A Whale of a Conversation
The only thing we didn't get to do on our honeymoon was see whales because it was past season. I've always longed to see these majestic creatures, but kept missing opportunities in both the US and Australia, where the weather didn't permit.
When a sweet friend gifted us the ability to get whale cruise tickets while we were recently in Maine, I was like a child, GIDDY with excitement!
The day came, and I prepped ALL the things we'd need, including 5 layers of clothing and jackets because we didn't pack winter clothes and it was going to drop to about 40 degrees on the water. Of course, I was hanging over the side as far as possible as we sped through the water on a super speedy catamaran. I was determined to not miss a whale sighting...the wind in my face was COLD! (And, I loved it!)
I had every expectation of it being the BEST
whale excursion they'd ever had! My anticipation was SO high!
whale excursion they'd ever had! My anticipation was SO high!We saw fin whales first, then seals and Atlantic dolphins, then finally spotted a humpback. THIS is what I'd been waiting to see - a massive whale in full breach...
What we saw were 4 tail flukes.
Don't get me wrong - I was THRILLED to see what we saw and loved every moment of the cruise, but I was also disappointed because I knew there was so much more to be seen and to experience.
I brought my disappointment before the Lord. What followed was a whale of a convo with Him... I clearly heard my Father speak to the depths of my heart.
"Daughter, this experience with the whales is mirroring what you're feeling and sensing in your relationship with Me.
You have such expectation. You know how big I am and long to see Me in the fullness of who I am in might and majesty and raw beauty - to be left speechless before Me, and have your breath taken away in My presence on display.
You've seen Me in part, yet you know how much more is just below the surface, and you're longing for it."
Selah.Pause in His presence.
Have you ever felt like this? You KNOW there's more in Him, yet you're only experiencing a portion that's so much smaller than what you recognize is just below the surface?
My whale experience absolutely mirrored my internal longings for Him, and it's given me a tangible experience that's like a pin on a map and a line drawn in the sand. It tells me to return again and again with continued expectation in my heart of seeing and experiencing more of Him.
I've seen Him in measure, but I KNOW there's so much more to Him. It's just below the surface, and He delights in revealing Himself to us in power, might, and beauty.
I have complete assurance within me of seeing Him in all His glory as I continue to look for Him with full expectation in my heart!
THAT was a whale of a conversation!
What has He been speaking to you recently?
Living for Him,
Andrea
Our Mission: Love Others Well & Empower Them to Do the Same
STORIES FROM THE ROADZoom Gathering: Tuesday, July 14th, 8 PM EST
We've officially been on the road for TWO months now! Our first "Stories From the Road" included launching out from GA, then traveling to North Carolina, Maryland, and Washington D.C. where God showed up in each place!
Our second month has found us at Gettysburg, the Lancaster Area, New York (Croton-On-Hudson), Connecticut, Rhode Island, and the start of our Maine travels.
We've continued to see God move in the most beautiful ways, heard God speak to our hearts personally, had our assignment in Him more clearly defined, watched God touch lives in big and small ways, and always seen Him so very faithful along the way!
Each month, we're sharing our latest stories, what we're learning and hearing from God, and hopefully inspiring others to create stories of their own.
We would love for you to join us this Tuesday, July 14th, at 8:00 p.m.!
(No recording will be available - some stories are more sensitive.)
This is the perfect time to hear behind the scenes on the road and ask questions real-time!
--> RSVP to get the Zoom link - we hope to see you there!
OPPORTUNITIES TO
CONNECT & GROW DEEPER
Did you know Brian has a men's mentoring group that meets Thursday nights at 9:30 p.m. on Zoom? This group is a brotherhood of men committed to following Jesus together. As we learn at His feet, we encourage one another, celebrate what He's doing in each other's lives, and grow into the men He created us to be—walking confidently in the gifts, purpose, and good works He has prepared for us (Ephesians 2:10). This group is designed to propel men as kingdom leaders in every facet of their lives.
I (Andrea) am considering starting a weekly morning Zoom gathering for women and would love to know who's interested! It would be a welcoming space to grow together in our faith as we explore hearing God's voice, prayer and intercession, understanding dreams, and developing a deeper, more intimate walk with Jesus.
We're also opening up a limited number of individual mentoring opportunities, whether weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly.
Providing these opportunities are another way we can partner with God in journeying together with others and respond to His Great Commission to "make disciples of all nations" (Matt. 28:19-20). We'd love to journey with you!
Want information on the men's group?
Are you interested in participating in a women's group?
Would you like to know more about individual mentoring?
(There is a cost for each opportunity.)
Please reply to this email or reach out to us via text to learn more!
BECOME A TRAVEL PARTNERWe're traveling wherever He leads—praying, encouraging, mentoring, writing, teaching, and sharing the truth of who God is and the joy of walking closely with Him.
Many people have asked how they can be part of the journey.
First and foremost, we ask for prayer, especially for those we'll meet while on the road - for their hearts to be open and awakened to Him. For us, please thank God for His protection and travel mercies, for open doors/campsites, and pray for us to clearly hear Him leading us in every way, including logistically.
If you'd like to support us financially, every gift helps us continue saying "yes" to God's call. Whether it's a gallon of gas, a campground stay, a meal on the road, or simply a gift as God leads, you're helping fuel miles, ministry opportunities, mentoring conversations, writing projects, and God-ordained encounters across our nation.
In many ways, you're traveling with us.
Not everyone is called to go, but everyone can be part of the journey.
Ways to Give:
Thank you for praying, encouraging, and traveling with us!
WHAT'S NEXT???Our next stops include Maine, then a brief stop back in Connecticut before returning to the Lancaster area, where we've had the honor of being invited to gather with an Amish community for a time of worship and prayer.
While we've traveled, we've had multiple opportunities to pray for people, including those recovering from or facing surgery, as well as other illnesses and needs.
If we can pray for you, please reach out! I have a prayer journal, and I'm writing each request and answered prayer in it!
Living for Him,
Andrea & Brian
Our Mission: Love Others Well & Empower Them to Do the Same
