Wow! It's been a long time since I've blogged! I don't have any big updates or lots to say, I guess. But I'm going to journal a bit about what God has been showing me, teaching me, prompting my heart and mind about...here goes...

• I am to trust Him. Trusting Him means pushing through my fears and doubts. It doesn't mean I ignore what I'm feeling, but it does mean that my fears and doubts are no match for God's strength and care for me! So, rather than shrinking in fear and doubt, I desire to lean hard in on God and His truth, be courageous and bold in life! Yeah! And it made seem elementary, but I cannot be courageous and trust if there isn't some element of challenge.
• "God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them...Such love has no fear." (1 John 4:16b, 18a) I'll let the Word speak for itself, so all I'll say is that I was very encouraged to recently reread this passage of scripture!
• I recently looked back on the few years of my life and I think that I've taken more of a defensive - "Survival-Mode" stance--feeling like I've taken a beating and all that I can do is try and protect myself, rather than taking on an offensive response. And when I say offensive, I don't mean a combative one. What I'm referring to is my relationship with God and pursuing His dreams and plans for my life. Rather than dreaming, hoping for, believing in His blessings, I've just kind of been waiting with my fists up, so to speak, ready for the next blow. Maybe that 's what I needed for a season, but I want that season to be over and I feel like I've taken steps in changing this stance. I want to deeply and intentionally pursue God and His plan for my life, with hope in good things! I want my arms to be open for His goodness.
• My eyes have recently been opened to the facts of human trafficking and has left my heart deeply burdened! My heart breaks for the millions of victims of this horrific crime. I must get involved...prayers, financial support, volunteering, etc. Reading about the perpetrators and their "business" just convinces me more and more that Jesus is the answer. We are a fallen world in need of a Savior! I pray for the victims and perpetrators -- that they would find the peace and wholeness only found in the saving grace of Jesus!

Well, those are some of my thoughts, very unedited, so if it didn't make much sense, that's why. :)

Hope you have a wonderful day, friends! With love....

Carolyn