Whoa!! Stepping out into the ravine? Tucker journey update...

Did you know that when Abraham was called by God out of his family's land, he ended up traveling 1,200 miles ON FOOT to the promised land???

And then...
This "father of nations" spent the rest of his days living in tents--never again did he live over a solid foundation of a home.


That makes 550 miles to Kansas City in a large U-Haul truck and a loaded -down Suburban sound REALLY "cushie" :).

It actually makes our consideration-- in a family meeting the other night with Ashley and Graham-- (due to financial reasons) of fitting our family into a 2 bedroom apartment for the next season sound pretty good too!--But you can stop holding your breath--the apartment management companies would not allow our number of people due to fire codes!! Bummer!! :) That was pretty wild to figure out until we were told no. And, life away from stuff to fuss with seemed rather freeing for a moment too!!

SOoooo the question of late has been somewhat like, "When God has called you to something quite incredible-- when you have heard His voice and KNOW that you KNOW that you KNOW that He is saying, GO!!!!--How 'low' can you go?--How little could you live with or on? or what is so precious to you that you could not live without it or leave it behind?"

This is a VERY easy question for me to answer when we are talking about OTHER people's things. It was exceedingly easy in our family meeting as Graham was instructed that Bella the Python was a pocession that was not right for life in smaller digs!!--or at least sharing bedroom space with my babies or me! :)!!!

Simple, huh?

But when I saw the look in Graham's eye...

...and then, I "got" the same feeling the next day, as I began to fit our pocessions into a space that will be a fourth to a third the size of what we are used to now...

How are you doing packing away YOUR pretties, Gillian?

--I must say--my heart was deceptive,fleshy, and tantrumy--

It was not a pretty site--

Mommy clutching onto my clipboard with cartoon electricity coming out of my hair and dying to that Martha side (I'm refering to the one on T.V. --Ms. Stewart-- not the Biblical one--or maybe there is a sad comparison here!!for my HEART and SPIRIT DO call out to be a 'Mary'--NOT a Martha!!)

Until...

"Gillian, who do you say that I am?"
"Gillian, do you Trust me?"

God pressed on my heart yet again ...and all the fullness of Himself flooded my heart...I had to confess my ugly attitude to my kiddos and with our circumstances and kneel in the middle of our boxes and again make my testimony, "Here I am, God...I love you...I adore you...YOU are my life...send me into the center of your will...not only WHEREever it is but WHATever it is!! ....WHAT a journey we are about to embark on!! Bring on the packing tape and get on with the Craiglistings!!

I actually believe that God is a very generous Father who has amazing plans for His children--He does not leave the righteous forsaken--I proclaim without doubts that as our story unfolds our life in Him will be a testimony,a "proof" of how He loves to complete what He calls us to--and what provision and glories he has for His children that not only hear His voice but follow it.

And we already have praise reports about this as we step into the first part of our call to a new ministry, land, and life:

Two fridays ago, we received a call OUT of the BLUE--a beautiful,Godly family offered to rent our current home until we sell it--what a gift!!

The conversation started out with this phrase, "Hi, Gillian this is J., this is going to be a very unusual conversation." Immediately my ears and heart were pricked--God often calls us to things that are seemingly impossible and absolutely illogical so that He'll get all the credit and glory--"very unusual" sounded very "usual" kingdom-wise. :)

WELL!! the blessing was MUCH more than timing or finance or detail for as we sat in our living room with this PRECIOUS couple and their sweet family they told our story of calling--I mean, it was not the exact story--but EVERY other element was there.

This husband called to be a preacher,

mine called to be a pastor.

They do not know what the next step is except that the only word God has for sure given them is , "Stay"--the only word we have been given is, "GO".

They shared encouraging verses that were "our" verses.

And as S. answered Richard's question of "tell me how you KNOW that God has called you to this next step"--his answer was WORD for WORD what Richard says each time he speaks about this calling and the other times God has brought us on a journey.

"You know you are called when nothing else works and this is the ONLY thing you can do."

We laughed--probably too loud for where we were in this tender conversation--and almost fell out of our chairs--again--It was WORD for WORD what Richard says about calling because of his growth in Jesus. Sometimes God just talks out loud--and gives ALOT of repetition--we must be need of this teaching/parenting style of encouragement for He is literally hedging us in with Word to us about journey, will, following Him, continuing to press into seemingly blank areas so that He can reveal the next step of His will to us...

And then it was Richard's turn to answer the question...
And I have to tell you that he acted this out in our living room as he shared it. :)!!

One of Richard's favorite movies is "Indiana and the Temple of Doom".
Yeah, we were teens in the eighties!!

There is this one scene of a deep and wide ravine--Indiana is being pursued--he is going through a set of "tests" in this ancient area that reveal the way to treasure --each one with a biblical allusion (I loved that part of the movie too!)--at this ravine, he starts sweating and shaking--what is he to do...he looks down--the movie prop rock bounces all the Waaaay down to the depths--we hear its descent...--then he stands up- caaaarefully as he picks up his foot and mumbles, "Of course, the walk of Faith" He puts his foot down into...nothingness...and is jolted still--a stone step has appeared and is holding him up--of course the bad guys are showing up at this point too and Indiana (Harrison Ford) has to leap continually into the nothingness of the ravine as step after step appears only AFTER he has set his feet down. This is one of Richard's favorite pictures of faith--and you gotta see him acting it out for our friends in our livingroom!! No matter what the "test" or the "ravine" or the circumstance--God IS there and I believe God our Father is pleased with our faith that, knowing He is there,does NOT shrink back but banks our life on this and step out into what we cannot see. "Faith is EVIDENCE of what we cannot see" after all...

What is He calling your heart to?

Do you have a ravine in front of you?

We do.

I plan to keep stepping out and letting our Father catch us.

Even this morning we asked Him in tears for Faith that will walk forward into what we do not see.

...And away from those familiar banks...


We had a precious missionary mom in my home this week--a brand new friend who is being called by God with her husband to FRANKLIN in a very dramatic and unique way--God has sent an unusual amount of precious people (that I previously did not have a close relationship with) TO MY DOOR and TO MY PHONE over the past weeks--it has been mind-boggling how sweet He is and how much He is NOT going to let us withdraw from this calling!! B. sat on my livingroom sofa and I knew that she was speaking God's words to me when she said, "All my family lives in ---. This has been heart-breaking to even think of being apart from them--but how could I NOT? I really believe that, now, in this season, God is giving out special assignments to those that are seeking Him out in intercession--This is a really special time to listen to Him. He is getting His people ready--I am seeing so many example of this--moving those who are listening and obeying into position for where they will be most effective for the Great Global Harvest to come before He comes back."

So the rest of our week? What will it hold?

We can't see it yet. :) But we do know we will be hugging precious necks of those we have loved in the Nashville area for almost 20 years...

And crying sweet tears of love.

Thanking God for all He's done here and praising HIm in wonder for what He is bringing us to...

Squeezing my mom and dad REALLY tightly--this part of the call is achy--it literally hurts inside--

We will be finding little boys up to their necks in empty boxes

And catching them being pretty naughty--they think I've pack all the boundaries and rules in our boxes for some reason!!

Teens who are packing up a storm--so excited to grow and celebrate, and serve Jesus in their next school and ministry--you should hear their excitement and JOY!!

Ashley's guitar in packing breaks

Phrases like, "Man!! This room is full of boxes--its like BOXLAND in here!!--lets hideout!!"--from Anders and Jack

When are we going already?--Bruik

"I was made for for LOooooove."--Ava singing

Ashley--our word girl in the midst of the newprint for packing--"Its a win-win situation you get to pack up AND read the comics!!"

EVERYONE ELSE--"Hurry up, Ashley!"

Bella the Ball Python (I think I just like to type her name for effect!)
on her way to another abode--Graham found a buyer!! Mama's pretty happy about this!!

A thousand million last minute details...

If you can help us load the truck on Wednesday give us a shout!!--We are looking for helpers!!

But... we ain't walkin' 1,200 miles!--this isn't so bad!--Let's load er up and go already!!


How lovely is your dwelling place,

O Lord Almighty!

My soul yearns, even faints,

for the courts of the Lord;

my heart and my flesh cry out

for the living God.

Even the sparrow has found a home,

and the swallow a nest for herself,

where she may have her young—

a place near your altar,

O Lord Almighty, my King and my God.

Blessed are those who dwell in your house;

they are ever praising you. Selah

Blessed are those whose strength is in you,

who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.

As they pass through the Valley of Baca,

they make it a place of springs;

the autumn rains also cover it with pools.

They go from strength to strength,

till each appears before God in Zion.

Hear my prayer, O Lord God Almighty;

listen to me, O God of Jacob. Selah

Look upon our shield, O God;

look with favor on your anointed one.

Better is one day in your courts

than a thousand elsewhere;

I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God

than dwell in the tents of the wicked.

For the Lord God is a sun and shield;

the Lord bestows favor and honor;

no good thing does he withhold

from those whose walk is blameless.

O Lord Almighty,

blessed is the man who trusts in you.

Psalm 84

Love, Gillian

Big Announcement from the Tucker Family :)

Our Journey continues...



Hey, Everyone!

WELLL, if it has seemed to some--even those of you closest to our family-- that we have had something "under wraps" for a while--we have!

We have an announcement of sorts. :)

Our family is being sent to become missionaries through the International House of Prayer Ministry in Kansas City, Mo.

YES! As soon as we sell our home, we are packing up our six kiddos and are heading out to Missouri.

As we have sought after and journeyed with God this year, He has used International House of Prayer's podcasts,music, teachings,conference as a tool over and over to help us know Him more--to introduce us more and more to who He is and what our identity in Him is.

As we have been encouraged to dive into prayer, fasting, receiving of the Holy Spirit, deep times digging in the Word of God...We have been smitten with His heart, filled with His spirit. God's power and personality has been SO near. A fountain of revival, passion after His heart that has brought such power has sprung up among our family after we have "laid it all down", counted the cost, and have remained at His feet--there's just so much to the Presence of the Living God--we echo Psalm 27, what we truly desire most--each one of us is to seek His face--to enjoy Him in His holy place--this ONE thing we seek. Christ has made Himself our ONE THING this year.
He has been our reward.

He has brought other rewards--some of which you have witnessed here on our blog--like a flood of physical healings, restoration and salvation of our foster children's lives, and a literal,dramatic saving from the Nashville Flood. We have heard His voice and have received precious promises. We have delighted in finding Him in worship times that He overflowed to places like the local grocery stores--where He would bring us to people to lay hands on and pray for--this is just the tip of the ice berg--we are a people ON FIRE with the realness and the goodness of a very REAL God.

He saves,
He is SO loving--
He burns with holiness and glory.

He has revealed so much of our deepened and transformed hearts through a flow from secret,intimate times with Him-- Overall--this HAS BEEN A MIRACULOUS YEAR!! THERE'S ABSOLUTELY NO GOING BACK!!

Soooooo....We have shared with a few close friends and family members about this new call and the next question of course is , "what will you be DOING there?..."

Firstly and most importantly, the most special thing about the ministry of the International House of Prayer can be gathered by its name--

We will be PRAYING.

10 years ago, a prayer meeting was established at IHOP that has been going on non-stop, 24/7 ever since. (There are prayer/worship/word teams that come into the prayer room in 2 hours blocks around the clock.)

And you know what?

If you spend THAT much time with God in intercession, adoration, and worship, He is going to share and download ALOT into your heart, mind, and will.

And He has.

Just some examples of how God has responded to a people who's hearts are tender to His heart are--

A ton of new music, straight from the heart of God, from the Word, from the Holy Spirit is flowing out of the prayer room--we have been incredibly touched by this precious gift.--

There have been incredible answers to prayers and petitions--much favor even in foreign nations--even among unsaved leaders for the sharing of the gospel.--

God's been so sweet in bringing His Presence among a people who are seeking HIm in this way--many other prayer furnaces that are bringing glory to God are being established all over the Earth as well--.

And the things that God's heart yearns after and beats for-- He has readily shared with people who are giving such focus and attention to HIm--

Now, ten years after establishing the prayer room, International House of Prayer also has an incredible Bible University to equip young people to find their identity in Christ, to restore broken lives,to be built up in God's living Word, the Bible--

Many times then these same young people that fall passionately in love with Jesus are bringing this love to their families, cities, and even specific nations. God has pressed justice movements as well--VERY strongly on the intercessors at International House of Prayer-

-as of course He naturally would--

For if you spend ALOT of time talking with a good friend--you are going to get to know his or her heart--

You will receive powerful awareness of God's glory and identity--

That God's heart truly beats after the lost, the hurting, the weak, the hungry, the orphaned, the widowed, the helpless...AND yes, YOU!

...and this is what has happened with people who spend hours with God during the week--He has talked back! ... He has answered the desires He has placed on hearts!

He has pressed specific movements so powerfully that now International House of Prayer has established --24/7 ACTS of justice to match the 24/7 ACTION of Prayer.

Those who are on staff are in the prayer room for 24 hours a week and are required to give 24 hours of service to justice.

And what is neat about this is that this requirement is actually is a perfect fit for the way we are already choosing to order our days and to what we are already pursuing after in God today.

We have found that justice (like our experiences with M and M--our foster kids this year-- and other such experiences) so MIGHTILY springs up from time with our Father--and this is the best way to enter in to justice, be it loving your neighbor down the street,caring for that specific person that He brings you to in the grocery line, feeding the hungry, or even adopting--for God then can send you just where He wants you--to the tasks He's uniquely set out for you before He made the world--as the Bible would say.

Now PLEASE don't get me wrong--we are NOT YET spending this type of time in prayer--24 hours a week-- with God --but we desire to. We actually found that much of the power behind our incredible year (and at all the other precious seasons in our life) has stemmed from an obedience to a time in prayer.

About a year ago this week, God told me clearly in a time with Him to give Him my Tuesdays and my Thursdays--to give them over to Him in fasting and prayer. No lunches out with friends, no hanging out on the computer ,let go of the hobbies during that time, no chatting on the phone,leaving the errands alone for a while, no catching up to get "ahead" while the kids were in school those mornings--

It was incredible--

Only God could lead you into such things for in the natural--how in the world could a mom of 8 children pull this off? BUT He knew...this was EXACTLY where I needed to be--

If I had NOT been on my knees and in worship and deep times in the Word and intercession I would not have had the specific direction and strength and Presence of the Holy Spirit's power that I DESPERATELY needed to parent all the issues and details and burden that this melding of kiddos brought to our lives this year.

(And I'm not the first by far that God has specifically given this calling to!--One of my heros is Susannah Wesley--mother to Charles and John who's sons God used in one of the most powerful awakenings the world has ever seen for Christ--Her TWELVE children knew that when mother pulled her apron over her head she was in intercession and was not to be interrupted--what fruit those prayers brought to the World!!)

On Tuesdays and Thursdays I would drop the little kids off at school, dress, start my dishwasher and laundry machines and then would "hit the carpet". Some mornings He led into worship, others into writing to HIm,other mornings He gave me new songs to sing to Him as I read certain parts of scripture to Him, others times specific Word for the people I was praying for, other times he astounded my heart with His very real nearness and word to me--

He's just SO real and near to us--ready to meet us when we come to seek Him out--its SOOO true. I've really lived and experienced this!!!!

By the time it was time to pick up the preschoolers and minister to all the other kiddos, I was completely prepared to serve in my home and had received instruction from God in how to parent for the day, where the needs in my home were, where He was sending us out into our community that day, how to love my husband best, how exactly He wanted me to apportion my time, my chores, my menu.--He's the real deal! He REALLY speaks to us. In worship--He healed me of thyroid disease,planter faciotis, a 5 pound tumor in my abdomen, and an achy tired body (among other things--I was a mess health-wise previously!--being sick took up so much of my time and thought, effort and energy)--I know He loved healing me--for I have learned that He loves us so, and delights in healing bodies. He is SO real.

As my life was being flooded with God's presence, we also witnessed God's Spirit fall on each of my children, on my husband, on our foster children, and on our family as a whole--its been a new and living way--immersion in Him brings such life--

This does not mean that we are not fun or that we do not live life in a natural way--we have laughed more and had more to give in this joyful season here--On the other hand, PLEASE don't think either that we have got things "all figured out" --my children can argue amongst themselves like any other siblings, we get cranky, we have to ask for forgiveness ALOT--:) But in the midst of much humanness we are getting SUCH an awareness that God not only loves us but that He likes us and that He has great things in store for us --that His glory is going to shine out of all of our "cracks" (we've got alot of them!) more and more until the "full light of day".

So we are already living this intercessory life that will be going on on this missions' base--and we are thrilled about that.

When we arrive, there will be a training phase via a wonderful Bible University on campus,to be trained to equip young people to seek the Lord with all their hearts, to be restored and healed emotionally and spiritually (restored--we will love counseling and loving on these teens and college age kids.--this is perfectly made for Richard's pastoring heart and mine as well)

Next the students are sent out to testify/bring the glory of Christ to the nations locally, nationally, and internationally in missions and Christ- centered and filled justice initiatives.

We are personally being called to be involved in justice initiatives that war against human trafficking and abortion. We greatly desire to tell people about Jesus--who He is --bringing the Gospel-to people that hunger for Him--who may have never been introduced to Him.

Most likely this will take our family out around this nation and to other destinations around the world in differing ways--this call is a launch pad for so much to come through the members of our family.

We are very excited to have found a ministry that matches our musical giftings--there is ALOT of music coming out of the International House of Prayer and we all will be diving into this.

We will have a greater platform to advocate for orphans-- There is an adoption ministry there on the mission's base that our hearts are smitten with-- and that we will be plunging in to support. Our hearts continue to beat wildly for God's saving heart for the helpless.

If you have been following our blog, you may have gotten the sense that this has been an incredible miracle year in our life this year. It has!!

Much of God's movement has been behind the scenes--some of which we really desire to share with you and will very soon--its been powerful, transforming,and it truly has knocked our socks off!! I promise to share more details SOON!! As we dove into the heart of God this year, He brought a call that is so perfectly tailored for us. There is MUCH behind the "anatomy" to this call that I have not been able to share here because it stems from intimate places with God and it would just take to long to express--some of this we will be sharing later--there are many cool stories that are FULL of miracles, word from God, neat confirmations--

We'll share some of them soon--but mostly, I think there are many more stories to come. Its like we are at the beginning point of a roller coaster ride--we are going up that first hill and are hearing and feeling the "click, click, click" of the ascent to the first tummy turning hill. This is going to be an incredible ride!!

So please, those of you who know us or love us from afar in the FB/ bloggy world--please pray for us. There is alot that is to come together in the next weeks. We totally trust that we are going to see powerfully movement from God as He completes the details to what He's called us to.

Things you can pray over for us or if led give to:

We need to sell our home before we go.

We will need to raise financial partnership--all the staff positions at IHOP are volunteer--not paid positions. To enter in fully to what we will be doing there we could not hold a full-time job in the market-place--we are thinking over part-time job options combined with a sending base of partners who are excited about what God is sending us out to.

We are raising education funding for our children as well. We will need to raise 11,000 dollars to send our children to a Christian school in the area--currently there is not a public school option for our children. 26 of the local schools in this area of MO have recently been closed down --we will be combining homeschooling with a Christian school that we have found that really supports people who come on staff at IHOP. The children only have 8,000 more dollars to raise in their education fund--contributions toward reaching this final goal can be reached via the chip in widgit on our blog or at tuckersplash.chipin.com They are excited about and Trusting God to reach their goal by August 8th.

That's ALOT! Stay posted--I believe we are all going to see God provide here in huge ways. If God is pressing on your heart in some way to give to what He is up to in our midst, please feel free to call us at 615-567-6633 or tuckergillian@comcast.net or please feel free to use our Pay Pal button on the side bar that is related to donations.

Even before some of you have heard our full story, you have contributed to our family by your love to us, your prayers over us, loving emails and kind comments, and donations --thank you--we treasure how God has been using you to bring out a "new thing" in our family. God's hug has been felt through your willingness and love.

Many Blessings and Love to You!
Love,
Gillian

A 5 minute gift to you about intimacy with God--so sweet!

Its Just a Matter of Time...Tucker Car Need :)

We are blogging to give you front seats to a miracle! I have just received a phone call from Richard saying that our Suburban just "died" in Mount Eagle, TN on the way back from going to a family wedding in Atlanta. This is hitting me with such joy--yes, I said joy!! A year ago both of our cars died at the same time and we had none for a week until God stepped in and provided for 2 cars for our family. He's about to provide again!! I can't wait to see what He's up to.

Being a missionary-type family these days we are finding out OVER and OVER how God brings in what we need RIGHT ON TIME. Just this week He has already shown up at our home with a car load and 2 laundry baskets full of food on the very day we wondered how we would fill our pantry this month--then He showered on more suprise blessings on Richard in Atlanta, SURELY this car situation is not a problem that is beyond His incredible scope!! He is aware and loves the fact that we now need to lean on Him for our transportation needs as well.

We already have been stretching it --not fitting into our mini van and even the Suburban with the 8 kids now and have been praying for God to provide a 12-15 passenger van for our famiy--perhaps this is not lack we are experiencing but a movement of grace to receive more of what we need.

I'm writing now because this takes a measure of Faith in Him to declare that I truly believe He is loving us largly in this moment and that He has this all under control--we are not alarmed or depressed--He has taken too good of care of us in the past for that type of anxiety--I do believe that we will have a miracle report to share with you all this week--whether that is that He provides for the Suburban to be fixed or provides another vehicle. Please pray for us as we wait on God to provide for us. He loves us just as much now with one car for 10 people as He did when we had 2 cars--He's a loving provider.

If God may be prompting you as you read this to be hands that He uses to provide a vehicle or funding towards it, please contact Richard at tuckerrichard@comcast.net or 615-545-2265.

We believe the Bible when it says, "Call unto me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things that you do not know of yet."

And as God is so GOOD to do, He is strongly pressing this song on my heart and lips right now--please receive it as a gift from my full heart today.

Love, Gillian




Like a rushing river am I
Like a raging torrent inside
I find that I'm full of knowing nothing
I find that I hunger for the fullness of Christ

Like a rushing river am I
Like a raging torrent inside
I find that I"m free-falling again
I'm letting go of the mountain view
Letting go, but what into?

Like a rushing river am I
Like a raging torrent inside
I find that I'm full of knowing nothing
I find that I'm hungry for the fullness of Christ

Like a rushing river am I
Like a raging torrent inside
I find that I"m free-falling again
I'm letting go of the mountain view
Letting go, but what into?

I've been crucified with Christ
I've been crucified with Christ
I've been crucified with Christ
Yet not I, but one thing I know

You make all things beautiful
You make all things beautiful
You make all things beautiful
Just in time
Just in time

You make all things beautiful
You make all things beautiful
You make all things beautiful
Just in time
It's just a matter of time, time
It's just a matter of time

So into Your hands
Into Your hands I fall
Into Your hands
Into Your hands I fall
Into Your hands
So into Your hands I fall

For You make all things beautiful
You make all things beautiful
You make all things beautiful
Just in time
It's just a matter of time, time, time
It's just a matter of time, time, time

On You I wait
On You I wait
On You I wait
All of my days

And on You I wait
On You I wait always
On You I wait
All of my days
All of my days

No one who waits on You will ever be ashamed
No one who waits will ever be disappointed
It's just a matter of time
It's just a matter of time

So calm down, my soul
Calm down and know
So calm down, my soul
Calm down and know

His yoke is easy
His burden is light
It simply costs everything
But it's not too mysterious
It's not for the wise in their own eyes
It's not for the mighty of the rich
But He has saved Himself for me
But He has saved Himself for me

So calm down, my soul
Just calm down and know
Just calm down, my soul
Just calm down and know

No one who waits on the Lord will ever be ashamed
For wisdom will be justified
In just a matter of time, time, time
It's just a matter of time, time, time

And You make all things beautiful
You make all things beautiful
You make all things beautiful
Just in time
It's just a matter of time
It's just a matter of time

Calm down, my soul
Be quiet within me
And put your trust in God
From where your help comes from
From where your help comes from
Just calm down, my soul, and wait
It's just a matter of time
It's just a matter of time