Spring Clean

Eddie Rickenbacker once wrote, "Courage is doing what you are afraid to do and there can be no courage if you are not scared." This week I began school and I couldn't help but be nervous for what it was going to bring me. I am coming into a semester that is extremely important and very difficult for me. While I am worried aboutmy semester, Cory also starts school again this semester and I hope that we can both encourage each other and do well. I have really been recognizing the blessings in life lately and Cory has been one of them. After work, He came over and we went school supply shopping with my little brother to get ready for our classes. After we got home we made dinner: homemade Mac and Cheese and vegetables :) we danced in the kitchen and helped Brad with homework and finished off the evening staying warm on the couch watching "Once Upon A Time."
I have been focusing on courage and strength this week... And I have found, especially in the past two months... What happens when you have the courage to allow God to take control of your life, and how he gives such blessings. Joshua 1:3-9 says, "I promise you what I promised Moses: 'Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you...No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses, I will not fail you or abandon you.'" I am going to have the courage to allow God to challenge me this week and to give me peace in my heart.

Xoxo,
Jewel

Cord of Hope

"Hope in Me, and you will be protected from depression and self pity. Hope is like a golden cord connecting you to heaven. The more you cling to this cord, the more I bear the weight of your burdens; thus, you are lightened. Heaviness is not of My kingdom. Cling to hope, and my rays of light will reach you through the darkness." -Sarah Young, Jesus Calling

This week, my Grandma Dora passed away. Although death is sad and painful, I know that she no longer has the pain of this world and the worries of her time of departure. She passed in her sleep, where she didn't have to experience pain or suffering in her last moments. After she breathed her last breath, she left a broken world behind that no longer had anything to offer her... also leaving behind the people that love her, including my Grandpa Bill, who has stood by her side through it all. When I think of the word commitment I think of him... because through every course of action, he stood by her side. I no longer have either of my Grandmother's, and it breaks my heart. But I know that they are both together in a place where they are healed, happy, and enjoying the presence of my Lord and Savior. I have hope, like a golden cord that connects me to heaven, to my heavenly father... and to the one's that are no longer part of this world.

Lately, I have had a thirst for the Lord. My parents got me a 365 day devotinal for Christmas called, Jesus Calling, as I already mentioned. And although the study is short, it gives me a taste and I only want more. Prior to the news of my Grandma, I spent my Sunday getting breakfast with the entire Sass family and friends, and listening to a sermon based on love and the good Samaritan with Cory at home. I find it a total blessing to be able to pray with someone or to listen to sermons with someone, and not just anyone--but someone who has a thirst for it as well.

Monday night, Cory came over to hang out with me and Brad while my parents went to dinner to get some alone time. We spent the evening in comfy clothes making spaghetti, broccoli, and burnt bread while we watched a movie called Shooter. It was a simple evening, but one that I enjoy most... just being content with someone in a completely relaxed state. I have a full day of work ahead of me, but I started it off perfectly with a Starbucks Coffee and another day of Jesus Calling.

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."

Psalm 46:1