the 2011 hunt. . .

A favorite C3 family tradition. . . choosing the verse of the year. Here's an email I sent our pastor as a thank you for starting this tradition. . .

I was looking back and remembering how the last couple years, my verses have got me HERE- (of course God knew all along. . . the verses are always SO significant in those moments when I was not sure what was going on- but sometimes I appreciate them even more in hindsight! )

2008. . . Proverbs 19:21. "There are many plans in a man's heart, but the Lord's purpose prevails" . . . how true that is. I knew I wanted to work with young/unwed mothers. . maybe in a maternity home- or maybe just in a residential facility with young women. I graduated in May and made it through the year feeling content that wherever He called me to was okay. I was in Hutchinson substitute teaching. I even applied for a job at Starbucks (my favorite) in Hutch and got turned down because I couldn't commit to a solid 6 months- I just didn't KNOW when or where or what God would call me to- - - I just new I had some great ideas but my timing and His were a little different. and so I waited. . .

2009 . . . Isaiah 30:18. The Lord will wait so He may be gracious to you. He will be exalted that He may have mercy on you. He is a God of justice. Blessed are those who wait on Him. . . I knew I would be blessed for waiting. And trusting. . . and so I waited. Never knowing when He would say "go" but ready for the word when it came. I applied for a job at Mercy Ministries in St. Louis, which truly was a heart's desire. . . He led me so far in that process then led me back to Hays. I was not sure why but alas, there I was- feeling like I was back where I started but knowing and believing and trusting that He was working . . .

2010 . . . Colossians 3:10. You've become a new person- this new person is continually renewed in knowledge to be like its Creator. . . At the beginning of the year, I was still holding pretty fast to waiting on the Lord. I was nannying full time and my hope was for something new. . . anything new. but mostly being made new in Him. . .

and here I am! Feeling more new than I ever have (and let's just be honest- it helps that EVERYTHING is new here). There is such joy in recognizing HE HAS MADE ME NEW- and I am continually being renewed in knowledge to be more like Him. . .

these verses have come into fruition!!!

I'm on the hunt for my 2011 verse and excited to see it play out as well. . .