I'm still alive!

Wow! It has been forever since I have posted on this blog. I am not promising that I will continue to post regularly though I can think of plenty of things I would love to write about. I just want to say that I  love reading other people's blogs. It is so encouraging to read about how God is making himself known in people's lives. Hunter Beless wrote recently about waiting. It's really funny she wrote that because I am in a season of waiting on God. Waiting for His presence to be understood in a deeper level than I ever imagined, for greater revelations of His love than ever before. Waiting as he sanctifies me from selfishness, pride, self-awareness, overthinkingness, doubtful heartedness...I am so encouraged that He does not leave us as we are.

 It's just that lately, I can't seem to just let God take control. I pray and ask for help then I just keep on trying to "think my way through"... try to make myself grasp the gospel more fully, love others more sincerely, etc. But "apart from God, we can do nothing". Today in Chapel, Mrs. Castleman gave part of her testimony, how God literally surprised her by Grace. She wasn't even expecting him to come through, but He DID. I try so hard to seek God and get discouraged at the lack of response I feel like I'm getting. I even got a little upset upon hearing her testimony because I think God owes it to me to show up in a massive way. But honestly, it's by His grace alone. I pray and trust this season of waiting will leave me in utter, joyous, dependence of His Grace. He who began the work will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus. Instead of questioning God's character and promises in this season of waiting, I pray God gives me faith to grow in my faith, faith that He has not forsaken me.

Tonight I was truly encouraged when a friend passed by my open door and we ended up talking about how we REALLY are. It was so refreshing when she could speak truth into me and I could genuinely encourage her. I KNOW that doesn't come from me after seeing how selfish I was today. So praise God for the glimpses of His gracious work in our lives.

Just this morning, I listened to John Piper http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/sermons/eternal-life-has-appeared-in-christas he talked about fellowship among believers. Talking with my friend tonight was a refreshing example of what 1 John talks about. The whole point of fellowship with believers is experiencing God in others! In Kelsey tonight, I saw genuine care, empathy, encouragement, loyalty, and joy. Thank you Jesus for that time :)
Just wanted to post some things that have been on my heart...so much I didn't even mention!

"They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor". Isaiah 61:3