Wow...what a year!
This same week a year ago, I sat on pins and needles waiting to see if a long time prayer would finally be answered. The long time prayer of more than 13 years was to live closer to my family in northern Virginia. With a grand baby on the way, those prayers got lifted up a lot higher, if you know what I mean. My husband had applied for a job close to where we wanted to be. We both know and believe that God does immeasurably more - way more than we can imagine in our limited vision. He does not hold back a single good thing and His timing is always perfect. A "long shot" was all we needed to hope that much more and put our entire future into His capable hands. We were completely committed to whatever He gave us.
When God moves hang on tight
Well, he got the call a few days later that he had the job! We had 6 weeks until his start date...that's 6 weeks to pack up 13 years, put our house on the market, coordinate with movers, etc. It also meant, that even though this was what we prayed for, our lives were going to change in a big way. We had friends and a church family that would be greatly missed. We were only an hour from my husband's family. There was a rhythm to our coming and going each day. It was comfortable. I'll admit it - I wrestled with this. Change is hard, even the good kind. When God moves, it's never what you think it will be...it's always better than you can imagine. I held on to Him pretty tight the past year...something solid in the middle of the chaos!
Fast forward about 11 months
We had the blessing and privilege to live with my parents for a few months while we searched for a house. The process of buying a house and selling the old one was a huge challenge. Those details are for another day...BUT GOD knew what He was doing. Our new house is walking distance from our new grandson. Not to mention, I live closer to my family than I ever have...literally minutes. We are getting to know new friends and have a church family that is simply amazing. I am grateful for a job I love that allows me to "rescue" my grandson from daycare on Monday afternoons. Illustrating and writing for children is still my #1 passion and I am excited about the opportunities that the new year will bring. Life is one adventure after another and we're happy!
More than just words
Going in to each new year, I choose a word and a bible verse for the entire year. It's sort of like a guide when I get blown off course, or when life gets a little tough. For 2019, the word was TRUST and the bible verse was Ephesians 3:20 (TPT)...Never doubt God's mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination! He will outdo them all, for his miraculous power constantly energizes you.
Can I tell you something? 2019 has been all of this and much more. So much more. It goes beyond words. There is a God and He loves you...me...all of us...it's nothing short of mind blowing.
Clarity in 2020
It didn't take long to find the word and verses for 2020. An extra verse seemed to fit the joys and challenges of finding the "new normal" in Stephens City, VA. My word is SUSTAIN. I know that God is enough and will sustain me each day. I also want to create sustainable art. I'm not sure what this means yet, but I know He does.
My bible verses for 2020 are...
Ephesians 2:10 (TPT)
We have become his poetry, a re-created people that will fulfill the destiny he has given each of us, for we are joined to Jesus, the Anointed One. Even before we were born, God planned in advance our destiny and the good works we would do to fulfill it.
Luke 1:37 (TPT)
Not one promise from God is empty of power, for nothing is impossible with God!
God is the ultimate Creative and I am so thankful for the gifts He has given to me. Nothing is impossible and we all have a purpose. Having a relationship with the One who created me gives me endless hope for things to come and a beautiful peace and clarity in 2020.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Our Family to Yours!
