Jul. 15, 2008 - What the Lord is teaching me in the midst of our move
Well, a long awaited answer to prayer has come! We knew that my husband's job was coming to an end and for the past 2 years he's been looking for another job. We really wanted to stay in MI, but the job market is just so tight, and nothing was available. In this last year, he's interviewed by phone dozens of times and in person at least a handful. All areas of the U.S. and frankly, quite stressful for me! It has been a faith stretcher and builder. It has kept me on my knees before the Lord, crying out to Him. But the Lord is so good! He has taught me so very much and continues to do so. He reminds me so many times of His love for me and that He knows the beginning from the end. He is worthy of my trust.
So, the answer to prayer for a new job came......we are moving to South Carolina! I could share so many neat things about this answer but a few of the highlights are:
The job is a very good one that Jim is excited about. He called last week to say "They're hiring! AND there's money in the budget!!" It has been SO long since that has been the case for him! He truly enjoys a new adventure! We call him our Trekkie, liking "to go where no man has gone before"! He is very well suited to this position and I am very happy for him and grateful to the Lord for providing it. Perfect timing, as his job was coming to a close here in MI. I am not so adventurous as my dh, but I am also truly excited about this! AND I have perfect peace which, if you know me, you know I struggle with this! I am usually a worrier and the unknown tends to make me anxious. Not so in this case! I am VERY sad to leave my family, friends and church home.....I will miss everyone so much!! So many people have meant so much to me! I do not enjoy meeting new people in the sense that I am not a great conversationalist and don't really know how to get one started unless I know common ground. Some people are surprised that I am actually quite shy! And so is my daughter in new situations! Who would've thunk it? :) But the Lord will continue to move us out of our comfort zone (I always think of Pastor Hall when I use that term!!) and stretch us and grow us into the people that we ought to be.......more like Jesus!
I have so appreciated raising my kids at Evangel! So many have just poured into my life and theirs and I love that my brothers and sisters in the Lord know our heart in raising our children and are so supportive and helpful in that. It will be hard to leave that trusting, loving body of Christ but I know that the God who is Lord here, is also the Lord there! And He has a place for us, a ministry for us and we are trusting Him to guide and direct us to a new church home. We truly want His will in this area......how could a gracious, loving Heavenly Father not answer that prayer? He will, and His timing is perfect.
Another neat thing: I have always wanted to see the Carolinas! I've never been, and am moving sight unseen, but isn't the Lord good to move me someplace I have always wanted to go?? Out of all the places Jim interviewed, it pleased the Lord to send us there. He is too awesome for words! We had just come back from a vacation in FL (not knowing about this job) and both of us commented that the older we get, the more we'd love to live in the South! Palm trees (my favorites!) and sunshine here we come! And a friend told me that in NC, flowers bloom all year long! So I'm guessing they do in SC as well. I just love flowers! Again, I am overwhelmed by God's goodness to me. He is good and His mercy endures forever.
Yet another neat thing about this move: I LOVE Civil War history. Guess where the war started? SC with the firing at Fort Sumter!! LOTS and lots of interesting historical sites here.......I sure do hope my fellow homeschooling moms (and Civil War buff friends) will come and visit us and see all this firsthand! And only about 2 hours from Myrtle Beach, too! A great vacation destination......have I convinced anyone yet?? :)
A few songs and verses that the Lord has used to minister to me through all of this (I'll share more in my next post):
Blessed Be Your Name espec. the lyrics "You give and take away, my heart will choose to say, Blessed be Your name" I will choose to bless the Lord and look for the good, even through the pain of leaving! He has given and taken away, yet blessed be His name. He knows best and I WILL trust Him!
Ps. 43 (and a song!) Why so downcast O my soul? Put your hope in God, and bless the Lord O my soul.
Ps. 46 God is my refuge and my strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore I will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea. I have always loved this verse, and remind myself that the earth isn't giving way, just my place on it is changing!! He alone is my refuge and He alone gives me strength Day by Day (love that hymn!!)
He Leadeth Me.....will I let Him lead? Will I struggle against his leading? No! I will choose to let Him lead and teach me what I need to learn.
Comments
Jul. 30, 2008 - Oh, you'll LOVE South Carolina!
Posted by tn3jcarter
I'm sure God has wonderful things in store for your family there!
