Many of you read my recently post on hitting the reset button in my life and I thought I’d give you a little update. Two weeks ago today, my family and I were residing in Northern Virginia, wrapping up our to-do list for our cross-country move. A week prior to that, we sold our beloved 1967 remodeled rambler, the house we barely lived two-years in, which also took us a year to find. Months before our move and in the days leading up to it, I was in a state of denial. I may still be there to some extent. It feels like I’m on an extended vacation and will soon be hopping on a plane back to NOVA. Letting all the transition sink in takes time, the process of it all is bittersweet.

Have you ever received something good and struggled wanting to embrace it? Or maybe you have a hard time choosing to find joy in it? I have. This may sound foolish to some, but it is a reality for me. I struggle in accepting gifts from the Lord that involve change or trial as actually being GOOD for me. I have to make a habit of rehearsing the truth of the gospel to myself each day in order to combat what I think is best for me, and what IS actually best for me. So, being a creature of habit, I set my alarm for an undisclosed time in the morning in order to prepare my heart and mind for each day ahead (FYI: I am NOT a morning person, I need coffee, breakfast, silence, and maybe some mascara before I actually feel awake). Sometimes 15 minutes is all I get before the events of the day begin to unfold, but I have learned that 15 minutes is always better than not taking any time to fix my eyes on Jesus and His truth. As Gods sovereign plan would have it, I am reading through James this week and these timely words pierced my heart, “Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” – James 1:16-17. In times of uncertainty I must choose to accept the truth of these verses, to examine my thoughts and heart intentions, and to battle against doubt and unbelief.

God intends to use the trials and pains in this life for my good!!! He is sanctifying me through my circumstance, yet my circumstance shouldn’t be the thing that shapes my joy or robs me from seeing the good gifts the Lord has given me. James also tells me, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” – James 1:2-4. How can I have joy in trial? By fixing my eyes on Christ and viewing my circumstance through an eternal lens. By first understanding what Christian joy is in contrast to worldly joy. John Piper defines Christian joy as this: “A good feeling in the soul, produced by the Holy Spirit, as He causes us to see the beauty of Christ in His Word and in His work.” As a Christian, I am able (by the work of the Holy Spirit) to see Christ, all that He is and all He has done (the Gospel) which causes my heart to be filled with joy in Him.

As a side note, I have to share with you and give thanks to the Lord for His many blessing to us since moving to SOCAL. In two short weeks we have found a church community, friends to fellowship with and narrowed our search for a homeschool community. These are all huge answers to prayers we have been praying in this transition. Praising the Lord for His provisions and so thankful for all of you who have been praying with us.

Amazing sunrises seen from our patio in SOCAL.

So today, as I long to be back in NOVA with friends-like-family, a church community that is dear to my heart, and a well-loved 1960’s home, I am reminded to give thanks for His good gifts both there and here. I pray I will take my eyes off my want for comfort and what was, and fix my eyes on the Lord and what’s ahead. Don’t hear me wrong here, I think I should grieve and process my emotions that come along with starting over, I’m saying it would be a misfortune if I neglect to see what God is doing in my life currently. Not only that, but to see His good gifts and find JOY in Him and His plans for my family and I.

Just wanted to share with you a few photos of our cute little rambler we just sold.

Here’s a picture I snapped this past fall, right before the house went on the market.

Loved how open our kitchen and formal dining was.

Loved the lighting in our kitchen, and the counter space!

I’ll save the rest of the house for another post – – tips for staging and decluttering your home.

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
– James 1:12

It is my hope that in sharing my journey with you I can encourage you through transition, trial and/or change. Here are a few verses for my fellow believer to think on: hold fast to the confidence we have (Hebrews 3:6) to the word preached to us (1 Corinthians 15:2) to the word of life (Philippians 2:16) who is Christ Jesus our Lord.

Living in His grace,