I'm Pouring Out My Praise On You.

Well, it has been a long while since I have posted anything-about 3 months actually-so I definitely have a lot to share. I cannot even begin to describe the amount of faithfulness the Lord has displayed in my life.

This semester has been absolutely crazy with many up and down roller coaster rides. I went through the changing of friendships that I thought I would truly keep for the rest of my life. I also went through the death of my friend here that was in a car wreck, which brought tons of changes in my life. I thought my whole world was ruined, and there was no way anyone was going to convince me otherwise. He doesn't enjoy seeing His children hurting, but sometimes He does allow the enemy to temporarily "win" in our petty human eyes to get us to the point where we must become dependent on Him alone, which is such a hard thing. I don't think it is something that we learn the minute we go through trial, but rather something we must continue to learn for the rest of our lives walking with Him. Despite the fact I lost friends, I also was given friends that are exactly who I need at this point in my life. Friends who probably have no idea how precious they are to me. I have encouragement overflowing, always being a reminder to my heart that God will always fulfill His promises in HIS timing, not mine.

I have experienced the power of prayer, asking God to reveal a specific scripture to me as confirmation to do something big-apply to be a Resident Assistant. Not only did He reveal the scripture once, but SEVEN times in random ways, even through people I did not know at all. The journey of applying, interviewing, waiting for acceptance, and then just last night, the dorm reveal, has been a heavy mix of anxiety but also pure joy, thankfulness, and being overwhelmed by the faithfulness and grace of the God I get to serve.

This semester I have gone through watching three of my verse dear friendships start relationships, which has been a really neat experience of watching how the Lord is growing them in their relationships, and may be heading towards marriage one day- after all, we are college students...although thinking of myself getting married is insane since I haven't even quite mastered box macaroni and cheese yet.My best friend is also now engaged and is going to make the most fabulous bride. I can't wait to see what the Lord does through the two of them for as long they are breathing.

I have been voted in the position of the Kissimee Secretary, a position which I am so excited about. I get to lead my sisters along-side the rest of our lovely officer body and watch us all grow as a sisterhood and as daughters of the one true King. Accepting this nomination was a hard one as well, not knowing how I felt God wanted to use me and what position He wanted me in. But I am so thankful it has worked out the way it has! Again, God is faithful.

I have accepted a new job at Crossgates Baptist Church where I grew up as the Children's Ministry Intern. It has been the greatest blessing currently in my life. I have been shown the Lord's grace nonstop here, and it is speaking volumes into my heart that I may go and carry out the same grace in the mission field as well. I work for two solid women of the Lord who are such an outer display of the deep affection Christ has for me. This job is something I have been longing for. God is faithful.

I have developed even more of a passion for running and have hit 6 miles, ran two 5K's and even placed 4th at one last weekend. I have learned that I have more endurance than I think because the Lord is constantly able and ready to supply me with His strength-my running buddies and best friends have taught me that well.I actually get to run the Glass Slipper Challenge in Disney World next February with Renee', and that is SO exciting! It's running and Disney-there are no better things to mash together than that! I already have a countdown going, and not the least bit ashamed.

I have even very recently made a huge decision to switch my major to Nursing; this has been a huge step in my life finally reaching out to do what I have always thought was impossible for me or too scary. Yes,it is hard, no, I am NOT adequate. But does God always call the qualified? No, He qualifies the called!

I say all of this to say, this semester has been a whirlwind of emotions, stress, heartache, joy, love, and peace all in the same 4 months, some weeks packed with all those and then some. But never once has the Lord disproved His faithfulness, a common theme throughout my 2014 so far. Now, going through each trial it is not easy to remember to focus on His faithfulness, even though He has proven it time after time. But yet somehow I always am first to be upset or worry about what may happen in my life because I see no end. How silly is that?  But He still does not look at me with disgrace or say "You fool." Time and time again He opens His arms ad says "Come here, my child. Let me empty you, so you can be refilled with Me." There is no end to His love or faithfulness!