in a nutshell.

Nothing about this easily  fit into a nutshell, but sometimes, you just have to make yourself find the words, and do what you can. And I'll tell you right now that as lenghthy (I'm just going to assume) this story will be - it will still be in a nutshell. So, to give all the praise to the Lord first... I'm going to start off by sharing just SOME of the things that Jared and I have been blessed by, have learned, and grown in as of late, pertaining to our "big news":

- God has been stretching us. In big ways and in small ways. And we are of the belief that this is a wonderful thing. It encourages us to know that we have an opportunity to choose faith. And we want to pass the test.
- We have had the chance to learn many new things about how we (as a husband/wife) function in the face of big decisions. Finding out each others weaknesses, strengths, and how to share the load when necessary. A VERY valuable lesson to learn 14 months into marriage.
- We have understood the value of how our individual spiritual lives impact our spiritual life as a couple. Especially during times of trial, we have been blessed to be able to see clearly the things that the other does not.
- We have experienced James 1 and Philippians 4 (and many others) - we have literally felt the tests of doubting as well as the peace that guards our hearts. Sometimes at the same time! The Word has come alive in so many ways for how God is working in our life.

Nutshell: Jared received a call from Bethel University about a month and a half ago, basically asking him to apply for the Sports Information Director position. He was the runner up for this exact same job last year, which we really wanted, but they hired within, and thus we began "our journey".

Now, we could probably write a short book with all the thoughts, emotions, legistics & details, prayers, and confusion we faced after getting that call. There were SO many reasons for both sides. Not just emotions, legitimate reasons.

Nutshell: we sought God fervently. Journal entries that no one besides me and the Lord will ever need to see. There was anger, confusion, longing, more confusion, hours of talking every. single. night. But one thing remained the same. Even when we couldn't see through the fog - we felt the Lord near. I'm sure you are picturing in your head right now all the obvious, and mabye not so obvious, questions that we should have thought about... guarantee we thought about them. The millions of them.

Nutshell: Jared and I grew closer. Was it difficult on us at times? Yes. Jared sought the Lord, I sought the Lord. We turned to wisdom from people we love and trust, and it came time for the Lord to work. Bethel had opened up every door and one more to give us reason to go. So we applied for the job in faith. In faith knowing that if God wanted us back in Minnesota He would have Bethel offer Jared the job. In faith knowing that at the same time, He also had full power to close the door if he wanted us here. In faith that He knew where we were supposed to be. Because God knows we didn't. Seriously.  

Nutshell: God spoke, and Jared and I are moving back to Minnesota in less than 2 weeks.

Our life for the past month-ish has been a test of our faith, and all glory to the One who "knew each moment of our life before one of them came to be." What a story we have been blessed with! What a joy to live each day in full dependence, reliance, and trust to the ONE WHO NEVER FAILS! He doesn't make mistakes! If for one second (we had it) we thought that either of these "choices" would remove us from the Lord, or soemhow "negate all the faith" we had learned through the process, we were severely wrong. God uses these experiences to grow us and make us better - not to give us our "one chance" to get it right! Thankfully he revealed all this and more to us!

So, the decision is done, and we are moving on (literally, emotionally, and figuratively). I have been so proud of my husband. Talk about being faithful to the Lord even in the tough stuff! Through all the conversations he had at Marshall with his co-workers, coaches, his boss, etc, his courage and faith remained strong. They were NOT easy conversations as you can imagine. I am so encouraged/proud/inspired by the person he is! You can still be in prayer for his endurance - he is just LOADED with work to finish before his last day (Sunday the 16th).

So, it's back to the homeland for these Johnson's! We are excited, but honestly all the emotional toll of the past month is just finally wearing off. It was very bittersweet, as there have been so many positives about being here, but there is so much excitement for our future in Minnesota. Our apartment is once again in turmoil, and we start the drive back across the country on tuesday the 18th. We will be living in Chanhassen with my parents until we find a place back up in the northern suburbs. (If you know of anything... ;)

For all of you who were praying us through this, we could NOT have finished the way we did without you lifting us up. Thank you! See you soon, friends! :)

NUTSHELL: Praise be to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than we could EVER ask or imagine!