Giving up things.

I really miss the friends that have moved away. Ok, I miss Brandy. I thought this whole thing would be easier than it is and maybe I wouldnt notice it as much. But I was wrong and I miss my best friend pretty badly. I went over to the 321 today and called it "Erica's house." I didn't like the sound of that one bit either. I hate realizing that things like growing up and seperation have to happen in order to move on and grow, but that reality doesn't make it fun, nor does it hurt any less. Pastor Dan announced his resignation from Manchester Creek today and that was hard too. I have been blessed in my church families over the years with Pastors who have me over to their house and we talk football. I've been so hesitant to move away from Rock Hill with Manchester being a big factor in those thoughts. The people are great, but Dan knows the word and he handles scripture in a way that is different from what I'm used to hearing. I always learn something new from him, and I hate that that has to end, as far as his sermons go. His family has been a huge gift to me over the past few years and I was sad and felt peaceful today.

What has God been teaching me lately? I got asked that question recently and I literally laughed out loud. My initial answer was nothing, becuase He's not giving me any direction. But what He's teaching me won't always be understood, and I'm trying to learn to be ok with that. I'm not being persecuted and this is far from the kind of suffering most people face everyday, but everything seems to be falling apart, but being put back together at the same time. I'm learning that God puts things together, especially things that are broken. And not just all these situations in my life, but me as a person too. Because I am for real broken. The band played a song in church this morning by Jill Phillips, and my favorite line simply says, "nothing I feel is outside the reach of your arms." It talks about pain and how the hurt doesn't hurt any less, but theres nothing outside of God's hand. I've noticed in my life that singing that and saying that and being taught that in sunday school has no real meaning until you go through a tough time.

And if I'm not stressed out enough already, I'm fasting from Coke for 40 days. Why you ask? Well, it's time for a challenge. I always let Pastors and teachers challenge me, so its time I took on one for myself. One that I know will kick my butt. I hope it does. You're probably thinking thats no big deal, but if you know me at all, then you know I might die in about 10 days. 40 days seems like a good time. Not too long, but long enough for me to take a break from something I really enjoy. Not that drinking a Coke is hindering anything but my health, it's just something I want to try. October 3rd. Whew.

"For he wounds, but also binds up; he injures, but his hands also heal."
-Job 5:18