Cat's Out of the Bag

I knew it was bound to happen sometime, and now the secret is out of the bag ~ I'm moving to Seattle.

Towards the end of December I was really wrestling; I knew that God was bringing me into a season of change, but I had no idea what that change would looked like. I cried out asking God what I should pursue, what change I should embrace, and His answer was an audible question. He asked me “what do you want? What do you really want?” I struggled with that for awhile, feeling like I couldn't make a decision. I knew I had nothing to lose, but I wasn't able to make sense of it all and therefore felt uncomfortable and hesitant to take a leap. But then I remembered something: God is my rock, my salvation, my fortress (Psalms 62). Wherever I go, I know He will bless me (Numbers 6:24-26) and watch over me (Psalm 1:6b). Why was I afraid? Why was I wrestling so much? I really had nothing to lose, but rather something to gain, no matter what I chose.

With a battle raging inside me, being pulled in so many directions and trying to make sense of chaos, I suddenly felt stillness wrap around me and heard for the third time “Rachel, what do you want?” My reply was the usual one - I wanted to go anywhere and do anything that was in God’s will for me to do. But then I heard more loudly “If an earthly father can lavishly give gifts, imagine what I can give you (Luke 11-11-13). You just have to ask and seek (Luke 9-10). That is my will for you.”

I knew right then that I was supposed to pursue moving to Seattle Washington.

Seattle has been on my heart for almost two years now, since the very first time I visited. My love for the city began as a simple seed of admiration, but grew into an overwhelming desire to immerse myself in the environment that touched my soul like no other. When I'm in that rainy city and I see the majestic cascades or olympics in the distance, I cannot help but feel God's presence and the love He has for us, even the least of us.

One prayer that I have prayed far too many times to keep count - "God, help me shine like a light in the darkness. Help me be a living vessel that displays your love, your peace, your joy, and your heart. Use me to reach the unreached and to reveal your love to them." I want that prayer answered wherever I go, but especially in WA.

Though doubts have crept in and spiritual battles have been almost constant, I know that God is preparing me for something spectacular. I really do believe He's going to bless my time in Seattle and use it to bring much growth to my personal walk with Him, and possibly to my career/ministry. I am sure there will be hard times (withdrawals perhaps... from my beautiful nieces and nephews especially; just thinking about distance hurts), but through thick and thin I believe God will reveal Himself and help me find a life of eucharisteo.

Before I wrap this up, I would love to ask my dear friends and family to please keep me in your prayers. I have felt more spiritual warfare in the last two months than I have the last few years combined. I believe I'm stepping on some toes and getting ready to do something very influential in my life and that has satan not so excited.
If you would please pray for:
- restful sleep
- extra income opportunities
- a smooth transition for my trainee at my current employer and for my coworkers as they handle the switch off
- a job/income security once I move
- confidence as I meet with future photographers/employers
- and for opportunities to get plugged in at a new church community and with new friends in Seattle

Thank you dear ones.
With much love,

Rachel Grace