The Simple Life at Home

I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.

Psalm 119:32

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

For years, actually since the night Hubby proposed to me, I have had to accept that someday God would lead us to live in the Middle East. It was always there, hanging over me. After our first trip to visit Hubby's family, we got on the plane and he declared that he could "never live there again." Not because of his family, of course, but because of the way of life. So I relaxed a little, thinking I had living in American for life in the bag.

Over the years, his family would mention what a great opportunity it would be for him to look for a job in the Middle East. Whenever it came up, I got a knot in my stomach and instantly shot down the idea. It was a source of tension.

But last summer when his friend approached him about a job, I didn't have that same reaction. Instead, I was calm. I encouraged him to find out more about the job and I began to do my own research.

In my mind, this was truly an act of God. For Him to ease my mind about such a huge change is truly a miracle. I've had a sense of peace about it throughout. The hardest thing was telling my parents. My mom and I are exceptionally close and I knew that this would be very hard on her. But I have to give them credit - after the initial shock wore off, they have been very receptive and encouraging. That could just be an act though - LOL!!!

The verse above speaks to exactly how I feel. I am convinced that this move is exactly what God is calling us to do and, instead of being paralyzed by fear or panic, my heart is free and soaring. God has done so many things to smooth the way that I'm certain we are following His will. Those things are what I am so thankful for today.

• As mentioned above, my parents reaction has been better than I could have ever imagined.
• God has supported me and I've drawn closer to him during this time apart from Hubby.
• He has surrounded us with wonderful friends who have been so helpful and supportive during this time.
• He has provided us with a lovely home in Doha, which we are all excited about.
• There is a church which Hubby has found that he thinks we will love - this is an extra blessing and source of encouragement for me.
• All of our properties now have renters.
• I think things are going to work with regards to bringing our little dog, Snow. This is especially important to my son, who loves her to the ends of the earth.
• My children's reactions in general have been great. Emily, while not thrilled about the move (she is a 12 year old girl after all!), is ok with it. Daniel is looking forward to his new life. We are all excited about beginning a new life.
• This past Sunday we had a special speaker at our church. He was an American former pastor in Iran and now works with Iranian refugees around the world. His message was so encouraging to me that I will be able to make a difference just by being myself and letting the light of God shine through me. This is something I had been struggling with, knowing I cannot be as open as I might normally be there with regards to my faith. It was a great encouragement.

Most of the people we tell about our impending move express shock and concern for our safety. They can't believe we would move our children to what they consider to be an unsafe place, even though it truly is a very safe place. I just laugh and know that we are in God's will. He has set my heart free. When you are in God's will, there's no better place to be!!

For more Thankful Thursday participants, be sure to visit Iris at Sting My Heart!