Friday, January 29, 2010

God Will Lead, We Will Follow.

Rose of Siam taken at the Hawaii Botanical Gardens 8/2008

I thought I would share my thoughts and more details about our family's future.

On Monday Aaron submitted his 2 weeks resignation. This was a long, hard, well thought out and prayed over decision. I don't feel at liberty to share too many details to the world wide web - but it is for the better for everyone. We both feel like it is the best decision for our family and that it was God's arrangement that the events that led us to that decision occurred when they did. So Tuesday is Aaron's last day - it isn't 2 weeks, but we had already planned a trip to Portland for a Business as Missions conference for the rest of the week.

So - how are we going to pay our bills? I've got a job at the hospital here in town lined up to start as soon as my background check clears (living in 4 states and 2 countries in the last 7 years is slowing things down a bit). I will work at least 2 days a week and possibly more if needed. Aaron is starting his own business as a web services contractor. He will offer businesses affordable web services to help them get the best use out of their website and email campaigns - as well as other techy things that he is really good at. It may take a little while to get everything up and running, but I am confident that he can serve people well and support our family in this new role. The third venture is that we are going to try to get Rocky Mountain Wacky Warmers fully up and running to sell hats year round on the web and at local Craft Fairs October - December each year.

In my mind - here are the huge benefits to this new found lifestyle
1. Aaron will be home a lot more often to watch our children grow up.
2. Aaron will be free so we can be flexible in where we live each year (more on this later)
3. I get to spend some time each week in the role of OT, which I really enjoy.
4. Back to that where we live thing - we plan to live in Loveland most of the time - however - if this new found career path works out we have a lot more freedom. Our dreams include longer mission trips to support small business in the 3rd world, living in Hawaii a few months out of the year (specifically - the winter months) on an OT contract and longer road trips to see friends and family, being able to spend more time in Glenwood with my parents and other options that are endless!!!

So - here's to 2010 - A new Brown Adventure - trusting God and Following Him as we pursue our God given career paths and dreams!

Thanks for all the support and love through this transition!

8 comments:

djrepshire said...

Way to go taking another step of faith and putting family first! Good for you guys!! I'm excited to see what God's going to do with this and you!

Mindy said...

I am so so very excited for you guys. God is amazing! I can't wait to see what God asks us to do and what He has in store for us. Is great to get a glimpse of what He is doing in your life. I'll be praying for you mission minded hearts to find the right organizations to team up with for "longer missions trips."

Ashley Beth said...

Proverbs 16:3 tells us, "Commit all you do to the Lord and your plans will succeed." When you are following His will and living for His glory, it will all fall into place gloriously. There may be bumps along the way but the bumps are what keep things interesting! Having stepped out in faith in business ventures, I know how scary it can be, but also so exciting! Best wishes and prayers sent your way tonight! And God is all about family, so rearranging your life to be closer to your kids will surely honor Him. :)

Tara Brown said...

Thank you friends! God is Great, Life is Great and we are so very excited for this new step in life.

Julie P. said...

All peace and joy to you and Aaron. We love you and are proud of the decisions you've been sharing on the blog recently. What would the world look like if every family reflectively charted their own course in the world with God's guidance rather than following the path of least resistance?

Rebecca said...

I'm so excited for you guys. What a wonderful step of faith you are taking. We'll be looking forward to talking with you more in March. Did you know Matt and Michelle (who are church support for M work) and at the conference you are going to?ing

Tara Brown said...

Thank you Julie!

Rebecca - we actually heard about the conference from the Klakulak's news letter we receive and have been in touch with them about Aaron going to the conference! It should be great - excited to see what nuggets of truth are shared and what networking God style produces!

Christine said...

Good for you both for following your dreams and for making family time a priority.
We've never regreted our desicion for me to quit to be home with Elliana.
Good luck and God bless!