Autumn air

My hands clasp the edge of my sleeves as I willingly take in the beginning moments of precious Autumn air. I can feel Fall approaching as the damp and tranquil breeze of today passes swiftly through my lungs. It's calm but more importantly it's silent. There's no noise to distract my thoughts. The birds, having a slight recess from their usual melodies, are no where to been found, but in some fashion my senses are awakened to the simplicity of the morning. I anticipate the change of weather and humbly praise our Creator for such workmanship. I sense myself eagerly seeking a new and vibrant season. I am aware that God is drawing me closer to him each and every day. Excitement swells within my heart; the opportunity to surrender my guard and stand vulnerable so that Christ's name may be known. Fear and insecurities. Two words that have controlled my life for many years and yet the insecurities that were once branded on my heart as truth are seemingly a distance memory. The perception that I once bought into about myself seemingly has no relevance. For the first time the past does not dictate and influenced my future. I realize my potential. I gaze inwardly and I am in awe of the freedom God has placed before my eyes.

I'm gonna be a Woodlief!!!

I am officially nervous but I am overwhelmed with JOY! I can't believe that God is giving me a such a blessing as Joshua. He is truly incredible! I am obviously scared...I mean who isn't whenever they are about to get married? There are so many things that a person has to adjust to after the "I do" happens. Communication, money, housing, living with that person, following God's will as one rather than two, and just getting along. That's a ton of responsibility! I am confident, however, in the decision we have made to explore the vastness of marriage. I believe that for the both of us a great amount of healing will take place, especially from me! I am really excited and ready to marry him! 107 days till we say, "I do" and I couldn't be more thrilled. God has sincerely blessed me with an amazing person who loves, cares, and fights for me in every way. He's going to make a fantastic husband!

I think God is teaching our home patience.

It occurred to me at 3:30 this morning that "our home", my place of rest and solitude from the business of practically everything, is not longer that. From the moment that I have gotten to school I feel like my roommate and I have been trying desperately to find a way to have our other suite mate GONE. I know, I know it sounds harsh but what's a girl to do when she can't even sleep in peace because your suite mate blares her music at 3:30 AM (YES....AM), and talks so loud on her cell phone that we have to ask to stop or else. It's making us want to pull our hair out, and for any of you that know me I'm getting married in December, so I don't think that would be very appealing to Joshua. I sat up this morning around 6:30 instead of my 8:30 projected "get up time" and prayed about the situation. I wondered how Jesus would have handled such a stubborn person as herself... I'm trying as best as a I can to see the world through the lens of Jesus Christ and that means treating every situation as if he were here mediating. I know and believe that it must a sign that God is trying to teach us all something (Me, Katherine, and Amy), something that we will more than likely use in every season of our life...PATIENCE. An easy word to describe, but a harder word to live by. Or what if our suite mate doesn't have a clue about Jesus Christ? What if we as a group lived, acted, breathed, prayed, worshiped, and loved her like Jesus? Would our motives of eviction change? I'm not sure, but one thing I am confident about is this: God is bigger than this situation and he has the power to change anything. That is the truth I am trusting in, and it is my hope that my attitude will reflect our most merciful Lord, Jesus Christ. :)

For to God we are the fragrance of Christ

among those who are being saved and among those

who are perishing.
To some we are scent of death leading to death,

but to others, a scent of life leading to life.

1Corinthians 2: 15-16

My time of reflection

I was hoping to sleep in today but some reason I always wake up early. I believe it's a blessing and a curse, but nevertheless, I am up and writing. It has been quite some time since I've sat down and wrote anything, mainly because I just don't have the time. This morning I am wrestling with myself, with the events of last night, and marveled by what God can do through our belief. Last night was by far one of the most amazing services I have ever been a part of. It was powerful, motivating, convicting, and most of all it glorified Christ in every fashion of the service. Our best friend Ryan, who is youth pastor in Whitehouse, hosted a back to school bash at their church to bring a community together and inspire youth to commit their lives to living like Jesus.
One story that really touched my heart was the story of Peyton. Our small group from church came to support the back to school bash and with them came a good friend of Joshua's. His name is Danny and he just became a Christian a few months ago but is so desperately passionate about Christ and making his name known. Yesterday morning was the first time that Peyton attended church and for whatever motive came last night. Peyton previously believed in NO God, but through the course of the band playing and Ryan speaking, God captivated Peyton's heart and he became a Christian. It was amazing. I don't believe that any other words can do it justice. God's power astounds me, and I am so utterly taken back by his faithfulness.

Lord, there is no one like You

among the gods,

and there are no works like Yours.

All the nations You have made

will come and bow down

before You, Lord

and will honor Your name.

For You are great and perform wonders;

You alone are God.

Teach me way, Lord,

and I will live by your truth.

GIVE ME AN UNDIVIDED MIND TO FEAR YOUR NAME

I WILL PRAISE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART, LORD MY GOD.