We’re Moving + My Word of the Year

Do you choose a word of the year or set any New Year’s resolutions? I used to think it was so cheesy, but even if my “word” only rings true for the first few months, I enjoy starting off every year in prayer over how the Lord is working in my heart that season.

Here are the blog posts I’ve written for all of my previous “words” that I’ve picked: intentional, present, rest, and nurture.

The word I’ve chosen for 2023 is surrender.

When I looked up the definition, everything I found had negative connotations: to give up power, to submit to authority, to abandon, relinquish or resign. Almost as if you are weak, but I’ve learned that there is strength in letting go. There’s a certain beauty in clothing yourself in humility and obedience.

Luke 9:23 says, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”

So that’s what we’re doing! We’re following God’s lead all the way to…

*cue Heads Carolina, Tails California by Jo Dee Messina*

SOUTH CAROLINA!

There is a whole whirlwind of thoughts and emotions this time around. We moved from Texas to Florida four years ago, but this time feels different. I don’t know if it’s because of the community we’ve found or the fact that we now have two kids — one of which has grown to love all the little friends of her own — probably a mix of both, but I have a feeling this will be our hardest move yet.

I’m excited for a fresh start and more adventures to be had! We will be in Columbia, which I’ve heard is known for being “2 hours from the mountains and 2 hours from the beach,” so I am sure we will be taking lots of day and weekend trips to explore.

I’m nervous to find a new church and community; to find a new house to call home and new neighbors to love on; to find another dance studio for my daughter, and go-to restaurants, parks and grocery stores; to search for holistic doctors and dentists all over again.

I’m heartbroken to leave our friends. They have become our family these past four years, and now we start the hunt all over again to find local friends for ourselves and for our girls to do life with, all while keeping up with long-distance friendships. (P.S. please visit us if you ever come this way!!)

I’m mourning the future I saw in our current house: the chicken coop, garden, and all the outdoor projects we dreamed up but never started. I’m selfishly hoping we can find the perfect house to just pick right back up where we left off — but if not, I know that God is still good.

Ultimately, I’m very hopeful. When we heard there was a chance for us to move states again, I had friends ask what my initial thoughts and feelings were about it. I always explained that it felt like I was standing with my palms up in surrender, just letting go of the reins and ready to accept whatever God throws our way. When my husband’s job offer just kind of fell into our laps, it was a no-brainer that the Lord ordained every part of it. I know He will provide our every need, because He created us for such a time as this. His plan was for us to move. I’m hopeful that this new job will bring Mason more joy than his previous one, and will be the best decision for our family.

God has opened up every door for us so far and has made it so easy for us to say “yes” in surrender as we follow His lead.

Do you have any words or resolutions for 2023? I want to hear about it!