Let the adventure begin!
This whole time those are the words I have been thinking about. Then I looked into the mirror, saw the shirt I was wearing, and those are the same words printed on my Yellowstone shirt.
I knew this day was coming, and couldn’t be more excited!
Yesterday’s bible verse went perfectly with the thoughts that were going through my mind. I made sure to save the verse so I could share it on the day of departure.
I always remember that the Lord is with me. He is here, close by my side, so nothing can defeat me. Psalm 16:8
How the adventure all came about… Since before our daughter graduated college in December 2019, she has talked about going somewhere and working while enjoying various places. In typical Holly-fashion, she would overthink and talk her way out of it. But, two weeks ago, this finally became a reality.
Our family was on vacation with two other families in Big Sky, Montana. One day, Cole’s girlfriend, Emma, had her best friend over to visit and go hiking with us. Her friend had moved out to Montana a couple of months prior to continue her education online, all while taking advantage of a wonderful opportunity to work on a guest ranch outside of Yellowstone. Her joy for life out west was contagious. She and Holly bonded and before you know it Elizabaeth had contacted her bosses and had gotten Holly a job for the last part of the season. Within minutes of hearing she had a job, it became all too real and Holly informed her employers back home that she was putting in her two weeks notice. There was no time to overthink and talk her way out of it. Well, there was, but I believe with much encouragement from her family and friends, knowing that Holly has dreamed about doing this for many years, Holly’s adventure was beginning!
Our family had a down day and ended up driving to Parade Rest Ranch to see where Holly will be living and to meet the owners. Meeting the owner gave Tim and I a comforting feel. Such nice folks!
While we were on vacation, Holly had mentioned how much peace she felt out there in God’s glorious land. Peace for my girl has been on this mother’s prayer list for a while. God answers in mysterious ways.
Is this the beginning of more occupational adventures for Holly? Maybe so. Is this the beginning of a peaceful path in her life? I sure hope so. Is this the beginning of Holly strengthening her relationship with Christ? Oh how wonderful that would be in such a beautiful place.
Will you be in prayer for our girl as she steps out in faith and is taken completely out of her comfort zone? Remember, she may come from a small town, but has called the more populated and vibrant city, St Pete, her home for the past five years. Moving from downtown St. Petersburg to the middle of nowhere Montana is definitely an out of her comfort zone experience.
Speaking of out of her comfort zone…she’s not big on horses. Tim, Holly, and I had a good laugh today when she said she doesn’t have anything against horses, she just never had a reason to be around them. As soon as those words came out of her mouth she realized where she’s heading, and laughed. Well…Holly…you’re about to be surrounded by horses while living on a ranch.
Before Holly departed us for the Gate A terminal, we gave her a little gift bag of goodies and said a prayer. One of the gifts was a devotional book I wrote for her. (I’ll share a video more about that tomorrow). Holly had packed her bible and a devotional book already, but when I knew she was going away for six weeks, I wanted to write something a little more personal from me. Please join me in praying that over the next six weeks (that’s how long it takes to make something a habit too when done daily) that Holly will fall more in love with Jesus, and grow in wisdom and truth. That should be our prayer for ourselves and others each day anyhow.
While leaving the parking garage, I was driving Holly’s car. Her Bluetooth picked up my playlist and the song Be Alright by Evan Craft, Danny Gokey, and Redimi2 was the first song to come on. God knew that although I was filled with excitement for her, this momma needed a reminder that “everything will be alright”…”He is faithful and He is true. The whole world’s in His hands”. There’s no denying that tears were streaming down my face, but they weren’t tears of sadness. On the contrary. They were tears of gratitude, joyful anticipation, and so much love for my God and our girl.
Let the adventure begin!
Don’t give up on your dreams.
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie
