The Tides Are Changing

My whole life has consisted of seasons of ebb and flow. Mountain tops and valleys. High tides and low. I have seen times of great growth through hard trials and times of peaceful rest. All of the seasons I've encountered have stretched me, strengthened me, and taught me more about myself and the Lord. But my life isn't finished, and as I'm beginning this 32nd year I am expectant for whatever seasons the Lord will bring!

And with that being said... I have some exciting news!

Last year, in January of 2018, I attended a conference. At this conference the Lord began stirring my heart and speaking to me about transition coming. I didn't have many details but I did have trust and hope that He is good and His plans for me are good! My best friend also heard from the Lord that same night about transition coming and that was confirming for me. With no timeline in sight all I could do was walk in faith and be ready to obey when the time came.

Throughout the months there were moments when I questioned whether this was the moment for transition but every time I asked the Lord I would feel no peace in my heart. I won't lie, there were times of discouragement, doubt, and lack of faith. But the Father is faithful to meet us in those moments and helps us realign our gaze on Him, and out of that alignment comes trust.

As the months passed and November quickly approached I began preparing for my trip to South Africa. I was very focused on everything that needed doing before I left that I found myself getting lost in the busyness and recognized the need to spend time preparing my heart as well. It was in one of these moments of prayer that I heard the still soft reminder of the Lord that transition was near and for me to be ready. Still with no clear direction of what that meant, I had to trust... and so trusting I continued to do.

I left for South Africa and within the first few days the Lord began reminding me of areas of ministry that I love and stirring areas of my heart that had been closed up for a while. After a week of traveling, in a moment on a patio, the Lord said it was time for movement. It felt like a very dynamic moment that I needed to treasure and process through with the Lord, and so I did not share what was happening with anyone around me. 

When I got home I began to fast and pray (after struggling with some nasty sinus infection and terrible jet lag that seemed never ending). In the midst of that time of praying I had a dream that a woman I admire was telling me it was time to move and to get ready. When I woke up I got in the word, and everything I read was speaking peace to my heart. So I asked those closest to me to pray and believe with me. And I knew that this was the moment of transition the Lord had been preparing me for... 

I am going to be leaving California... and moving back to Tennessee!

Everything from that moment on has been a whirlwind. But I am so excited about what God is doing. I am excited for every opportunity He is bringing and every open door He will fling wide. I am thankful for every bit of confirmation He's given me even when He had confirmed it so many times prior. He used friends and family to speak to me, confirm what He had spoken to me, pray for me, and simply listen to me process through what the Lord was saying. And because of all that has happened in this process I am excited I can make this announcement with the confidence that this is the Lord's doing and workmanship.

There are still many questions to be answered, things to organize, and trust to be had... but one day at a time, one step of faith at a time, and with every ounce of obedience I can give, I will see this transition happen with praise in my heart. 

My mom and I will be traveling to the Nashville area in April to find a place for me to live and begin the biggest preparations. Once I have an official place to live I will know when my move date will be. Until then, please pray with me. This isn't going to be a "small, might come back home in a few months" kind of move... this is a "pack up everything, start a new life" kind of move. And that can be overwhelming, tiring, expensive, and emotional. So your prayers will be appreciated and cherished.

I would also like to take these last few months that I'll be living in California to spend time with those of you who have played such an important roll in my life over that last 11 years of living back home. You experienced some of my biggest growing seasons with me and you all hold special places in my heart. Reminisce with me, but also let's celebrate the faithfulness and goodness of the Lord.

Here's to 2019, my 32nd year of life, and all that is to come. The tides are changing, and I am jumping in full force!