The more my life goes on, the more I realize how much I can have absolutely no control over it. I can say that there is a Hand on it, guiding it with wisdom far beyond my own. Honestly, I don't understand the way of the Lord. Why would He choose my life to use in this way? I cannot count the times I've started into prayer and then just stopped and said, "God why me? Why is it me? Why is it that you didn't choose one of my other friends... They're more Godly than I. Many of them would be more willing than I! They have more resources. More wisdom. Why did you choose me to not be content with the ordinary? Why didn't You choose me to just go on a short term trip, be changed, and come home?" Now, don't take me wrong. I am content with where God has placed me. I truly am. But I'm just confessing I don't understand the way the Lord works. (Isaiah 55:8!!)
I'm staying.
there it is. I was sure it wouldn't happen. There were several huge reasons I couldn't stay in KY more than three months. the biggest one was finances. Well in the course of time, God has really spoken to me in this area and called to what feels like extreme faith. Where I thought I was trapped with no way out, He has made ways. He has provided for me beyond my wildest expectation. He really is in control.... So, my car is for sale. white grand prix se, 82,000 miles, $6500. There is a girl here at the home interested now but if she decides not to buy it, it's open to any. I'll update when she decides.Also if you know of a reliable, decent car for "cheap"... I'm all ears!
anyhow, that was a rabbit trail. From the very beginning of my stay here I entertained the idea of staying longer and as I said, decided it couldn't happen. But not only did I learn that God is in control, I've learned I cannot limit Him. His work in me here isn't going to be finished in three months. I've committed until August next year. At that point, resuming school is an option or wherever else God leads me. Perhaps He will call me to remain here.
I guess the greatest way God surprised me here is this... a while back I think I wrote about God working in my life in sets of three months.... strangely enough- this will be 11! :) Perhaps this starts a new phase! :) who knows!
Some specific prayer points....
**I have this incredible opportunity to babysit for a little boy with special needs several days a week along with working here at the Home. It would put some stress on me but be an awesome experience and something I've wanted to do since I got home from Camp Harmon this summer. I will be meeting with the mom next week sometime before I come home. Pray that if it is God's will that I will really bond with the boy and everything will go smoothly. I will have to be employed through the state so that could get frustrating but I believe if it is God's will, He will smooth the way! I am really excited about this opportunity and it will help financially a lot!
**Health... I got sick last night. I'm not convinced it was 16 hr flu... had some food that was expired and started not feeling well not long after i ate it... had to leave work and all. The 24 hr bug and Strep Throat are going around and we can't afford for us girls to all be getting sick! I would hate to bring this stuff home with me too...
**Safety as I travel back and forth around Christmas. Jessica is coming to stay with my family for a couple days and I will be bringing her back to Lexington at some point. I don't mind the drive but each time I get more impatient to get home or back....
**That I would continue to be surrendered to God's will. I feel like I have a lot of very big decisions to make right now and, quite honestly, I'm tired of making them. Strength for Today, dear Lord.
One week and I'm coming home! excited for that time I'm going to have... Lots of stuff to do already scheduled- should be a FULL Christmas season and I'm so excited to see everyone again!! it's been ages.... well I have to go... this computer session started out as an "update resume session" and turned into a "I have to write and get this stuff out session"... hope it wasn't too boring. Mom has the camera at home so I have no exciting photos to post.
Soli deo Gloria! Courtney
PS. it's for another time, but God worked the most awesome miracle and made it possible for me to go to NYC last weekend. He worked incredibly while we were there- Praise Him!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to whoever made it possible for me to go....I don't even know how to express my gratitude.... thank you Lord!!
