. I was comfortable and did not want to budge. But, I started praying about it and talking with Tony and the girls and within a week the Lord had changed my mind. The Lord truly was calling our family to leave our present church and help with this church re-plant. I call it a replant because the church started about 1 1/2 years ago but the pastor that planted this church ended up leaving. The church body and church denomination (ARP - Associate Reformed Presbyterian) really wanted to see it work. So, they hired an Interim pastor until they could find a permanent pastor. They called our church to see if our head pastor knew of anyone looking to plant a church. Our pastor reluctantly told them about our associate pastor Ross (because he did not want to lose him but knew he would be interested) who had been recently approved as a church planter and was looking to plant a church somewhere. So, all the doors opened for Ross and they asked him to become the new pastor of this church. Anyways, after a lot of praying, discussing as a family, and talks with the kids we feel called to advance God's Kingdom right here in our little town. This is very hard for us and definitely out of our comfort zone but we also know that God will grow us and do mighty things if we just follow Him! We have had two services already and things are going well. There are definitely some challenges with a church plant and also a lot of work but it is fun and exciting too. I am teaching the 3/4's Sunday School class, helping direct the Children's Ministry program and singing on the Praise and Worship team so I am keeping extremely busy. Tony is heading up Communion each week and is doing several deacon type duties. The girls are LOVING the smallness and are really stepping up and helping too. They love to help set up each week and clean up afterwards. I was really worried about how Regan would like it because she only has one other boy in her Sunday School class but she is really enjoying it. After our first service in the church Regan said, "I LOVE this new church!" And her sisters followed up by saying, "me too!" That had been Tony and I's prayer that the girls would grow to love the new church and it only took one Sunday! The Lord is good!

"To man belongs the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the reply of the tongue. All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord. Commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed. The Lord works out everything for his own ends." (Prov. 16: 1-4)

"Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are my God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long." (Ps. 25:4-5)

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." (Prov. 16:9)

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths straight." (Prov. 3: 5-6)

"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." (Prov. 19:21)

"Be strong and courageous, do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)

Another Change......

Regan finally has her own room. We moved Reece in with Riley and now Regan has Reece's old room. We picked out a new bedding set, curtains, lamp, bookshelf, and reading pillow for Regan and we painted her room a light lavender color. It looks really good. She is loving it. The first day in her new room (which was Jan. 16) Regan posted a sign on her door that read, "Regan's Room Knock Before You Come In." She is loving the independance and is doing well keeping her room nice and clean. Here are some photos of her new room...