State of Departure

         I have been quiet for while because we have big news, and I was waiting till it was completely official. My hubby has a new job in Kansas that he begins on Monday. I had been preparing my heart for a new job for quite some time now (here's the post from September concerning that--in case you missed it), but I was unsure if it would mean a move. It was a great joy to me that we were able to be at our current location for the birth of our baby in January; but when my hubby talked to me about looking for jobs after his birth, I confirmed that I would indeed be happy to follow where he would like to lead our family. As much as everyone (including my hubby) loves our current home, the past few months have brought a lot of changes with his job that have made it increasingly clear that it is not where he'd like to be. He also began seeing positions changing/eliminated and sensed that his might be next. The first night after making his decision was a very long night for me. I felt like I was processing the whole decision, and what it all entailed. Thought after thought raced into my brain like the friends and groups we'd leave behind, or all the memories about the house. With every thought that flooded my mind, I began confessing "God, I trust you!" I began asking God for his peace. When I woke up after finally falling asleep in the wee hours of the morning, I was filled with a happiness and excitement about what is ahead of us. There was a ton of prayer that went heavenward the past few weeks during this decision. My hubby had a position offered to him in our current location as well as in Kansas...and the girls and I were praying that we could stay here. My hubby really wanted to stay here as well, but the job here just wasn't as good of a fit (or as good of a financial proposition either). I know God heard our prayers asking for His will, His guidance, and to stay here. If He said no to staying here than I know He has something even better planned. So here's the amazing thing that happened the following Wednesday, May 1st. My hubby's position was eliminated (for financial reasons, not performance related reasons). God knew what would be happening the next week, and I stand amazed at how He set this all up. The timing of it blows me away. My hubby had seen that things weren't going well at work which gave him more incentive to look; but instead of him giving two weeks notice to his current boss, he ended getting severance pay...paid time off to prep our house and allow for some quality family time. Showing a house will be the hardest thing concerning moving for me. Last year, four children plus a big dog made it really challenging...add a three month old baby to that; and, well, it becomes even more challenging. I believe God has His hand in all of this; and although it is easy for me to feel overwhelmed, He has promised that I can "do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me". (Phil. 4:13)
           I could look at this as climbing the next rollercoaster, but I don't think that's what God has in mind for me. I'm looking forward to soaring with God instead. We will soon be departing Illinois. I'm setting me eyes on God and preparing for take off.