Tuesday, February 12, 2013

God has a funny sense of humor...we're moving

Never say never!

Fourteen years ago, John and I made Austin our home. I quickly fell in love with this city and boldly proclaimed, "You couldn't pay me enough to move back to Dallas. I love it here!"

Fast forward to last October when John came home one day and said, "Well, they're serious this time. They want me in Dallas." 'They' being the amazing company he works for. We've known this request would come sooner or later, but we always thought we'd turn it down.

Through LOTS of prayer, I'm eating my words and come June, Dallas will be our new home.


As the title of this post suggests, I really think God is chuckling right now. He's saying, "Really, Dana? You think you've got it all figured out, don't you?!"

I've talked to God a lot throughout this decision and it's become very clear that our move is actually His way of answering my prayers. I prayed for God to heal my relationship with my brother. Well, guess who lives in Dallas?...my brother. I've prayed that God would validate John in his work and that they'll value him for the amazing commitment and efforts he displays on a daily basis. Well, they "need" him in Dallas because he's received a promotion. How's that for validation?!

I'll be honest, I've "tested" God through this decision. My weak faith has had the audacity of asking God to "do things" if our move was meant to be. I was just telling the kids about this this morning.

Reed's been asking to join a skeet shooting team. John began to look into it for him and reached out to the Texas coordinator via email. In the meantime, I prayed that God would 'provide me proof' by letting the answer reveal that the teams were in Dallas and not in Austin. Well, weeks passed without response. Then one day, an email appeared saying, "Unfortunately, we don't have any teams in Austin, but there are tons in Dallas." I read this and started crying! Crying, out of awe that He answered me so boldly and crying that I knew at this point there was no turning back...if we're going to live in His will, then we need to follow His lead.

John and I have realized that we've become very comfortable in our lives. It's often the times of discomfort that cause spiritual growth so we're embracing this season of life and trusting that we'll come out on the other side of things as better human beings. 

You've probably noticed things have been lacking a bit here on my blog. Well, now you know why! Trying to find a house in a different city kinda sucks a little energy out of ya. And, it's a bit pointless to do great projects around the house when you know it's not going to be yours much longer. 

So, friends, I ask you to hang on for the ride during this time of transition. I'll continue posting but it certainly won't be on a regular basis like usual. 

Our house will be on the market in a few weeks and we're facing big decisions about whether to build or buy. Right now, we can't even make up our minds about what part of town to live in. Dallas has a million suburbs and most have horrible commutes. Decisions, decisions.

I'll leave you with this though...I was very frustrated one night after spending hours searching for homes on-line. I prayed as I was going to bed and asked God to give me a glimpse into the house we'd be living in. I wanted a sense of familiarity so when I walked into it, I'd know. I didn't dream of a specific house that night...I dreamt of floor plans. Hummm...

14 comments:

  1. Dana, What emotions you must be feeling, from excitement to sadness for your life in Austin. We had friends just move to Dallas from a small town in Wisconsin. I've heard Austin is amazing so I can see why you are sad to leave. God is faithful as you know! Praying for a quick sale for your home and the decision to build or buy to be made clear!

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  2. I'm sorry that you are sad to leave Austin, but frankly I'm a big fan of your blog and I live in the DFW area so I'm really excited to see what you do in my neck of the woods! Maybe it will make you feel better knowing that you have a fan cheering you on from down the street? :) And praise God for His clear and perfect signs that this is His will.

    Also, last year I had you pray for my relationship with a guy named Mark and well... we're getting married June 8th! :)

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  3. Wow! How amazing is the comment above! At first I thought you had decided to build and that was your lot ~ exited to see what adventures God has coming your way! I think I remember in a post way back you mentioning you loved change!! :)

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  4. Omg Amy's comment made me smile! I know it's probably overwhelming and a bit scary, but you guys made the right choice. His signs have led you the right way! Congrats to your husband on the promotion and best of luck in this whole process! I will be right here along for the ride. :)

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  5. Best wishes! Loved hearing how this all came to be. I'll be praying for a smooth transition and for the "right fit" of a house. So exciting!

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  6. yes, this definitely sounds like it was meant to be... much like our unintended move happened to us! and we are so grateful it did. we were talking last night about hoe happy we are that we made the move here and how much of a sense of community we feel, and we never thought we would have been moving here. but it has all been a blessing in our life and what we needed.

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  7. What an exciting new adventure for your family, Dana! Best wishes as you look for a new place to call home and start this next chapter in your lives!!

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  8. Sad for Austin to be losing a great family, but YAY for us up here in DFW!! I hope the move goes smoothly (do they ever? not in my experience...), and if you've got any questions about the Plano area, I'd be happy to help :)

    Good luck!!

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  9. Dana, I love how open you are in your blog, sharing your walk of faith so honestly, it touches my heart to see how God moves in our lives. I can't wait to hear about your updates! Thank you, Debbie

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  10. Good luck on the next chapter. It all sounds very exciting and when your prayers are answered it is even more so..you know you are on the right path.

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  11. Looking forward to your updates. I believe we do grow when we are challenged in life and a lesson comes out of every challenge. Best wishes to you and your family. Life is so good.

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  12. Dana! Oh my goodness, I love hearing your stories of how God is confirming the path He has for your family. I'm excited to see the adventures you will find in the "Big D!" Plus, I'm super excited because we go to Dallas multiple times a year, so maybe we could have lunch together!

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  13. Ok FINALLY catching up! Austin to Dallas - wow. I LOVE this post - I love how God answers our prayers in ways we don't expect! And how He gives us peace even when we don't seem to have the faith that we are hearing Him right! Seriously LOVE this post. Praying you guys find the right place - and then I'm going to come visit! Dallas was the best.
    -Katie

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