“And you shall remember [always] all the ways which the Lord your God has led you…so that He might humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart (mind), whether you would keep His commandments or not. Therefore, know in your heart (be fully cognizant) that the Lord your God disciplines and instructs you just as a man disciplines and instructs his son. Therefore, you shall keep the commandments of the Lord your God, to walk [that is, to live each and every day] in His ways and fear [and worship] Him [with awe-filled reverence and profound respect]. For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and springs, flowing forth in valleys and hills;”
Deuteronomy 8:2, 5-7 AMP
Today marks a significant transition for us as my in laws close on the house they’ve called home for well over 20 years and the house we’ve called home since we moved back to Texas in 2015.
We planned to stay for just 6 months when they asked us to stay. Being their neighbor was good. It was a fast season that ended different than we dreamt it would when we first moved there but G-d’s ways are higher and better than ours. They will make Arkansas home.
As far as for us, we are at the same place we were 17 years ago as my parents have graciously welcomed us into their home.
When we left Grand Prairie in 2003, we headed into our personal wilderness. Tyler and Trinity Fellowship Church welcomed us with open arms. While we were there, someone prophesied over us that they saw us with suitcases in our hands. I tilted my head back and loudly cried, “NOOOOOOO!!!!” – I didn’t want that. Tyler was home. They carried us through miscarriages and more. I wanted roots but G-d had an assignment for our family so move we did – Hurst to Grand Prairie – then to our beloved Kentucky home – then back to Fort Worth and now Canton again. We have so many wonderful friends and memories in each place!
In my spirit I feel that our wilderness season is over. I don’t know where we’ll be in 12 months – but I do know in my heart that the wandering is at an end. I feel a little like the Israelites receiving the last instructions from Moses as we prepare to step into the Jordan to cross over. Each step along the way has made me who I am today, and I can confidently say He is bringing me, Vance, and our children into a good, good land where we will walk in His fullness and provision physically, spiritually, and emotionally.
In the words of Dr. Seuss, I won’t “cry because it’s over – I’ll smile because it happened.” Whatever comes, I’m ready for it – and, I’m unpacking my suitcases.
Father – You hold our hearts. You know the sorrow we feel at the end of this season and the anticipation I have for the next. Give me wisdom to walk in your ways. Help me know how to encourage our family to continue to chase You passionately at every turn. My heart longs for home and for deep roots – may I find my home in You alone. You are good. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen.
Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 8-10