College Days: Finishing Well

I am absolutely in awe of all that God has done in our lives this past year. If you would have told me a year ago that I would be where I am today, I would have been in complete shock haha. I'm overwhelmed by God's goodness to us! Now that life has slowed down a little bit, I'm going to catch up on blogging about the momentous occasions from the past few months. First up: Graduation. In many ways, it is hard to believe that just two months ago, we were living in Missouri, finishing final projects, papers, presentations and finals, graduating, and saying goodbye to dear friends. Alex and I both grew a tremendous amount during our college years. We learned more about ourselves as individuals and more about God's desire and dreams for our lives. It was also at college where I had some very real talks with God about falling in love with Alex :) College stretched me in many ways: out of my comfort zone of normality, living away from home, challenging me academically, and undergoing a lot of stress from all of my responsibilities. I met so many amazing people who I know will be world changers for Christ. Alex and I have now closed the college chapter of our lives. As I've ended each stage of my life to begin another, I'm amazed how God has prepared me for each transition. God has certainly prepared us and blessed us tremendously in this new chapter. We're ready...or at least as ready as God wants us to be :)

Thank you Emily (aka roommie) for coming into my life right when I needed you.

Gianna, I couldn't have asked for a sweeter, funnier, best friend to share my college experience. I will treasure our goofy memories forever :)

I'm so thankful to have ministered through dance alongside these amazing young ladies!

My wonderful floor-mates!

Social Work is not an easy major nor an easier career, but I believe each one of us will impact the world for Christ!!

I miss these girls SO much! Thank you Bethany and Shannon for keeping me going when Social Work life got hard! #dreamteamforlife

It was an absolute blessing to have our families visit for the week before graduation! Here's a pic of me with Alex's family  at Silver Dollar City 

How can I thank you enough, Mom and Dad?! You're my biggest cheer leaders in life. I love you!!!

Thankful for family! :)

Rebecca, I'm not sure if you know how much your friendship has meant to me. Thank you for ALWAYS being there!

Thank you to all of our amazing friends and family who blessed us at our graduation party!!!

I'm SO proud of my hubby!!! He's the best!

Alex and his roommate Sterling :) Thanks for all the awesome memories Sterling!! We miss you!

We did it!!!

More of the Journey

Alex and I have been living in a whirlwind this year. I have much to write about! Finishing college, coming home, preparing for the wedding, GETTING MARRIED, our wonderful honeymoon, and preparing to move to a new state. I do plan on posting about all of that soon, but today, I'm reflecting on life before the whirlwind.

As we prepare to start over in a whole new place where we will establish a new home, I'm reflecting on some things God did here at the home I've known for most of my life. Today, I had an exit interview at the missions organization I have been working/volunteering at for the past 9 years. I volunteered with many projects, but mostly babysat the missionary kids while their parents were in training. I am amazed to reflect on how much this experience impacted my life. During pivotal stages of my life, I had the privilege of spending a large amount of time building relationships with families who were completely sold out to serving the Lord with their entire lives. I'm not exactly sure why this was the case, but I had a hard time connecting with peers during my youth years and the majority of my time was spent taking care of/mentoring kids and building relationships with adults (missionaries, ladies at church, and my parents) who poured into my life. Looking back, I'm so thankful that God made this part of my journey. I'm so thankful God taught me through the example of Godly men and women. These godly men and women taught me: self-less living, surrender to God's will, trusting God, choosing to serve the Lord even in the tough times, what it means to be a Christ centered family, grace, and how to serve others. Let us never underestimate the influence we have on those around us.

As I reflect on the people who have influenced me here and the blessing it has been to call this place home, I can't help but wonder what God is preparing for our future. Alex and I are stepping into the unknown. But, to God, it is completely known. During my devo time this morning I was thinking about the "leap of faith" we're taking as we journey to a new home. As I was talking with God, I was thinking about how it's not really a leap of faith over a canyon. It's more like God has built a bridge across the canyon and He's holding our hand all the way. The only challenging part is that we are blind to the next step. All we have to do is trust. In the past, when God has brought me to stages where I've just had to trust, He's ALWAYS been faithful. I may be week, but He is strong. The step of faith might be scary, but this time around, I will hold the promises and memories of His faithfulness in my heart.