unashamed love.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

"Always be full of joy in the Lord.
I say it again—rejoice!

Let everyone see that you are
considerate in all you do."

Phil 4:4-5 NLT

the sweetness of a new season has refreshed my heart and soul. i am so undeserving of the many blessings the Lord has graciously given. He has moved and stirred my affections for Him in more ways than i imagined. and it's not because of what He has done for me or the blessings He has given. my affections are stirred because of who He is to me. He has shown Himself as my Father, my Shepherd, my Joy, my source of life, my Protector, my Leader, my Refuge, my Hope, my Strength, my Guide, my every step, One in whom i can fully Trust...and so much more!

sometimes change can be difficult for me. it can pull, pry, refine, shape, draw up anxiety or frustrate me. it's natural and normal to feel that way. but this time it's different...yes, i did just get back from uganda 7 weeks ago. yes i did just pack up and move to new braunfels, texas 2 weeks into arriving in the states. yes, i did just start a new job and i've been running 100miles an hour since. yes, life is crazy to say the least but i have had such a blast! i can't believe how much fun i have had thus far. :)

i absolutely love what i get to do. being on campus as a librarian as well as being on the court and coaching a sport i love. it's a dream job really. in addition to work, i have been spoiled with the friendships i have made so far. at times it's hard for me meeting new people but God has blessed my socks off. i have loved and thoroughly enjoy being around them! and at the end of the day...i stand in awe. not at the tangible things God has done. but the unseen things -- the way He comforts my spirit-- the way He knows my heart -- the way he establishes conversations that are challenging and uplifting -- the way He takes care of a weary soul like mine. He knows what i need. so i rest in that. i rest in the fact that my security is found in Him. i rest in His sweetness and in His love. and i embrace this season with open arms and refreshed soul!

~thank you Jesus for leading me and showing yourself more beautifully than ever!

"Do not be anxious about anything,
but in every situation,

by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God.

And the peace of God,
which transcends all understanding,

will guard your hearts
and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Phil 4:6-7 NIV

Sunday, August 26, 2012

from uganda to new braunfels

wow. i have blinked and a whole month has somehow passed by. what a whirlwind my life has been over the passed 4 weeks. what a gracious God i serve and how privileged to be where i am right now...

as i write this, i am sitting in bed on the eve of the first day of school for new braunfels christian academy. i still can't believe i am here. i still can't believe that i am in new braunfels living with my sister's family. and i still can't believe how God ordained all of this before time, but especially when i was still in africa. it is by the grace of God and His sweet mercies that i here doing what i'm doing.

to make a very long story short...after a crazy turn of events, i was offered the position of being the varsity volleyball coach at new braunfels christian academy...while i was still in uganda. crazy huh!? after much prayer, i accepted the offer. before all of this came about though, i was already making the transition home after spending 3 months in uganda, but i didn't know exactly what i would be doing. however, the Lord had it all mapped out even before getting back onto the US soil. (it blows me away every time i think back on it)

the fam at greenie peek, nm

i arrived back in the states july 23 and spent the first week with most of my family in red river, nm. it was so refreshing to be back with them and to have that time together. the next week i spent in cleburne seeing people, spending time with family, unpacking and then re-packing (story of my life!). i headed south august 5. my coaching duties started the next day and that was just the beginning!! :)

i am 3 weeks in, with a few games under my belt. tomorrow starts another new season because on top of coaching volleyball, i am also working in the high school library. so yes, i am the new (and improved, i might add) librarian! haha...we will see! it still takes a lot for me to say that, but i'm trying to embrace it on a daily basis. :) anyways..all that to say, i will be with kids all the time which i am pumped about! that is where my heart is and i can't wait to see what God opens up being in that position.

but beyond getting to do what i love, i have also been so blessed beyond measure with the friendships and community here. before i knew i was coming back when i did, i began praying for friendships like the ones i have now! i am so grateful to share life with these precious friends! my cup is full and overflowing with praise to the Lord for what He has does thus far! i can't wait to see what this year holds and how He will reveal Himself to me more and more!

ready or not..here we go!

(ps..to all my friends who i have been playing phone tag with or haven't had a chance to talk to, i apologize. it really has been a hectic 3 weeks but i am wanting to carve out time to chat! much love to you all!)