One down...

One semester down at LU. (2 more to go). The semester is officially finished. papers are turned in. finals are complete. meetings are done. car is packed. goodbyes have been said. all that's left is the drive. It's been a great semester, I was blessed in so many ways: 


1. God blessed me with wonderful and beautiful quad-mates: Alicia Houston (roomie), Kate Stevens, Shelly Stevens, Amanda Hubbard, Molly Haskins, and Adrianne Roberts. These girls touched my heart and were great friends all throughout the semester. I was able to watch the Lord work in their hearts and the joy that brought them, and I was able to walk with them through the rough times. We created a safe environment for one another, we had so much love for each other, and could confide in one another. I was able to see God in the fellowship and relationships I had with these girls. They were such a blessing to me. I will miss them terribly. xoxoxoxo


2. God blessed me with loving, amazing, influential teachers: Mr. Alban, Mr. Rawlins, Mrs. Delaney, Mr. Grant, Mr. Honeycutt, and Mr. Fanning. Each one of these teachers poured out the love of Christ into my life, and encouraged me in my personal relationship with Him. God was the priority in all the classrooms, academics came second. In every subject I was encouraged to learn and work as if it were all for God, which it is. My education is a tool for me in my spiritual growth and maturation. The concepts, principles, and teachings I will take away from their classes are irreplaceable; so much of what I have learned I am already applying to my life. I cant express my thankfulness and gratitude sufficiently for how much I was blessed by my teachers and their passion for Christ, it has left quite an impact on me. 


3. God blessed me in my relationship with Him this semester. He revealed so much to me, even when my heart was hardened, He broke through and showed Himself to me, in ways I have never known Him. Our relationship has become more honest, open, trusting, loving, all- together more intimate. There wasn't a single time this semester when I lost sight of God, He was always pulling on me to look at Him, fulfilling His promises and truth. I was given the tools, principles, and help I needed to grow closer to God. More so, I was able to break through my own barriers, to look at myself the way my flesh sees me, but too see past that and release that, and see myself the way God sees me. I am filled with joy that only God can provide. I am loved with a love only God can give. God brought me through a lot this semester, holding me up every step of the way. I had to allow myself to be completely transparent with God. I am so thankful for His love and His pursuit of me. It has been a blessing getting to know God more deeply. I love who I am to Him.


Something I read last night, and then again today, that has encouraged me, and simply has made me smile at my God, is Psalm 103 and Psalm 136.....

Psalm 103 (says:)

Bless the Lord, O my soul,
 and all that is within me,
 bless his holy name!


2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
 

and forget not all his benefits,


3 who forgives all your iniquity,
 

who heals all your diseases,


4 who redeems your life from the pit,
 

who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,


5 who satisfies you with good
 so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

6 The Lord works righteousness
 and justice 

for all who are oppressed.


7 He made known his ways to Moses,
 

his acts to the people of Israel.


8 The Lord is merciful and gracious,
 

slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.


9 He will not always chide, 


nor will he keep his anger forever.


10 He does not deal with us according to our sins, 


nor repay us according to our iniquities.


11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
 

so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;


12 as far as the east is from the west, 


so far does he remove our transgressions from us.


13 As a father shows compassion to his children,
 

so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.


14 For he knows our frame; 


he remembers that we are dust.

15 As for man, his days are like grass; 


he flourishes like a flower of the field;


16 for the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
 

and its place knows it no more.


17 But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, 


and his righteousness to children's children,


18 to those who keep his covenant
 and remember to do his commandments.


19 The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, 


and his kingdom rules over all.

20 Bless the Lord, O you his angels,
 

you mighty ones who do his word,
 obeying the voice of his word!


 


Bless the Lord, O my soul!

Psalm 136 (says:)

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,


for his steadfast love endures forever.


2 Give thanks to the God of gods,


for his steadfast love endures forever.


3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords,


for his steadfast love endures forever;

4 to him who alone does great wonders,


for his steadfast love endures forever;


5 to him who by understanding made the heavens,


for his steadfast love endures forever;


6 to him who spread out the earth above the waters,


for his steadfast love endures forever;


7 to him who made the great lights,


for his steadfast love endures forever

;
8 the sun to rule over the day,


for his steadfast love endures forever;


9 the moon and stars to rule over the night, 


for his steadfast love endures forever;

10 to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt,


for his steadfast love endures forever;


11 and brought Israel out from among them, 


for his steadfast love endures forever;


12 with a strong hand and an outstretched arm,


 for his steadfast love endures forever;


13 to him who divided the Red Sea in two,


for his steadfast love endures forever;


14 and made Israel pass through the midst of it,


for his steadfast love endures forever;


15 but overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea, 


for his steadfast love endures forever;


16 to him who led his people through the wilderness,


for his steadfast love endures forever;

17 to him who struck down great kings,


for his steadfast love endures forever;


18 and killed mighty kings,


for his steadfast love endures forever;


19 Sihon, king of the Amorites,


for his steadfast love endures forever;


20 and Og, king of Bashan,


for his steadfast love endures forever;


21 and gave their land as a heritage, 


for his steadfast love endures forever;


22 a heritage to Israel his servant,


for his steadfast love endures forever.

23 It is he who remembered us in our low estate,


for his steadfast love endures forever;


24 and rescued us from our foes,


for his steadfast love endures forever;


25 he who gives food to all flesh,


for his steadfast love endures forever.

26 Give thanks to the God of heaven,


 for his steadfast love endures forever.