Joy

Okay -- it has been awhile. My summer was full of high-highs and some really low-lows. August was a particularly hard month, however, the Lord is good! I won't bore you with the details. To be really honest, I do believe this past year I have been struggling with a mild state of depression and grief -- definitely a new thing for me. But I was still amazed at how the Lord brought people into my life to encourage me along the way and how the joy that I have in Christ still shined from my face. There is definitely a difference between happiness and joy. And I am so thankful for the church.

"Trading my Sorrows" came on the radio the other day, and these lyrics had a new meaning to me:

I am pressed but not crushed, persecuted not abandoned
Struck down but not destroyed.
I am blessed beyond the curse for his promise will endure
And his joy's going to be my strength.

The struggles I was struggling with are nothing compared to what other people struggle with everyday. But next time, I will remember those lyrics :) Regardless, I feel like this season is changing, and I am excited for those changes.

A brief update:
1. Shayla is engaged!(proposed to on Mt. Bierstadt. I lugged that camera to the top! It was a labor of love ;) and *totally* worth it.)

2. I am living in a house with Shay and Kenz, and it's been great.
3. I PAID OFF MY STUDENT LOANS. (still have a little debt, almost there!).
4. Because of this I will probably be moving in January? I have options, and am praying about possibly returning to Thailand later in the year. I have also thought about attending a discipleship training school in September in California.
5. I have found a church near my house. It has been a huge huge huge blessing. Thank you, Lord.