Update.

I am beginning to wonder why I've ever even once in my lifetime doubted God's timing and plan. Ever wondered why things happened they way they did and ever worried that things wouldn't fall into place. When in reality, I should've known all along that I do not know what's best for myself although I'd like to think I do sometimes. It's funny to me when even in a week's time I can look back and already realize why things happened the way they did. Be so assured that everything is going to be fine, and be so at peace with major changes. This weekend has opened my eyes to this and I couldn't be more thankful. God brings just the right people in and out and back in and back out of your life all for a reason. The "worst" choice I made recently turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I will never stop being in awe of my God and what He is up to and that's what I like about this whole Christian thing..it never lets me down..

Things are going great..starting tomorrow morning will be my last full week of school at Paul Mitchell Atlanta and it is so bittersweet! My parents and my wonderful friend Makinze are coming in like 12 days to help me finish packin up and move back home and then beginning of April I'll be cruising the caribbean. My shop will open as soon as I take state boards, and I'll get to share it all with my best friends and family. Although Brennan won't be home til May, I feel like he's still here with us and we'll definitely be keeping him updated through letters. We got his address today and I am so excited to be able to keep him mentally and spiritually encouraged - I know he needs it right now. I've been car shopping online too; bouncing ideas around with my dad and that's something to be looking forward to as well. I've been looking at a Dodge Nitro and a Jeep Patriot..I always knew I was more of an SUV girl. Things really are just starting to get really good and to God alone be the glory. My somewhat recent commitment to go to Christ in prayer whenever I am faced with anything, negative OR positive, is already changing my life so much. I am realizing lately how even the little things can make my day so much better..taking 2 minutes to just sit in the sunshine outside and just lay around with Katie and Beckham and really enjoy my last days here in Georgia. Thinking back on the amazing summer I had with my family, and although taking that time off of school maybe wasn't the BEST idea in the world, I have memories I'll never ever forget that outweigh any education I could've gotten at that point in my life. Taking the time to really be thankful and savor every moment with the people at school that I'll no longer see everyday here in about 2 weeks. Just be thankful for day to day life and not wish any of it away.

Another encouraging devotion just came via text from momma. Be inspired:

"Learn to live from your true center in Me. I reside in the deepest depths of your being, in eternal union with your spirit. It is at this deep level that My Peace reigns continually. You will not find lasting peace in the world around you, in circumstances, OR IN HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS. The external world is always in flux - under the curse of death and decay. But there is a gold mine of Peace deep within you, waiting to be tapped. Take time to dive into the riches of My Residing Presence. I want you to live increasingly from your real center, where My love has an eternal grip on you. I am Christ in you, the hope of Glory."
- "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." - Colossians 3:15

Lots of exciting things going on right now. Mostly just excited about how God is using my life. I really feel like getting back home and getting plugged back into church is going to wonderful. I always used to hear that something like 80% of people who were raised going to church every Sunday while they lived with their parents would stop going after they moved out and I never thought I would be one of those people until I've looked back recently at how busy life has gotten and how uncomfortable it can be to go church shopping or get up on your one day to sleep in. Shame on me. I know that you don't really HAVE to be in church to still be in tune with Christ but I know that it is spiritual food and something that I have been lacking and I can really tell. I can't wait for weekly encouragment and guidance once again as I move home and make it a habit in my life again. It's something that is so important to me and I can't believe I've gone this long without a church family.

I encourage anyone who is reading this..if anyone at all..to stop right now and pray. Pray for your week, pray for those you know need salvation. Pray for struggles and things you're insanely happy about. Pray for your families and friends and work and financial trouble. Pray for worries and even your enemies. It will do wonders for your day. I'll be praying for each of you too, for this week and for your roles in my life, no matter what they are. You are loved so so much by a God who is bigger than your biggest problem or fear. Rest easy because the Shephard never sleeps..