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hmm.....

Not previously a blogger, I started one this summer when I went to Israel (the trip of my life so far....you truly must go one day). Almost a year later, I have decided that I'm going to start keeping up with this once again. And so, here we are. No promises. No guarantees. Just thoughts and stories from the journey God gives me.

This past year or so has been one of changes and new beginnings. Graduating college. Summer in Israel. First year as a teacher. Moving home. Building new relationships. It is strange how many things can come and go -- and change -- in the course of a year. I had the opportunity to go to Athens again this week and spend time with some truly missed friends. I love Athens. It is a beautiful place with a great atmosphere that will always hold a special place in my heart. While there this week, I was reminded of how much has changed, yet still, somehow, stayed the same.

What is most beautiful to me is that no matter how long it has been or how far apart we are, whenever true friends come together again, it is as though nothing has changed. One of my fears in graduating was that the friendships that were built would change and possibly fade away. Inevitably, it will happen with some relationships -- it always does. But sometimes, relationships escape that fate, coming out of the growth period stronger and more wonderful than they were before. These are the relationships that will last. And these are the friends that will be there for you no matter what, no matter where. That is a magnificent blessing.

It also became obvious to me how much I have grown throughout this last year. Though you grow everyday, you often overlook the many ways in which this happens until you are in a place which enables you to see your life in a new light. Over the past year, I've become so much more independent. I'm not as worried all the time, and definitely go with the flow more. There are a few other things I feel have changed in my life, but I won't bore you with the details :)

One of the major things I'm trying to figure out right now is what it truly means for me to live as a child of the King and where He is leading me now. How do I truly love the people I interact with daily? How do I move beyond things that have happened in order to embrace the things that will happen? As I wrestle with these questions, one over-arching idea is becoming more and more clear to me everyday. God is in control and He loves me. His plan for me is perfect -- it may terrify me at times, but it is perfect for me. And, living this life is not about me. Living abundantly in honor of the King, inside His perfect will, loving Him and loving others. That is what this is about -- this beautiful, winding, interesting journey...


A favorite quote:
There are always two voices inside of us: the voice of fear and the voice of faith. One is the clamor of the senses. The other is the whispering of God.
John Mason










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