Monday, May 24, 2010

Oh, Joan!




As of lately, I have been watching old episodes of "Joan of Arcadia." What is that program you ask? A television show that only lasted about 45 episodes starring Amber Tamblyn from "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants." It's precious... and I am obsessed. It is ridiculous, funny, and touching. I think you all should try to watch it for free via tvduck.com. P.S. The theme song is lame... I know... but the show isn't! http://www.tvduck.com/Joan-of-Arcadia.html

Please and thank you,
Love,
Me

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Jeremiah 17:7

But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him.




Graduation day - I didn't want to check the weather forecast. A week before graduation I kept checking weather.com hoping for a miracle man. Now I might not be 100% correct, but I am pretty sure that all of the ceremonies at JMU were outside. YIKES. Yeah, I was worried a little bit about the thunderstorm threats. So instead of worrying about the weather, I just continued to pray that God would provide a day that everyone could enjoy. "God, make today great - that would be lovely. If it rains, it rains. I don't know where the grad party will be if it does rain... but make this the best day possible for all of us. That'd be lovely right about now. THANKS!"

At 8AM as I am walking to the quad, I see these huge dark clouds overhead. "Ok, God... any minute now... really..." 9AM the ceremony begins and would you believe God cleared the skies and the sun came out and a beautiful breeze encompassed the quad. My mother, being the hot mama that she is, was actually comfortable! I cannot remember a time where my mother has sat outside and not complained about the heat or not sported her little Spanish fan. "God - You are good!" He waited 'til the last minute to spring up that sunshine - soooo cool!

Hope = confident expectations. When you pray - how do you pray? In Francis Chan's book, "Crazy Love" he talks about the essence of prayer. What do we ask of God? Do you have hope? When we pray, we might want to analyze what we say and how we say it. God can do absolutely anything He wants to. Why do we worry at all when we know He has it under control? If there is something weighing on your heart - something that you cannot control or understand, yes, pray about it, but EXPECT God to ANSWER PRAYERS. He will - He has the ability to do anything and beyond.

As of May 8th, I am an official alum of James Madison University and I have been praying for my future - obviously. I am thankful to have a few plans in place but some things still weigh on my heart. I am concerned about community: After leaving JMU, will I be able to maintain the strong relationships I had? Will I be able to have such near and dear friends in Northern VA as I did back at school? Will my plans for the next year help me to accomplish goals for the future? I do not know! I will drive myself crazy if I keep worrying about these things. It is time to, YES, "let go and let God" - but also time to EXPECT God to do what is best. I have "confident expectations" that "something bold is brewing" and that God will provide so much!

- - A charge to all seniors in transition like me: pray for God's plan before your own. Expect God to do wonderful things in your life - He wants that! Don't be a bump on a log; get up and do something. If you are fearful of the plans you have or don't have, pray about it but also consult friends and family about it. People want to support and love you. Support will help you grow in your faith and confidence. Lastly, know that you can do this! The Lord will never give us more than we can handle ;-) You were made "for such a time as this." - -

Giving Him all the glory,
-elisa