Time for a change

I feel like the last year of my life has been a huge transition, and I don't think I'm too far off from the truth. Over the past year or so, God has truly done some amazing transformations in my life. My faith in Him has increased tremendously. He's matured me and transformed me, much of this through difficult trials, oppression, and learning from my own mistakes. However, alot of these have caused pain in my life, and I find that for the better part of the last 3 months, much of my joy has been robbed. But that is about to change.

I just recently moved to a new apartment in Brookings, and it is amazing to feel the Shalom on our home. Truly, the Lord's presence rests there (praise Jesus!). In a week I'll be leaving for Spain, and I feel that God has promised me this will increase my faith, as well as restore my joy and purpose, and for this a truly long, to rejoice in my King and Savior as i once did. Although it will not be as it once was, for my joy will have grown and changed...it will be a greater rejoicing... and I long for this season. It's like a tree in the winter, as it waits for spring so it can begin to blossom and bloom and grow...that's how I feel/that's what I am. And spring is almost here. I can feel it's warmth coming.

It has been a tough year. My heart has broken more this year than I can ever recall. I've been wounded, broken, oppressed, and persecuted for my faith and have wept so for the brokenness of this world. I've seen more of the brokenness of this world then I would choose to, but is growing something in me and I will obey and follow. As I look back on this past school year, although the pain was huge, the loss great, and the sorrow real, I can look back and see glory, for my king was present and working and is soon to be glorified through all the pain/shame. And that truly is one of my favorite things about Christ. He takes the things that are deemed shameful, unworthy and dispised and transforms them into radiant glory, no matter the original state. I pray if you find yourself feeling stuck in the shame, turn your eyes to Christ and give Him your shame. Then follow and watch the Father turn your shame into glory. It truly is remarkable. For those of you who know me, you know this to be true in my life...even those of us who aren't sure what to do with this Jesus.

I pray where you are today, you would find God's shalom resting on you and you would press into the king. For now, I'm off to lunch with my papa.

Love you and am praying!

AZ