Am so behind on updating and don't even know where to start so I decided I would just do a photo post and give you a few highlights... Man, I think I need to start doing slide shows....just need to take some time and figure it out...

April

Thanks to some amazing friends I was able to go visit Kyle and Amy in Malawi.  Had a blast!



Amy and I getting ready to go on Safari. 



Kyle providing entertainment after we saw a million waterbuck:) Amy's starting to show--now she definitely does!




The elephants were so cool!!!


Posing for the camera!!

May -- Happy 29th Birthday to me!!! 

 


June -- Village and Youth Group Madness


     

July -- coming soon...

Today I went out and bought this puzzle for a friend.  As I looked at the puzzle I felt a little inspired...

You see, I saw this puzzle as a representation of my life and how there are so many pieces that come together to make the entire picture.  That every piece is important and vital in creating the beautiful picture it is.  I am pleased with the path I have gone on thus far. 

But then I thought about how there are so many pieces of the puzzle that have yet to come into place....so many dreams, hopes, desires, and goals.  At moments it can become overwhelming to me and I feel this pressure like I have to get every step right.

Honestly, I see it now as a lack of faith.  It's almost like I am saying God you can't possibly figure this puzzle of my life out and put it together so I must do it and work it out on my own.  This brings so much unnecessary pressure and stress.  It is such a lie as I am nothing without Him and it is only by His grace and strength that I am able to do anything. 

Truly, I must rest in the Lord and remember that the steps of the righteous (us who follow Christ) are ordered by Him.  Now the key here is the steps....so this doesn't mean I sit here and wait for a bolt of lightening or a boom but I take steps.  However, I take them in peace and trust knowing that as I refuse to lean on my own understanding and continually acknowledge Him in my life He will direct my path (Prov. 3: 5-6).  That as I seek first His Kingdom all these things will be added unto me.

Again, I think of the puzzle sometimes I find a piece and it doesn't quite fit I have to get another one to fill that spot but I am moving forward and seeking and eventually the right piece falls into place and a bit more of the puzzle is completed.   You know I am also reminded of Paul who would set out on a journey and be headed one place but then be directed by the Lord to go somewhere else.  I think one of the keys here is to keep moving, as Paul said, "I press on towards the mark of the high calling of God which is in Christ Jesus." Also, I can trust the word when it says, "He who began a good work in me will bring it to completion."

There is such freedom to be found in truly grasping this and I feel like I am on the brink of something so great.

I know that I can take steps and continue to move forward and have nothing to fear as I trust my Lord and His love for me and plan for me.  I know that when I fall He is there to pick me up.  I may hurt when I fall but He sees my pain and can heal it and from it make me stronger.  As James says, we should accept our trails with joy because from those trials our faith is tested and is developed and we learn perseverance, and the work of perseverance in our life helps us be complete (paraphrased James 1:2-4).  Our enemy would so like to bind us in fear and uncertainty that we are unable to persevere and move forward.  He wants our relationship with the Lord and our friends and family us to become stale.  He doesn't want us to press on and move forward.  To learn, grow, change and become more and more like our Lord.

Too often I twist His words to be about me but really everything is to lift Him up, praise Him, and as He is exalted people are drawn to Him. 

Felt so encouraged today --  like this day was just a gift from Him.  Hope this has encouraged you my dear friends.  Know that His hand is on your life.  I love you all.