Saying Goodbyes -

Life is about seasons.

There is a time to be born, a time to grow, a time to build, reflect, and rest. The rhythm of life is full of purpose and movement, and change is part of the process. Life invites us from one season to the next. Each season is unique and beautiful in its own way, often bringing new opportunities and change.

I want to share that I am entering a new season in my life. This transition has been bittersweet as I navigate the complex emotions of change. I admit there have been moments of tears, coupled with excitement, as I move towards a new beginning. I have retired from a staff position at my local church (a family I adore) and plan to move to a church closer to home. I have loved the time with the WC staff and church peeps. The Seamon family has been at West Cabarrus Church since 2007. My daughter was married on campus; our oldest son made a profession of faith at a "Strongs Man" event, and our middle son was baptized at WC and met his (now) wife. And a Godly young pastor mentored our youngest. Our boys spent many hours in the student ministry. My husband and I were on the staff team for a while. This church has been home.

I pause to say thank you to my people for the surprise parties, the gifts from my ladies' team, sweet hugs, flowers, the alliterated poem written in my honor, the church recognition with deep affirming words from my pastor followed by a reception, the lunches with friends, the goodbye lunch with staff and the yummy treats, (including four cheesecakes) cards, a memory book, slide show and an outpouring of love. I am forever grateful and recovering from a sugar high! HAHA! Seriously, I have been blessed beyond words.

As I move from this role, I am excited about the young, beautiful lady, Caroline Phillips, stepping into the Women's Director role at WCC. She is the perfect one for the next season at West Cab, which she has been a part of since 2017. Caroline is godly, gifted, talented, and excited. She is a dear friend and has served on our Women's team, bringing a deep love for discipleship and Bible knowledge. If you live in the Concord area and are looking for a church home, I invite you to West Cabarrus Church.

Moving forward into this season, this blog, a cherished outlet for my thoughts and experiences, will receive more attention. My speaking and writing ministry will take priority as I embrace these opportunities to connect with others, share insights, and inspire those around me. I will support my husband in Walk Thru the Bible ministry. This is a new season, and I am giddy, embracing it with joy.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-7 reads,

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:

a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.

Here are a few things I am learning in this season of my life.

Live each day with purpose (no matter your age). If you are young, understand that time really does get away from you. Indeed, 'the days can be long, but the years are short.' Recognize that every moment is a gift and should not be taken for granted. If you are a 'mature' lady, I remind you and me (haha) to live with purpose and capture the moments given. Pray that God will bless us in our later years more than in the early years. (Job 42:12.)

Live each day with purpose.

On your hard days, remember that this life is a temporary assignment. This season will roll into an eternal life that will never end. Give your new assignment all you have, knowing that 'this too shall pass' into a perfect and glorious ending that is forever and ever.

Friend, know that every season holds its own significance and purpose. Each moment contributes to our growth and understanding, whether in times of joy or sorrow. Even the hard seasons are not merely obstacles to endure; they are opportunities for growth, learning, and a deeper faith. They shape and mold us and ultimately guide us toward knowing our Lord better. I remind you that this life is a temporary assignment, and I challenge you to live purposefully each day. Embrace every season! Celebrate the beginnings, and the closures allow the way.

Blessings for your season!