There is Beauty in Change..

One of my favorite songs is Every Season by Nichole Nordeman. The song is talking about each season and how it relates to the way God works in our lives. The second stanza goes like this:

And even when the trees have just surrendered
To the harvest time
Forfeiting their leaves in late September
And sending us inside
Still I notice You when change begins
And I am braced for colder winds
I will offer thanks for what has been
And what's to come
You are Autumn

To me that is such a a beautiful reminder. When I was little, I did not get the hype with fall. People would say, " Oh it's so gorgeous outside this time of year!" or, " Fall is my favorite season ever." I just looked at it as a time of oppression because I had to go back to school and summer days at the beach were long gone. I didn't understand. I didn't realize that fall was much more than just leaves falling off of a tree or pumpkin carvings. God created this season. He had a purpose in doing so. As the song says, God never changes. He stays the same. However, sometimes He sends changes our way to strengthen us, to teach us to rely on Him, and to help us prepare for the next stage of life that He has for us. This time of years offers beautiful scenery that I've really come to appreciate. The leaves are falling off getting ready for winter's harsh, cold temperatures and icy winds. The changes in our lives might not always seem pretty at the time( trust me, I've been there) but when you give your heart to God to be changed, that is the most beautiful thing ever. God will prepare you for the good and bad times if you just trust Him. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 says, " For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under Heaven; a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal;a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace." I realize that is a huge chunk of information in those eight verses but the key word is "time". Just like there is lots of colors at this TIME of year, there is lots of color in God's plans for our lives. He has everything planned out. No need to worry! Just let the beauty of His love carry you through each new season just like you enjoy the earthly seasons. ps- jumping in piles of leaves is also really fun :) no matter how old you are!

Begin Again Kind of Life

First off, it's more than appropriate for you guys to laugh at me for being way late at starting a blog. After all, I am an English major...I know I know, it's my JOB to be good at this stuff right? I've always been late on these kinds of things. It was the same with Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Good thing there's not a contest on who can be the first to join because if so, I would be the biggest joke. However, I didn't come to write about my procrastination issues, though they could go on and on! Side note before I really start: I am sorry if this looks funky. I am still trying to figure this whole thing out so bear with me please! I will improve I promise. Like I said, that stuff is not what I came to write about. This is a story of beginning again and it's beautiful repercussions. It's the story of God's marvelous provision and protection in my life. I should say that absolutely nothing I'm doing right now lines up with my original plans (for those of you still in high school, don't stress yourself to death over what you're gonna major in. It's gonna change most likely! So, breathe easy :) Anyways, I was one of those kids in high school, you know, the ones who say they've got plans but they really don't have a clue what they're doing? Yeah, that was me. I kind of wanted to go to Liberty but I didn't pursue it and before I knew it, community college was my only option. I just went in with an attitude of "oh well I better get this over with". The funny thing is, never felt like that was really where I was supposed to be. I proceeded and had a wonderful first year of college. The classes were easy, I had a job making decent money and my social life was thriving. I figured I would transfer to some prestigious university because my grades were really great at that point( I don't say that to brag at all, it's just part of the story) . I started looking into schools like the University of Alabama and Clemson Univesity. I wanted to be a journalist. I figured I would go for it. I filled out the applications but I never sent them. All this time, I was so focused on what I wanted that I ignored the voice of God in my head that been trying to introduce another idea to me since my junior year of high school. That idea was Free Will Baptist Bible College (what is now Welch College!) I did not want to go there. I said I never would. I spent almost 3 years ignoring that voice and the people that kept telling me to try it. I figured going to Thomas Nelson Community College and then transferring was a safe choice. Funny thing is, even though I was running from His will for my life, He was extremely good to me. My first year of college gave me closer relationships with my friends and wonderful family. I was able to be involved in my church more and everything was well. He didn't have to show me that grace. He could've punished me for running, but He didn't. That's who God is though. He's grace when we don't deserve. I hope I haven't lost you all yet! I'm almost done! So the year flew by and last May, I decided I would just get my second year done at TNCC too so I scheduled my classes and I set. However, I just couldn't help but feel like I was not where I needed to be. I realized in late June that I couldn't run anymore. I decided to go to Welch. I remember crying as I was filling out the application because I didn't want to go. You can ask my best friend Sarah! I told my parents and they just smiled. We got everything ready in ONE MONTH'S time and I moved down to the land of cowboy boots and the Grand Ole' Opry. It really helped to have the support of everyone in my life encouraging me back home. I am still thankful for all the going away parties, notes, cards, and care packages from you guys! Thank you for making the process ten times easier. I love you. So I've been here for almost two months now and needless to say, I had a complete heart change. As I sit here under the Nashville skyline, I'm here to tell you that this was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I can't imagine anything better for my life at this point. I needed this. I needed to move away from my "safe" environment and be on my own. Playing it safe is only valuable in certain times. But not in the will of God. It may be hard to take that first step but if you jump out, I promise He'll catch you. It hasn't been easy at times and there's gonna be more of those times. But I know that I'm where I'm supposed to be; in this begin again life. I hope you guys get something out of this. If not, I had a lot of fun writing it myself!