The journey continues...

So, I'll admit...I've had a little bit of a "writer's block" lately (if you can call it that, I'm not much of a writer).
I've listened to many great sermons & have been reading many great books & have a lot of random thoughts & great conversations, but have just not been able to put them into words for some reason?
So...well, I haven't.
It's been a very interesting journey, this move to Nashville.
So many things I could have never thought would happen, even if I tried.
I know this:  God is good, ALL the time. All the time, God is GOOD.

Here, we are October 4th. I've been living here for 10 months...10 months!
That is so hard for me to even believe.
Why?
Because SO much has happened in that short period of time.
And, I made it through probably one of the most challenging times in my life. (Yep, I'd rank it pretty high up there)
I find that often times when I look back at what I've been through, I'm so thankful for where I am.
It was certainly painful going through some of those moments, but who I am on the other side is all that matters.
And, I thank my God even for those hard moments, for they are helping to shape me into who I am today.

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.    ~1 Peter 4:12-13

Since December 2010, I....
Entered into a new relationship...left my family/friends/church & life in WI, that is all I ever knew....I moved to another state (never done before)...Started a new position in a new city, with new people, in a new industry...I traveled to Africa twice leading & co-leading mission trips to love & care for orphans and experience the pain, poverty & yet a beautiful God-filled country that changed my life...I fell into a mild depression after the relationship did not work out (I'm a fighter & I don't give up easy)...I experienced a wild rollercoaster of emotions for several months...I struggled to make genuine friendships...I moved 3 times since moving to Nashville...I finally discovered a new Church that I fell in love with....one of my cats became really sick & was diagnosed with kidney disease (she's doing well so far!)....I lost my position at the organization I basically relocated to Nashville for....I fell into another mild depression (or maybe never healed from the 1st one) while dealing with another set of wild emotions about how & why things didn't work out & what to do now....I then had to deal with car issues & I had to fork out money for that....I lived in my new apartment for only 6 months & my roommate decided she wanted to move closer to downtown, so I was on the scramble for a new roommate again.(success! I found a great one.)...I'm still on the search and seeking God's direction for a new position- constantly networking and researching different non-profits and organizations....In the meantime I have been nannying for several different families. The experiences I've had with those in itself are something to blog about. I've had the opportunity to travel to New York, Kentucky, & Aspen in December!...I began attending a Women's Ministry group called Cultivate Her that covers some deep topics...I've picked running back up & have been trying to do that  consistently, while maintaining a healthy, balanced diet (and plan to run the Country Music half-marathon in April 2012)...I was recently asked to help coordinate the Serving Opportunities with the local ministries & organizations for our Young Adult Community Groups (which has been incredibly awesome) and yet, has also pulled me out of my comfort zone..I'm involved in a small Community Group that has really showed me what genuine community is...I've developed a routine of getting up early to enter into a time of worship & devotion with God first thing in the morning (usually on my patio, with hot coffee in hand, and one of my cats by my side- bliss.) and followed by a run/walk. Right now...the weather here in Nashville is INCREDIBLE!! 

Through all of these experiences I've been reminded of the many great things God has given me & to be thankful for a family that loves & cares for me, genuine & real (old & new) friendships, a Church I feel proud to be a part of & one that encourages & motivates me to want to grow in my relationship with the Lord more & more everyday, enough money to put a roof over my head, clothes on my body, food to nourish me & most importantly, I'm reminded I have a big, big God who loves me...just the way I am. 


A special thank you to all of you in my life who have walked with me (and will continue to walk with me) on this journey and have loved me unconditionally through good times & bad- weaknesses and all. You know who you are! XOXO

Oh, and have I mentioned that God is Good, all the time!