"Run Baby Run"

The other day I was talking to a friend and just sharing in the joy that the Lord has restored to me. I stated that I look back and I can be grateful for each moment of the last year and a half, that if I had the chance, I wouldn't change any of it... the trials, the sorrow and even my rebellion. It kind of sounds crazy, that I wouldn't even want to change my rebellion...but it was through this that I more realize God's incredible, unfailing, unfaltering love for me.

Well, yesterday I was introduced to an artist, Jason Upton, and there is a song called "Run Baby Run." It goes like this:

I've been calling you
To go to the city
I've been watching you every day
Now I'm paying for a one way ticket
For a ship that sails the opposite way
And you laugh and you cry
And you live and you die
Cause you don't really know who you are
All alone in this world
Orphan boy orphan girl
Cause you don't really know who you are

Run baby run
My hands release you
Baby run baby run
As fast as you can
Run till your legs lead your heart
To the real truth
You're my daughter my son
So run baby run baby run
Hear me laughing as you
Run from your calling
See me crying
In the storms that rage
One way or another you will be going
To obey is such an easier way

This is the statement that the artist gave regarding the origin of this song: A conversation started by his wife "I've been studying the life of Jonah...did you know that not only did God permit Jonah to run, but that it was part of His perfect plan!" Jonah comes out of the belly of the whale smelling of fish and the Ninevites, who believe in the Fish God, then give Jonah instant credibility.

I guess through all this I can see that through my running, God's plan has still been fulfilled in my life and those around me...there are similar circumstances as this in my life, where if I would have taken the straight road His will would have prevailed, but by taking this harder, longer road, His will has been fulfilled and at the same time He has blessed me with seeing and experiencing more of His character. Giving me more to share with others, a deeper love for Him, a deeper understanding, that can be used to relate to others, enabling me to love others more deeply....

Time is slipping by...it has been over a month since I have posted. So much has happened, the Lord has fully restored my joy, He has been faithfully leading me in all my decisions and blessing me in so many ways.

My time in Colorado was so fruitful, I received an attitude adjustment :) It was kind of what I was expecting, I know that my view of this life was very fogged. My time there was much different than I had expected, but as always the Lord's ways are much higher than mine, thank You, Father. I returned with a new excitement for all that the Lord has for me. No longer do I feel my life is on hold...I am moving forward in so many ways. But I am to continue here in Virginia, at my current job and fellowshipping at the same church. All these things were going to change, I was so discontent. I praise Him for speaking to me...for grounding me as I was ready to take off.

I am so blessed in my place of work, I am challenged here, I am learning and growing so much, all 3 of my employees are Christians, two younger than I spiritually and one older than me, so lots of opportunities to minister, encourage and grow, and the doc I work for is a strong Christian, he manages this office with the Lord's guidance at every turn. The Lord has used this place as provision to pay off my debt, He has shown me once again, His ability in the midst of impossibility. I never saw this day coming.

My church, we are growing spiritually as a family. Since I have had this attitude adjustment, I can see so many blessings that I was over looking...when I have to miss a Sunday, I miss my family so much, all the beautiful faces, the smiles, the joy, praying with my sisters, worshipping with my brethren.

And as for Virginia, well, when all His provisions for me are here, why would I desire to be anywhere else.

Aside from the huge praise of making it out of one of the greatest storms of my life, there are so many more:

- My new employee has been with us for about a month and she has been an incredible addition to the office, freeing me up to get to the piles of neglected work on my desk.

- My little brother is coming home for a two week leave from Iraq...and my family (mom, sister, nieces, and I) will all be traveling to AZ to meet him.

- The Lord has reunited me with my oldest and dearest friend, Jenny...I will be seeing her and her family for the first time in several years while I am in AZ.

- My friend that I asked prayer for several months ago is now walking with the Lord, his joy has been restored, the Lord has given him a new church home, and is guiding him in new relationships there...what a huge praise.

- I have continued to be off my meds and pain free, for over two months now :)

Things that I am doing now....

- I am training for a sprint triathlon...it has been a rocky start, but the Lord is helping me conquer some fears through this.

- I am going to start working with our prison ministry to the youth here.

- At my home fellowship, we have changed our format, we will begin studying through the book of 1 John in July, meeting weekly, doing an inductive study together...I am so excited to see the growth that will take place, as individuals, as a group...how the Lord will knit all our hearts together even more.

- I will be heading to AZ in under two weeks...it has been too long...so many blessings there, Jenny, Andy, John and Rachel (what a blessing to see them again), meeting little Josey (new addition to the Norgren family), and little Will (new addition to the Carlat family), my brother's safe return from Iraq, getting to hug and love my nieces and nephew, all my family being together again, it has been over 4 years since we have been all together, and so many dear friends, I can't wait to see you :)