Hope. That was the topic of the Christmas women's brunch this morning that I attended. I sit here with emotions swirling around in my heart. The need to get it out in text is so strong yet I can't find the words to express what I need to say. Today I was reminded of God's faithfulness and that no matter how impossible things seem, nothing is impossible with God. God has this incredible way of taking our broken, dirty ashes and turning them into something beautiful. It truly was a beautiful message. So, as I drove away watching the rain hit my windshield I asked God what he wanted me to get out of this message. I heard amazing stories and inspirational messages but what was my take away? God is so faithful. When you get into that quiet place and call on Him.. he shows up. As I drove down the highway, he whispered to my heart "Trust me".

You see... my family and I are about to begin a rather large transition where we will be separated for several months, living with family, then moving and starting new all over again; new home, new school, new friends, new life. It's the military way. I love it.. but we just did this 16 months ago. It took me over a year to find my groove here.. to find friends.. and now we have to leave. I don't know how it's possible, but deep inside my heart is full, yet hurting. It's full for the incredible blessings that we've experienced during these 16 months.. amazing God Sized blessings... blessing that only God could do. Yet, in it all, my heart doesn't want to leave. We are moving into a world of the unknown.. a season where a deployment is likely, where there will be more change, more adjustments and a lot of walking by faith rather than by sight. I'm okay with that. I couldn't do this life without God by my side but it's still scary and at the end of the day my heart aches at the thought that we will have to drive away from this place in a few short weeks. It was here that God broke me, stripped me and began building me up the way He wanted me. I've endured some unusually odd obstacles this year and yet I'm coming out on top rejoicing. It was here that he took my marriage and began transforming it.. making it better, by making ME better. It was here that he truly began moving in my husband, transforming him in incredible ways. We have been blessed in Virginia and now it's time to go. Today I was reminded that I need to trust him in this transition and onward to the next season of our life, that I need to have HOPE for the future, that He is with us wherever we go. I can't cling onto the past or even the present, I have to move forward, trusting Him that we will be okay and that He has exciting new adventures for us.

So, my beautiful friends, let today be a day that you put your trust in God. No matter what this season of your life looks like or how big the obstacles ahead appear. Find comfort in knowing that we can trust him and have hope for the future. God has the power to make something beautiful out of your ashes, if you let him. Be reminded that He is with you always and it walking with you every step of the way. Be blessed today!