So today I pack up my things from home and head back to school. There is much to pack, much to store away in the basement and much to clean up in order to best leave this place. I am not sure when I will next return to this little house, but I am sure it will be much different when next I come to visit. I am blessed to leave with a smile, knowing that the Lord is holding my family in His perfect hands. I have no fear that the Lord is working in this place and continually drawing my family back to Him, again and again.

Last night I said goodbye to my youth girls. They are such sweet little things and tried their best to convince me that I could not leave and that they would absolutely fall apart without me. I have full confidence that they will do none of the sort, but the memory of their hugs and smiling faces is imprinted on my heart. I will have to remember to reclaim that memory when I most need encouragement.

I have felt a strange feeling that this upcoming school year is going to be like nothing I have ever experienced. Isn’t life like that? You never can predict what will happen and the Lord is continually growing you and stretching you in new ways. I just pray for devotion in the midst of storms and a continual place of vulnerability for my Lord to work in. I have much to pray for after meeting all my roommates via telephone, with upcoming Crosswalk leadership (excluding the official title), with bible study work and preparations, with a few hurting friends, growing friends, missionary friends, a lost campus, and a year of mission opportunities lying ahead.

Lord, I thank you for the lessons, the trials, the joys and the pains that this summer has provided and all those that lie ahead. You know what is best for me. I trust Your “good.” I thank you for continually making me and molding me into the woman of God that you desire me to be. Thank you for humbling my heart in my most prideful moments. Please, never stop. Thank You for breathing beauty into me and helping me embrace it. May You be seen more and more and may I be seen less and less. You illuminate my soul and I pray to reflect Your brilliance. I adore You. I worship You. I breathe for You. Speak Your truths to my heart and attune my ears to Your voice in the midst of noisy lies. Lord you go with me, precede me, and follow me. I am more than willing. Help me serve You better and move with purpose. May You always be my purpose. Ancient of Days, I am ready. But I can only speak these words in Your strength. Come, let’s go to the darkness. They desperately need to feel Your light.

Lord, to You be the glory.
You alone are Great.
You alone are Holy.

In Christ’s name I am given Life abundantly. Thank You, Lord.
In Christ’s name I lift this prayer to You.

amen.