This isn’t my first rodeo.
In the course of my lifetime, I’ve lived in five different states, ten cities, and changed physical addresses at least eighteen times. My family and I are less than a week away from making it number nineteen.
A new home. New community. New ministry. New everything. Alongside the new, will arrive some old. It’s the old that sustains me. Strengthens me. Maintains me. That old?
God is near. (Ps. 145:18; James 4:8)
God.
Is.
Near.
When breathed in isolation, those three words hold enough theology, imagery, breadth, and depth to transition a heart from the old into the new. God and his nearness are old. God and his nearness are new. Never changing; ever the same. Ever present, active, and accurate. God simply and profoundly IS wherever I am. I cannot outrun his presence or hide from his heavenly GPS. He knows where I am and is willing to keep pace with my progression. Movement wins when God is with me.
This is how I can do this thing—keep making these moves and living the itinerant life. Knowing that God is near me keeps me upright in the saddle and focused on the finish line. Certainly, I’ve kicked up a little dust along the way, taken a tumble every now and again, and even knocked over a barrel on occasion. Each rodeo comes with its unique obstacles. But even then—even there in those moments of holding on for dear life—joy can be found. There’s something about the ride that trumps the risk.
To ride and rope and gallop alongside Jesus is to live life on the solid edge. This is how faith feels to me right now—dusty, wild, fast, and furious. I am hanging on for dear, sweet life. I’m resolved regarding the finish line, tenaciously gripping the reins in one hand while waving to the crowd with the other . . .
Just so you’ll know I’m still here. Just so you’ll know I haven’t given up. Just so you’ll know that I’m still committed to the ride, regardless of how bumpy it gets some days.
How grateful I am for the nearness of God and for this ride that draws me ever closer to his heart!
*Fair Warning: Number nineteen, here I come! Saddle up, and get ready to rodeo, friends. We’re in for the ride of our lives. May God grant us his favor, his strength, his discernment, his joy, and his peace for the journey that lies ahead. I thank you for the privilege of riding my horse next to yours.
Love you and praying for you! Wishing Portland, Oregon was your number 19!
That is so very sweet, friend. Touches my heart this morning!
Sounds like a wild ride ahead, Elaine. Glad you’re an experienced cowgirl and can ride with the best of them. I’ll be praying for you!
I even have the boots to go with, Cheryl! Looking forward to this new frontier.
Hold on tight sweet sis, enjoy the ride.
I don’t know how else to hold, Denise. If not for my grip of Jesus, I’d have left this rodeo long ago. Love you.
Wow, you are headed on your 19th move! That is a lot. We moved often when I was younger, but haven’t as much since I’ve been an adult. Where are you headed, and what’s next for you? Blessings on your move, friend, and may God give you and your man great energy and unity int his new step.
Jennifer Dougan
http://www.jenniferdougan.com
Energy and unity! What a perfect prayer to pray. Thanks, Jennifer.
Can’t imagine that many moves, my friend! Cannot.imagine! God is indeed near. You and all the Olsens are (and will be) in my prayers in the next few weeks. Love you.
I know you’re praying, Tracy. I’m looking forward to hearing about your new frontier – grandmotherhood!!!!
Praying for you as you begin this new road in your journey…but your soo right of course, no matter what the road, no matter where it takes us, He is right there beside us. So hang on and ENJOY the ride! HUGS
You know something of wild rides, Debbie. My heart is close to your this day, as I consider the many burdens you carry in this season. Blessings and peace.
“To ride and rope and gallop alongside Jesus is to live life on the solid edge.”
You can tell by my blog…I love everything about horses. They are strong & wild, and yet gentle and loyal. They really become attached to specific people. Its as if they know who loves them with their whole heart. And this releases all the love they have to give. Horses are quite a bit like our faithful, loving, gentle, wild at heart Lord Jesus. You’re in good hands. Hang on ! Enjoy the ride with Jesus!
praying for you all!
May the favor of God and man
continue to rest upon you
at the next roundup!
hugging you with my whole heart!
patrina ><
Trust in the Lord
Prov 3:4-6
…4 So shall you find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man. 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not to your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths. …
Thank you for your prayers, Patrina. You encourage me with your words this morning. It won’t be long now . . .
I gotta gotta gotta share this on facebook and Twitter! Love it! Hang on sista. God is planting you in a new prosperous garden. Blessings!
I’m looking forward to new growth in this next season, Nancy. I know God is doing a work in your own life as well. So glad I get to “move” blogging friends with me as I go.
Now,this just got me. “I cannot outrun his presence or hide from his heavenly GPS. He knows where I am and is willing to keep pace with my progression.” All I can say is Praise God. I love that wherever I go, He is already there. He truly is Jehovah Shammah….the Lord is there. He’s already in your next home, your next city, your next church, your next whatever. He goes before you, my friend. You go with my prayers.
Loved this post, Elaine! Yup, this life often feels like a ride on the back of a bucking bronco! And the times when we get thrown off are brutal sometimes. But, it is the Lord who helps us get back up in the saddle, and carry on the ride!
Can’t wait to hear what God teaches you in this new move. I know He’ll bring you much!
Yippie-kay-ay-eh!!
GOD BLESS!
I love the title and the symbolism. Looking forward to hearing more about move # 19!
Much love
Lidia