You Never Let Go.

I woke up for school today expecting to be completely drained. Completely overwhelmed and completely ready to spend the whole day in bed. But it was actually the opposite. I felt ready to take on the school day; to go surround myself with friends and take my mind off of my crazy issues back home. I got ready and got in my car and put in a worship CD I burned not too long ago knowing that any day started with praise music is always a good day..and this morning I knew it would make me feel even better. A few songs went by and I was just thankful for my time with God. Thankful for family and friends who stick by my side and are always encouraging. And then a song came on that is one of my favorites and one we sang in church when I was home this past Sunday. "You Never Let Go." Those 4 words drastically gave me a peace that topped the already good feeling I had. I literally put the song on repeat and just soaked in the words:

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

your perfect love is casting out fear.

And even when I'm caught in the middle of the storms of this life,

I won't turn back I know you are near.

And I will fear no evil, for my God is with me, and if my God is with me,

whom then shall I fear? Whom then shall I fear?

Oh no, you never let go! Through the calm and through the storm.

Oh no, you never let go, in every high and every low,

Oh no, you never let go, Lord you never let go of me.

And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on,

a glorious light beyond all compare,

and there will be an end to these troubles but until that day comes,

still I will praise you, still I will praise you."

It's still just mind-boggling to me that when I should've felt the most alone and frustrated and helpless, Christ fulfilled every hole in my heart. I had a surprisingly good day (with the help of mint chocolate chip icecream and the tannin bed..) but I just am in awe of God's soveriegnty. And can I just say that I have THE best friends in the entire world. I have been somewhat bummed about moving back home now but then I talk to Makinze or Aimee or Haley or Katie and I remember how much fun I have back home with my best girlfriends who are always there for me and who I don't know what I would do without. And seeing my family this weekend got me so excited too. I can't wait to just be able to focus on my new career and Christ and having a blast and realizing I'm still young and figuring myself out, and I'm perfectly okay with that.

Suprising my dad and brother this weekend was absoutely perfect. I was worried that somehow it would get out but I really tried to keep it off facebook and stuff and it worked! Sunday morning I texted my mom and told her to "save seats" for my brother's friends and then Aimee and some of my friends and I walked in behind Dad and Brennan and I asked them if the seats were taken. They both turned around and the looks on their faces was priceless..they both even teared up a little. (Don't tell them I told you that!) But it was just awesome to be at church with my family and be with Brennan before he left. That was such a hard day but again, nothing we can't get through.

I guess I'm just super thankful for my positive attitude and for God's grace and Him keeping me on track with school and friends and family. Been a weird few days but still trusting in His plan! 9 days of school left then home and planning a roadtrip with my best friends. My new chapter in life's about to be real real good.