It's been a while everyone. Here's the thing. I have had so many different changes occur in my life the past 7 months and some of them, well a lot of them have not been the easiest or happiest. First, I lost my furr baby of 8 years. That was one the most difficult things I have had to come up against. She was a true pal.
The good news. We adopted a new puppy! His name is Duke. I must say he is quite a loving, adorable pooch. Duke is such loving and loyal pal. Cannot wait to see what life throws us.
The news keeps on coming. I have moved back to my hometown of Lima. There is nothing in Lima. Don't come here to live. On the upside, I am reunited with my family members and one of my truest of friends.
I despised the idea at first since I had established myself already in Toledo by making new friends and joining a young adult group in the community. I was really enjoying myself and had such a great time there. Plus, I adorded our brand new house. I had to transfer to a new school, which is never the ideal. In addition, I had made a really close friend in the process of moving to Toledo. Transitioning back and forth from familiar to unknown was quite a whirlwind. As well as letting go of someone I have grown to love and become great friends with.
On top of all of this my grandmother, whom I dearly loved, was diagnosed with cancer. No one ever thinks that something like this would happen in their families. I was on the same boat. I never imagined something like this being so impactful on my life, but it most definitely was. A few months later, in July, she had finally passed away. As any loss is difficult to overcome I still tear up at times. I'm sure some of you have dealt with this pain and suffering before. You know how it is. You wish your loved one would return one last time. That was exactly my thoughts but God knew it was time for my grandmother to join Him.
Despite all of these trials and some exciting news I have to say that I have developed an understanding that the Lord is my Provider. I would have never guessed I would have such a peace about being back in Lima. I mean all I ever wanted to do when I grew up was to leave Lima and never return. The Lord showed me great things during this time of transition. 1) He has shown me to hold on to His mighty hand because He knows the way and will guide me. 2) It is never impossible to for God not to love us. He is always there, cheering us on. 3) God has His own set of plans. We can either obey Him and redirect our minds to glorify His Kingdom or we can take our own advice and go through hurt and pain as we watch our plans crumble to pieces. He knows what is best for us. Why do we always tend to opt out of His guidance even when we do know He has our best interest in mind??? 4) Thanksgiving. Praise and thanksgiving to the Lord for all He has done is done out of love for His chosen children (anyone who acknowledges Him as their lord and savior). He deserves our praise and thanksgiving every day all day long. I have been trying to pray everywhere I go throughout my entire day, whether it be driving to school, walking in to or out of class, going through the drive-thru, or just sitting at home. It has helped me grow closer to God and realize all the small things I have taken for granted, but now see in a light of love from the Lord God, such as the sun shining, or the stop light turning green before I had to stop. Weird, but still it is the little things. 5) To always look up and in whatever I do act in a manner worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Trials may knock you down. And they may not go away the next day or next month, but the Lord your God is with you always and is fighting on your behalf. Trust in Him completely. Doing so will open up so many doors of knowing who He is. He will never leave you. Jesus wants to give you the best of the best and has a great plan that you cannot understand or imagine. One day all things in the past will make sense. So, for now look up and live in a state of always Looking Up to God, trusting in His plan and surrendering your plans over to Him. Act in a manner worthy of the gospel. He will reward your efforts. Thank Him in the meantime for He deserves it more than we will ever comprehend.
Peace & <3,
Samantha
