Hello, people that are reading my blog!

         I’ve been encouraged to seek fellowship by just about everyone in my life that knows something. I should take a hint! Until I take said hint though, I have encouraging resources to fall back on!

         I’m going to do this blog a little differently this time. I’m following a devotional called “Blessings for the Evening” by Susie Larson. I’ve found (especially over the last couple of weeks here) that every entry of hers lines up perfectly with what I’m going through that day. It’s actually a little creepy how much this devotional speaks right into my life. I’m toying with the idea of reading ahead to see what’s going to happen in my future…maybe not, haha.

         Anyways! If anyone is going through what I’m going through, I thought it might be helpful for me to post some of her entries. If they’ve helped me, I’m sure they can help you! Here goes:

The Rock
2 Samuel 22:31-34 (NIV) As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he causes me to stand on the heights.
~May God’s love and truth bring clarity and purpose to your life. May His strength steady your steps. May His compassion open your eyes and may His conviction make your heart beat strong. May His kingdom come and His will be done in and through you.~

Grateful Living
Genesis 49:25-26 May the God of your father help you; may the Almighty bless you with the blessings of the heavens above, and blessings of the watery depths below, and blessings of the breasts and womb. May the blessings of your father surpass the blessings of the ancient mountains, reaching to the heights of the eternal hills. May these blessings rest on the head of Joseph, who is prince among his brothers.

~May you wrap your arms around the ones you love, look them in the eyes, and tell them how much you treasure them. May you look around and take notice of all the blessings you’d miss if they went away tomorrow. When you’re tempted to indulge in melancholy or discontentment, may you instead jump up, raise your hands, and thank God for His daily and divine intervention in your life. May your humble gratitude give you keen spiritual insight and restful peace.~

From Fearful to Joyful
Psalm 119:74 May all who fear you find in me a cause for joy, for I have put my hope in your word.
~May God surround you with His tender mercies and encompass you with a fresh revelation of His love. May He keep you hidden away from toxic people and strengthen your healthy relationships. May He bless you with a new friend who sees what He sees in you. And may you rest tonight knowing He’ll be there to greet you in the morning.~

A Heavenly Aim
Philippians 3:12-14 I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
~May you embrace the grace to leave your past in God’s hands. May you have the grit to face down your fears. May you have the gumption to go after your God-given dreams. And may you see God’s glory shining over every part of your life. He gives good gifts to His children.~

A Fruitful Life
Psalm 92:12-14 But the godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon. For they are transplanted to the Lord’s own house. They flourish in the courts of our God. Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green.
~May you walk with a new confidence that in Christ you are prized, loved, accepted, called, equipped, and sent out to change the world. YOU LACK NO GOOD THING! And tonight, may you rest in His shadow. He’s got you.~

Step-by-Step With God
Psalm 73:28 (NIV) But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.
~May God surround you with a strong sense of His great love for you! May you live every day with the expectancy that He is moving in your life. May the Word of God come alive to you in a way you’ve never experienced. And may your prayers take on a whole new level of power and faith. You are His child and He is with you every step of the way.~

Please keep your prayers for me going! I need all the help I can get! Also, please prayerfully consider supporting me financially for this trip – there’s no way I’m going to be able to make the money by myself! If you have any ideas for fundraising, please don’t hesitate to comment! I would love to hear your suggestions! Until next time, cool cats,

~ Vashti W.