Changes

Changes.

I must admit, I am afraid of change at times. Especially big changes. I mean, I grew up here...in this very house to be exact and only lived away from Camden when I was in Magnolia for college for a year. Russell and I got married when I was 22, and we moved to Bentonville. Even before we moved, we were very, very excited to be moving to Bentonville. I mean, we LOVE and adore everyone from our hometown, but that was when we were finally ready for change...both of us. When we moved to NWA, we were very proud. We weren't TOO proud, and did not show off or anything but we didn't expect to move or live anywhere but Northwest Arkansas. We always told each other, "We will never move." Well, God had different plans. I will touch more on that in a little bit. We at first lived in an apartment for about a year, then bought our house. I admit, there were times when we talked about our life together and Russell told me kind of in a joking way, "house, dog, baby." OOOoooo and I just grinned and EXPECTED that to be exactly the order in the exact time frame that WE wanted. But who was I thinking about? My will or God's will??? Well, as ya'll know, we bought the house. "CHECK!" Okay, we got a sweet dog, Belle. "CHECK!" But in the middle of the house and dog, that was when we discovered Daddy was soo sick. So as ya'll know, we went through a difficult time. But with GOD'S help, we felt peace that only HE can give us. So of course, what is next on the list? Baby! Well, as some of ya'll know, right after Daddy passed away, Russell lost his job at Walmart. Okay, so baby is obviously on hold as far as planning for a baby. I mean, the fantasy I thought of , "house, dog, baby" numerically in that order may have seemed "easy" at that time, but things change in life. We never in our wildest dreams would have thought we would now be living in South Arkansas and not in Bentonville. Never. Until a couple months before Russell got the job with Murphy USA. God started to speak to me more and more about living here again. I listened to the Lord and he would help me think that living here would not be so "bad". Don't worry, South AR friends, we love it down here and we LOVE ya'll sooo much! :) And when the recruiting firm called my sweet husband for an interview I knew that it was a sign from God that we really could move. God told me that He will work out all the details. We just need to trust in HIM and only Him! We may see the little picture in the frame, but ya'll, God has a beautiful painting waiting just for you. We may have all the pieces of the puzzle, but God knows exactly where those pieces go. I know some days may be much harder than others. Like with waiting on God for answers to prayers, or anything really. God knows your need. I know many of you may have health issues. God knows your need. I know many of you may have family troubles. God knows your need. I know many of you may be waiting for a job. God knows your need. Just keep praying my friends. Keep praying and the Lord will help you. Trust that He will help you.

Ya'll may be wondering how we are doing in South AR. We love it. We are closer to all of our family members as far as miles go. :) It just takes us back to our roots. I can get anywhere in 10 minutes or less. :) When I run any errand, I always see someone I know....always! We get to spend more time with our South AR friends (you know who you are! ) And there's more! We are just grateful. I did learn not to ever take anything in life for granted. It is not about me. It is not about what I want. It's about what God wants. Ultimately. Period. That's It!

I hope ya'll don't think I "preached" to ya'll too much tonight. It was something on my heart. I just want to remind ya'll that any time ya'll want to email me with a prayer request, feel free. I check my email daily. I will certainly pray for you. And no prayer is "too small" to pray for. And by the way, to those of you who have emailed me and I have not replied yet, I promise, I will email you back! :) So sorry!

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11