Changes are on the horizon for our family. We will be moving to Texas!
This was not an easy decision. In fact, it was one of those decisions you make and you immediately feel like crying afterwards.
Life is going pretty well here in California. Our kids are settled, we’re settled, and we have close friends and family that we would greatly miss if we ever had to move.
So when my husband was presented with the chance to relocate his job to Texas allowing our family to be a part of a new church plant, we didn’t exactly jump at the chance to leave home.
There was no real obvious conviction to go either – no burning bush like there was for Moses, or a holy moment where God clearly instructed us to “go forth” like He did to Abraham.
All we could do was pray and wait.
Honestly, there seemed to be a thousand reasons to stay and a thousand reasons to go.
In my impatience, I just wanted God to shout down from the heavens and make it clear.
Instead, He seemed awfully quiet.
But soon we started to see it really wasn’t about going or staying. It wasn’t about trying to do the noble, more difficult thing to appear more faithful. It was about whether we would trust Him.
“But are you willing, either way?” God seemed to whisper to us.
And that was when the doors flew open.
So in just a few months, we will be packing up our life into boxes and leaving a home we love.
Our kids are sad. My husband and I are sad to leave our lives behind here. The uncertainties are overwhelming. But beneath it, there is a great deal of hope for what is ahead.
The older I become, the more I see that the only way to live freely is to live trusting in Him who is greater than us.
The unknown can be terrifying.
But through Christ, all things are possible. And with Him, we never go alone.
In moments when doubts overwhelm (and there are many), I am comforted by God’s words to the ever unsure, small-framed, inferiority-complex ridden Gideon, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” (Judges 6:12)
God’s call on our lives may not resound through our souls like trumpets or be as clear as the dew on Gideon’s fleece. But He is always calling us to go, always whispering to us to trust Him in all things. For some, it means to cross the oceans for the sake of the gospel. For others, it means going deeper right where they are. The heart of it, as I’m seeing, is to be willing enough to let Him do a work in our hearts, wherever that leads. ❤
invited by grace 
You have a great perspective! Your post was exactly what I needed to read as we also just recently found out we’re moving out of state. I thrive on change, but I’ve had some difficulties with this one for some reason. Thank you for helping me breathe a sigh of relief knowing I can lift up my concerns and they will be taken care of.
Wow, we are on a similar journey! When will you be moving? I used to be just fine with change. But now with the kids getting older (and I’m getting older too!), I long to feel settled. I pray that you will find peace with your move, too. I am slowly feeling more at peace with our move, especially as I am learning to lift my worries to God.
We’re moving sometime during May- working out our housing situation now. We went to visit a few days ago and I already feel better imagining this new place as my home. When is your move?
So good to see you writing again! I’ve missed it. Your words are always so inspiring and powerful. I know you will find much strength on your journey because you are open to God’s Grace! I can’t wait to read all about it!
Thanks for the encouragement! Thank you so much for reminding me that my strength will be in God’s grace! Because I know for sure it won’t be in my own strength. Life has been extra exciting and exhausting these days because we just took in a 9 month old puppy (sort of a rescue). Oh my, she is keeping me busy.
Oh, I am sure she is! Puppies are a lot of work! You sure have a lot going on! Take care and enjoy your Easter weekend.
“A lot going on” is the truth. I was so overwhelmed by this puppy for the first week… nearly ready to re-home it (and I LOVE dogs). But she was super shy and so hard to connect with, that I felt like we weren’t going to be the right family for her. But two weeks in, we are seeing slow changes. What a sweet dog this is… a ton of work, but sweet.
I remember last year when we got Abby…my disease flared from the amt of work…I can’t imagine the stress you are under with the puppy and the upcoming move! Take care of yourself! I bet you’ll be too in love with the puppy before long to even consider re-homing her…they have a way of doing that!
She is making her way into my heart already. I just wasn’t prepared for all the vet visits, potty training and housebreaking. The timing of everything, especially with a move, has been challenging. I had all these symptoms come back the week we brought her home. What a rough start, but once I got her on a schedule, it was way better. She is becoming a part of the family, and she is truly happy now. That makes all the work worth it. I am feeling better health wise too… because of her, I am out for walks more than ever!
The same thing happened to me with Abby and my symptoms. Amazing how the simple act of getting a new puppy can bring on symptoms! But you’re so right…they are wroth it! Glad she is settling in.
Seventeen years ago God sent us on a similar journey. We had a one year old daughter and I was 5 months pregnant with our son. Through God’s leading we left everything and everyone we knew and moved across the country… literally an Abraham move. We have now lived in here for 17 years and it was the right move to make. Others thought we were nuts and there were times I wondered what we were doing yet God threw open the doors and we chose to walk with the adventure and trust Him through the journey. You are in for an amazing ride! I will praying for you as you continue on this journey and I look forward to reading about this adventure.
Rachel, I love your story. It does sound like one of those Abraham-like situations…. God often leads us down unexpected roads. I am glad that you chose to walk the adventure and trust Him. Thank you for the encouragement. I am beginning to believe we are in for an amazing ride!
I know exactly where you were coming from regarding God’s guidance. Sometimes I have wished for sky-writing. Blessings on you as you prepare for huge changes. Wonderful that blogging will keep you in touch with this community!
Michele, I too wish for sky writing. But then…maybe that kind of clarity would be overwhelming in its own right. Thank you for your support and encouragement…I feel so blessed to be a part of this community of bloggers!
So true! I have made several cross country moves in life and have learned that it’s not about the loss of what I am leaving, but about what I am gaining. God’s direction for me, no matter the struggle, is always better than my own will. Thank you for the great illustration of how surrendering the debate and being open to God’s signals leads to peace.
Thank you for such an encouraging thought, “It’s not about the loss of what I am leaving, but about what I am gaining.” I have actually been truly taking this to heart. And you are right, God’s direction, though it feels at times off route from my own plans, is always better! Your words have inspired me!
What a beautiful post! Excited for you! Can’t wait to see where you’re going! We do a lot of moving around. You are leaving a beautiful state, so that is a sad good-bye for sure. But since you are following God’s lead, you can rest in knowing you are doing the right thing. NOthing greater than that sort of peace of mind. We were led here last year, and it has been quite an adjustment, but I know God has a purpose in it, so we are just doing our best to bloom where we’re planted.
Yes we are leaving a beautiful state. We’ve never lived anywhere else! But we are sensing more peace with this decision, even though it is not easy because I worry about the kids having to adjust to a new school, make new friends, etc. Our kids are at the age where they are so aware of everything now. But it’s causing us to be better about really communicating why we are making this hard move, and why trusting God is so important. Good lessons for sure! God is working in my heart and showing me that I need to surrender that all to Him! We are really looking forward to the ministry opportunities out there and the chance to be a part of a new church plant. I feel for you guys having to move around a lot…. but then, it is so great that you are homeschooling – this gifts the kids a certain consistency no matter where you go. I do pray that California will be kind to you all. 🙂
You have such great perspective. I loe what you said about communicating with your children. That is so important. We have two that are getting to the age where we have to do that so much more, too, and it is not always an easy task. Praying for your family during this exciting time!
Our family is going through the same thing presently, just waiting on Gods cue for if we should stay or move on. It is so difficult to wait, but it is in his timing. We are just praying and waiting. Hallelujah that we have a God that sees all and comforts and guides us. Praying that the changes ahead will go smoothly and that you will draw closer to Him during the transition. 🙂
It is hard to wait on God’s timing, but I am glad that you are trusting Him to lead you. I have to say, that is the way to go. 🙂 Are you thinking of traveling elsewhere? Thank you so much for your prayers.
It is always up in the air as to what we will do and where we will go… Whether to stay or go… We just pray that God will open the doors on what he wants us to do. I would love to travel more though 🙂
Hearing His whisper is quite a reward, too.
We will be praying for you.
Funny, my life the past few years was the opposite. I wanted OUT of my current work experience and kept applying but being turned down. He used prayer, fasting, and the story of Caleb to show me that I need the faith to stay. Once I trusted Him, he started relieving so much of the pressure and allowing me to once again ENJOY my work.
Thank you so much for your prayers. Your story is very encouraging. I was actually talking to a friend who wanted out of a job situation, but realized that God was putting it on his heart to stay and minister to the people around him… as hard as it was. I am thankful that you are enjoying work again and pray that you will continue to be a light for Christ wherever you are.
Will keep you in my prayers.
Great insights, Kim! Reminds me of the scripture that says to acknowledge Him in all our ways and He will direct our path. Sounds like an exciting adventure for you and your family!
Yes Proverbs 3:5-6… that was the verse my husband and I printed on our wedding invitations. Wow, it has become our life verse. 🙂 I do think it will be an adventure! I am excited to be part of a new ministry…but I am mostly just looking forward to seeing how God provides and what He will be teaching our family through this. I hope you are well Megan!
This was a beautiful post! I wish you all the best on your new adventure! I can’t wait to see what God has in store for you and your family, I know it will be AMAZING!
I am so sorry for the late reply! Thank you Jen for your encouragement. We have moved and we have been doing well. I hope you are doing well and feeling strong. 😊