What's His Name?

Hello dear reader,
It is with great joy that I write this entry hoping it will be somewhat contagious and you too will find yourself overflowing with joy. The last week people have been asking me, "what's going on? why are you so happy? What's his name? What happened?". It is true there has been a marked difference in my countenance and my answer simply is.... Jesus. You might think it sounds cheesy or cliche and I would've too, but it is real and the reactions of the people speak to it.

What changed? Certainly not Jesus, He has always been the same, yesterday today and forever, this is true. He has always been with me, loving me, caring for me, comforting me, providing for me.

These last four years of my life have been very difficult, there has been a lot of heartache which has led to times of deep depression. Even though good things were still happening it was as if they would get clouded over and I couldn't see them, I could only see the pain and the sorrow. The pain and the sorrow have been real, but so have the blessings.

I know there have been many who have prayed for me, many who have encouraged me during these times and I am so thankful. For some reason God chose this time to lift the cloud to help to see again all of the blessings. Part of it is very practical, its taking the time to look around and recognize all the things I have to be thankful for, part of it is faithful friends in the Lord taking the time to pray over me and encourage me in His ways to cause me to dream again to challenge me to hope. In part it is simply the time the Lord chose to do this work in my heart, who can know the mind of the Lord?

I am so thankful that I'm thankful! Nothing has changed other than my perspective and I praise God. I really can't figure out why He puts up with me, but I sure am thankful for it :)

I know many of you are walking in your own trials and I know you may not be at this point yet, and that's ok too, I believe God appointed this time to turn my heart and this season has been one of growth not only for me but for those He has placed in my life as well. His ways our not our ways, His thoughts are not our thoughts. We may think things should be a certain way at a certain time but we have to trust that He is in control and He is good and working all things for His purposes and to our good if we trust Him.

I pray that you will simply rest in Him wherever He has you, setting your eyes on things above not on the things of this earth which are passing away. He is faithful even when we are not. He thinks we are precious and calls us His children! He will care for you no matter what state you're in, whether its one of sorrow or joy He just longs to be with us! :)

Thanks for letting me share my heart, God bless you friends!

"The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like streams in the Negev. Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him."
Psalm 126:3-6