[1] Lord willing, this time next Saturday our truck will be all packed and we will be making the big move down to Orange County. Our week has been pretty busy with packing and meeting with people. Bobby and I even got to go on a date! A sweet family of one of our high school students gave us a night out–which included complimentary childcare while Bobby and I went out to dinner! It was the first time we’ve left Tyler with anyone other than each other, but we had a great time. I figured Tyler would do fine without us for a couple of hours because he is 12 weeks old now, but I think he’ll need a little getting used to it because he really missed us (read–was screaming!). I guess I’ve gotten used to eating while having Tyler in my other arm or on my lap at same time. It was really nice to just sit and talk and enjoy Bobby’s company. I hope we find a family that will kind of be our regular baby-sitters in the OC because I would love to do that more regularly.

I’ve been thinking a lot about our move and there seem to be some extremes like the fact that we’re moving from Northern California to Southern California. Or that it’s sad to have to leave the students here but exciting to go to a new place. I guess we’re in a place of transition right now. But I’m looking forward to following steadfastly each step the Lord is providing for us.

Today I was reading Psalm 86:11,

MacArthur’s study note in my Bible describes a united heart as being–”single-heartedly loyal to his Lord.” The longings, desires and goals of a united heart are summed up in one thing, the Lord. I used to think that this seemed like a harsh deal. By that I mean that I thought there was nothing wrong with longing for other things like marriage, friendship, or peace. Surely there could be nothing wrong with desiring to be healthy or even happy. And I always thought it was good to have goals, like what college to go to, career or accomplishments. If I didn’t have goals I thought I wouldn’t achieve anything in life. Well, none of those things are necessarily bad, but they are the things that can divide us from the Lord. We should never desire or seek after anything in more than God Himself.

I have struggled with this frequently in my own life. It’s almost as if there is a battle going on in my heart between my sinful self and the Holy Spirit. I’ve come to see that there is nothing harsh about the intense call for a follower of Christ. I think the reason I might struggle with it is because my flesh doesn’t like being overcome. But Scripture is so clear that we must deny ourselves (Luke 9:23) and seek first God’s Kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33).

With our move it could be easy to get stressed, worry, and get swallowed up in all the uncertainties. I know I could consider that and then just feel overwhelmed. Or I can choose to see this transition as a big opportunity to be united in my devotion to Christ by putting away any anxiety or fear, casting all my cares on the Lord. I know that the Lord is faithful and has given me all the grace and strength I need to obey Him, now if only I can get my stubborn will into submission…