If Only...

"Everytime we sin, something dies. Something in our lives that could have been, will never be." -KM

(in regards to Romans 6:23)

This is one of the most powerful quotes I have ever heard. When I did, I cried, right out in the middle of class. I think I scared my professor?

If only I had heard this earlier in life and really understood what Romans 6:23 meant. I always thought that it was only directed to the unsaved, but rather, it applies to Christians as well, just our death is not eternally. Our death is what the quote is talking about. If I had a true comprehension before, I'm sure I would have made different choices in life. All I can do now is learn it and live it out from this day forth. Thankfully the other truth stated afterward by my AMAZING prof. was that of:

"God and His Grace can take whatever garbage and turn it into good."

Praise God for that :)

Chains

"Whatever happens, dear brothers and sisters, may the LORD give you joy..." -Philippians 3:1

Life? Well, life has been just as it says lately. No, really everything is amazing! I've been as busy as someone can possibly be, but I like being busy. It's definitely a rush...

There are so many things to be thankful for, yes all the time, but especially right now.
My heart: it's always sensitive, but it's mending and being molded and fully surrendered to it's Creator. This past weekend for Columbia Conference was the final destination for my heart that led to my surrendering the one thing, (mind you I didn't realize), was keeping me from FULLY tasting what God is, His Joy and Glory. I've been able to see my worth through the eyes of He who made me, rather than the idols I used to "worship".

I've come to the realization that I should and can be thankful for all the hurt, discouragement, lies and pain I've gone through in life. As much as I may wish that some things may be or could be different, if those things were what brought me to the place that I am today, TO GOD BE THE GLORY!! God has let me learn through other people and many situations, but it is ONLY Him that brought me here today, not the work of others.

There are so many exciting things coming up for me. Europe is one of them. The pieces are coming together and there is only a little more left needed to be done to finalize. Once that is done, on May 22nd, I'll be on my way to Paris! Then, there's Shanoah's graduation, summer jobs, planning for next year and just being able to be with my amazing family. I couldn't ask for a better one. God's used them to make me into the woman I'm becoming, the woman that is His desire and pupil. I am thankful that He adopted me to be His child...

Well, the homework is calling my name and so is the Sun. I'm definitely looking forward to the 90 degree weather this Easter Weekend. It's my first time in 20 years away from home for this, but I think I'll be okay

Anyway, I don't know what posed me to write about this stuff, maybe just reflecting on all the growth and work Christ is doing in me? But, I know that there's a reason this is all going on. I'm on the way to being happy..but more importantly, I am more content and satisfied than I've ever been in my life....

I'm finally....FREE!