Story: Lisa Morgan
This week, we’re hearing from Lisa Morgan. In addition to being a wife and mother, Lisa is a gifted writer who maintains a very popular blog that offer tons of tips and encouragements for women. God is moving Lisa and her family out into a new adventure and we wanted her to share it!
The whole family!
It was about seven years ago, when we first attended Bethel Bible Church. The first Sunday we visited, we knew…. this was home! We had been in and out of church for several years, not seeking the Lord and putting God first in our marriage. Needless to say, when we arrived to Bethel, we were weary with a broken marriage and wounded hearts.
We eventually became involved with the Kingdom Seekers Class, on Sunday mornings, enjoying the teaching of Dan Bolin and the fellowship of Christian friends. Chris and I jumped at the chance to join the Collier Life Group. We have been members of that Life Group for about five years now.
With prayer, fellowship with Christian friends, renewed commitment to God and refocusing our marriage on a heavenly path, everything changed. Our marriage was restored and we felt God blessing us in so many ways. The support and love we have received from our friends at Bethel and from our Life Group have been irreplaceable.
I am so glad the church put an emphasis on Life Groups over the last two years. We already enjoyed the sweet fellowship that comes from a Life Group. I am thankful the remainder of the church congregation can now participate in the same fellowship. If you are not involved in a Life Group or small fellowship group find one! Get involved! The relationships you make are priceless. They become family – much more than just friends.
Many life events have happened over the last seven years, while attending Bethel. We have seen success in business and job layoffs. We have had deaths in our family and severe illness. We have great joys with our friends and in our own marriage. After thirteen years of marriage, God blessed us with our daughter, Grace, two years ago. She is our joy! Also, Chris and I just celebrated our fifteenth wedding anniversary. I feel strong our marriage would have not survived had we not come to Bethel when we did. Praise God for answered prayer of family, friends, as well as encouragement and support from church members.
So where are we now? What’s the latest?
Chris was laid off in May. He has had some off and on consulting work, since that time, for which we thank God. Now there is a new job, for Chris, and a possible move to Chicago. There are still some issues related to the new job and it might not be permanent. We are waiting to see what God does. For now, Chris is traveling weekly to Chicago and home on the weekends. With the possibility of a move, I have been doing a lot of praying and thinking.
As I sat in church, this past week, with Todd leading us in worship, I thought,
“What will we do without Bethel? If we move to Chicago, we leave Bethel.”
I then lost it. The tears flowed. Don’t get me wrong. I am excited to see what the Lord will do next. He has been with us, all the way! Through 15 years of marriage- when we were not seeking Him, even when we were not honoring him with our lives…. He never left us. He brought us to Bethel – He will lead us to a new church home, if that time comes.
I want to end this post with a verse, which I think describes the church body at Bethel. Doug McSwane preached on this passage one Sunday, several years ago. It has become a favorite passage, and I read it often. I think it describes our church and how every church body should act:
Colossians 3:12-15
12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Well, I am thankful. I am thankful for a church body that exemplifies these characteristics. I feel that love, that gentleness, that kindness, that compassion every time I enter the doors at Bethel. Since that first Sunday, over seven years ago, and even now, those characteristics remain. I thank God for bringing Chris and I to Bethel, for our church family, and for the grace He continues to pour out on us, even as unworthy as we are.
Chris and I would appreciate your prayers regarding his job and the possible move to Chicago. We are seeking the Lord for direction, wisdom, and guidance. We would appreciate your prayers as well.
Thank you for the opportunity to share with you today.
-Lisa Morgan, wife of Chris, mother of Grace, and follower of Christ.
If you’d like to stay up to date with this new adventure in Lisa’s life, you can follow her:
twitter.com/blessedwGrace
www.blessedwithgrace.blogspot.com
facebook.com/blessedwithgrace
I worked with Lisa at Trinity Mother Frances in Tyler, Texas. I do remember the times her and Chris were struggling in their marriage and how, by turning it all over to Him, were able to heal that marriage. Lisa is one of the most God-fearing women I know and she has truly blessed others with her wisdom, love, and kindness. If I was going through something Lisa would always be there to comfort me and offer guidance. My prayers to Lisa and Chris regarding their possible move and Chris’ new job. Where one door closes another opens.
holly we are trying to reach you, amber from tyler..please reply
Great job, Lisa! Larry & I will keep praying for you as you and Chris begin this new season.
What an encouragement Lisa. You and Chris (and Grace as well) will be in our family’s prayers as God continues to work in your lives. I recently shared with our Life Group (the Hodges Life Group) something that I would like you to hold onto as well. Corrie ten Boom was quoted as saying “If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed. If you look within you’ll be depressed. But if you look at Christ, you’ll be at rest.” What a beautiful story and beautiful family you have. You keep your eyes on Christ, and whether it’s Tyler or Chicago you will be at rest.
Oh, my goodness!! What a beautiful testimony to your faithfulness, and to the miraculous way God works. Many, many prayers (and tears) from all the family have gone up to heaven. We are blessed to have you, as the wife of our son.
I didn’t mean to leave my message as anonymous-sorry.
Good luck to you! I love your blog and popped over here to read your testimony. You are a trooper for Christ and I’m sure he’ll lead you to greener pastures. Stay strong and we’ll be praying for you and the family!
How awesome!!!! I am blessed to see you and Chris BLOOM in your walk with Him and read how you proclaim His glory through word. What a beautiful creation of Christ you are!!!! You inspire me! All my love, your sister-in-love, Kim
Lisa – thank you so much for sharing your story!
Lisa- What a sweet testimony to the Grace of God in all our lives. I remember your first days in L&D- young, fresh out of school, so in love, so much ahead of you. good and bad. How beautiful to see you now and know where you have been and what you have been thru and to know the God you love and serve. A real pleasure to be a friend to have shred in this with you both. As always we will pray for all of you in this, another exciting chapter.
Lisa~ You are an amazing young lady. I am thankful for the friendships you & Chris have extended to my Charlsie & Jeff. It is every mother’s desire to see her children grow in relationship with other Christian couples. God bless you. I pray for God’s PERFECT Will in the future of your family & Chris’ job.
Hey everyone! I just wanted to thank you all for the kind words. I really enjoyed having the opportunity to share our story.