Every day I wake up in awe and so thankful that God made a way for Robbie and I to be home owners. Rent was going up so high everywhere and we just knew with student loans and debt we needed to find a way to live somewhere more affordable, but still safe. Growing up in not the best of areas, I had always dreamed of a neighborhood where I could walk the dogs and get to know my neighbors more. Every lender we spoke with denied us immediately because of the amount of student loans I have for my two college degrees. I thought for sure we would not be able to buy for years, if ever, as most other people in my generation struggle with. But I knew God put it on our hearts to desire a home and we prayed. At first I cried after I thought I had heard from every possible lender, when suddenly one returned my call and said he could work with us. He sent our amazing realtor, and now good friend, Leigh Fenstermacher- Merriman our way and we began our hunt. Leigh really is the best realtor we could have imagined and she made house hunting fun despite some crazy obstacles, more issues with the lender, and even a seller who was laying in his bed when he wasn’t supposed to be home (we had made an appointment for a showing!). Just when I thought our house hunting would have to come to a halt, Leigh sent us to another lender who made it work! I was stunned when he said he would get us into the perfect condo we had found. We prayed hard and within a month we closed on our home. It was the perfect price, a great diverse location, and the perfect size for us. It was truly God’s will for us to move where we are. If it is God’s will, nothing will get in the way or close the door he has opened <3.
To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. Revelation 3:7 NIV
Back to the topic of friendships. I may have lost some friendships over the past few years that I wished never happened. I tried my best to reconcile them and despite my efforts they weren’t fixed. However, God heard my cries when I asked for Godly friends who wouldn’t leave my side and who would love me for me. The friends he brought into my life are 10x better than I could have ever imagined. Some I have met the beginning of my college years and together we weather storms together and shared many laughs, now having an inseparable bond that will last through eternity. Others I met toward the end of college, such as one of my best friends that was my roommate senior year of college. We live a few states away now and we still are stronger than every. I know she will support me no matter what and likewise I have always got her back too. We just understand each other and are chill people. Oh and God gave me the honor of being the one he used to bring her and her now husband together. Another special friend is the friend I have mentioned before that I met in a Christian blogging Facebook group.
Ever since our first chat on the phone we have remained close and continue to grow closer. She truly is my big sister in every way possible. We have gone through so many of the same things and even both share a few of the same chronic illnesses, so we encourage each other and help carry each others burdens. When we first talked we never knew how much we would have in common. How she would be the older sister I always longed for and how I would be the little sister she wanted. I’ll admit that the more I shared with her about my life and past struggles, the more I feared she would decide I wasn’t worth keeping as a friend, as many other Christians have decided. However, instead she has always shown love and helped me understand that none of us are perfect. You can’t tell me that our friendship wasn’t the work of God. It is too perfect, and it began at the time we both needed it the most. I have a few other best friends who know who they are and I am so blessed that they are in my life. Oh and some of my high school best friends still remain good friends of mine today. So friends, if you have lost any friends, or struggle with finding friends, or want new friends, give it to God. He will send you what you want and more. God is so good!
We sometimes think we know exactly what we want, so we pursue it. I had the “perfect” plan of what I wanted to be when I got both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. I assumed I would either be a journalist or that I would be the head of a company’s human resources department, and I still could be one of those one day. But, my career has taken an unexpected turn. A few months ago I felt the desire to be a teacher and God opened the doors for me to teach children English online. I was nervous at first because it wasn’t what I originally pictured my talents being. But oh my goodness, it is so fulfilling in a way I cannot describe. I love seeing my students each day and helping prepare them for the future. Education is always something I have valued, but I never thought I’d be good enough to be a teacher. Well, I guess I was wrong because God has placed me right where he wants me, and I believe teaching may be my permanent career. It may even be my calling. In the future I would like to teach in person, either still teaching children or pursuing my PhD in order to teach adults. Either way, God has the best plan, one better than I could even fathom, so I am going to keep giving it to him. If you are unsure of what you are supposed to do with your life or what your calling is, be bold in your prayer and ask God to reveal. Ask him to make it obvious and to order your steps so that you end up exactly where you are meant to be. He has promised he will do that, so lean on those promises and you won’t be disappointed.
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps. Proverbs 16:9 NIV
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 NIV
No matter what I have gone through in life, God has also always kept his promise that he would provide my needs. I have always had a roof over my head and food on my table, even in times where I had $0 in the bank account. He has protected me from many things and provided an escape to a really abusive relationship I had prior to meeting Robbie. When my beloved Luke died, he provided me with Mikki and Petra, as well as Maui. While at times life gets hard, God will always come through. We just have to keep trusting and lean on each other. Don’t be afraid to reach out for prayer.
The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. Psalm 34:10 NIV
If you aren’t a Christ follower, you can become one simply by asking Jesus, the son of God, to be your Lord and Savior and asking him to guide your life and cleanse your sins. From that moment on you become part of his family and your eternity is sealed. But furthermore, you have hope now too while on earth. God bless my loves <3.
The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. Psalm 34:10 NIV
If you aren’t a Christ follower, you can become one simply by asking Jesus, the son of God, to be your Lord and Savior and asking him to guide your life and cleanse your sins. From that moment on you become part of his family and your eternity is sealed. But furthermore, you have hope now too while on earth. God bless my loves <3.
