my jumbled head

i realized i hadn't written in a few days so i thought i should take a few minutes to share. coming back to work this week was a little more difficult than i had thought it would be, but i think it's because i've had allergies and am getting a cold. nice combination huh? i think it may have to do with the fact that i haven't been sleeping well so my resistance is low. it would seem that i have a lot on my mind... i think i'm a little nervous about being out of the country for 5 months. i know that i will look back on this time and be so incredibly thankful for how the Lord has worked, but right now i'm struggling with trusting in His perfect plan for me. i'm also looking at everything i need to do between now and august 7th and wondering how it'll all get done. although i'm having an easier time giving that to the Lord and remembering that He never gives us too much (1 Cor. 10:13). so, to add on to all that, the hastings are leaving august 3rd for guatemala, which is exciting and sad. they have made such an impact on me since the Lord saved me, and it is just hard saying goodbye. having said that, i'm reminded of the fact that this isn't goodbye, even if i never see any of them ever again on earth. praise the Lord that He gives eternal life to all who believe! :'-)

last night i went to jeremy's college group in worcester. though there were only 7 of us there, it was such a sweet time of fellowship. in fact, that was the focus of the discussion. we talked about what fellowship means biblically and how we can have richer fellowship in our lives. i left that night so excited for the work of the Lord. one of the guys there mentioned he's been feeling led to go to seminary school. it reminded me of my school (since there is a seminary too) and then made me think how blessed i am to have made such awesome friends that i've grown so close to. i can only attribute it to God. not only friends at school, but also friends at home. it makes me think of prov. 18:24 that says "...there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."

so i guess i'm just a mixed up jumble of thoughts and emotions, but the Lord has been faithful in reminding me to praise Him in the midst of it. there was one particular verse that kept coming up last night. james 1:2-4 says "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." pretty awesome i'd say, yet quite the challenge. another verse that the Lord keeps bringing to my mind is colossians 3:17 "Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." along with 1 thes. 5:16-18 "Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." it seems like the theme right now is to praise Him when i'm sad and praise Him when i'm happy. by His grace, that's exactly what i'll do :-)  God bless!