Sweet Blessings.

Two of my friends were married last night--Congrats Maggie and Joe--and it was so fun to see sweet friends and rest with beautiful people who always bring a smile to my face. I really miss being in Knoxville, but I love to see the differnt routes that God is taking my friends on. I am always encouraged when I see someone I haven't seen in months pat my arm and say,"I'm praying for you." I really wish I would attempted to take some pictures so that I could place on here. Everyone was glowing and smiling and it really made for some fun,sweet memories.

I am raising support to go to Sweden. I am often incredibly frustrated and ready to just throw in the towel. Last night was just one of those nights. I couldn't sleep and I just lay awake thinking of all the "what ifs"--which are straight from satan--and I finally began to pray. I just prayed for God to take control and to let my stop worrying, et al. I blankly checked my email and there was a message with a LARGE contribution. Really? It amazes me how quick I am to think that God will not come through. But, he comes through again and again and in the most unexpected ways. I am so quick to just pack up my thoughts and desires in a little metaphoric suitcase and try to do it all on my own. I can't. We are made to fail so that the Lord can be glorified through our weakness. WOW.

Also, my second cousin died this weekend. It is always sad to see someone go, but the fellowship with family after a funeral is always a blessing. Living in a small town often drives me crazy, but I wouldn't trade where I've grown up for anything in the world. My mom has 29 cousins on my grandmothers side of the family! Holy cow! They are an absolute hoot! The respect for the mourning has almost been lost in this time. But, I am always so thankful to see a funeral procession in my town. EVERYONE pulls over to the side lane and stops until the line of cars has passed. How rare it is to see this anymore, yet it happens daily here in West Tennessee. I can't help but want to journey back a few decades for a few days and expierence life in its utmost simplicity. What a sweet time! (Note: If this were ever to happen, I would want to bring the A/C with me.)