WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME?!

I'd be lying if I said I never get frustrated with God for not being clear about His desires for my life.  I mean, seriously, can't He just tell me EXACTLY what He wants me to do?  Can't He just write me a message in the clouds or send me a letter or an email?

It seems like every time I think I have my future figured out, something changes dramatically.  People tell me all the time that they can't keep up with me because my plans keep changing.... Anyone else with me here?

It wasn't until this morning that I realized that I've been trying wayyyyy too hard to discern what God's will is for my life.  I've been trying instead of living.  I've been thinking instead of doing.  I've been yearning instead of praising.

Oops.

Correct me if I'm off base here...  But I simply don't think that God is always crystal clear about what He wants from us.  Sometimes He is, but not always.  I think that in most cases He paints a broad picture for us and allows us to discern the details.  This empowerment from God to discern for myself what paths I take in life terrified me at first.  But for the first time, Proverbs 3:5-6 has finally gone from simple head knowledge to heart resonation.  If we are seeking God with all our heart, we can't go wrong!  We may have multiple options roaming around in our brains about our future and as long as we are attuned to the Holy Spirit's movement, we have freedom to choose any one of those options without worrying about following God's will.  #liberation

I don't think this means that we won't make mistakes anymore, because that's just inevitable.  But we can take comfort in knowing that God has a plan even for our mistakes.  Somehow he takes our failures and makes them successes for Himself.  He will always be glorified.

So keep praying, keep reading the Word, keep asking for direction.  He is faithful in provision.  But don't forget to LIVE while discerning.  He will make the most of our discernment, I guarantee it.

See you later, PLC

Goodbyes are the worst.  Calling it "see you later" instead of "goodbye" doesn't really help, either.  

I had a big "see you later" with a place that has been my home for the past three years: Prairie Lakes Church.  Not sure if I can possibly say how much I've appreciated being a part of this church family but I will certainly try!

When I first got to Cedar Falls to start school at UNI, I absolutely hated it.  I was planning on moving back to Ankeny after my first semester.  I was lonely and homesick and missed my mommy.  It wasn't until I started getting connected at PLC that I realized I was exactly where I needed to be.  

Through the past couple of years, God has grown me and shaped me more than I have ever grown and been shaped before.  Through an internship, a job, and volunteer experiences at PLC I learned what a positive work environment looks like.  I learned about my personal strengths and how to build up strengths of others.  I was poured into and was also able to pour into others.  I learned about healthy relationships with the "least of these" and how to work to alleviate poverty in an effective way.  Most importantly I learned that I never have to stop learning!  There is always room for growth and challenges.  

The best memory I have of PLC is Good Friday 2013.  That night, through worship a message from pastor Jesse I was finally able to truly realize the impact of Jesus' final words before dying on the cross: "It is finished."  This was a life-changing evening for me - I even got "it is finished" permanently imprinted on my body to remind me of the freedom and completeness that come from those three simple words.  

God's work through Prairie Lakes Church has empowered and prepared me for wherever God may lead me next.  I am so beyond grateful for their support and so beyond excited to see what this next season of life brings.