LIFE IN BLOOM

Learning How to Flourish in God's Grace


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Ten.

“I’m glad I can look at my past and see that troubles don’t last; that when my soul was broken, God placed it in a cast…” – Me

On Saturday, December 6, 2003; in Ehringhaus Residence Hall on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill, I gave my life to Christ.

I came to that point after years of growing up and serving in church, but never having a full knowledge or understanding of the gospel.  It wasn’t until I came to college that I met people who not only went to church, but had a relationship with Christ.  Slowly, the pieces came together, and on that wonderful Saturday, through tears, I asked Jesus to be my Lord and Savior.

I wish that I could say that this journey has been easy.  It hasn’t.  As with any journey, or any relationship, it’s a daily commitment.  There were days I didn’t want to make it- I didn’t feel like it.  There were days where my heart felt weary and tired.  There were days were disappointments far outnumbered the delights.  There were days where my pursuit of God and the purpose that He has for my life were lackluster.  But through it all, I pressed my way, and I continued to learn and grow in the knowledge of God and in my relationship with Him.

One thing I know for sure- God has been so CRAZY faithful.  When I think of the last 10 years, and where He brought from, as well as what He brought me through I am so humbled because I know I’m not worthy or deserving.  It’s so difficult to put in words- but my heart is so overwhelmed by His love, His grace, and His mercy.

Ten years ago, I accepted the invitation to drink from a well that wouldn’t run dry, and my life hasn’t been the same since.

My cup overflows.

Be encouraged!  Peace and Blessings!

PS: Because I think it’s important to acknowledge where I’ve come from- check out my testimony.


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30- Better than Good to Me

Today is my 30th birthday.

I’ve been mulling around in my head (and with Preacherman) just what that means, and I honestly don’t have an answer.  It’s hard to believe that I’ve been alive for 30 years.  Last year, I marveled at turning 29 and the faithfulness of God over the past 29 years of my life.  I am constantly amazed at God’s faithfulness.

More than anything, I feel so incredibly blessed.  I got saved for real when I was 20 years old.  The past 10 years have been such an amazing journey.  When I think of all that God has done over my life, but particularly over those past 10 years, I am moved to tears.  I finished college and graduate school, had amazing jobs in Georgia and Florida, moved back to North Carolina for another amazing job, got married, and moved back to Florida with my husband to pursue the purpose that God has for our lives.

If I could put it into a song, it would be this one, sung by our church’s praise and worship team: You’ve Been So Good to Me.  Here are the lyrics:

Lord, You are good-  You’ve been so good.  Lord, You are good- You are better than good.  I can’t praise You enough.  I owe You my life.  I can’t praise You enough, even if I tried.  You’ve been so good to me…So many doors You’ve opened, so many ways You’ve made, so many times You’ve healed me- You’ve been better than good to me!

Yeah. That kind of sums it up for me.  I can absolutely look back over my life and see where God has been true to His word on so many different occasions.  Goodness and mercy has followed me, His plans have prospered me; given me hope and a future, Nothing has separated me from His love– all in His word and all in my life.

Cheers to 30!  I can’t wait to see what God has in store for the next 30 years

Another testimony of my 20s: “All we want and all we need is found in Jesus/All we ask is more of you/Nothing else can satisfy our hearts desire/All we want is more of you/For the Lord is good/And His love endures/Yes the Lord is good forever/And I’ll shout it out/from the mountain tops/Yes the Lord is good forever…” –Israel and New Breed “More and More“