Super Cool Africa T !!

As some of you may know I am going to Ethiopia
 in July.  I couldn't be more excited!!

For one of my fundraisers, my sweet friend Dana,

who is an amazing artist, designed a shirt for me!!

 It took us awhile before the idea came together, 
 but I think it is perfect!

This trip is all about kids,so the shirt speaks for itself...

If you would like to support me in my trip,

please purchase a super cool Africa t-shirt!!! 

100% of the profit will go toward my trip.

Thank you for supporting me!! 

The Lord is not slow in his promises...

Ok, so its the third snow day in a row, after two weeks off, went back to work a week, then off again for 5 days so far,  and we will see about tomorrow. Next week is a 4 day week! Wow what a life!!
 In my time off, I have had lots of time to myself and in God's word. That's what I seem to spend my free time doing since my budget this new year is keeping me home more, but no complaints here! :)

As happy as I have been, I have really been having some ups and downs in my life recently.  Months back Anthony Evans posted a blog about "interference." He was on a plane talking  about how they always tell you to turn off your electronic devises while in the air. Well he related it to what God ask us to do. So as I listened it hits home right now in my life.

I found myself asking the question, " What is it that God is asking me to turn off in my life?"  I don't understand or know right now what this has to do with my future, but he asked and I obeyed. He may only want me to turn it off for awhile, until I reach a  certain point in my life, or forever, but no matter what I am walking blindly and by faith alone. So I cut out the part of my life that I personally didn't want to let go of, but I did. Have I been sad? Well, of course, and  it really hit me over the past few days. So now I'm  taking it day by day, knowing that God has a plan for me. I also know that God has a way of making the most miserable things beautiful and thru trials, God shapes our character.   God brings good people into our lives to teach us, and for us to learn and grow, but sometimes He moves them on to make room for someone who is better for us.
 We have an old saying in the South: "Good, better, best. Never let it rest, 'til the good is the better and the better is the best!"
Many times people have written or you may have heard a sermon about God's Will. They always say, what if you knew Gods will for your life from beginning to end? Well, I would be ok with knowing some parts, but there are some parts I want to be a surprise. The coolest part about not knowing are the surprises, the hard part is just that, the hard parts in your life. But we all have to trust that God wants the best for all of our lives. 
 “What no eye has seen,
  what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived”
the things God has prepared for those who love him."
1 Corinthians 2:9
God has amazing things planned for each of our lives and we just have to be patient and know that his timing is impeccable. So if your sad and having a hard time, cry, its ok, Jesus wept so can you. Then have the faith that God wants what is best for you. Even though I'm sad I know that God has a plan for my life that I can't see, but I know it will be a wonderful journey. I can rest in knowing that His plan is good and he wants to fill my life with hope. God doesn't promise that our lives will be perfect, if they were what would we learn?
 "God's promises are like the stars; the darker the night, the brighter they shine."
I was reading this little book my Mom got me for Christmas, its called  "God always has a Plan B," what an appropriate name for a book I should be reading. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade, right? :)
There is a short story about these people on a trip, and they suddenly have to evacuate a resort in the middle of the night. It was pitch black but a man that worked there was confident to lead them through the tropical island. Of course they were afraid, but they followed him anyways.
How many times are we scared to obey God's word, but  know its the right thing. That's where I'm at,   following God blindly, trusting in my faith that God will show me what to do along the way.
Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."

What is God asking you to turn off in your life?

Hope

HOPE is the word!

Making my New Years resolution was easy...
I feel like God practically  gave it to me in a nicely wrapped gift.
Thank you !! :)
For some people it is so scary not to know what each day has in store for us, but if we place our faith in Jesus Christ it is so exciting to see what each day will bring! As I walk by faith, even when I cannot see what God has planned, I place my hope in him, knowing that everything will be ok. Aaron Bryant said this morning, "Consult the Lord before you act, waiting on Him gives us time to exercise our faith."
Ok, HELLO, once again...Aaron's message completely speaks to me!
I have been spending so much time in prayer for God to help me with patience in His timing and putting all of my hope in Him to show me his will day by day.  Every devotional I've read this past week, each chapter in the book I'm reading, and then today's sermon, Boom, Boom, Boom! Christ arrives right on time to make things happen. He didn't, and doesn't wait for us to get ready. If you have hope and pray for God's will... it will happen!!

"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and

assurance about what we do not see.

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Hebrews

A New Year

Today is the start of a new year and I couldn't be more excited about it!! I have had my ups and downs this year as I'm sure have many.  But I know that this year God is going to use me to do some amazing things. It is is so cool to know that God uses all of the struggles in our life to teach us something. The work he started in my life this past year has grown along with my spiritual maturity. This is my year to become even closer to God's word and obediently serve him.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

One of the biggest things I am working on this year is patience... "The process of waiting for a message from God can be just as important as the message itself." Everyone struggles with patience, but I really struggle with it in the area I need the most...Waiting on God's timing. We are all willing to wait on  important things in life... like waiting on a phone call from someone  special, your upcoming wedding date,  a baby after 9 months of wondering, but when it comes to our prayers we get a little impatient, or should I say I do.
As this New Year starts I  am starting with a patient heart, knowing that with my faith and obedience, God will answer my prayers. I will lay my request before Him and wait expectantly and confidently. God gives us what we NEED, not what we always want or what we are expecting.

Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord.
 Psalm 27:14

I hope everyone looks to this New Year
with an open heart. 

Place faith in Jesus and walk with him in
obedience every day.

If you trust him he will bless you
each and every day.