There Might Be Hope For Me Yet

If you had asked me three months ago if I still didn't have a job at the end of March, I would have said there's no way. If you had asked me what I thought my life would look like in March or how I thought the events that happened in December would have panned out by this point, I would have confidently given solid answers to everything. And not one thing would have mapped out how I would have guessed. And oddly, I'm okay with that. I feel at total peace with where things are currently. I can't say the same looking forward. I'm ready for the Lord to reveal His plan. I want a job and I want to settle in somewhere. Struggling with peace and trust for the future at this moment.

I mentioned this to one of my dearest friends this morning and at some point I said, "If I've been out of a job for a few months now, I can wait another couple of weeks. Right?" It was like I needed that reassurance. Yes, I can wait. As this dear friend encouraged me, he said, "What's going to change between now and when you get a job? You have more patience? You have a better trust in the Lord's ability to provide? Is that a bad thing?" Dang! So true, friends. Have to keep that in mind!

In other news, last weekend was the Prayer Overnight for our Young Life Region (The Commonwealth Region). It was so great. I "missed" last years due to living in Oregon. I say "missed" because I prayed with our Region on East Coast, but I was just 3000 miles to the left. It was so great to pray with 800 staff, volunteer leaders, and committee from around Virginia for our middle school, high school, and college friends across Virginia that they might also know Christ. It was also great to pray for others in the mission across the country and world. Where 2 or more are gathered in His name..... Can't wait to see how the Lord works.

My sister-in-law is going to have baby boy #3 any day now and part of me hopes it's today so he can share a birthday with my favorite 14 year old, Abby. I'll keep y'all posted!

Feeling Encouraged

I have definitely felt encouraged lately. Yes things are still hard and I still don't have a job, but I feel like my outlook on life and the different situations has changed - for the better.

I was more than super excited about "springing ahead". Yes, I agree that loosing an hour of sleep isn't fun, but we'll make up for it a few months when we get an extra hour. PLUS the extra sunlight is amazing! And I think God had a little something extra up His sleeve when it was so cold, rainy, dreary these last few weeks then as we spring ahead, the sun comes out and the temps start to rise - for more than just a single day! I consider that a blessing! Things are new in the Spring and I love that!

Another huge blessing I've felt recently has been the relationships that have been so dear to me. Lots has been happening, but the phrase we keep using is "The Lord is good - all the time!" And He is. In the midst of hard things, we are still reminded that He is good and that He loves us by the way He blesses us.

It still amazes me that in the midst of a hard season, there is ALWAYS the ability to see the blessings in your life and in the lives around you AND the ability to encourage those around you. I fee like that's been the case in several of my relationships lately where 2 or more parties are struggling and the encouragement goes both ways. I really feel that it's the love of the Lord and from the Lord that makes it possible to love, encourage, and bless another. Here's what Hebrews 10:24-25 says about it:

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and

good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together as some are in the habit

of doing, but encourage each other and all the more as you see the Day

approaching!"

The Lord is good - all the time. He is faithful, He has a plan, a hope and a future for us. His love never fails. The Lord is good - all the time.

80 degrees on March 1st...

Yep 80 degrees on March 1st in Virginia Beach....and it's sunny. I can't complain. I walked about 5 1/2 miles on the boardwalk today and sat in the sand for about 45 minutes afterwards. I still miss the Canyon, but I'm not missing the fact that it snowed there today. It's a love hate relationship. It really is. Sometimes I think it would be great if Virginia Beach and the Canyon were closer to each other - to have the best of both worlds.

Some days are good and some days are hard, but I'm often reminded at how good the Lord is. How faithful He is and all the ways He blesses us. I am continually thankful for my family - both my real family and my Oregon family.

As I flipped my super fun mug calendar to March this morning it was so fun to see this month's picture and to be reminded of the fun that was had in those few days in the midst of the craziest, one of the hardest months known to man.

It's the simple things in life that I'm learning to be thankful for and feel so blessed to have. Love the little things.