How I got from there to here.

Whoever said God works in mysterious ways was right. There are just some things that come our way that we don't see coming. My move to Florida is one of them. If you had been following my Journey to the Jordan blog, you are familiar with the story.

For those of you who don't know, in the fall of 2022, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and my husband, Charles, was offered a new job opportunity. Both of these life events were life-altering. The position Charles accepted was to be based somewhere else... we just didn't know where at the time. And I was at the beginning of learning more about the cancer and treatment plan. If you know me, you know that I am a planner, so having two major events coincide and into the unknown were rather unsettling for me.

To shorten a very lengthy story, we found out that Charles' job was going to take him to Ft. Worth, Texas, and my cancer was stage two. Okay God, we know You've got this! I kicked off 2023 with surgery, followed by radiation therapy. I don’t recommend that as a way to kick off your new year, but rather find something a little less invasive and entertaining. Charles left for Texas a week after my radiation ended. While I stayed back in Virginia recuperating and having follow-up appointments, I was house hunting thinking I would be moving to Texas. That plan changed when in the fall, Charles' company told him they had a different opportunity in mind for him. He received that call in January 2024, a promotion and move to Tampa, Florida.

Florida! The gulf beaches are tremendous and living so close would be so awesome... but... Virginia is my HOME. After so many God-instances that had been occurring right in front of us, Charles and I knew that this is where God was leading us, and we needed to be obedient. We moved Charles from Ft. Worth to Tampa in February, and I moved in late May (I had to finish my 30-week Bible study!). During the entire transition, I was surrounded by prayers and encouragement. Those closest to me knew that while I was excited for this new adventure, I was also sad to be leaving. God provided me what I needed all along the way, especially during the ten months Charles and I were living in two different time zones.

It is now January 2025, and I will say that the adjustment was difficult. While I am happy that Charles and I are back living under the same roof, I left my hometown, family, friends, Bible study, and part-time job. I've been through periods of loneliness and frustration, which led me to lean on God more than ever. It was through this initial transition period to Florida that my friend circle was encouraging me to find my purpose here and to explore what God has next for me. After much prayer and other God-instances, I felt Him leading me to begin a small business that would bring together my love for the beach and for God’s Word. A beautiful way to embrace my new surroundings, and give glory to God at the same time. As this venture was beginning to grow, I also felt God’s leading into returning to writing, perhaps bringing together the various talents and abilities HE has given me and offering them to others for encouragement and hope.

God equips each of us with a unique set of gifts. My prayer is that you will be encouraged to use those gifts for His glory. Whatever that may look like for you, may you be blessed as you bless others.