The adorable little book in the picture was a going away gift from some dear friends, Bill & Cathy Clanahan, in August 1981 when we moved from Missouri to Virginia.
First a little about the move. We had lived in Missouri for more years than anywhere else and it had definitely become home. I felt like I was “planted there”, so much of my life had happened there – we were VERY involved in a lot of things. When Chuck got a transfer to a Army post in Virginia (he was a civilian employee), we knew it was God’s will that we go. Of course, me being me – I told God, “You can make me go, but You can’t make me like it”.
So here we were in Virginia – took awhile to find a church and make friends (not their fault – mine). I had not been aware that Virginia was a ‘desert’ – so it was a surprise to realize I had moved to a desert (Spiritually at least) and God had put us there. God gave me this song to remind me that Jesus went to a desert also.
“My Dessert Song”
Where the Spirit moves, there is Jesus
God our Father is He
Jesus died for you and me
Holy Spirit sets us free, Holy Spirit abides in me
Worship Him, now today
Worship Him, there’s more than one way
Lift your hands to himAnd clap and Praise the Lord
Even dance to him, be all in one accord.
Here in the dessert with me
Down in the valley where I cannot see
On the mountain, how high I can be
Everywhere I go, He is there with me.
We went back to Missouri for some sweet friend’s wedding and stayed with other friends. I was complaining to my friend Carol (who we stayed with) about Virginia and no one liked me and I didn’t have any friends. I expected some sympathy – instead, her response was “Well, if you don’t have friends, it’s our own fault. You have to be a friend to make a friend.” Agravated me at first, but thought about it. Went back to Virginia with a totally different outlook – “Hi guys, Here I am to be friends with you!”
We were in Virginia for three years – and many miracles happened to us while we were there, plus we made many really good, sweet friends.
