Big Changes Ahead

Tears gathered in the corners of Joel’s eyes yesterday morning as we sat together in visit and I shared with him an update on his release status.  Joel has taken a very intense addictions course in order to qualify for a year off his sentence, so we were both severely disappointed when we found out that because of particular state regulations in FL he was not actually going to receive that year off. Last fall when Joel relayed this information to me, my sense of loss and utter helplessness was rekindled. But as we prayed about this, we felt that God would have Joel apply for relocation to Wisconsin, where state regulations are less stringent than Florida. He is able to do this because he has an aunt and uncle who live in the area. The implications of a move for our family are obvious, and we hesitated to take this step, but when we considered how important it is for Joel to be back in our home, we felt confident that we should at least make this effort. Joel applied for a transfer to Wisconsin the end of May and was told that he should here back in a couple weeks. As is often the case with government red tape, a couple weeks as turned into a couple months. But on Friday, although the word is not official, we did hear from the PO in Wisconsin assigned to Joel’s case and it is looking pretty positive that he will receive a transfer. If everything continues on the course it is on now, once paperwork is completed, Joel would be released to halfway house in Wisconsin next summer, and from there to home in December, a full year early. Our whole family enjoyed discussing the many options and exciting changes. Joel’s homecoming seems so much closer suddenly!

As I look back over the layers of waiting we have experienced, I see God’s hand in preparing me for this recent change. Even though I often baulk at waiting, I am beginning to accept the important role it often plays in my own personal growth. And I have even begun to count the waiting a blessing.

Of course this move is a mixed blessing, and I vacillate between the excitement of having Joel home, and the pain of leaving behind our friends and family and support base in Florida. Much about our future is suddenly unknown and that scares me! As I was praying about these wildly swinging emotions last night, I said to God,” It just doesn’t seem right for my sisters, and for Roman and his best friend Keelan. (who also happens to be his cousin)” God’s gentle reply was, “If it is right for you, then it is right for your children, your sisters, your friends. I do all things well. Do you think you know better than me?” Oh, thanks be to God, that He knows so much better than I, for each one of us. So even as I consider the physical and emotional upheaval of the next year, I find again, that God is giving me the gift of the wait–the gift of time–to allow Him to work out every detail of this change.


12 Responses to "Big Changes Ahead"

  • We’ve been praying and we praise the Lord for allowing this move to WI since Joel will be able to leased sooner. We know God will work out all the arrangements and He has you in His hands!

    1 Tom & Terri said this (August 28, 2011 at 5:15 pm) Reply


  • Oh Tabitha, that is wonderful to hear about the great possibility for Joel’s early release. God will be good to give you another whole support base there in WI.. And the most important will be that you will have your hubby home sooner, and the boys will have their Dad. Wow! For sure there will be adjustments for all of you. God who has been faithful to take you this far will certainly be faithful for what is coming. Praying for you in all this!! Love, A. Teresa

    2 Teresa Dyck said this (August 29, 2011 at 1:03 am) Reply


    • Thank you so much for the love and prayers. Please do keep praying that God will continue to open doors for this to happen. It is actually hard to wrap my mind around Joel’s being back home with us. I am so excited with the prospect, in spite of the upheaval in between now and then.

      3 Tabitha Joy said this (August 29, 2011 at 8:24 am) Reply


  • Tabitha – you were in our thoughts and prayers this weekend – miss you! Let me know what Sunday night works for the TV studio tour. Cindy

    4 cindy said this (August 29, 2011 at 8:20 am) Reply


  • Oh, Tabitha what an awsome God we have…His mercy endures forever. Praying with you all and have been all through this. In Him, Dave and Faye Walz Rom 8:18

    5 Faye Walz said this (August 29, 2011 at 8:43 am) Reply


    • Thank you! Please do continue to pray for each detail to be worked out. We are at His Mercy… and what better place to be….

      6 Tabitha Joy said this (August 29, 2011 at 10:38 am) Reply


  • Oh, Tabitha what an awesome God we have. His mercy endures forever. Praying with you in all this and h ave been. We can’t help but be very excited. Lauch out and watch God open new doors for all of you. In Him, Faye for Dave and me both. Rom 8:18

    7 Faye Walz said this (August 29, 2011 at 8:48 am) Reply


  • Rejoicing and tearful with you. this means tons of changes but as you said He is sufficient. I am praying for God’s plan to be evident for you and Joel. Love you.

    8 Donna Duckhorn said this (August 29, 2011 at 10:54 am) Reply


  • Tabitha with all of the ups and downs that you have faced it truly is impossible to not see the Lord’s hand working and growning you in these days. You only have to look to the past to see that same hand will meet your needs for the future.
    You are in our prayers,
    Karl and Patsy Crowe

    9 Patsy Crowe said this (August 29, 2011 at 11:01 am) Reply


  • We will sure keep you covered in prayer. When I think things should be easier I turn to the Book of Job…. My heart is happy for you and excited for you and I know that the Lord will prepare you for the very day that all this will take place. Love you. Jeanie

    10 Jeanie Alkire said this (August 29, 2011 at 6:01 pm) Reply


  • We are so thrilled over this possibility of your family reuniting. It has been a long difficult road but one of learning and drawing closer to God. Our prayer is that this next step will be a smooth one. Remember you are not alone and that you are so greatly loved. Take His hand in faith and be blessed as you continue the journey.
    Our love and big hugs, PaTTI

    11 Patti Edwards said this (August 30, 2011 at 12:34 pm) Reply


  • Praying for you my friend! Un abrazo fuerte! Love you!

    12 shilocain said this (August 31, 2011 at 1:15 am) Reply


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