Running To Christ: Finding Peace in a Missouri Christmas

Hello friends, family, and welcome to Memories in Missouri.

I’ve wanted to write this post for a long time, but as you know, life has been a whirlwind. If you're reading this, you know our big news: we are officially moving from Utah to Missouri right before Christmas!

This move is a massive change, and to be truly honest, it's wrapped up in a complicated mix of emotions—emotions I want to share here, because I believe honesty is the first step toward hope.

The Weight of Leaving

For years, I have navigated the heavy waters of depression, anxiety, and postpartum challenges. There were times I felt utterly consumed, trapped beneath the weight of expectations—the expectations I felt from others, and the impossible ones I placed on myself. Being near my family and incredible friends in Utah has always been a lifeline, and leaving that network behind is, frankly, terrifying.

As the boxes pile up, I look at our familiar mountains and feel a profound sadness. I know some people might think we’re simply packing up and running away from our problems, or perhaps from the beautiful life we built here.

But that couldn't be further from the truth.

Not Running Away, But Running To

This move is not an escape from something; it is a decisive run to something better.

We are running to the peace we crave, the opportunity to slow down, and the space to be truly present with our children. Most importantly, we are running to Christ.

In the moments of deepest darkness over the last few years, the only thing that held me fast was my faith. This Christmas, arriving in a strange new place, uncertain about jobs, schools, and friends, I am choosing to lean entirely on that faith. I am choosing to let go of the need to control every outcome and instead embrace the beautiful unknown, trusting that God has already walked this path ahead of us.

A Christ-Centered Christmas

My greatest desire this year is to have a Christ-Centered Christmas.

Instead of allowing the chaos of moving to overshadow the season, I am praying we can use this disruption to strip away the noise and focus solely on the miracle of the Nativity. We may not have our usual traditions, or all our decorations unpacked, but we will have the simple, profound truth: that God sent His Son to bring light into the darkest places.

If you are struggling this holiday season, feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or just plain lost, please know you are not alone. My hope and prayer is that through these posts, you will find a quiet moment of hope and peace. That you, too, might feel empowered to stop trying to please the world and instead, simply run to the source of unconditional love and rest.

We are excited for the memories we will make here in Missouri, and we look forward to sharing every step—the messy, the joyful, and the faith-filled—with all of you.

From our hearts to yours, we wish you a Christmas filled with light.

What about you? Have you ever made a big leap of faith without knowing what was next? Share your story in the comments!

Sincerely,

McKinley