Mountains of Topanga

Written April 2015

In July of last year, when Cobalt and I began discussing more intentionally that we could move somewhere and probably would move to Los Angeles, the forefront concern was:

“We can’t afford to move there!”

Consequently, that was everyone else’s concern, too.

‘Twas valid, no doubt – Our living expenses here are three times more than in Tennessee and we projected to be making about the same income. But we believed God led us to LA for a reason and would provide, as He always does.

So when we actually moved in October 2014, with enough savings for 3 months, we trusted everything would work out. We had to sleep on the floor of our new room for 2 months before buying a bed. And still haven’t replenished all the kitchen supplies we let go of before moving across the country (I’m so thankful to the Gerlachs who share with us!). And we still feel guilty going out to eat (especially because there are so many delicious restaurants near us!).

But after 6 months we still are doing okay. And we give God the thanks for that!

That doesn’t mean we haven’t worried about where our next paycheck is coming. We’re human after all. But it’s amazing how trusting in God’s timing, sovereignty and love brings freedom in the most dire situations. And when those situations are over, we laugh and think, “Why didn’t we trust God more? He’s our Father after all, who loves us and promises to provide!”

“6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? … 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6: 25-27 & 32-34