Finally....

My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD,
and let all flesh bless His holy name forever and ever.
Psalm 145:21

I spent my Sunday, my day of rest, studying ancient Africa and India for my history class. While I was studying, my laptop music was on shuffle. Shane and Shane sort of dominate my hard drive, so I was not surprised when lots of their songs played in those 6 hours of study. But, when Burn Us Up, from their Pages cd played, I just had to stop and sit and meditate on what true faith looks like. The song, a musical rendition of the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Daniel 3), talks of the unwavering faith that these three men had in the LORD, even in the face of death. My favorite part of the story/song, when they stand up to King Nebuchadnezzar and tell him that they will not bow down to his golden image, they will gladly face a fiery furnace for the glory of the LORD Almighty. And they trusted that He would deliver them. BUT, they go on to tell the king that even if God did not deliver them, it would not matter.

You see, this is one of my favorite stories in the Bible because it is so realistic. The guys knew that God had the power to deliver them from the fire, but that He was not obligated to do so. If it would bring honor to Him, they would gladly burn for His namesake. How cool is that?! That, my friends, is faith at its finest!! And that example of faith is what got me through meeting after meeting this past week regarding my academic future. I have been in several meetings over the past few days regarding clearance for graduation in May, and with each additional meeting and more and more red tape, I had to continually remind myself that God is still God and He still sits on His throne, regardless of whether I get cleared or not. He is sovereign and has a perfect plan. And, it was with GREAT JOY that I met with my advisor yesterday afternoon and, finally, after years of struggle and hard work, I filled out my diploma application and received clearance to graduate from Auburn University on May 14, 2010!!! (I smiled so much yesterday that it hurt, but I just kept on!!)

Now comes time for reflection. I look back over the past few years at Auburn and, honestly, I don't know that I would change a thing. Yes, I have struggled in ways that most college students don't. Yes, it has been a long haul. Yes, I think I have worked longer and harder for this degree than it should take. BUT, JESUS is sweeter to my now than he ever would have been. I have grown, in more ways than I have adjectives to explain. He has shown me things these years that I would absolutely have missed if I had not worked so hard and struggled so much. He is good. Has has shown me that time and time again. He provides for my needs, and indulges my wants, and He has proven that over and over. Praise the LORD for the past few years. It is by His grace alone that I have made it this far. He upholds me, and because of that reason alone, I will finish strong! The LORD is gracious to me. Thank you Jesus! God is good!!

Leaning....

Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love,
but a faithful man who can find?
Proverbs 20:6

The semester has begun!! And it seems I am busier than ever these days. Over the past few years, I have gotten so used to a full-time job, full-time school, a part-time job, serving the youth at church, making time for friends, AU football and whatever else is thrown my way. I can juggle all of that so well because I have done it for so long. I guess you could say that I've "mastered" the art of being busy. Well, this year, just for kicks and giggles and to spice things up, I have thrown a new, and refreshingly delightful, piece into the puzzle of my life. His name is Matt. He is worth my time, what little time he gets with both of our schedules being crazy and all. (ha) I like him. He likes (puts up with) me. I think we both like that. He keeps me sane. He helps me realize how little I love Jesus and makes me want to love Him more! (that's my favorite part!) Basically, he's great! I am blessed to have him in my life, though I took his friendship so for granted the past 4 years. God is gracious to change hearts.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10

All that said, I AM BUSY! I stay tired most of the time. When I am not on the clock at work, at either job, I am either in class, at church, with Matt, with friends, or studying. Oh yeah, some days I get lucky enough to catch a shower and a few hours of sleep, but that is rare! (Praise the LORD for the recent rain - ha!) So I was listening to one of Ella's cds in the car the other day and came across a song that I love and have just so forgotten about for years! It made me think. Especially in these days that I am tired and running on empty. And in the days that I worry about a test, a bill, or getting anything other than work, work, school, church, boyfriend, and friends done (i.e. cleaning my apt), I have stopped over the last few days and sang this refreshing prayer of thanksgiving to my Rock, the one who has Everlasting Arms to uphold me on my weary days, and to catch me on the days that I forget how much I really do need Him and the support of His mighty and righteous right hand. Thank you Lord for your sustaining power on the long days and your grace on the days I have the energy to go all night! God has never not been good....

What a fellowship, what a joy divine
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
What a blessedness, what a peace is mine
Leaning on the everlasting arms.

Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms
Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.

What have I to dread? What have I to fear?
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
I have blessed peace, with my LORD so near
Leaning on the everlasting arms.

Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms
Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.