Lately..

Wow, this sumer has REALLY flown by. I apologize I haven't written in several months. God blessed Paul and I with a visit from my parents which was so unexpected and absolutely amazing! We really enjoyed it! We also were able to visit Paul's sister Erin, my cousin Justin, go to Sean's wedding, AND visit Paul's grandparents, parents and sister Danielle. Also, Paul's parents came up for a weekend as well. It's really been a fabulous summer, and I'm so sad to see it go. God has really and truly blessed us during our short time here in New York.

Honestly, I knew I would make the best out of being in New York, but I never imagined how much I would fall in love with the people, environment, scenery, ministries, etc here. I absolutely LOVE it, and I'm so sad to be planning a move away from New York. I keep reminding myself that God's plans are so much greater than my own!! If not for HIS plans, we never would've been able to live in NY to begin with. So, praise to HIM. Even though we have no clue what the future holds, Paul and I trust Him whole heartedly. The rumor around the military world is that Fort Leonardwood (in Missouri) is one of the worst bases. Morale is down because there's nothing to do there and.. there's nothing to do there. Walmart is a 45 min. drive away is what I'm told. This is where we're moving in October, but I know God has great BIG plans and we're going to make the best of it! We know it's a blessing in disguise just as NY has been. Sure, maybe we can't see the surprise now, but God will reveal it in His time. I'm resting in this verse: "My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" Phil 4:19. So.. Here's to a month of packing and lots of hugs, cookouts and eventually goodbyes. Thank you God for giving us the opportunity.. you were right, it was awesome! :)

God has also been showing Paul and I the rewards that come with forgiveness. For when we forgive others, God really does shower us with blessings and joy! This is a tough for me to admit. But, when we first arrived in NY after the honeymoon and Paul had to make his way back to work, I was pretty disheartened. I had never not had a job or an income before, and I just didn't know what to do with myself. I would clean the house EVERY day even though it didnt need it. Then, Paul would come home to another day of a very clean house and dinner on the table, and I would get disappointed if he didn't noticed I cleaned! (Ofcourse he wouldnt, it looked the same as yesterday!) ha Anyway, I didn't realize it then.. but God really has used these few months of no job and no income to completely humble my heart. He's filled my days with TONS of things to do such as volunteering for the FRG, running army functions, baking several times a week for one of our ministries and for Paul's office or neighbors, throw showers, organize weekly "Couple dinner" where the wives meet at 2pm and cook for our hubbies, have lots of cookouts at our place, visit the farmers market weekly, cook for my hubby and most of the time friends every day, work out.. and so much more. Though I don't have a job, I feel like I do! ha God has used this to completely change my heart. I used to strive to be a workaholic, get things done, stay as long as it takes kind of worker. Now, I'm striving to get a job teaching college classes which would most likely be part-time unless I wanted to add more classes to teach as I went. I've talked to a couple ppl in Missouri about it, and I'm praying God will show me if it's His will or what is exactly.

God has really been convicting me lately of settling for my joy in Him. I haven't been craving for more and more joy, instead I'm ok with the "middle" joy. Does that make sense? I was reading Galations 4 today where Paul is asking the Galatians "What has happened to your joy" and God really convicted me of this. How dare I think less of myself bc I don't have a job.. I'm defined by GOD not by this world or how much I work. I should rest AND rejoice in HIM! "God, give me unconditional joy that pours out of me no matter where I am or what I'm going through. Give me a joy that is defined by you alone! Amen."

I want to leave you with one last thought, It's Ephesians 4:32.. "Be kind and compassionate to one another forgiving each other just as Christ forgave you!" When we hold on to past pain someone else caused us, it ends up hindering us more than that person. I just want to encourage you to forgive. Forgiveness is so freeing and makes you feel so alive. Most importantly, it increases how closely we walk with Christ! So forgive, and live joyfully! It's God's plan for you. :)