On keeping calm…

I KNOW you’ve all seen the posters…

They have definitely made their presence known around the internet, on t-shirts, and in every other form of communication out there, including parodies. Here are a few other…”versions”…

Well…the other day, I found my favorite one. I wrote “keep calm and…” on my bathroom mirror and the next morning, I walked into the bathroom fully expecting a funny rhetoric in response. My roommate, however, surprised and blessed me with her answer:

Keep calm and carry on. Take a deep breath and step forward. It’ll all be over soon, just wait it out. It sounds so simple and reassuring, right? But that would also involve stepping forward in your own faith and hope for the best.

But with the Lord, we can trust that He WILL protect us, take care of us, and direct us through our next steps. So, remember…keep calm and TRUST in the LORD. He will carry you on.

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." - Mat 11:28-30 NKJV

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil. - Pro 3:5-7 NKJV

One year ago…

One year ago, I couldn’t find words to describe so much of what I saw.
One year ago, there wasn’t enough time.
One year ago, He was in the midst of teaching me trust.
One year ago, I was still suffering jet lag.

One year ago, He gave me the courage to overcome gripping fear.
One year ago, He gave me the words to give others courage.
One year ago, I traveled thousands of miles away only to meet family on the other side.
One year ago, I was blessed to add a myriad of names to my weekly prayer list.

One year ago, I was sad to leave my memories in the past and face a new day.
One year ago, I turned a page from one journey to another.
One year ago, I wore yellow dollies and stepped into a new path.

Because, exactly one year ago, I stepped forward from my journey and adventure into an unknown “after-the-happily-ever-after” chapter.

And, exactly one year later, I  don’t believe that chapter is closed.

He is still teaching me so much from my time in Scotland. He is still growing me and stretching me in ways I never would have been able to comprehend without my time with Him.
My prayers for those brothers and sisters connected to Scotland are still heavy on my mind and in my heart. My thoughts and dreams of going back and being used by Him there still weigh into every decision I make here.

And in one year from now, who knows what story I will be writing? Who knows where I will be, how I have grown, and who I have become?

“O LORD, You have searched me and known me.
You know my sitting down and my rising up;
You understand my thought afar off.
You comprehend my path and my lying down,
And are acquainted with all my ways.”
Psalm 139:1-3