No, we are not moving again, at least we have no current plans to move. For so long there were many major transitions in our life such as moving, job transitions, and ministry redirection. It left us feeling like we were in this circular trajectory with no movement forward, we have just been spinning.
It would be a big fat lie to say that each day feels like progress but as time passes, we are starting to see how micro-shifts in our life have created forward momentum and what once felt like a circular motion now feels like progress.
Micro Shift ONE, Home
Scott has spent the last year making the macro adjustment of investing full time in our kids’ lives and unpacking a challenging season of loss while learning how to hold hope and loss simultaneously. Scott has intentionally invested into his mental, emotional, and spiritual health that has served our whole family. This intentionality has moved us all forward as a family seeing that sometimes we need permission and room to process life.
Intentionality
Time is the best gift we can give one another.
Micro Shift TWO, Kids
We knew heading into this summer that we were trying to be good stewards as we made up for the season of transition and unemployment. We chose to spend this season investing in counseling, our health, and other areas that would give us growth as people. However, we also knew we wanted this to be an intentional time with our kids. So, we choose to do at least one intentional activity each week. Here are some of the memories that we made this summer.
Mini golf, visiting family, floating down the river, watching Elf at the Drive In, Kids Science Museum, Lego Discovery in Philly, SkyZone, Overnight Beach trip in Virginia, movie nights at home and at the theater, local pool, library, playground, the fair, play dates with friends, local arcades, soccer camp, animal camp, Lego camp, church camp, bowling, time with cousins, ice cream dates, dinner parties, two upcoming weddings, and hopefully one last camping trip.
There was nothing BIG, however all of these small moments have made an incredibly full and memorable summer.
Micro Shift THREE, Ministry
Not having an official role in ministry at times felt a bit, well unofficial. There were moments in this last year that direction felt murky at best. But looking back here are some areas that we were able to continue to serve consistently in over the past year.
Scott wrote Thursday Thoughts every week sharing and encouraging others in the dialogue and outworking of Christianity.
Scott and I were also both honored to be guest preachers at our friend’s church, St. James Presbyterian in Mechanicsburg, PA. Scott was able to preach on the story of Rahab from the book of Joshua, and I (Rachael) preached on the Parable of the Sower from Luke’s gospel.
I (Rachael) had the opportunity to speak this spring in Sandown, New Hampshire at Mastering Motherhood. I was able to share about the story of Naomi from the book of Ruth.
Scott is officiating his cousin’s wedding over Labor Day weekend in upstate New York and we are thrilled to celebrate Sophia and Nate. Emma is particularly excited about celebrating love!
Scott will also be preaching at Church of the Nations over Labor Day weekend.
I (Rachael) am doing a new series on When Narratives Collide Podcast, called Art and Spirituality that will release this Fall. It will look at the intersection of Art and Faith, and why it is so important to us today. My wonderful friend, Cari Dougan and I will have several conversations about the impact of art on faith through history, culture’s impact on art, along with several conversations with artists around this subject.
I am also teaching the book of Daniel this fall in Atlanta, GA. And am looking forward to engaging an incredible community as we journey through the story of Daniel.
With all of the transitions that our family experienced and due to financial considerations and other commitments, we felt it best to hit the pause button on Rachael’s journey of earning her Master of Divinity degree. She is hoping to continue taking classes this fall through Fuller Theological Seminary now that we have transitioned to a more consistent schedule. We believe that this degree will serve our larger dreams of The Refuge. Please consider partnering with us in this dream.
MICRO SHIFT FOUR, BUSINESS
I (Rachael) am doing my own contract work and just recently started my own business called Tritonia Consulting. I specialize in helping startup businesses and entrepreneurs look at their marketing strategy, specializing in the podcast industry for hosts and guests. I love serving the story of people and what they are passionate about.
Micro Shifts to Foward Movement
Many times in life we want to see progress and we want to see it instantly. Our desire for instant results or gratification get played out in all areas of our life. Realistically though anything that is good and worth something takes time to cultivate and develop; relationships, family, work, ministry. The best we can do is continue to make micro shifts that as we keep living, move us toward our greater goals in life. And for us that means to love intentionally in a way that makes people feel seen and known.
Partnering with The Frases
We would love for you to join us on this journey of following Jesus together. While there are a variety of ways that we can remain connected, one of the primary ways is by praying for you and having you pray for us. Please visit the link below to partner with us in this way.
To partner with us financially, please visit Donations on our Website to give towards our ministry and Rachael’s continuing education as we walk forward.