THE NEW YEAR

So I rang in the new year a little disheartened and discontented. What I realize now is that Satan did not in any way desire for me to make it into this new year. For God had big plans, HUGE plans for me.

It started with an unexpected weekend out of town with some new friends. I had been given different information than what really took place. I left that weekend realizing feeling angry. How can we call ourselves Christians if we do not look any different than the world. The Lord just got me all fired up. I told everyone I came in contact with that we needed to be different, we needed to look different, otherwise what's the point. If Jesus can die on the cross for me, can I not at least live on this earth for Him?

I met with some of my closest friends and asked that they help in this endeavor, to be more aware of the people they are around and what they do and what they say in the midst of everyday life. We just never know. From there God just started showing out!!

At this point I had my second credit card paid and one to go! I attended a weekend missions conference. At this point I am sad to admit, I had become so awkward I didn't really want anything to do with missions anymore, but I knew I had to go!!! God definitely began working on my hardened heart and I was able to appreciate people who gave their lives to serve Christ and share His glory. I was moved, but to what I didn't know. Things God revealed to me at that conference didn't make sense until a few months later, but the one thing He did show me was that I was to remain soley in Him to Dance with Him for He is the lover of my soul and He desires to Romance me and I am His Beloved.

A few weeks after that I attended a friends pilot graduation in Columbus, MS. We were so proud to be a part of his celebration. He received lots and lots and lots of awards all the while being quite humble! This was the first time I had met his family. His mom and I hit it off when I told her I did physical therapy for a living. Through our conversation, God used her to do an amazing work, she encouraged me into what God had already called me to. She told me I was an encourager and and exhorter. She confirmed everything God had called me to that I had let go by the wayside through my difficult transition back to the states. I had a new lease on life after that weekend and once again God continued to show His beautiful face.

I began looking into going back to the Dominican Republic which God had shown me at that conference and which I easily dismissed. I stayed 9 days in the DR and was able to help with the PT clinic and also gave quite a few massages to the missionaries. I have a friend I met there 6 years ago, Melvin, who has cerebral palsy. My friend, Richard and I have put music to the songs he has written and helped arrange them. One night we had a concert and Melvin preached. It was an undescribabel experience. When I returned from the DR things were a little crazy!

It was 2 weeks later that I would find out I had an opportunity to go to Haiti for 6 days. Another thing that was suggested to me at the conference that I had carelessly dismissed. This trip is an exploratory trip for our church to see how we can partner with them in the future. This is going to be quite an amazing trip for sure. Nothing is really mapped out in stone and that is how we prefer it to be!! We are praying for the Holy Spirit to lead us every step of the way. To the places others may not go or desire to go. We are not praying for safety but for boldness in the midst of trials to step out of our comfort zones and ask God for supernatural healing in physical, spiritual, and emotional realm. So this just catches you up some on what's been going on. I leave on May 6 and return May 11. I hope to keep up the blogging a little more and am a little sad I haven't as much in last four months. At this point I have all my credit cards paid and have much more freedom to travel as God desires that for me!! God is amazing and continues to show off in my life. I don't deserve it but it is all for His glory and His NAME!!! Until next time...

time to start up again

So it has been at least 9 months since I have blogged! Obviously things have been quite crazy after returning from Papua New Guinea. I have now been back a little over a year and life has definitely had its ups and downs, but overall I have seen God's continuous faithfulness in every area of my life.

When I came back to Little Rock things were a little awkward! I somewhat resented being back in Little Rock for I wanted the adventure to continue. Little did I know that is what the Lord had in store! This past fall I was a bridesmaid in 3 weddings along with that came numerous showers to plan and throw. I wouldn't have traded that for the world and I love these gals so much it was all ssoooooo worth it!! We had a blast. In the midst of that time I thought I would start training for the half marathon in March. Let the running begin and it did. I remember the day i hit 5 miles you would have thought I had climbed the Empire State building on the outside it was a great feat for me and I knew I could keep going!! I also worked really hard towards paying off the debts I had allowed to build up. Boy is that a freeing thing to do!! Making strides everywhere. That was what truly defined my fall, making strides to freedom!! Sticking with it to the very end!! The Lord is an amazing provider and was with me through it all.

So I got the fall behind me and ended the year running 8 miles, 30 lbs lighter, and 1 credit card down. Oh what a feeling!!! More to come...