“Behold my Spirit is upon you, wherefore all thy words will I justify; and the mountains shall flee before you, and the rivers shall turn from their course; and thou shalt abide in me, and I in you; therefore walk with me.” Moses 6:34

Each day I’m more aware of how much I need the help of my Savior moment by moment. At this stage in my life, I don’t have the emotional or physical energy I had when I was younger. As a single woman, I also don’t have a partner with whom to discuss, brainstorm, and share the load. Challenges that used to seem like a few steep steps, now often feel like mountains to climb. I’m amazed at the speed with which life, circumstances, and emotions change. We’re fragile. Life is fragile. Thankfully, the Lord is aware of this and provides all we need to navigate life’s twists and turns, which perfectly, though sometimes painfully, do their job of teaching us and helping us grow.

“The humility you and I need for the Lord to lead us by the hand comes from faith. It comes from faith that God really lives, that He loves us, and that what He wants—hard as it may be—will always be best for us.” Henry B. Eyring

Before my sweet dad was called back to Heaven, he was a constant, dependable source of strength and help to me. I didn’t have to think about it much, I was totally secure in the knowledge that he’d be there for me if I needed him.  He wouldn’t be put-out or disapproving; he’d be happy to help, encouraging, and loving. He made me feel like my asking him for help was just what he was hoping for. I miss him so much.  Knowing this about my dad taught me it’s possible to have the same relationship with my Heavenly Father. He’ll always be there for me, always listen, and always provide a way for me to get through the next thing. He sent His Son, who knows my every need, sorrow, struggle, and hope. I don’t have to carry it all alone—He walks with me.

For years, I’ve had the desire to move.  Since my divorce and many of my children having grown and left the nest, I’ve wanted a smaller, more manageable home and a fresh start. About once a year, I’d get a feeling of restlessness and look at houses in Utah, where I loved living for a few years. After searching and dreaming, I’d always end up feeling it wasn’t the right time.  I’d hear the whisper, “Wait. Be patient.” I’d put away my floor plans and dreams, and trust in the Lord’s timing, then go through all our belongings (with considerable family resistance), paring down for when the time was right.

“Faith is for the future. Faith builds on the past but never longs to stay there. Faith trusts that God has great things in store for each of us.” Jeffrey R. Holland

Viewing floor plans has been a fun hobby for me. I’ve always dreamed of a one-story house. When we had 7 children and were moving to Utah, I told the kids I wanted a one-story house. My son laughed and said, “Mom, we’d need a mall!”  Ironically, the house in Utah had three levels, but the kids each had their own room and a basement to secretly practice pole vaulting, construct Dinotopia virtual flying rides, and record music videos.

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 

“In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

This year, when I got that familiar urge to look at houses and plan for a move, I looked in this area. I have family here, whom I need more and more as I get older, and who need me, as well. I also wanted to be near a big airport to make it easy for my kids to visit, and near the temple, which is vital to me. I didn’t want to be close to downtown, though; I wanted to be outside the city a bit.  That one-story is especially important now, too, as my mom gets older and needs more care.

With all these criteria in mind, I prayed for help and guidance, and once again began my search. I systematically viewed floor plans, but this time I could also go see model homes and explore areas—very daring for me! Finding a single-story home with enough bedrooms and bathrooms for the family I have right now, a small yard to care for, and within my budget, was still challenging. As I explored different areas, I had distinct feelings.  In one area, I was immediately positive it wasn’t for me, while in other areas, I felt good and hopeful.  When I found a model home that felt nearly perfect for our circumstances, I came home to start looking at other areas around here which had the same model, but felt the impression to stop looking.  It was a feeling that I didn’t need to look further.

I was excited and panicked at the same time.  After all the waiting, could this really be the right time, the right house, the right circumstances to go ahead? Though I wanted it, I was fearful. It was such a huge decision to make on my own, but I knew it ultimately was my decision to make, and I wanted to be absolutely sure the Lord approved.  I knew I could be brave enough to go forward with all the details, drama, and effort this would require of me, if only I knew the Lord would walk with me.  I pretty much asked for a miracle, set aside all fear, and put my trust and confidence in God. He moved my mountains. He provided the miracles. My home is sold, and we’re renting here until the new house is built, in several months.

I’ve been humbled by the love and care I’ve felt from Above. I’ve experienced pure joy knowing Heavenly Father heard my prayers, had a plan for me, and guided me. When the anxiety and fear creep in, I remember the miracles and hold to the trust. I can do this—because I know my Savior walks with me.

“Thou wilt show me the path of life; in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Psalm 16:11