Home on the Range - Move 5

The hardest part in moving is leaving behind dear friends. We did not make the decision to move without a lot of thought and prayer. During this long process we have reflected on the many moves we have made. Each of them have been testimonies to God’s mercy and faithfulness. They have been structural faith builders. Unmistakable evidence that the Lord has gone before us. And right now, in the mess of moving, I need to revisit these stories. I share them with you to strengthen your faith in whatever place you may be at present. The Lord who fed the multitude with five loaves and two fishes said He will provide for you. 

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness,

and all these things will be added to you.”

Matthew 6:33

We lived in West Chicago for seven years. It felt like our Jubilee Sabbath. Steve had been in full time pastoral ministry for thirty years without more than two or three weeks vacation every year. We had been happy servants. But we were tired. And God gave us a long rest. Committed to our new local church, Steve taught a Sunday school class and I led a women’s bible study discussion group - but Steve had no administrative or elder responsibilities.

A couple of things motivated the next move. Steve’s work with Training Leaders International is financed mostly by supporters. We began to feel increasingly responsible for how we were stewarding those finances. Was it really the best idea to be living where the property taxes were so high? Soon all of our children would be out of the house. Should we downsize again? We began to pray. 

When our church asked us to consider moving with one of the pastors to the south side of Atlanta to help him plant a church, we sensed this was the answer to our prayers. This move was the hardest in the actual moving process, but the easiest in the landing.

Ryans Court, Sharpsburg, GA (2021-2026)

If ever the way before us seemed to open up like the Red Sea, it was in this move. A family member gave us a bridge loan so we could buy a home before selling ours. We found a home quickly on-line. Housing costs in Georgia were still low and interest rates were lower. That gift took a huge burden off of our shoulders. The Lord knew how much we could bear. The time line ended up looking like this.

January: Agreed to request to join the church plant February: Purchased home March Steve’s father went on hospice care. I was his caregiver the last two weeks. May: Steve's father begins life eternal. First week of June: Family gathered for his funeral in San Diego Third week of June: Our daughter got married in Chicago.

Five days later, we pulled out of Chicago and headed south!

It should not surprise very many that at one point in the move I sat on the floor in a paralyzed shock. It may have been the lowest I have ever been physically, emotionally and mentally. God tenderly carried me. I do not know how it all happened, but we moved. God gave me two months rest to gather my wits about me before church planting started in earnest.

It was amazingly wonderful to be working in ministry alongside Steve again. I had not realized how much I had missed this. How much I had missed hearing him preach. And how much I had missed opening our home for ministry.

God provided for us what my friends called, "My big beautiful home." A 10x40 foot mobile home it was not. It was just what we needed for this season of our lives, just like that home on Warbler had been. (See Home of the Range - Move 1) The early church meetings were held in our home. This house was perfectly situated to be used in this way. Adults upstairs. Children in the basement. And yes, a basement for the books. And for elder’s meetings. And discipleship meetings. And community groups. And mentoring.  And for overnight guests that rotated through our home every couple of weeks. And for Christmas holidays with all the kids, their spouses and grandkids. Crowded, yes. But so worth it.  One of the great privileges of our lives. 

We committed to staying for four years. It flew by. A church was birthed. There was growth happening. We stayed another year all the while sensing that God was directing our steps to be closer to our family. Steve’s mom passed away in November of last year. We became the oldest branches in our part of the family tree. It was time for what we hope will be the last move before our final move to the home that the Lord is preparing for us. But whatever is His plan,

It will be very good. 

Here is how I was praying through the events of moving:

God you are before me. 

You are sovereign over the details of the renters, the remodel, the book house. I will not fear.

It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. Deut. 31:8

God you are behind me. 

You will be with the friends I leave behind and will fill with your grace the holes left by my departure. 

I will not fear. 

For you shall not go out in haste,    and you shall not go in flight,for the Lord will go before you,    and the God of Israel will be your rear guard.Isaiah 52:12

God you are beside me. 

You are sovereign over all the details of the move: 

cleaning and selling the house, packing, driving, unpacking. I will not fear

fear not, for I am with you;

    be not dismayed, for I am your God;

I will strengthen you, I will help you,

    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shakenPsalm 16:8