Sushi Night!

Last night I went out with some girls for sushi (and some not for sushi ;-). We had a lot of fun! It was the first time I'd ever tried it. There are definitely other foods that I would enjoy before sushi, but needless to say I thought it was good :). Here are some pictures of the evening...

Even So, It is Well With My Soul

The Lord has been so very kind to me over the past few weeks. Every day that goes by I become more aware that the Lord knew I needed these few weeks not just for physical rest, but to find rest in my soul. He has been so kind to meet me even during the most painful times of recovery. I have been overwhelmed by caring words and encouraging e-mails!

I will be the first person to say that the Lord most certainly does use pain and suffering to draw us closer to Himself. How gracious of Him to shower so many blessing upon my life.

During my recovery time I’ve been going through a study titled “Nurturing a Heart of Humility” by Elizabeth George. The study is on the life of Mary and her example of humility. This morning I read through Luke 1:46-55 and was inspired by Mary’s example of magnifying the Lord through prayer. Her prayer overflows with information about God and the wonderful things He does for us!

“A heart of humility is a heart that prays…”

Mary’s Example:

Luke 1:46-55- “My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. God behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and Holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the might from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent empty away. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

Singles/Youth Cookout

While in full recovery mode, I was able to get out of the house on Sunday and visit with some of the people I love most. Here are some pictures to enjoy!

Update

Despite being on hardly any pain medication, I’m doing well. I’ve been able to get up and walk around more which is a good thing. I think the worse part is over! Thank you Lord! I’m anticipating being able to get up and do more over the next few days, but I’m also very grateful for the down time.

I would greatly appreciate continued prayers!

"When I am Weak, He is Strong"

What a wonderful truth that I can boast in. For I am nothing without the love of my Father in Heaven who gives me strength to get through life’s difficulties!

The new pain medication was just as bad if not worse then the first one. It made my headache get worse and made me so nauseous that I got sick. Today I’ve been rotating back and forth between Tylenol and Ibuprofen. I’m still in a lot of pain, but it’s much better than the horrible headache I had last night. Please continue to pray for strength during the healing process.

Surgery Update

I’m home safe and sound. I’ve had some difficulties with the pain medication I was given (headache, nausea, and dizziness). My mom was able to get a hold of the surgeon to get me a different one. Hopefully it will work, it hasn’t kicked in yet.

Thank you all so much for the prayers, phone calls, text messages, and e-mails I’ve been receiving! God has been so kind to bless me with such caring friends!

Please continue to pray that the pain medication would work and that no other complications come up.

Thank you!

Miami!

This past weekend I had the opportunity to travel down to Miami with some Orlando friends. The purpose of the trip was to serve the Sovereign Grace church in Miami, “Palm Vista Community church.” The Lord was so very kind to meet us. We had a lot of fun and made many memories. I didn’t take a lot of pictures (I know, crazy right?! ;D), but I did get a few. Enjoy!

I Am With You

Last Thursday, I was scanning through Spurgeon’s “Beside Still Waters” and I came across the following quotes. The Lord has been very gracious to refresh my soul through them over the past few days. I pray they encourage you as well.

“There is no burden which, if we lift it cheerfully and bear it with love in our hearts, will not become a blessing to us. God means our tasks to be our helpers; to refuse to bend our shoulders to receive a load, is to decline a new opportunity for growth.” –J.R. Miller

“Blessed is any weight, however overwhelming, which God has been so good as to fasten with His own hand upon our shoulders.” –F.W. Faber

“The burden of suffering seems a tombstone hung about our necks, while in reality it is only the weight which is necessary to keep down the diver while he is hunting for pearls.” –Richter

As some of you know, this Wednesday I will be getting surgery. Please pray that the peace of God would flood my heart, that any fear welling up in my heart would turn into trust, and for strength during the recovery time. I am very excited for the week or two I’ll have to rest and spend time with the Lord. God has ordained this surgery for a purpose and I know much good will come out of it. Thank you!

Isaiah 41:10- "Fear not for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God, I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold your righteous right hand."

Frowning Providence = Ultimate Happiness

I’ve come across the following quote a few times in the past week and it’s just too good not to share… I pray you're encouraged!

“If, in His loving plan you have to bow before what appears to be a frowning providence, you can be sure that He’s got your ultimate happiness at heart. He’s working to free you from your worries, not by giving freedom from trouble, but by arranging circumstances so that as you go through them you’ll experience the truth that He is everything He says He is.” - Elyse Fitzpatrick

Psalm 94:19, 22- “When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul...the Lord has become my stronghold, and my God the rock of my refuge.”