If You Want Me To

I heard this song in college from an old roommate and I heard it again today and it really described my life (and probably most of your lives as well). Its called "If you want me to" by Ginny Owens.

"The pathway is broken and the signs are unclear. I dont know the reason why you brought me here. But just because you love me the way that you do, Im gonna walk through the valley if you want me to." "Cause I am not who I was when I took my first step and I am clinging to the promise that you are not through with me yet. So, if all of these trials bring me closer to you. I will go through the fire if you want me to."

The past few months have been some of the most challenging in my life. God had a plan prepared for us that meant tearing us away from the only family, friends, and home that I have known. I had no idea how far my faith and strength would be stretched. I was tired, broken, and sad to leave a place that was so comfortable to me to enter into an unknown place with no friends or family closer than a 6 hour drive. But still through it all Joel and I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that we were meant to make this journey.

We left my family and friends knowing that God had a better journey prepared for us. We made the trek across our beautiful country and finally ended up in California. From major meltdowns in the car (by Nathaniel and sometimes myself), to furniture taking over 2 weeks to get here, Joel leaving for training in Phoenix, and 12 hour driving days. We finally were able to relax with family in Northern California and Bend Oregon. All along the way we saw God's provisions and blessings for us. We got rest when we needed it and we were refreshed by new and improving relationships. It was a beautiful picture of the life that God has for us. Despite the trials there is always a little rainbow of faith to keep us going.

When we finally got to our new home, it felt different. The landscape was unfamiliar. The people were strangers. But, the overwhelming sense of peace that engulfed us, helped ease the transition.

We are still settling into our new home and our new area and know that each place we go is only a temporary home as we make this journey in life. I still do not know why God called us here, but we were obedient and know that He will bless us because of this.

"You never said it would be easy, you only said we wont have to go it alone."

Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see"