Life and the Pursuit of Happiness

Mercy

Oh Father, please give me strength, love, reliance, and comfort in this world.

I need you, I want you, I desire who you are.  Please, help.

Snap, Crack, Pop!!

Ahhhhh, utter bliss and relaxation.  I confidently conquered my finals.  I am now focusing on working 2 jobs (possibly 3) and MAYBE taking 6 credit hours this summer. 

But you know, I'm not worrying about that right now.  I'm just enjoying the feeling of relief and joy that the spring semester is finally over!!!  :)

Good grief Charlie Brown, where does the time go?

Yes, it will be gooooood.....

One more final!!!!  Economics I...shouldn't be too hard.  I have a grrrreeaattt, bestest, forever in my heart friend who is going to help a sista out!!  PTL!! 

New roomies move in this weekend.  I'm totally and utterly stoked to move in downstairs!  I love that 'starting over' feeling, and having a blank canvas to make my own. 

I've come to the conclusion--this summer is going to be awesome.  I'll be riding my bike EVERYWHERE and getting a lot of sun!!  WOotWoOt!! (<- lol, oh Brett...)

So, I attended a funeral, broke down several times, and ended up having the best time afterwards with some girlfriends.  The funeral was good...a great woman was lost on earth, but recieved in heaven where she will forever shine and love the Lord.

After feeling selfish and burdened by the loss of one of my dearest friends, I realized....We're just passing through this world.  Check out this verse...

[[Yes, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod to protect, and Your staff to guide, they comfort me.]] Psalm 23:4

Most of you have heard this if you've ever been to a funeral, or in movies when death occurs.  I never really meditated on this verse until recently when I was struggling with accepting my friend's death.

So...the psalmist David said he walked through the valley of the shadow of death.  That's what we must do in all the situations and circumstances of THIS life.  We must remember we are just PASSING THROUGH.

When I feel stuck in a situation that will NEVER change, I must allow God to guide me through it.  As should YOU!  When the devil says, "You're trapped," bodly say to him as you stoll on by, "WRONG! I'm just passing through man!!"  With my friend's death, I realized SHE was just passing through...and through that 'trap' I had to trust and rely on the Lord to give me strength and understanding...as well as joy in the celebration of my friend's eternal life!!

  Remember those 3 men with the crazy names and faith?!  Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego?..ya, those cool dudes.  They were cast into the fiery furnace, but GOD brought them safely through the fire (Daniel 3)!!!

God says HE will provide the same protection and deliverance to ALL who put their faith and trust in Him. 

SO BELIEVE it as you walk through the valley of YOUR own situation.

Turn to, ask, listen, and TRUST your Father.

This life is our furnace, and with the trust and faith in our God, He too will bring us safely through the fire, to the streets of gold to Him!!  ahh, what a beautiful and peaceful thought.