Monday, January 4, 2010

All Their Possessions

And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother’s son, and all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people that they had acquired in Haran, and they set out to go to the land of Canaan. ~~ Genesis 12:5 ESV

Abram lived in Haran with his father, Terah, and all this extended family for years. The Bible does not say how long they lived in Haran, but Terah lived to be 205 years old. After Terah’s death, the Lord instructed Abram to leave the land he knew for a long time and to go to a place that God showed him. By faith, Abram packed all the possessions he gathered over the years and departed from the land as the Lord instructed.

This morning as I read from Genesis, the phrase “and all their possessions they had gathered” stood out to me. I suppose I took notice of it as I realize how many possessions I’ve gathered over the past 21 years in the last few weeks.

The Lord, who determines the times and places we shall live (Acts 17:26), has opened the opportunity for us to move to a city after living for 21 years in a small community. We are sorting through what to keep and what to throw away. And yes, we’re realizing what trash collectors we had become. All the “we can fix this later” projects have been tossed away.

I wonder how many U-Haul camels Abram rented. We’re striving to ensure that all the possessions we’ve gathered fit in one U-Haul truck. And I’m so thankful we do not have to move with camels as we will be moving two cats and one dog.

With the arrival of a new year, my family is embarking on a new adventure. I will miss all that is familiar to me, especially the friendships that have been made. I am also thankful that technology makes it much easier to stay in touch today. I hope that all of my dear friends will stay in contact with me. I also look forward to meeting new people.

My posts will be sporadic or perhaps not at all during this transition. Lord willing, I’ll return to regular blog posts after the move of all the possessions I have gathered is completed.

Happy New Year to all of you!!

8 gracious comments:

Leah Adams said...

God bless your family as you move, Shonda. I know He has exciting times ahead for you as you trust Him and walk by faith into this new adventure.

Would love for you and your readers you to join us in the Challenge 2010 Scripture Memory event over at my blog if you have time.

Leah

Kathy Schwanke said...

God Bless You as you transition! And I totally know what you mean about the things we keep...26 yrs here...we started to toss too!

Cherdecor said...

Shonda, Shonda, Wait, wait, wait!
Where are you going? What are you doing? I have all the pictures of your backyard.....I feel like I am losing you!

Well, please let us know what the deal is......we can always plan another yard. (smiles)

Praying for your move and new home.
Hugs,
cheryl

Anonymous said...

How exciting! I pray peace over you during this time of transition.

Lisa Smith said...

my heart is in much the same place. as soon as our house sells we will decide where to go...we are standing on the verse in Act. i don't have to know. He does.

isn't it freeing to let loose of so much stuff???

KrippledWarrior said...

Abram renting a U-HAUL. Very funny. When Adam & Eve moved out, they were in a Plymouth. The Book says "The Lord drove them out in a great Fury."

Alene said...

I'm missing you already. Now you have doubled your distance from me. Can't wait to here how things are going and where God leads you in El Paso. Love my friend!

Anonymous said...

I enjoyed looking over your blog
God bless you