Graduation.

I love graduations.

A celebration of beginnings and ends. A celebration of friends old and new.

A celebration of the past. A celebration of the future.

Congratulations 2006.

The calendar entry.

This morning, I set up the meeting where I will tell my manager that I am leaving. Seeing that calendar entry in writing makes it so real, and at the same time, so unreal. Is this really happening? Am I really leaving the security and stability of this place to seek something more fulfilling, more desirable? For the past year, I have been so consumed by the journey that I never considered the arrival. I'll admit...

I'm scared.

"I command you--be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." ~Joshua 1:9

And I'm nervous.

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear..." ~Matthew 6:25

But I'm also excited.

"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." ~Romans 8:28

And I'm ready to let God use me in this next phase of my life.

Resting place.

On Saturday, some lovely people helped me move. Now I am living the minimalist's life. Gone are the days when I slept like a queen, resting on a queen-sized pillow top mattress accompanied by an extra large down comforter of fill power 650, 6 down pillows, George the bear, Bananas the monkey, and random goose down floating about. This is my current resting place:

Since my sister left, I've also determined that I am not meant to live alone. I need someone to talk to, laugh with, greet me when I come home, remind me to lock my doors and windows, and move my glasses so I don't roll over them... not that it's ever happened...

Is it possible?

Is it possible to love someone before you meet them?


Because I think I love him~

Now, then, and always.

Now.

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see... By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going." ~Hebrews 11:1, 8

Then.

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." ~Proverbs 31:8-9

"Our laws and our institutions must necessarily be based upon and embody the teachings of the Redeemer of Mankind. It is impossible that it should be otherwise; and in this sense and to this extent our civilization and our institutions are emphatically Christian." ~1892 Supreme Court

Always.

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps." ~Proverbs 16:9

"If the LORD delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand." ~Psalms 37: 23-24

This is the course I have chosen. Lord, determine my steps.