This year has been challenging, trying, and Refining!


it took a verse that I'd memorized way back in highschool (since then had amnesia and serious heart issues with God) to finally realize that God is doing some good things in my life and that His timing is perfect and he waits and longs with us during the "waiting" seasons (Isaiah 30:18)....

James 1:2,3 "Consider it all joy,my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance."
Also from Power of a Praying woman, I read this statement and it challenged my thoughts on trials: "Trials can be a purifying fire and a cleansing water. You don't want to get burned or drowned; you want to get refined and renewed."

I did not realize how choice of words were impacting my life and attitude to cause a victim mentality. I'm not really getting burned - just refined and the fire does have to get really hot at times...but I must count it all joy.

Looking back 4-5 years (even just this past year), there were so many trials that have molded my faith. I don't think Ricky or I would be ready to move on to the next journey if it were not for the refining trials we've gone through. Attitude is huge and trusting God amidst the trial is vital in order to survive it!

here is an update as far as our present career choice/journey :) I believe that "God works all things together for good to those who love him and are called according to his purpose" (Romans) In May, the Camp manager of Clara Springs Baptist Encampment, in Louisiana, called up Ricky a week before Ricky tried out for the Police academy. He told him he had talked to a pastor at a local church who was looking for a Youth Pastor/media guy and he had thought or Ricky. Ricky kinda blew it off because he was trying out for the Police academy. When Ricky did not make it into the the police academy - we definitely saw that door closed. In June, we were headed up to Louisiana for 2 weeks to lead music at the Camp, and prayed about going ahead and meeting the pastor. We prayed and prayed that God would give us discernment and clarity when meeting with the pastor and his wife. Well, to make it short - we're in view of a call right now - which means we're going to meet the congregation in August and then they'll vote us in (but i'm pretty sure they're going to vote "yes"). We are really really excited and at peace about it all. Please keep praying for us and the church. There are a lot of details w/ moving so please please pray.

I know God is my Jehovah Jirah (My Provider) I've seen his provision* very clearly these past months and am excited to see where He takes us and what journey is next. Thanks for your prayers.

*side note - Provider has the root word Pro=before and
Vider (Video)= to see. You can think of it as as viewing a video/dvd in that God can see before hand what's going to happen and we're just part of the story in the movie. He definitely knows our needs even before we see them and he's ready every time to Provide.