growing in grace.

Sometimes the Lord does things that we don't understand.

Too many times in the last few years, I have written out a plan for how I want my life to go. I have categorized it, and alphabetized it and planned down to the minute. Then I take the liberty of "delivering" it to God and hoping that He will take it into consideration.

None of the plans I have for myself are bad. They are actually really great. Full of adventure and serving the Lord, but that doesn't mean that that is what He desires for me to do with my life.

I read the following quote a few years ago on a blog of a woman that I aspire to be. I had no idea how much this quote would mean to me now as I am nearing the end of college and the beginning of "real life."

"Turns out, God rarely asks us to give up our dreams. He’s usually the one who gave them to us in the first place, so his plan is to use them. He just asks us to give up the limits and expectations and unnecessary timelines we add to our dreams. And he asks us to be brave enough to ask him for them, even after we might feel like they have died. Sometimes he says wait, sometimes he says ask for something bigger, and sometimes he says just do the next right thing." -Mandie Joy 

Whatever he says, his plan is so much better than mine.

The Lord did not ask me to give up my dreams when I realized I could no longer serve in Africa. He just shifted that dream a little. I know that one day I will still be able to love on children in need. I will be able to offer them a safe and loving home where the Bible is taught and God's grace and love are shown. I will be able to feed and clothe them and give them the attention they need and deserve. That is my passion and my greatest desire.  [More to come on this at a later time...]

It will be a fun adventure to see how the Lord will continue to change my dreams and plans and make them more like Him.


Now an update on my mom...

She is doing really well! She has completed her four rounds of "chemo" [it is technically chemotherapy but it is the kindest version of it...for that we are so thankful!] She will continue to be monitored and in about a year they will know for sure how well it worked and what the next steps will be.

We are so blessed and have clearly seen God works through hard times and changes us always to be more like Him. We have grown as a family and in God's love and peace. For that, we are thankful. Just so so thankful.