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27 comments

Paula Hendricks

Saying Goodbye

Posted on 08.03.10 by Paula Hendricks | Twitter: @PaulaWrites678
Topics: Homefront

I love my little home. I’ve painted the walls (rather, my mom has painted the walls), I’ve planted flowers (as well as fresh mint), I’ve had all kinds of people over, and I’ve made friends with my neighbors. 

But in less than two weeks, I’m moving. You’d think it wouldn’t be a big deal—it’s just across town—but it is a big deal. A couple months ago, I was suddenly faced with more than one reason (as well as lots of encouragement) to leave. I didn’t hurry away. I sought counsel. Lots of it. I prayed. I searched the Scriptures. And then it was just time to decide. So I did. I decided to go.

I think it’s the right decision. I don’t know for sure, because I’m not God. I don’t have all the facts. But, it’s decided, and I’m beginning to realize that I can rest easy in His sovereignty. Because I’m His child, I know that whether I made the right decision or not . . . either way He will teach me, lead me, and love me. Because I’m not alone. I’m His.

As I box my books, find homes for the furniture I can’t take with me, and say goodbye to neighbors, I’m deeply encouraged by the truths in Acts 17:26-28a:  

“And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and have our being.”

God knew I’d be moving to this new home this month. In fact, He determined from eternity past that that’s exactly where I’d live. And He did it so that I would seek Him. So that I would cling to Him—my Refuge in an ever-changing, insecure world.

When everything in my feminine heart yearns to be deeply rooted and secure . . . I can be. Not in my cute home on the corner, but in Him—in the One who gives me life, the One who is my life.

What circumstances are making you feel insecure or unsettled today? Might it be that this very circumstance is designed so you will seek God? Which one of His promises can you cling to today? 

Comments

  1. Funny, we are in the midst of a move, too! We planned to downsize in our 60's, but we are only 59! However, when God makes it clear, no matter the unstable economy and decreasing value of homes, we knew that it's always best to listen and obey. We are going from a 17 room home to an 8 room home...and I can't wait. We closed on the new home last Friday, and now own two homes, and we are ready to let our old place go for what we paid for it...but, we have done this very same thing before, even paid the people to buy our house, and God gave back more than we ever imagined. Even if He doesn't work as amazingly as in the past, we trust Him to work out every detail for His good will and pleasure. God bless you in your move!
    posted by Julie
    on Tuesday, August 3, 2010 at 10:38 am
  2. I am in the midst of trying to move. Well for my boyfriend to move so that we can get married. We have decided to make God the center of our relationship and He has timed everything so perfectly so far. Now that His timing hasn't been what I think is ideal I started to question Him. I woke up this morning and asked for forgiveness, and begged Him to help me trust Him. This morning I went to a bible study that we are doing with Choosing Gratitude and in chapter 9, Nancy shares a surrender of our rights. Everything in this life is not perfect, but it is for our good and Gods glory! How comforting that we can rest in that. God is not far from us! God let us seek you more!!
    posted by Kayla
    on Tuesday, August 3, 2010 at 11:15 am
  3. I have to say that God is so awesome and all knowing that even when I look back and say "How in the world did it turn out this way" he reminds me of his word Jeremiah 29:11 for I know the thoughts and plans that I think towards you, thoughts of good and not evil to give you a future and a hope. When I thought things would go according to my little plan and they didn't he showed me how to truly lean, depend and trust in Him for he knows the plan!
    posted by Kim
    on Tuesday, August 3, 2010 at 11:22 am
  4. Wow, thanks for the encouragement today, Paula! That ministered to me in my housing situation and "the future" :) whatever that might hold!
    posted by Laura
    on Tuesday, August 3, 2010 at 11:25 am
  5. Thank you for the encouragement. We are about to put our house on the market. We (husband, daughter and myself) will be moving to North Carolina after our daughter graduates from high school. My husband will be attending Southeastern Seminary. We will be leaving everything we know here (family, church of 26 years and precious friends). We see God's hand in this area and season of our lives. We are praying for a miracle on the sale of our home! It is a blessing to know that God gives you the desires of your heart. A verse that has meant a lot to me is Mark 10:29 "Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands with persecutions and in the age to come eternal life."
    God is so Good!
    posted by Debra
    on Tuesday, August 3, 2010 at 12:17 pm
  6. Excellent - thank you for sharing - I feel my heart strings pulled as you say it is a big deal - and I feel them pulled when you say you can feel deeply rooted and secure in God's hands
    posted by Marsha
    on Tuesday, August 3, 2010 at 12:23 pm
  7. As I read this I am mere hours from boarding an airplane that will move me thousands of miles and an entire continent away from the place I've called home for the last 18 months. It is a bittersweet goodbye, but like you said, I'm discovering the security and shelter that is found in a God who knows the end from the beginning and doesn't change.
    posted by Sarah
    on Tuesday, August 3, 2010 at 12:29 pm
  8. your home has been such a blessing, and that is because you opened your life and heart to share with those around you. I have no doubt God will continue to use your Outstanding hospitality and grace at your new place, always helps when you go green too :)
    posted by Jessica
    on Tuesday, August 3, 2010 at 1:31 pm
  9. The circumstance now in my life that is making me feel insecure and unsettled in my life right now is my current home. We are a family of 4. Our home is not large at all so it seems like ALL our rooms stay cluttered with STUFF. I have given away stuff and things still seem to accumalate. I have two teenage daughters that are constantly wanting to invite friends over but I refuse because of my home. I know this is wrong and I want to open my home to their friends as well as have my friends over but I'm ashamed of the way my home is. I've been under conviction about this and am currently trying to rid myself of everything I can so I can get to the point of being proud of my home again. I work outside the home full time and are very active in our church so my time at home is very limited. As I type this it sounds so petty....but it's a huge insecurity of mine right now.
    posted by pb
    on Tuesday, August 3, 2010 at 2:20 pm
  10. I am not moving to a new home, but I am moving to a "new life" as I start as a full time student in 4 weeks. I have been a stay at home mom for 6 years and have been struggling with giving up all the control I have had with my children by my side at home. I know this is all in God's plan and his timing- but that doesn't make it easy. It is a daily struggle to just simply trust him with all the changes coming soon- Thanks for the reminder to seek God. I needed this today!
    posted by Jennifer
    on Tuesday, August 3, 2010 at 2:28 pm
  11. Jennifer, Seek God and you can not go wrong! This will be a great learning experience for your children as well. They will grow learning to deal with life without mom 24/7. I think this is wonderful! God Bless you as you go back to school. God will take care of your children if you will let go and let Him. I see so many Christian women today that are so devoted to their "religion" but are scared to death to send their children to public school, etc. I dont see this as a very trusting Christian. God will take care of our children! Teach them about Jesus and then send them OUT to spread the word among their friends. Children reach hearts that we adults can not touch.

    Praises going up!
    posted by Patty
    on Tuesday, August 3, 2010 at 3:06 pm
  12. Debra,

    My husband is planning to graduate from Southeastern in May 2011. We will be looking for a house to buy, probably in SC. If that is where your house is, please post more info. Also, the Wake Forest area is very nice, and there are lots of opportunities for learning and community here, both for you and your husband. Blessings.
    posted by Ashley
    on Tuesday, August 3, 2010 at 3:07 pm
  13. Patty - I so agree with your statement. The great commission says GO!!!!! We christians complain because God has been taken out of schools, but what do we do? Instead of trying to make a positive impact on our schools and on our community, we further compound the evil situation by removing Godly children from the schools. I believe as Christians we are called to GO and spread the Love, not just be a christian influence in the 4 walls of our home or on Sundays. We are to go where God is not........and public schools is definetly one of those places.

    God Bless!
    posted by diane
    on Tuesday, August 3, 2010 at 3:12 pm
  14. I have, for the last few months, been in a house where I can definitely see it as God's planned design to test me, grow me, and see if I will reach out for Him more than ever before. We bought our first house, and it's a big-time remodel/fixer-upper type. Very much stretching the "comfort " level I had in our previous finished rent house. I'm not materialistic, but I am still very much growing spiritually by His grace with living physically in an "undone" and "unsettled" location.
    posted by Joanna
    on Tuesday, August 3, 2010 at 3:56 pm
  15. Dear Kayla,

    I am so encouraged to hear that you and your boyfriend are inviting Christ to be at the center of your relationship, and that you’re going out of your way to do things His way. You will not regret it! It will be harder--His ways go against our flesh--but you will experience life and peace as opposed to destruction and despair. I’m praying for you both!
    posted by Paula Hendricks
    on Tuesday, August 3, 2010 at 4:10 pm
  16. Dear Sarah and Debra,

    When I read your posts, I thought of 1 Peter 3:6. You sound like courageous “daughters of Sarah.” I wish I could hear of the adventures He has in store for you! You’ll just have to share them occasionally on this blog . . .
    posted by Paula Hendricks
    on Tuesday, August 3, 2010 at 4:33 pm
  17. Dear ladies,

    Thanks for sharing your stories. Your hope in God—in all circumstances and stages of life—is inspiring!
    posted by Paula Hendricks
    on Tuesday, August 3, 2010 at 4:35 pm
  18. We just moved to another state after my husband's job transfer and suddenly I was faced with leaving all our friends and church (again) after only four years. It is a big thing. Though we have moved back closer to family, we don't see them regularly. In fact, due to my not finding a job all summer, we haven't been able to make the trip. But God is so good! We have not missed a meal, and we have been able to keep our bills paid. The church-hunt is difficult because we left an awesome church. However, God knows all about our situation, and every other situation, and He will take care of us, just like He did the last time. This move hasn't been as traumatic, as we left our two oldest children at college and their jobs with our last move. Still, I miss my close friends. But God has become my closest Friend and I know He'll make the move with us wherever we go. After all, He has prepared the way! That excites me about what He will do here, new home, new friends, new church, and yes, new job. I finally found one. No, He had it planned for me. I firmly believe that our home is where God is. And I thank Him for being here!
    True Woman
    posted by Susan
    on Tuesday, August 3, 2010 at 7:17 pm
  19. Dear Ashley,
    Congratulations to your husband on graduating next year!! Congratulations to you for your patience and endurance while your husband was in seminary. We visited the Seminary in July 2009 (after visiting one other seminary) we felt that was where God wanted us. We both felt the desire to be there. The Wake Forest area is beautiful. We are very excited to see what God has in store for us. Our daughter is excited about the college there also. At the present time, my husband will begin his first seminary class this month online. We will be coming to the campus in October. At that time, we plan on talking to the admissions office about the college for our daughter. I'm hoping to figure out exactly what housing would be best for us.
    Thank you for contacting me and I wish you and your husband the very best. Oh, by the way, our house is located in Georgia (which is not too far from SC). :)
    posted by Debra
    on Tuesday, August 3, 2010 at 8:31 pm
  20. Lots of great wisdom and encouragment. Thank you ladies for sharing. He is an awesome God and He knows everything before we even go to Him. We can be by His Spirit a delighted christian as we follow Him, a diligent christian as we seek Him continually and a dependent christian as we trust and obey Him. Thank you too, Paula. May the Lord be your strength. God bless you all.
    posted by gh
    on Tuesday, August 3, 2010 at 9:01 pm
  21. When I moved into my husband's home, it was my 17th address in 25 years. I moved a lot! Some moves I looked forward to, and a few I dreaded. Ironically, those few I dreaded, turned out to be some of the best times. But I can say in each and every situation, while I THOUGHT I was in control (especially in my younger years) I can look back now and know that God had a reason for all those residences and for all those people I came in contact with and for all those experiences. He was using me for a reason and I now it is my job not to waste those experiences.

    I can remember every single home, apartment, condo, and even a farm house that I lived in. I remember every room, yard, driveway, stairwell, hallway, noisy city street, and squeaky gate. I remember every working stove and non-working burner. Every dripping faucet and every new microwave with each move.

    But mostly, I remember the feeling of locking the door for the last time, climbing into the packed car, and driving off to my next home. And then slowly, there is that tiny moment when two feelings meet in one moment. The feeling of sadness of leaving the familiar and the feeling of adventure for the newness. And it is at that "cross over moment" (as I call it) when one feeling is exchanged for another in a single moment for a single situation, it is at that moment, for me, is when I feel closest to God because I feel it is He that is who is carrying me as I cross over. It is in that moment when the lump in my throat grows and as I blink back the tears do I soon discover the lump quickly dissolves and the tears never fall. Because after I have crossed over, I then feel a sense of relief that everything is going to be okay. And how in the world would I know that everything is going to be okay? I am only blocks away from my old residence, I don't have a clue what lies ahead of me....and yet....I have this "okay" feeling washing over me. That, I think, is God's gift of peace He graciously bestows upon me because He has it all planned out and I only need to head in the right direction.

    I truly have felt that "crossing over" feeling 17 times now in the last 25 years, so I can safely say it wasn't by chance that I happened to feel it only now and again. I have felt it every single time. God is too good and too gracious. He has never left me even when I have left Him. And the patience He continues to show and give is so undeserving, that I am continually amazed that He loves me so much. It almost makes me want to move again sometimes, just so I can feel that cross over feeling, when I am feeling distant. But, as I age, my faith is stronger and I know He is always near....no matter what my address is on my mail.

    Pack lightly - that means just less to unpack! :-)

    Love
    Elizabeth
    posted by elizabeth
    on Wednesday, August 4, 2010 at 2:47 am
  22. Oh Elizabeth 17 times in 25 years I think that would make you an expert for sure in this matter! I have moved 12 times in 32 years and thought that was a lot. God's people live all (at least in the heathen west, northwest... oh I guess those in Colorado say they live in the southwest... but I don't get that , so southwest too) over the place and of course God is everywhere and those that need to know Him are everywhere... so its all good!
    blesstheirheart/blogspot.com
    posted by Erin
    on Wednesday, August 4, 2010 at 4:56 pm
  23. Paula,
    My prayers are with you as you move! I remember having similar feelings to you at our last move -- not being entirely sure we were hearing the Lord, but believing we were -- God has blessed us in our new (smaller) place (not too far away from the old place) and given us His peace about the move. You are so right that our only security is in Christ. I love the scripture you quoted from Acts, and the application of it! I never thought of it quite that way, thank you! Yes, we need to seek Him in all we do. Looks like your timing was good with this post, too, as many others are either moving or facing uncertainties! (I didn't read all the posts but gleaned from a few.)
    Blessings and love to you Paula and may the Lord bless your move abundantly and provide all the help you need, and make you a real blessing in your new neighborhood! I'm sure He has a purpose! Heb. 11:8, Ps. 90:1
    In His love,
    posted by Leslie S.
    on Wednesday, August 4, 2010 at 5:54 pm
  24. PB - It's Friday, but in case you are still reading this blog, I want to encourage you to put away your pride and let the teenagers in your home - ANY time. Our home is just as you describe yours and when my three daughters were teenagers they and their girlfriends were in and out of our house constantly. Trust me, they were NOT critical of the mess. If they were, why was our house the absolute FAVORITE home to hang out at? Also, you will get better acquainted with your daughter's friends, which never hurts anything. Let go, and go for it! You won't be sorry you did! Plus your daughter will love you for it!!
    posted by KJ
    on Thursday, August 5, 2010 at 10:31 am
  25. Dear Paula, There is no place like being at the center of His will, even if momentarily looks painful. But He cares of every detail and comfort your heart. He will provide new friends and neighbors and a comfortable place for you, that from eternity He designed it for you ... Trust in His loving care! Also remember that God blesses an obedient and submissive heart.
    I'm going through right now for a move, I left the "safe" place for me, my dear neighbors, and I'm in unknown place , but surely that His hand brought me here and that calms and comforts my soul ...
    Blessings to you!
    posted by Elba
    on Thursday, August 5, 2010 at 9:27 pm
  26. Dear Paula, There is no place like being at the center of His will, even if momentarily looks painful. But He cares of every detail and comfort your heart. He will provide new friends and neighbors and a comfortable place for you, that from eternity He designed it for you ... Trust in His loving care! Also remember that God blesses an obedient and submissive heart.
    I'm going through right now for a move, I left the "safe" place for me, my dear neighbors, and I'm in unknown place , but surely that His hand brought me here and that calms and comforts my soul ...
    Blessings to you!
    posted by Elba
    on Thursday, August 5, 2010 at 9:27 pm
  27. Wow, what a response concerning moving:) We moved our family 11 years ago when our daughter was 10. One night she cried and cried and said she wan ed to "go home." My husband sat on the bed and cried with her:) After that she was ok and began to adapt to her new home. I think it helped her to know Daddy understood. Thanks, Paula, for sharing your heart about moving. I will be praying for you....
    posted by Laura Green
    on Saturday, August 7, 2010 at 7:30 am

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