Waves of Change

Where do you begin when there’s so much to tell? There’s been a whirlwind in the past few years. Sometimes I sit in the early morning hours and wonder how in the world I got here. Just a few, short years ago I was living in Upstate NY with my husband, Joe. I was commuting to my office job, I had all of my friends and family close by, I had comfort, and I was surrounded by a network of people who I ministered with and loved.

When my husband, Joe, was first diagnosed with small cell lung cancer in 2015, my life took a sudden turn. I was now his caretaker, working full-time and trying to manage several ministries while I watched his health deteriorate.

Living in Hospice with Joe for the last few weeks of his life was an experience I’ll never forget. The morning he passed into the arms of Jesus, I woke up and sat beside his lifeless body. I knew He was with the Lord, and I knew my life on this Earth was about to change even more dramatically. 

"We found solace in our newfound friendship."

When I connected with Craig Hansen on Facebook just a few weeks later, I knew God’s hand was in it. How else could I explain that we had the same last name (my maiden name is Hansen)? We had so much in common including a love for birds. We both had just lost our spouses, and we found solace in our newfound friendship. We messaged each other constantly for about a month, and then finally had our first phone conversation on 1/1/20. We met in person in mid-January 2020. We were married on 2/1/20, just three, short months after the passing of my husband, Joe. Craig is “my Eagle”, and I wasn’t missing out on God’s plan for my life, even in the face of opposition.

I stepped out in faith, jumped on a plane to Illinois, and basically eloped. I was fearful of flying all my life, but God gave this bird the courage to spread her wings and go. We were married in Springfield, IL, in Lincoln Park, with just a few witnesses.  I didn’t let anyone know of my plans except for one close friend as I didn’t want anyone to try to stop me. How I hated leaving my family and friends out of this important decision, but I also could not allow negativity and doubt to derail what I knew was God’s plan.

I’m now living in a different state, in a new season with some new challenges. Moving to North Carolina was another major change, and I will share more about that in future blogs.  

I miss home. I miss my friends and family. I miss my dad. I miss the way it was.  I miss my late husband, Joe. I miss my neighbors. I miss the familiarity. Sometimes ... I even miss the snow.  

But I know God is here with me in North Carolina. He is keeping me connected, even more so, to my family and friends. God has simply expanded my territory.  I have made some new friends, and we’ve found a good church to attend. I am working at the same place, and it’s a blessing to be able to work remotely. I’ve had some recent health challenges, but through it all, God is right here. Malachi 3:6 says that God never changes, and I am thankful THAT will NEVER change!

"But if He calls you to go, then you will ride the waves of change with the Master of the waves."

Since change is inevitable, I chose to become good at handling it. I decided to focus on the positive and look forward to the future that God has. I reminisce often, and I rejoice for the wonderful memories. I trust God’s plan and seek His voice; it’s the ONLY way.  I know that regardless of what happens or where God takes me, He is ALWAYS with me. If we surrender to Him, He will bring to fruition all that is to happen in our lives.  If we complain, we’ll remain. If we fear the future, we can become stagnant. It was either “stay curled up, crying in the corner” or “ride the waves of change."  

I encourage you to TRUST in His plan, even when it doesn’t seem to make sense. Be in tune with God’s perfect timing, which is not always slow. Sometimes God wants us to get up and get moving. My prayer for you today is that you will cling to that mustard seed of faith and not let fear or opposition stop you. Don’t miss out on what God has for you, and if it’s to stay right where you are, then stay! We each have our own path in life. But if He calls you to go, then go and ride the waves of change with the Master of the waves. He’s right there with you. Sure, there will be some challenges and fears to work through, but the blessings and rewards are unimaginable.

Thank you for taking the time to read a short bit of my story. I have more to share in the coming blogs. I also look forward to hearing from you! I’m here to pray with you and encourage you to reach out for all God has!

Ms. Lady Lake

---