catch-up.

Definitely in need of a catch-up on here.

And boy is there a lot to fill you in on.

I am writing to you from sunny California.

Yup. It happened. wow.

It is very surreal. I am still adjusting to it.

I often find myself just in awe of God and all that He has done in my life.

We got the good news in March and I pretty much booked my ticket as soon as I could.

In hindsight, it was a little rushed.

But remember, I have been waiting for years for this all to happen. So when everything was finalised I was desperate to leave.

And it has really been a whirlwind ever since.

I have been here for 2 months and it already feels like 2 years in some ways!

I already love my job.

Seriously, the Lord made the perfect job for me.

I work with some of the greatest people ever.

No joke.

They are becoming very dear friends.

I feel part of the family already.

I am part of the most wonderful small group.

I look forward to it each week.

The Lord has just flooded my life with so many lovely people.

He has blessed me with some great, solid friendships already.

I am one thankful girl.

Having said all that, it feels a little different this time.

 I can't quite put my finger on what exactly is different, but it sure is.

I am missing my family.

Big time.

Especially my brother and sister.

I find myself daily longing to hang out with them.

I am fortunate that I get to speak with them pretty often.

I spoke to my sister this morning for a couple of hours.

Funny how hours can pass with sisters and you don't even realise it!

I also spoke with my mum last week.

That was wonderful.

I miss her a lot.

There are some things that only your mum can make better.

We were laughing and talking.

Nothing beats laughing with your mamma.

I can't wait for the day that we are in the same room and laughing.

So there are days when I feel pretty lonely.

In some ways I am thankful for this.

I am thankful that I can lean on the Lord knowing that He has my very best interests at heart.

I am confident that this is where the Lord wants me to be and I will strive to do my best for Him.

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight" Proverbs 3:5-6

I am fully trusting in my ever faithful Lord.

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

He wants me to flourish in all that I do.

My hope is in Him.

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:4-7

I am still rejoicing!

Here are a few photos from the past few weeks.

Her smile is contagious.

These little girls never fail to make me smile.

Having fun with my sweet friend.



My small group ladies. They are such a blessing.

I love these two lovely ladies. They are such an encouragement to me. I am so thankful for their friendship.

So there is a little bit of a catch-up and some photos of my sweet blessings.  



October.

Yeah, it's October and that scares me. Where has this year gone? I know it has been soo long since I have written on here, lots going on and lots to fill you in on. But for now I am going to let you in on a song that has been encouraging me over the past few months. I hope it encourages you too.

My Child.

You may not know me, but I know everything about you.

I know when you sit and when you rise up. I am familiar with all your ways.

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. For you were made in my image. In me you live and move and have your being. For you are my offspring.

I knew you before you were conceived. I chose you when I planned creation.

You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book.

I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live.

You are fearfully and wonderfully made.

I knit you together in your mother’s womb.

And brought you forth on the day you were born.

I had been misrepresented by those who don't know me.

I am distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love.

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.

Simply because you are my child and I am your father.

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.

For I am the perfect father.

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.

Because I love you with an everlasting love.

My thoughts towards you are countless as the sand on the seashore.

And I rejoice over you with singing.

I will never stop doing good to you.

For you are my treasured possession.

I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul.

And I want to show you great and marvelous things.

If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me.

Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart.

For it is I who gave you those desires.

I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine.

For I am your greatest encourager.

I am also the father who comforts you in all your troubles.

When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you.

As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart.

One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes.

And I'll take away all pain you have suffered on this earth.

I am your father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus.

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.

He is the exact representation of my being.

He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you.

And to tell you that I am counting your sins.

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.

His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you.

I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love.

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me.

And nothing will ever separate you from my love again.

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen.

I have always been father and always will be father.

My question is... Will you be my child? I am waiting for you.

Love, your Dad

Almighty God

The letter is based on different verses from throughout the bible.

A dear friend of mine sent me this a few months ago. I remember reading this when I was at Youth Group years ago. I hope this brings you the same encouragement that it brought me.

I hope you are having a Happy Monday!