I Know the Plans

As far back as I can remember, I have been a planner. I want to be as prepared as possible for what is coming, and most of the time, I am extremely bothered if the reality doesn't line up with my expectations, regardless of how unrealistic that plan may be.

The first time I visited New York City, I was enchanted. It was so vastly different from the Southern towns I called home, but I felt as though I belonged there. The sounds of the city sang me to sleep and the sea of faces seemed strangely familiar. I longed to be one of them. College would be the first chance for that dream to become reality, so NYU became my goal. My plan. And I gripped that plan like a priceless heirloom. It somehow became a part of my identity. When God's plan turned out to be different from mine, I had no idea how to respond. I ran into my closet and cried... literally. My plan was pried from my fingers, and I wasn't sure how to mourn the loss I so strongly felt.

I thought I learned an important lesson during that season. I realized His promises are true. His plans are good and for my good. He was not surprised by anything that happened. His plan prevails.

I guess I didn't learn it as I thought. I still struggle each time things don't go according to my plan. When my expectations are not met. When my dream comes crashing down. When there is an uninvited interruption. I find myself questioning time and time again whether He truly knows what is best for me. How could this be right?

The majority of the events that have affected me and my family this year were not a part of my plan. Even my oh-so-wonderful plan to show you around my little apartment was interrupted by life. And by death. But I was reminded of a precious glimpse of providence and His plan as I reflected this week.

At the beginning of each new year, our pastor shares with the church a word that God has given him, and challenges each of us to seek the Lord for our own word. Quite honestly, the word I heard in January let me down and did not make any sense. And it was only two letters. Seriously. At least give me a couple syllables. As much as I tried to talk Him into a better word, I kept coming back to UP. It's a word you learn in 1st grade, and in my mind perfectly unacceptable for what I had sought. I finally gave in to my word for the year, but was too embarrassed to mention it to many people.

The first glimpse that this was the right word came soon after. In the midst of a scary diagnosis and surgeries and appointments, the I so desperately needed the reminder to turn my gaze up to the Healer. To the Redeemer. To the Savior. A few months later, the word became more literal as I moved north to Tennessee. I clung to it again when my precious grandfather went to be with Jesus. My eyes were set heavenward. On eternity. Up.

I have been so comforted that He knew in January what this year would look like. He has always known the plans He has for me to bring me a hope and future.

Home

"He is happiest, be he king or peasant, who finds peace in his home."
-Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

I am stepping out in a new way. I moved into my own apartment last week. Apartment may not be the right word though. It is a guest house that almost feels like a little cottage. My weekends and evenings are now filled with thrifting and antiquing and projects as I make this place my own.

I want to document the successes and the failures on this new adventure. I hope you'll come along with me on this journey.

Pictures coming soon...

Perfection

How I would describe the Turks and Caicos. The time away. The time with my family. My family. How I love them.



I also desperately needed and enjoyed time alone. But not really alone. With my Jesus. Just being in His presence. Staring out at His magnificent creation.

I've recently realized that grownups don't really get breaks. School had built in times to breathe and recover. I don't get those anymore without an effort, but the effort is worth it. And the breaks are so much sweeter. This one was absolute perfection.

Aside from the sunburn of course.

Glimpses

I fell of the blogging bandwagon... again. I was doing so well for the first couple weeks.

Not to say there hasn't been anything to share. There have been some amazing experiences and conversations. I am seeing God knit hearts together as we serve and live life. I am seeing hearts softening and breaking for the fatherless. My favorite story is about Noah, but sweet Caroline shares it so much better than I could here.

To sum it up, He is working. I am so honored and humbled to get this vantage point.

But I'm taking a break. I am leaving Nashville tomorrow to visit a new place. With a gorgeous beach. But that's not even the best part. I am most excited about sharing a few days with my family. I will have lots to share when I get back...

Sweet Reminders

Hit the two week mark, and I'm still having fun. I realize this list will grow and change, but here are a few of the things I like about Nashville at the moment.

1. Music- The Music City thing makes complete sense. There is live music everywhere, and lots of it is the country or singer/songwriter type. Both of those make me happy. And if you haven't already, listen to Ten out of Tenn. One of my new faves. On a similar note, The Grand Ole Opry is pretty incredible.

2. Franklin- I work in the cutest town I've ever seen. Don't argue with me on this. It's true. I need to do more exploring, but I've had amazing experiences so far. Let me prove it's cute factor is off the charts.



3. Green- It's my favorite color, and on the way to Franklin everyday, I see lots of green. Lots of grass and trees, none of which are of the palm variety. It's lovely. And Southern. And I feel like I breathe better.

4. Work- It's fun. And the people there are fun. And lots of adopted babies come by to say hi.

5. Shopping- I wasn't supposed to shop for a while after I got here, but some shops can't be resisted. Case in point: Francesca's. I realize those of you in Florida may not have experienced the amazing (yet reasonably priced) clothes and jewelry, but that is all the more reason to come visit. I promise I'll take you.

6. Fireflies- I get to see these little beauties every night. They make me smile.

7. Kroger- It's cheaper than Publix. Who knew??

Part of my reasoning behind this list was selfish. I needed a reminder of the wonderful things that make living here a quite pleasant adventure. I have to be honest though... they don't make up for the relationships I am missing. Especially today. Sundays are the toughest, and it doesn't take a genius to figure out why.

So many of the relationships I treasure center around church and our faith. As thankful as I am for the church I am attending here and the new friendships that are being formed, community does not happen instantly. So much of me wants to lift my voice with voices I know. To pray alongside hearts I cherish. To teach the preschoolers I love.

Sundays are also quiet. Having time to stop and think isn't always the best thing during this season.

Hard doesn't mean it's bad though. I was reminded of this truth over and over this morning. Hard means I'm going to end up looking more like my Savior. Hard means He will be glorified. Hard means that others will know Him intimately. That means hard is worth it.

I knew this new journey would have hard days, but I'm so thankful He led me here. That's why the fireflies and beautiful melodies and farmland and cute towns are such sweet reminders of His faithfulness and purpose.

A Week

One week ago, I moved to Nashville. And it's been a great week.

I realize I'm in the honeymoon phase, but I am loving everything about it right now. The town, the job, and the people I'm doing life with have far exceeded any expectations I had. And I love seeing His hand all over it.

My first star-sighting happened Tuesday. That didn't hurt either...

Seasons

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1

For the past year, I have been living in Orlando and spending as much time as possible with my sweet family. I worked for a great organization with an amazing team. I watched my beautiful sister marry the man of her dreams. I walked with my mom through a scary diagnosis, surgeries, chemotherapy, and on Thursday, her final cancer treatment. The end of chemo marked the end of a season for our family.

The end of one season means beginning of another. Friday marked the beginning of a new season in my life as I moved to Nashville. It's a new adventure, but one that God began preparing me for a long time ago.

My greatest joy is seeing God set the lonely in families (Psalm 68:6). Sometimes that happens when God graciously brings one of His children into His family through spiritual adoption. Sometimes it's when a family is led to take in a child through physical adoption. In both cases, the child receives a new identity and a new name. They have a future and a hope. They are loved. And the ultimate goal is that God's name is known and glorified.

Both are also costly. One required a sacrificed Son. The other requires an amount of money that is an obstacle for many families that feel led to adopt. As God calls families, He is also calling other believers, churches, and organizations to help overcome this obstacle.

One of those organizations is Show Hope. In their own words, "Show Hope is a non-profit organization that mobilizes individuals and communities to meet the most pressing needs of orphans in distress by providing 1) homes for waiting children through adoption aid grants, and 2) life-saving medical care for orphans with special needs."



To date, Show Hope has been involved in nearly 3,000 children coming home to their forever families, but it's more than a big number. It's about one child that is now loved. One of those children is Mareto, who was adopted from Ethiopia four months ago.



Mareto's sweet mom, Lauren, has allowed me to share a bit of their story with you. Before Mareto came home, their family was blessed with an adoption grant from Show Hope. Read from Lauren's heart here.

And a quick side note... Lauren makes the BEST accessories. I absolutely love my Poppie Lane jewelry! I highly recommend it all :) And 50% of the profit goes to other adoptive families. Does it get any better?!?



God is so clearly working through this organization to carry out the promise of Psalm 68:6. And I am so blessed to be joining this team and to be a small part of what He is doing to bless thousands of families and orphans in need around the world. I'm so excited about this new adventure and sharing it with each of you. Your prayers mean so much, especially in this time of transition. My favorite thing about the whole adventure is that it's so much bigger than me. The only explanation is God. As I step into this new season, I have never been more confident that I am exactly where I need to be.

To my Sweet/Tootsie Rolls

You blew me away last night. I was just going to dinner, but apparently y'all had different plans. Thank you for that, but more importantly, thank you for doing life together this past year. There is no one else I would rather walk and learn and laugh alongside. You are each incredible women with so much sass and passion and love for the Lord and those He's given you. It's a miracle I did not become a blubbering mess last night, and I would prefer to avoid that today as well.

I thought the most appropriate way to express my heart would be to take a country song completely out of context and dedicate it to you. Every time this song comes on the radio, I ignore the verses and thank Jesus for you and your friendship when the chorus comes around. I'm not really sure why I always think of the Sweet Rolls when I hear it, but know that you will always be "my people".

These are my people
This is where I come from
We're givin' this life everything we got and then some
It ain't always pretty
but it's real
It's the way we were made
Wouldn't have it any other way
These Are My People

We fall Down and we get up
We walk proud and we talk tough
We got heart and We got nerve
Even If we are a bit disturbed

Thank you Rodney Atkins. Thank you girls. And thank you, Father, for meeting our needs far beyond our hopes and expectations.