A New Start

I'm in Mississippi!

Wow. These last few days have been a rush......of everything, time emotions, prayers, conversations, there's been a lot going on.

In a lot of ways I'm really excited about this next year. There are some obvious dampers.....I MISS my loved ones back home....but the silver lining is that we won't be apart forever, and we serve the same God who will bring us through this often difficult time of life. However, by God's grace, that sadness is not going to be allowed to outshine the joy I have and the peace that has been granted to me by my precious Father.

It's a new year. A new start. A new beginning.

Last year I tried far to often to rely on myself.....and fell flat on my face.

This year I will have hard times, but God's grace will more then cover that.....and I will draw strength from him.

Last year I lived in fear.

This year I know that the Word is clear that "perfect love casts out fear."

Last year I was self-focused.

This year, by his power, I have more love, more joy and more grace to give away to those around me.

Last year I couldn't wait to go home.....so much so that it made me miserable while I was here.

This year, because I know that "He works all things for good for those who love him", I can't wait to go home! But I am content and enjoying the present.

Last year God was INCREDIBLY faithful, and I still ran from him.....

This year, I'll do the same thing more then once, but I'm trusting that the Holy Spirit will be even more evident in me as I see the error of my ways and run back to Him.

The Lord is good. His plan is perfect. His peace is incomprehensible. His joy is unspeakable. His love is never ending. His grace is always available. His hand is always on us. For that reason, this will be a good year.....because I serve a good God. It really is that simple. Hallelujah!

I love you all. May you rest in the peace of our Savior.

It is Well...

A new year. A new start. More to learn. New challenges to face. Old problems to work on. Hallelujah, my life is hidden in Christ, and I have NO reason to fear!

Wow you guys, I can't believe summer is over. I dropped Jeremy off at Moody yesterday, and leave for Mississippi in a little over 48 hours. Summer is officially over.


A week ago, my heart was about to break......a couple days ago I was scared and afraid of leaving all my loved ones......but not today...his mercies are new EVERY morning! God gives grace, and He has given me a lot today!

I can't even express how I feel right now. I'm excited, joyful, peaceful, content....just SO thrilled to be going where God wants me. He has turned my mourning into dancing.....and I can't explain it! All my fears and doubt are washed away. Don't worry, I'm not delusional. I know that there WILL be hard times, and that I WILL want to give up more then once, but I know that the Lord IS faithful, and he is doing what is best.

Now I have a choice. When things get rough, when I'm scared or nervous, depressed or lonely, angry or frustrated, I have a choice. I can cling to Jesus, I can continue to believe in his promises, or I can fall back into fear. I have a feeling that consistent time alone with the Lord is the key to keeping my mind where it is right now. I have got to fix my thoughts on the author and perfecter of my faith.


The reason I want to tell you guys this is to give testimony to the goodness of the Lord, and power of prayer. I've wanted to have this outlook all summer, I've been praying for it (as have others)....I've wanted to be peaceful about going back, I've wanted to be excited, I've wanted my heart to change from apprehensive to excited.....and praise the Lord, it has!


All in all, "it is well with my soul." Because "perfect love casts out fear." Amen?