It's been awhile... But I am finding time to write!
In the time that has passed since my last entry, so much has happened and changed. I’ve grown in more ways than just my knowledge of the law. True, finals were a couple of the most difficult and stressful weeks of my life but I was blessed beyond belief with a peace that surpassed all understanding. The best part is that I did well enough that they let me come back—phew!
Christmas break was short but a refreshing time to spend with family and good friends. After an adventurous twelve hour car ride back to Virginia Beach (picture Aaron, me, an angry cat, and a sick dog…lol) the semester has been off to a good start.
I am constantly reminded of just how true it is that “His mercies are new every morning.” Simply waking up in the morning to another beautiful sunny day in JANUARY is proof of that. A couple mornings out of the week, I get to go work at the stable on campus where I feed and care for the horses there. It is a special time that I get to spend alone and take a break from being a student. And yes it is just a stable, but I know that God meets me there. After all, his Son was born in one. At the barn, I can simply be. I can talk to the horses, laugh at the kittens playing, and watch as the sun comes up over the trees. Surrounded by the sweet smell of hay and the comforting sound of horses shifting in the stalls, I cannot help but to reflect on the Love and Mercy that God has for me anew each day.
An important thing I have realized this semester (and keep realizing) is that it is not about me. What I mean by that is that while I am living my life in order to do well in school, be a good daughter and friend, and in general keep my sanity, ultimately my life is about something so much greater than that: God and His Glory. I have seen Him glorified in so many ways lately and I just continue to be amazed. One of the most amazing things of all was coming to the true and full realization that He has forgiven my sins, my past, and all that I had been holding onto. A favorite song of mine says, “It’s not about what you’ve done, but what’s been done for you.” This is great news for me and my fellow fallen human beings because our lives really are not about what we have done, but instead are about what has been done for us through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice for us on the cross. He died so that we may live whole and complete lives, with new and unbroken hearts, for the sake of His glory and His glory alone. Wow. If nothing else, that is incredibly humbling.
In light of the freeing forgiveness as well as the blessing of waking up every morning to God’s new mercies, this semester is really off to a great start! My professors have been teaching me as much about the Bible as they have about the law and I love it. The friendships I have made and continue to make are real and growing.
I have fallen in love with an incredible man and my best friend who loves God and loves me.
I just couldn’t be happier and I owe it all to God. He has never forsaken me and has blessed me well beyond what I deserve. When I think about all of this it only encourages and excites me to keep living for Him. To keep reading His word, praying daily, and loving the people He has put into my life.
Indeed, His mercies are new every morning!
