As it gets closer and closer to my day of departure, it would mean the world to me to have extra prayer in some specific areas.  

1. We plan to buy our plane tickets on Tuesday, for August 18th; Prayer that the ticket prices would be $900 or below

2. Also that my visa would come in time, or even early so that we can feel at peace. As of now it is supposed to arrive the first or second week of August, so we are cutting it close. 

3. Funds. I have been working that past 6 months trying to raise the money for my missions schooling, I am about 60% of the way to my goal but still need to raise around $1500 more. It has been amazing how God has opened up doors for me in Colorado, Nanny jobs left and right, as well as dog sitting, and watering peoples plants while they are out of town. Each week I feel like God has opened up another door. How Awesome is He.

For those of you who have been praying for my dad, We got the bone scans back and the cancer has not spread from what they can tell! Hallelujah! He is going to be starting hormone treatment on Monday which is going to be a struggle as the symptoms are like a woman going through menopause: gaining 20lbs, hot flashes, mood swings, crying. We have been able to find the humor in it though, laughing that if he starts crying we are just going to feed him chocolate and a bottle of wine.  Although we have found some answers, it doesn't eliminate the fact that he still has an aggressive form of cancer. As a family we have been coping well but we do all have our days where it just hits you like a 5 ton of bricks. So prayer for comfort, and trust in God, as well as healing

And like I said, as it gets closer to the date, just prayer that everything goes smooth, the biggest thing is that my visa arrives on time, Which buying our tickets in advance is a test of faith. But I do believe that God wants me in Norway so some way or another, I will get there.(Hopefully in time for the Wedding)  

I am just so ecstatic about the things God has been doing and the people he has put in my life. The comforting words and prayer from our wonderful neighbors, as well as everyone at church, I just feel so blessed that my Dad has a support system like that.  So thankful for each and everyone of you, whether you be a friend of mine or my parents.

My heart is so grateful for all of your love and support. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend :)

"Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, lean not on your own understandings. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths"

As I was driving back home from work this evening, listening to Citizens, the song Oh God came on and I was immediately overwhelmed by the Holy Spirit.

The lyrics had so much truth to them, "In my struggling, Oh God You're Near. Oh God, You'll Never leave my side, Your Love Stands Firm Through All my Life." Literally Everything I needed to hear.

These past few weeks have been a whirlwind with trying to wrap my mind around the fact that my Dad has been diagnosed with an advanced stage of cancer.

It has been a test of faith for everyone in the family.  When you go through trials in life there's a moment for everyone where, even if it's a split second, you start to question. Why my Dad? Why is this fair? Why are You allowing this happen?

One thing I have learned, is that we aren't supposed to know all of these answers, Our purpose and God's plan is so much bigger than we can comprehend, and that is where trusting him comes in. We must trust that HE works everything together for GOOD for those who love him and faith that he will bring us through whatever our struggle is.

The most important thing though, that has helped me with all the obstacles life has thrown at me is that when I am grieving, He is right there grieving with me. He is right there holding my hand, when I break down and cry, he is crying with me and giving me his shoulder. The horrible things in life that hurt us, hurt him as well. And that is why when I am hit with something so astronomical as this, I grow stronger in my Faith instead of pushing away.
I remember God is near to me, when I feel alone, he is there, he will never leave my side no matter what I am going through or what I have done. His Love is Eternal.

"Height nor Depth, nor Anything else can Pull us apart"

Satisfied in You, Sing Team

I have lost my appetite 
And a flood is welling up behind my eyes 
So I eat the tears I cry 
And if that were not enough 
They know just the words to cut and tear and prod 
When they ask me “Whereʼs your God?” 

Why are you downcast, oh my soul? 
Why so disturbed within me? 
I can remember when you showed your face to me 

As a deer pants for water, so my soul thirsts for you 
And when I survey Your splendor, You so faithfully renew 
Like a bed of rest for my fainting flesh 

When Iʼm looking at the ground 
Itʼs an inbred feedback loop that drags me down 
So itʼs time to lift my brow 
And remember better days 
When I loved to worship you and learn your ways 
Singing sweetest songs of praise 

Let my sighs give way to songs that sing about your faithfulness 
Let my pain reveal your glory as my only real rest 
Let my losses show me all I truly have is you 

So when Iʼm drowning out at sea 
And all your breakers and your waves crash down on me 
Iʼll recall your safety scheme 
Youʼre the one who made the waves 
And your Son went out to suffer in my place 
And to show me that Iʼm safe 

Why am I down? 
Why so disturbed? 
I am satisfied in you