Rejoicing Comes in the Morning!

Wow folks. It's been awhile. But, now I actually have some time to sit down and WRITE!

I'm in a writing mood today - more of a praising mood really. I have so much to be thankful for.

The movers came this past Monday, so all of our stuff is now gone except for the stuff that we're taking with us on the plane. I'm really excited to move back to the States. I'll be able to drive, I'll feel at home in my own room, own church, own circle of fellowship. I'm really looking forward to it.

My life seems to be all about changes right now. Moving home, college classes, friendships... things are just... changing. I'm EXCITED about the changes because I know that God holds me in the palm of his strong hands. His love is so completely sufficient. It's so much more than I ever thought it could be. I'm so blessed to be able to walk with Him daily and grow in that wisdom that I so crave.

My life has been beautiful. Some days I look back and can't believe how abundant the blessings have been. Hitting the rock bottom has enabled me to feel those mountain tops like never before. I wish there was a better way of putting it into words, but there just isn't.

I've been thinking a lot about my mom lately. Had a good time crying the other night because I just wished that she were here to enjoy the mountain tops with me. Something about a mother's love makes you feel secure and alive. God's love then multiplies the feeling by a hundred. :) But there are some things that I wish she were here to share with me. Some days I stare into space and envision her face - trying to picture her reactions to the life that I'm living right now.

Whether I like it or not, life continues to change. Have you ever felt like you want to just stay in one moment of life forever? I remember when I was ten how I felt like I was the happiest and most blessed little girl on the face of the earth. I wanted to play with my Barbies forever. :) I thought that life couldn't get any better.

But as I've gotten older, I've realized that every season of life has it's joys and sorrows. The sorrows of life aren't necessarily "bad" though. If there were no sorrows, how could we tell sorrows from joys? No, sorrows are necessary. They are a part of living life. Jesus himself was "a man of sorrows and familiar with suffering."

Praise the Lord then that "sorrow lasts for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning." If you're in a low spot today, look towards your maker. He will turn your crying into laughing and your mourning into beautiful dancing. Looking to the Father is the greatest way to overcome the trials, disappointments, and tests of this life.

And now.. I must stop, because we are going to eat out one last time tonight. We leave tomorrow at noon and then fly out on Saturday. Prayers would be appreciated. Thank you friends!!!