I will exalt Thee...

So the last time I talked to you I was visitng family in Louisville, Ky, Thanks for all the prayers! I had an amazing time hanging out with my family, and writing some songs, and I even went shopping at my favorite vintage store called The Nitty Gritty. If you're ever in Louisville go check it out :) http://nittygrittyvintage.com/ I got home safely (although EXHAUSTED) after a stressful trip home. My sister ended up driving to Louisville and my other sister was out of town so I had no one to scoop me from the airport upon my return however, my awesome friend Chris came to get me so, disaster averted. YAY! So here are some highlights of the past two days:

*I got some much needed sleep!

*I'm officially playing a show at the end of this month (March 27th)...I'm so nervous

*I talked my amazing musician-friend David into playing at the show with me :)
*I started a new job!

Yes, it's true ladies and gents! That job that I told you applied for at the mall, well I got it and I had my first day today. And much too my surprise, I actually really love it! I get to meet new people, spread the gospel of Jesus Christ, and pray for people, and not to mention the amazing people I get to work with who are so encouraging. I couldn't ask for a better job, God is good! The only downfall is that my feet SERIOUSLY hurt...womp. But while at work one of my co-workers told me that some of the local resturants do dine-to-donate for non-profits and he suggested that I do it to raise money for Russia! It is so amazing how God keeps putting things before me, just like the verse that has kept encouraging me "I know your deeds. Behold, I have set before you an open door that no one can shut." (Rev. 3:8) God continually opens doors for me to get to Russia. Money can be the downfall for so many mission trips, it's crucial and the lack of it can often leave those needing it less encouraged and more concerned. And even though I currently have no money for Russia, I have faith which is even better :) God has put before me an awesome lady named Lauren who has been such a blessing, she created this blog for me so that I could gain awareness for this trip and Russia in general (you should check out her blog called "Living by Faith" at http://laurenalexis1.blogspot.com/, it was just voted one of the top 100 best Christian women's blog of the year!). God put in my path an awesome friend who offered me her house so that we could put on a show where we could ask people that come to see David and I play for donations for Russia. (In fact she double-blessed me, with the chance to recieve donations, and the chance to play my music in front of people) And now He placed me in that conversation to hear about the resturant-donations. Wow, that's alot in such a short amount of time. But I just realized that once again I have written a blog that is equivalent to a small novel, so I will end with a reminder that I got today, God is grace and where He is, it will be endless. So stay in Him, remain with Him, abide with Him and there His grace will too abide. I love you all, and many blessings!

Bluegrass City

I've walked these streets before

I know this town by heart

Every sidewalk says hello

Goodmorning Louisville, how are you?

It's been a while since I been here

Every sign reminds me

Of what I'm walkin' to find

A place of peace, a resting place

So come be the only one who knows me

And come be my hiding place, my safe refuge

Oh Bluegrass City....

That's a few of the lyrics from a song that I wrote about Louisville :)

So I've been here for a little over a day and it's been great! It's nice to just escape to that place where you can be a kid again and have Mamaw take care of you. My mamaw has already made me some southern home-cookin' (yummmm) and I played her the autoharp today (she's convinced I sound just like Doris Day) and she gave me these old Hymnals that were my Great-Grandmas from the 30's (AHHH!). But I'm honestly just enjoying the whole "being home and not doing work feeling." I'm currently listening to Elvis and watching my whole family playing hula-hoop with my little cousin Gracie. I spent all day with her and it was sooo fun and I couldn't help but think about all those little kids in Russia who don't get to have a childhood. I was hugging and kissing on her and I was wondering if they get hugged enough, or if they've ever even been hugged by someone that loves them. And the Lord broke my heart all over again.

Well, I don't have much to say, other than to ask all of you to take a moment, right now works, close your eyes and just feel our Heavenly Father embrace you, let Him hug you, remember how perfect it feels to be wrapped in His love. Go ahead.......

I want nothing more than for all those babies overseas to know and expereince that feeling. Well I'm going to go to bed, but here is a quick reminder: "The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 'The LORD is my portion,' says my soul, 'therefore I will hope in him.' The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him." (Lamentations 3: 22-25)

Oh the prospects of tomorrow!

Blessings friends,