Thoughts on new adventures

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Today, I start a new adventure. It will be different from one I’ve been on before.

In the past, I’ve started new adventures that meant more money, or an advancement in title, or even a new location.

This time is different for manyย reasons.

It’s been a change I’ve been sensing for several years. I wanted something more, but not in the traditional sense of how we often view our work. I wanted something new. I wanted an opportunity to invest in people in a more intentional way.

Sure, I’ve been learning to dream again and look at my life completely differently. I’ve been learning to forget finding a purpose, and live with purpose instead. I’ve been learning to make a difference right where you are. And those have all been necessary and important steps to guide me on this path.

I’ve learned to take steps forward while still being patient and not understanding this path that I felt God leading me on. It was often filled with frustration and unclear answers, yet through it all I had a sense of peace. I was leaning in and listening and growing in the process.

Last week, Iย said goodbye toย Corporate America. It has been incredibly good to me, and I’ve been aย faithful contributor for almost twenty years. Those years were my investment in me, and I wouldn’t tradeย them for anything. I have learned so much and my knowledge and skills learned have helped shape me into who I am today. ย I left it feeling bittersweet, as my coworkers and the organization I worked for were very special to me. But, I also left it knowing without a doubt that my passions and interests now lie in places that Corporate American cannotย fulfill.

invest

 

Today, I have the opportunity of investing in something that really matters to me. People. Specifically, an amazing tribe of people known as The Orchard Community. If you’ve followed my blog or social media, you’ve most likely heard me reference my church before. We’ve been blessed to call The Orchard our church home for almost eight years. For the last fiveย years, I have been heavily involved in serving and leading volunteer teams. This past year I took on a new volunteer role to focus on serving activism, and helping connect our church to serving opportunities internally and within our local community. Something shifted in me during this new role, which led to our initial discussions about an expanded role on staff.

I’ll be honest. I resisted these discussions initially. While I am completely devoted to our awesome community, fear showed up quickly andย in big ways. As my friend Jon Acuff says, “Fear only gets loud when you do something that matters.”

Luckily, I have awesome pastors (now bosses) who helped walk with me through this process, and explore every option and opportunity to make sure this was the right fit for all of us. I am incredibly blessed to have them in my life as leaders and friends. I also had a trusted group of people close to me who helped guide and encourage me.

The Orchard has impacted my life in incredible ways. I am so excited to be joining the staff as the Director of Connections and Growth. I willย be able to invest full-time in something that matters greatly to me: people. I truly believe that God created us to be unique, and He wants us to grow into the people Heย designed us to be. A big part of this role will be walking with people and providing opportunities for them to take steps forward and invest in themselves and their faith.

A few years ago, I could have never imagined this would be the adventure I would explore. Isn’t that typically howย God works? He often doesn’t show us the plan, so we don’t mess it up.

If you’re in the middle of learning who you are andย who God designed you to be, keep taking steps forward. You never know where they will lead. I’d also love to encourage you. This journey has been one that has stretched me and challenged me, and I love helping others walk through their journeys. I’d love to connect with you.

I’m excited to start a new chapter, and I look forward to what 2014 will bring.

Have you ever taken a big step of faith? Share in the comments below.

 

 

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Showing 40 comments
  • Matt Ham
    Reply

    Tammy – this is very exciting AND encouraging. I’m in the midst of a transition period myself and I feel like I see the writing on the wall. I have a question if I may:

    When did you know it was time?

    Who helped validate that for you?

    Thanks!!

  • Tracie Rollins
    Reply

    Wow Tammy. I am so proud of you. You are an amazing role model, and I wish you the greatest success in your new role. So proud of you girl!!!!

    • Tammy Helfrich
      Reply

      Thanks, Tracie! You’re a pretty great role model yourself. Appreciate you!

  • Andrea Cumbo
    Reply

    So exciting, Tammy. . . and scary. I know. You know my story. . . and I’m so excited to watch you grow and take joy in this new path.

    • Tammy Helfrich
      Reply

      Thanks, Andi. I know you can relate. I appreciate your kind words and support.

  • Joni
    Reply

    Congratulations Tammy! You will be awesome in this role!!!!

  • Dave Arnold
    Reply

    Wow Tammy! So excited for you. It’s amazing how God directs our paths. I love what you said: you’re tired of chasing purpose and rather living it instead. I think ill use that :). Excited for you!

    • Tammy Helfrich
      Reply

      Thanks, Dave. Learning to live with purpose was one of the best things I’ve ever done. I appreciate your support!

  • jenmurray
    Reply

    AMAZING. Chills Tammy…what an incredible opportunity to serve. So excited for you!!

    • Tammy Helfrich
      Reply

      Thank you so much! It still feels a little surreal, but really great!

  • kimanzi constable
    Reply

    Huge congrats Tammy! Leaving that hustle and bustle and being in a place that’s all about service will add years to your life ๐Ÿ™‚

  • Jennifer Kaufman
    Reply

    So excited for you! Praying for you as you start this new chapter!

  • Lily Kreitinger
    Reply

    Blessings to you Tammy! Very excited for you!! Congratulations.

  • JD Smith
    Reply

    Great Tammy.
    Let’s talk soon on ways we can help Orchard connect.

  • Courtney Walsh
    Reply

    Woohoo!! ๐Ÿ™‚ So excited for you! Change can be such a beautiful thing!! I wish we were close enough to go to your church…it sounds awesome!

    • Tammy Helfrich
      Reply

      Thanks, Courtney! I know you know all about big leaps of faith too. ๐Ÿ™‚

  • Larry Carter
    Reply

    I really don’t like where this is leading …..me perhaps.

    • Tammy Helfrich
      Reply

      We need to talk, Larry! I’d love to hear more.

      • Larry Carter
        Reply

        I was recently asked to head up our small groups at church. It seems we may be on the verge of some growth and I wonder where all of this is headed.

  • Eileen
    Reply

    Congrats Tammy! Very exciting

  • Michael Nichols
    Reply

    Love it. Congrats on the new role. Looking forward to hearing great things.

    • Tammy Helfrich
      Reply

      Thanks, Michael. You have been such an encouragement to me. I appreciate you!

  • Stan Stinson
    Reply

    Congratulations Tammy! That took courage and a lot of prayer I am sure. You serve a big big God who has big big plans for you! I wish you much success in the next chapter of your life.

  • Sheila O'Connor
    Reply

    Way to go tsking this step of faith. You have already impacted many lives at the Orchard! I took a step of faith 13 years ago when I went back to school to become an OT, and again 9 years ago when I moved to IL to work. I have no regrets! God has been faithful!

  • Camilla
    Reply

    Taking that leap of faith is so rewarding. Scary at first but so worth it. I’m super excited for you and the new journey you are starting. You’re going to have such a big, life changing and positive impact on your community.

  • Brian Basilico
    Reply

    Congrats Tammy. I know you will do some amazing things… because you already have. Now you get to do them full time!

  • Tammy Werthem
    Reply

    Amazing opportunity!! They wil be blessed to have you, your generous heart and outstanding God gifted talents. Enjoy the transition

  • Carol Dublin
    Reply

    Congratulations Tammy! What a difference you will make in the people you touch, and I bet they will continue to make a difference in you. Look forward to seeing your impact!

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