Sweet As A Georgia Peach

As I was having time with God this morning, I read over a familiar scripture Psalm 139. The last verse reads, "Search me God and know my heart. Test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting." I have prayed that as a prayer for years and I now see that that is exactly what God has been doing. Through situations and people he is testing me in areas that make me anxious and require great faith. There are very specific issues that stir up the most anxiety in me; money, family, career and men. In each area, over the past 7 years, I can recall very specific tests. Especially the tests regarding matters of the heart that would pertain to my devotion and committment to Christ. I have recieved what I prayed for and am better because of it. Some of those tests I feel like, "Man, why did I have to go through that!" or "Why did I have to experience it that way?" But after my emotions subside and the pain heals, the value of the test becomes more clear.





Flying the friendly skies to Atlanta


This morning I thought to myself, "How do you want your life to be?" Getting away from Grand Rapids, where it's all hustle and grind, always helps me regain my perspective. When your so close to a thing, near sighted, you can't see anything but what is directly in front of you. In certain circumstances that's good but other times it disables your ability to see the bigger picture. Being out of my norm  this week/weekend reminds me of what is most important and shifts my focus from what's frivolous to what matters.

I have an appreciation for home and also for the "get away". This weekend marks the 2nd anniversary of purchasing my house. Things have come a long way and there is much to still do. I am so thankful to have so many different opportunities to grow. If God wasn't all in my business, aggravating me out my comfort, then I would have reason to worry. But I am definitely being shaken up right now and for very good reason. Since I was about eight or nine years old I have always known what I wanted to do in life; to do something great with my life and my art. Fulfilling that is a life long journey and along the way will be so many experiences that mold and shape me. Right now, I see where my focus needs to be and it's difficult in some ways because it will mean that I have to take my attention away from things that have previously held it. But in the end it will all be worth it. Nothing is wasted, every sacrifice has value. Even if all I see is smoke and ashes...there is beauty that will arise.

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Beautiful night skyline of Midtown Atlanta

So, my very relaxing get away has been quite a treat so far! Being in a stylish room (that I don't have to pay for!!!), reading under a bungalow at the pool and complimentary breakfast in the morning is a feeling like no other. What is it about sleeping on a bed that's not yours that somehow makes going to bed exciting?!