Taking time today to be thankful

I'm not going to lie to you, friends. Yesterday was a hard day.

More specifically a hard "waiting is hard" day. 

It's been a couple of weeks since my last post and there is nothing to update. I am still waiting for a job, still waiting for my UI benefits to come through, still...waiting. 

Yesterday, I fell on my face- literally- before God and pleaded, "I need You to fight this battle for me." I'd had enough. I was tired, weary, frustrated, exhausted, spent. I went to bed feeling somewhat better emotionally, still ragged and raw, but the peace had returned. 

Today is a new day, and for the first time since I can remember, there was no "what's going to happen today?" No "oh crap" moments, no frustration. Today is a new day. As I sat in prayer this morning I prayed the same prayer that I prayed last night, "I don't even know what I'm holding onto, Lord, but please help me to let go." 

This afternoon I'll head up to Lexington for an in person interview through UK's temp agency-wonderful people who really go up to bat for prospective and current employees. And this morning, I received a phone call for a phone interview for an admin associate position at EKU, the day before we leave for the DR. It's a job I applied for a good month ago, and the gentleman on the phone said they have things "narrowed down". Hope- hope that has never left but rather ebbed and flowed on account of my own sinful doubt and distrust- is returning. It HAS returned! My God is not idle, and He is writing this part of my story. He knows the entire design and how it will end, and what job will be next for me. 

Aside from work, two months ago today I said yes to an absolutely amazing man. To say that I am blessed is a gross understatement, and wedding planning has been a bright, bright ray of sunshine in a season that has, undoubtedly, had some crappy moments. I'm tickled to death at how much has already come together, and it's just been fun! Lots and lots of fun! My wedding dress is beautiful and perfect for me (and will be mine come August 4th!!), and many other "big" items have already been booked or are in the works. We have been so lovingly poured into, encouraged, and prayed for and are so looking forward to our wedding day, which will not only be a celebration of us and of God's amazing goodness, but of all of those who have been there for us along this journey. 

And finally, one week from Friday (the 21st) we depart to the Dominican Republic! EEK!!!!! The excitement is finally starting to kick in and I am so thrilled to be a part of a team that loves God and a team that I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know and serve with these past couple of months. They have prayed for me, spoke life into me and Justin as a soon-to-be newlywed couple, and are so full of joy and love from the Lord that I know without a doubt they are going to bless so many down in the DR. We will be doing day camps at a school that two missionaries from BBC have beeen for about a year. I can't wait for Kelly to meet this team, I can't wait to see how God shows up and works through us, and I can't wait to see little ones come to know the Lord for the first time. We had a massive yard sale this past weekend and raised a substantial amount of money! (And Justin and I may or may not have made off with a few more decorative items for our reception) :) 

Something that has been an extraordinary blessing about this trip is that as I've received calls and emails about interviews, as I've let them know, everyone has been more than ok with my going on this trip! Praise God for how He has worked this little detail in my current life situation! 

I know there will be more moments of discouragement and frustration, but today I choose thankfulness. I read a blog yesterday from Proverbs 31, a blog that I swear could have been written exclusively to me. One line read: "One way to avoid the darkening of the soul is by constant communication seasoned with thanksgiving; a continual acknowledgement of God's presence."  

I know there is still waiting ahead, but I am trusting my God with all that I have! 

Lord, in every season, You are wonderful. Today and each day following, help me to trust! I thank You for all You have done and will do in my life! Today is a day of joy, of thankfulness, and I praise You for Your wonderful works! Amen.