The Date Is Set

The date is set, the piles of "send", "toss" and "give away" are growing. September 25th I leave Montana for Arizona. A new airport adventure is in store, flying out of Missoula - a two hour drive and into the new airport at Mesa.

I found a great book in our library the other day. The title "After The Boxes Are Unpacked" by Susan Miller caught my attention. A veteran mover herself, she gives practical and emotional insight into the often overwhelming and stressful time of moving.

Something she said struck home, "Most of us will have help with the physical move, but few of us have anyone to help with the emotional move. Even under the best circumstances, emotional stress is inevitable. Moving puts us on the overload cycle!"

So I'm not alone when just the thought of decisions, sorting, packing, mailing and traveling leaves me tired and overwhelmed before I even start. It's normal. I'm normal.

It's normal that I am torn between Montana; the budding friendships, green trees, the lake and the cool weather - to being settled, back with Dad and friends with history.

Your prayers at this time are key. Finances and decisions are high stress points. The needed energy and health for tackling everything and letting go of the old to be able to grab hold of that which will be new. All that this transition entails. Pray also for Dad adjusting to all these changes and the summer heat that keeps him housebound more than he likes.

It's not an easy time. But it is the new season. One that with the grace of God I will embrace.

The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave or forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deut 31:8

Confidence

Have you ever lost your confidence? Maybe it’s hiding in the middle of a stack of bills, under that pile of files that you just can’t seem to get to, or in the middle of your ‘to do’ list. Or just maybe, it walked away with your children, husband or friend, like mine did.

A couple years ago a friend of mine was going through some severe difficulties. I felt at a loss to know how to help her. In all our talks, could I have said more? Would it of changed the situation? Guilt came crashing through the door and confidence walked out.

At the same time, another friend lost her husband suddenly to a heart attack. Confidence gone, I didn’t know what to do. Stay or go? What could I handle? What would be most helpful? Anxiety walked in the door guilt has crashed down.

I discovered that as I lost confidence in myself, I also lost my confidence in God. Ouch. Twins so to speak; the two seem to walk hand in hand in my life.

Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary states that . . .“confidence stresses faith in oneself and one's powers without any suggestion of conceit or arrogance” Could we as Christians also say .. . Confidence stresses faith in God and His power?

Hebrews 10:32-39
“Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering...insult and persecution...in prison...confiscation of your property...So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised... But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.”

What will it take for me to find my confidence again? Is it under the pile of garbage from the enemy? According to the verse above - Persevere. Don’t shrink back. Remember. Remember those earlier days. God reminded his people to remember what had been accomplished. .. from altars of remembrances, to festivals, sacrifices and covenants. He set the example, saying that he would remember his covenant with them. Time and time again he said it. He would remember his covenant.

So how do I persevere and stand my ground? What should I remember? The things God has accomplished in my life; the times that God spoke through me, the times that he supplied exactly what I needed, the times that people were pleased with my work, my friends, the times that ... All those promises of God are still available.

More importantly, the firm foundation:
Pr 14:26 In the fear of Jehovah is strong confidence; And his children shall have a place of refuge.
Pr 3:25 Be not afraid of sudden fear, Neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh:
Pr 3:26 For Jehovah will be thy confidence, And will keep thy foot from being taken.

“On Christ the solid rock I stand all other ground is sinking sand.” Edward Mote

When life gets shaky you are my rock, my refuge, and my confidence in whom I can trust. Whether or not I feel it or see it - it is truth! Whether the sky is gray or blue, it is the truth. I reclaim my confidence, in myself and in you my Lord.

Bye Bye Website...Hello Blogging

My website renewal came and went....the way of the economy. So now trying my hand at blogging since it is free. Should be interesting...