JOY--------------:)

This past week has been challenging for me as I have been doubting way too much.  Doubting the next step and even doubting God.  Ever been there?

Until.....I read these words from a young missionary.  "Satan can only take from you what your willing to give him.  Don't give him your joy."  Those words hit me as I realized that's what I had given him.  In the midst of uncertainties it's easy to get down and lose the joy.  But it is true that it is the thief who wants to steal that from me.  Jesus said "I have come that you may have life and have it abundantly."  That sounds pretty joyful to me!  Isaiah 55:12 says "you will go out with joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song for you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands."

This morning my heart was joyful as I attended our youngest daughters Senior high school send off.  It is a time when the students all share something, a story, a thank you, whatever they want to share at the end of the year.  I was so proud of Angela as she got up and shared her testimony, with tears, about how thankful she was for Toledo Christian and the genuine friendships that she has made here.  After moving in the middle of her junior year she is able to see how God took care of her.  And she thanked her parents for listening to God and moving, even though she didn't want to.  I love that girl!!!!!!

So even though there are uncertain days ahead, I love that God is in control of all of them and  already knows what each of our next steps will be.  Some of you have had the same job most of your life, lived in the same house and in the same town.   That is awesome how God has settled you.  That is not my story though.  I have had many a day where I wish it had been like that but things in my life would not be as they are if they had.  Guess God's plans are always best - and when I wonder if God knows what he is doing - well, I just need to get out of the way and remember the amazing things that God has done and come back to the truth.

Thank you Jesus for all you have done and all you will do.  
You are always good.