Everything Is Different

I started a new song one year ago at staff training for camp. The song was about how everything felt so different inside me, but on the outside it all looked the same. I was the same girl, working at the same camp, with many of the same friends, yet it all felt TOTALLY different. I felt like a new person after encountering God at M-dub. I felt like I had a new heart as love was beginning to form and grow inside. I felt new.

Now, one year later, it all feels new again. It all feels different. One year ago, my brother and I were both in fairly young relationships and enjoying the sweetness of falling in love. Now here we are, with only a few days before he is getting married to "his Naomi." My brother has forever been my "favorite person in the world," and best friend.

The Lord is so kind to me to let me say goodbye to my brother while standing beside my new best friend. I know it will be good. I am really excited to wave goodbye as they drive off for Alaska and start the greatest adventure of their life -

"Everything is different
Nothing feels the same
It's gloriously changed.

My heart sings a new song
I hum a different tune.
My heart sings of you.

Chorus:
Everything has changed,
nothing feels quite the same.
But I wouldn't have it any other way.
Yes I wouldn't have it any other way.
Change you can stay.
Love remain.

Same frame, but with a new picture inside.
My heart is filled with light,
where love has come to life. "

Just a Random Post About Summer...

Ahh... it's summer... and it feels good:) I've found that working at an elementary school has brought back many things; the word "potty" has found its way into my vocabulary, "How many more minutes till recess?" still crosses my mind more often than you would think, and lastly the excitement of "Summer Vacation!" My student literally skipped and danced down the hallway the last week of school because of the mounting excitement for summer.
I prayed and asked the Lord to help me not hit the ever-talked about and expected stage of "Burn-Out." It was almost as if every teacher had an alarm clock go off on the last 3 weeks of school that signaled the beginning of the burn-out phase to start. I believe that with God's strength and grace it is possible to end stronger than we started. I prayed to this end and saw God accomplish this work in my life. It was such a good end. It felt like crossing a finish line that we had been running towards all year. It felt good.
Since school ended, God has blessed me with times of rest, refreshment, and renewal.
I'm thankful.

Also...a side note, but not really a side note at all, more like a headline- a save the best for last kinda thing-
The one I love is returning again! My heart is soaring with joy and excitement. Has summer ever tasted so sweet?