God is Doing a New Thing

God is doing a new thing, 
Isaiah Forty Three Nineteen
God is doing a new thing, 
Isaiah Forty Three Nineteen

This very catchy little song that my boys listen to in the car has been stuck in my head this weekend. Over and over it plays, reminding me of some big truths.

Because, sometimes, don't you just feel old? And don't define old by years. Scripture tells us that even young men can grow weary and tired.

But God is doing a new thing.

Before I tell you the new thing I want to share with you some old facts.

At the turn of the 20th century in Mount Holly, North Carolina a little green building was constructed on Main Street. Over the years it was used as a pharmacy, a five and dime, and a photo printing shop.

One hundred years later three young women left their homes in various parts of the Appalachian Mountains.

Two moved to Cullowhee and became sorority sisters. The other went to Marshall.

Another few moves in a series of random events placed them all living within fifteen minutes of each other in and around Mount Holly and the little green building.

Several divine appointments and God-ordained friendships later, the three of them found themselves staring at the front of this little green shop in Mount Holly begging to breathe new life into its walls.

I need you to know the old facts before I tell you the new thing. Because that's the whole point. I want you to understand that this post is about more than what you think it is.

See, because when those walls were constructed over a hundred years ago God knew of the new thing He would do with it in 2016. When those three girls left their homes in the mountains almost two decades ago God knew of the new thing He would do in 2016. When they met in Cullowhee in 2001 and a coffee shop in 2013, when they poured their hearts out and painted on walls and canvases and on their pants, God knew of the new thing He would do in 2016.

This is what I want to tell you today, especially if your new thing hasn't happened yet: it will. God is always preparing circumstances and situations and little green buildings. He is always aligning meetings and creating new desires and forging new opportunities.

When a new thing comes from God you can't make it happen. You can't will it to happen. He just decides that it's time. He remembers that it's time for your new thing. He's the One who makes the move and you can only wait on Him. But the waiting is worth it because His ways are so much better than anything you have planned for yourself.

Andrea and I have looked at each other over the course of the last three years and said, "What are we doing? We're supposed to be doing something. What is it?"

Our only answer was that God would tell us when He wanted us to know. And on Wednesday morning, the For Rent sign in that little green building told me:

God is doing a new thing.

So this summer we say goodbye to A Place to Land and hello to Create In Us. We will be working to restore our shop back to it's former glory while offering our community a space to create, congregate, and be inspired. We will have retail space for our own original artwork and creations. This incredible space will allow us to bring you all of your favorite classes, but to larger groups. Our new three person partnership will also allow us to expand our list of art and creative classes. (Personally, I can't wait to start my weekly middle school girls bible journaling class! Details on this will be posted soon!)

With keys in hand in the next 48 hours we will begin remodeling while still holding classes at A Place to Land through May. We covet your prayers, your knowledge, and your advice while we embrace this gift He has given.

God is doing a new thing.

Now let's watch it spring up.