10. I’m addicted to Chick-fil-a. As part of my focus this year on sacrifice, I realized that the only way I could give up that spicy chicken deluxe sandwich with pepper jack cheese, waffle fries and Chick-fil-a sauce was to move out-of-state. Mmm…I’m hungry.
9. To continue the food theme, nowhere in Orange County have I found the abundance of outstanding Thai, Vietnamese and Japanese food restaurants that are available in Washington. We miss Indochine.
8. Smog. Nuff said. It’s not natural to see what you’re breathing.
7. Nobody ever leaves Washington for good. There’s some sort of gravitational pull that surrounds the state of Washington. If, somehow, you are able to make it out, eventually your strength grows weak and you get sucked back in. It’s true. We’ve moved away 3 times since 1999, and we keep coming back.
6. Rainboots. Ezra just got a pair of new rainboots because of the torrential downpours we’ve been experiencing in Orange County. He would sleep in them if I let him. I figured to get our money’s worth we need to move to Washington, where it rains 11 months out of the year.
5. Tillamook Ice Cream. Depending upon where you live, you may have Tillamook cheese and/or butter in your local grocer. It’s the best. But the ice cream? Nothing compares. I have dreams of Oregon Strawberry and Brown Cow (Udderly Chocolate).
4. New creation. Since I’m done with the baby-having portion of my life, I need something new to give birth to. Josh and I have a couple of ministry ideas that God has brewing under the surface. We think Washington is where they want to be born.
3. Adventure. What’s more exciting than quitting a well-paying job that you love so you can move out-of-state with your wife and four children without another job already lined up?
Do not worry then, saying, “What will we eat?” or “What will we drink?” or “What will we wear for clothing?”…for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. {Matthew 6:31-34}
2. We need a break. Josh and I are completely overwhelmed. In Washington our four children have a grand total of 6 grandparents, 2 great-grandparents, 8 aunts & uncles, and a plethora of second-cousins {not to mention all of our friends} who we can take advantage of for free babysitting. Start working on your CPR certification, people!
1. God said Go! We’ve learned to not argue with Him, even when He doesn’t give us many details.
By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going. {Hebrews 11:8}
::
In all honesty, we are moving to Washington for the same reason we moved to California almost five years ago — God said go.
We are not taking lightly the stresses and fears that accompany moving a family of six that distance in a poor economy. However, we are completely confident that it is God making this move, and He will provide for our needs. He has given us a peace beyond understanding.
At this point we really don’t have that many details. We are seeking out a ministry position in the Northwest area. The talks we’ve had with local pastors have been very encouraging. Our estimated moving date is the end of June, which allows Eli to finish his Kindergarten year with all of his friends.
Over the next few months I know God will reveal more of the details to us, in His perfect timing. While we wait, we rest in this:
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. {Proverbs 3:5-6}
0 Responses
I don’t explain it because I have no freakin’ idea what God is doing. And I’ll be honest…right now, I’m not enjoying the journey.
But I know this move is going to be awesome for you.
“the journey”
I like the idea of it as a journey, because that implies that it’s fluid. Whatever point you’re at, you know that things are moving forward and will change.
Yes ma’am– we are doing almost the exact same thing! We’ve NEVER moved though and are moving away from everything familiar to us, including family. Simply because God said go…
Scary and exhilarating all at once- thanks for the encouragement in this post, truly. I needed some encouragement tonight not to be anxious over details!
Scary and exhilarating! That is so how I describe it. I’d love to hear more about what God is doing with you. 🙂
Conviction! I enjoy listening to that.
I’ve done my share of “crazy” things and I’ve done my share of “I’m not doing that” kind of things too. Those are the ones that get me in trouble. It’s best to go where God wants you to go.
Excited for your journey. Say hi to Keri while you are up there. 🙂
She best be doing more than saying “hi”! I have all intentions of Starbucks meetups. Maybe we’ll even do an amazing vlog. Although I keep saying I’ll do a vlog and haven’t done it. 🙁
I want to do a vlog too, but that means I have to get dressed and put on makeup. Haha!
Amen, Moe! Josh and I had a few things we said we would not do, God’s kind of testing us in that. Not because He’s controlling, but because He wants us to make all our decisions based on Him.
well. . .i guess that means i will have to fly out there and smuggle some chick-fil-a. . .since, you know, i’m kind of responsible for that addiction 😉
Yup, you’re the culprit!! Hah! I can’t believe I’ve lived here so long without eating there. 🙂
Congratulations on your move! I pray all goes smoothly!
Thanks for the prayers, Danielle! 🙂
Girl, I think God said GO is the best and only reason any of us should need. Of course, we try to explain and rationalize becasue we are human with finite minds, but God said Go works for me! 🙂 Good luck, God bless and I cant’ wait to hear how it goes!
Thanks April! The hard part about “because God said so” is explaining it to non-Christians and people who don’t work that way with God. However, it’s a good testimony when it all works out, right? 🙂
I’m super excited for your move! And, I agree-when God says GO, you don’t question, you don’t ask for details, you just move. Coincidentally, He’s telling me STAY and you GO. I likey! 🙂
To be honest, I’m still learning to hear His voice when He says GO. My flesh gets in the way so often-my needs, wants, desires constantly seem to trump His plan. But, it never works out and then I’m back at square one.
It’s interesting to me that you say your flesh gets in the way when God says go, because in the past I’ve always found my flesh battling God’s call to stay. I think I’ve become addicted to the excitement of change with all the moving and fresh starts we have experienced in the last 10 years. Go is easy for me, stay is hard.
I’m with you Melissa. I’m the adventurer in my marriage. God hasn’t told me to go anywhere for 6 years and it has depressed me (a little bit), but NOW I’m beginning to see why. 🙂
Ooh! Why? 🙂
It is hard when we feel held back, not by our spouse, but by God. It’s yet another area in my life where I see God has provided me with Josh; we balance each other. 🙂
Oh man!!!! I can’t wait. I hope we’re able to take some serious time to come see you all – I have to take two whole weeks off for summer intensives so I’m not sure I’ll be able to get up there for more than a weekend. But the great thing is that we’ll be close enough that even a day-trip would be worth the drive!!!
I miss you guys so much!
p.s. I’m really hung up on what to write for that guest post… I went to a “faith and culture writer’s conference” this past weekend, and have a bunch of great insights from that experience about art and taking risks, but I haven’t had that “this I must share” moment…
Well, I guess it’s all about priorities, right? And we know what SHOULD be more important. Haha! We miss you and your wife a ton, and we’re so excited at the possibility of being close enough for day trips. 🙂
I want to hear more about your conference! Maybe you could share about that? I’m glad you’re still planning on writing one for me though. Jason’s working on his too. 🙂
Melissa – you should be ashamed. Moving away – just to put distance between you and Chick-Fil-A? That’s an abomination.
Seriously – I’m praying for you and your family! I’m familiar with the stresses of moving – but doing it for God’s glory is entirely worth it.
I am sure I will go through serious withdrawals! Haha!
The prayers are appreciated, Justin. We are super excited, and know that God’s got it all in hand.
Tillamook ice cream alone is worth the move. 🙂
I know, right?! Funny story, we went to the cheese factory on our honeymoon! Haha! 🙂
I’m so excited to have you back in the Northwest!! And I loved this list! I so admire your willingness to Go because God said so!!
People think it’s crazy we agreed to another foster placement. when we get a call for a foster baby..many times we know it is just not the right timing or circumstances..but this last time. God said do it! It was a peace in my heart that I really can’t put into words..which is a good indicator it’s the kind of peace that God gives! Our last adoption was an emotional roller coaster and I said I would never do it again because the pain and worry was just so overwhelming.. but here we are again. putting it all in God’s hands cause I know His plan is perfect! And holding on tight for the crazy ride ahead of us! 🙂
I love that verse about the “peace of God that transcends all understanding.” There are times in our life where what we’re doing doesn’t make sense to anyone, especially ourselves. It’s in the clinging to God that we come away with those circumstances that truly are more than we could ever ask or imagine. I love how you have opened your homes and hearts, even when it’s painful and difficult. You inspire me, Dana, and I’m so glad to know you. 🙂
“It’s in the clinging to God that we come away with those circumstances that truly are more than we could ever ask or imagine.” Thanks Melissa. I needed that today! Can’t wait to hear more about your adventure back to the Northwest!
We were in that same boat of feeling called, but I was not happy about it. We moved from a town I LOVED back to my hometown this past fall. We’ve been back now around 7 months and slowly I am seeing God’s hand in and on it. I was baffled about why we had to move, why He was calling us to leave. My husband had a job he loved and I was super involved in our church and community. But we were obedient and are seeing things working for His glory. I hope this move shows you His unfailing faithfulness to you and your family.
“But we were obedient and are seeing things working for His glory.”
That is a powerful testimony right there, Tracie! Thank you for sharing your story. It is very encouraging. 🙂
I understand “God said go” perfectly so that’s plenty explanation for me. 🙂 Blessings to you guys! I know it’s stressful, but God will make a way in all of it. Praying for you all.
Thank you Jason! 🙂
1. There’s no chance I could cover everything in one comment, but here’s the shell of it: I was in a crowded coffee shop with some friends, and one of them was feeling ill. God impressed me very clearly to lay hands on her, so I walked over to her and kneeled on the floor and laid hands on her to pray for several minutes. I’m not sure what it looked like from a third person perspective, but I’m sure it was rather abnormal to most of the people there. But you know what? They felt much better afterword.
2. “I don’t know.” And that’s okay.
Er, “she” felt much better afterword. Don’t know about the other patrons, haha.
“I don’t know.” And that’s okay.
Exactly! 🙂
So, where in WA are you moving? Near me? :o)
We moved up here from CA before we’d sold our house or had even the prospect of a job. Funny how God can make everything fall into place.
I think I answered this on Twitter, but I thought I’d answer here too. 🙂
Our plan at this moment is to move to the Seattle area, where our family live. Since Josh doesn’t currently have a job, we will live with family for a month (or so). That’s part of what makes us feel crazy about the whole move thing, but we’re confident God is directing this and that He will provide for us.
Congrats again on the move. I agree with you on #2. If we ever move away from ATL it will be very hard as we have all our immediate family out here. Free babysitting rocks. 🙂
Yes, it does!! Luckily, we’ve had some great friends who live near us that offer to babysit our kiddos for free. They’re like family. 🙂
Melissa,
I caught your blog through the Word Press Tag Surfer. I LOVE your reasons for moving! We are moving, too, and you expressed some of our thinking in your own. Blessings to you as you make the jump!
TJR
That’s so neat! I think you’re the first one to find me that way (or at least the first to tell me they found me that way). 🙂
Where are you moving to?
Sometimes it’s hard to explain what God is doing to others because it usually doesn’t make any sense. Even when talking to other Christians, they can think you’re crazy!
I’m excited for you guys. I’m praying that God opens crazy awesome doors for you. Oh and that you get pampered by mom when you’re sick! 🙂
Thanks Tony! You’re always an encourager! Honestly, I think we’re crazy too…but those are the times I really love following God because He comes through in big ways!! 🙂
God is crazy! Cycleguy gave you a shout out and I am glad I came over. I am, right now, feeling God say Go and I have been fighting it tooth and nail at the alter of the paycheck. I am struggling with the responsiblity to my wife and children and the lack of faith I am showing God. God give me the courage to act and go although I do not know where. Scared to death in Georgia.
Bill is great, and I so appreciated his comments. 🙂
My husband is definitely feeling what you described. He is the sole support of our family, and he feels a little nuts quitting a well-paying job that he loves when he has a wife and four small children. The only thing that makes it not crazy is that God is 100% directing this. Josh had promised himself that he would not quit his job without first having another one lined up, and that we would not move without it being into a full-time ministry position. Right now, it looks like it’s not going to be either of those things. But, those promises were made out of fear and not what God had told him.
Praying for you as you contemplate the next move in your life, and have boldness to follow His leading. 🙂
Thank you!
Sounds so exciting! I hope we’ll have a chance to meet before you move to Washington…sounds like a tweet up is in order 🙂
I was just talking to Julia Kate about that the other day…do you know her from Twitter? I would love to have a tweet up!! 🙂
MELISSA!! I’m sorry I’m late to the party here! OMGoodness girl! You’re moving to WA — in *JUNE*. Loved, loved, loved #1. God said go. End of story… Well, beginning of a new story, right, friend? 🙂
I think it’s wonderful you have a hubby to live this evolving story with. Together, you are writing this amazing story of faith into the unknown. 4th time back, your family must be SO happy. What a great network of support. May God bless you every step of the way! Thank you for adding this in the faith jam! Talk about FAITH. *hugs*
It is the beginning of a new story! 🙂 We’re very excited. God truly has surrounded us with a great community who believe in us and what He’s doing in our life. It’s such a bonus. Thanks for stopping by, Bonnie!
Melissa I was reading your site here. I came across it because my husband and I are looking to move to washington. We never been there, we had some friends live there and talk about how great it was. We look at pictures online of the state and have fallen in love with the pictures. We plan to visit for a week here soon. I just feel like its our calling. We are from Texas and I know its a big change, but could you give me some advice about preparing for such a move? Also could you give me some advice on some great areas to look at? Thanks a bunch.
Wow! That is a huge change, Sandy! I guess my biggest advice would be to purge, purge, and purge some more! We got rid of about a third of our stuff — anything that hadn’t been used in a year was an automatic discard, and then we cut back even more. Also, I would caution you that it’s not the rain that is hard to deal with, it’s the overcast- ness. Many, many days in Washington are gray. The way we’ve found to combat it is through the community we invest ourselves in. If you have good friends to encourage and support you, you can put up with any weather. Haha! As far as areas to look at, we love the Puget Sound area. You can find small towns like Puyallup, Sumner, Renton and still have access to cities like Tacoma, Seattle and Bellevue for more variety in entertainment. I hope this helps! 🙂
Please tell me what happened, have you moved yet. Our stories are so similar except the states. God told us to move 3 years ago now he’s telling us to move again. The difference this time is we have no moving money but we have to be in the new state by Nov. I’ve relented though because my husband and I are founding pastors but people do not do church were we are. We are both spiritually drying & my soul is worth so much more than money. On our first move I had huge faith, no doubts, great expectations as neither of us had jobs but we had kids. This time we’ll at least have jobs. I’m really trying to grab faith but I’m a woman & I have to have a plan along with 2 back up plans, this time I have nothing.
Thanks for your comment, Danie. 🙂 It’s so interesting how God brings people in similar circumstances together. We have moved, we moved three months ago. However, we are finally getting the keys to our own place today. Over the past few months God has come through in extraordinary ways for us, and He continues to show us the path we are to walk. There’s a lot that is still unknown, which is difficult at times for me to deal with. However, God is growing my faith as I continue to trust Him in this journey. Praying for you and your family as you do the same! 🙂