A New Wind Blowing

So, I was reviewing my said "GOALS" for the summer that I posted a few months ago. I had to shake my head in disappointment to see that 85% of them were not well kept.
YES, I saved money... but was unable to save enough since my lack of available overtime at work changed my financial situation
YES, I was preparing for Scotland... but realized that now is not the right timing for such an endeavour.

but.
 NO, I did not get very involved in Church ministries... except in joining that small group I mentioned earlier.
NO, I did not keep this thing updated.
and though I have met a couple new families, I have not been able to really make time to spend investing.

HOWEVER...

    These goals unfinished are not failures on my record. The beautiful thing is, I am able to re-coop and revitalize the opportunities. Now that I am no longer going across the pond, I find more time to get involved with ministries, dig into new acquaintances, and continue to save for school and Scotland next time.

It took me a while to decide to step out of the ministry team that was head east, but right away I had a quiet confidence and peace that it was the right decision. Of course there was an influx of encouraging words from friends and family. What's in store for the next few months is still a mystery and... that's okay.
This morning's service at church spoke of Abraham's faith.. how incredible it was that he was able to have such trust and confidence in the LORD's promises, that his son of laughter was on the sacrificial altar the very next day that Jehovah required him.
What is amazing to think about is that Abraham had seen God prove Himself over and over and over again, that the man really had no reason NOT to trust His promises.
I hope this can be a thread that characterizes my life from now on.
Somehow I know that this year is going to bring things I need to grow in and adventures that are going to make me into a greater man of God than I would have away in Scotland.

Up, up, and away..

Took four planes in two days, for trips that I will write about at a later date.
But the thought came to me as the plane sailed over the clouds I so obviously am intrigued by.

To a cloud, the world is not seen in detail! Instead of all the crazy life happenings and stresses of the little things, Clouds have a "big picture". How blessed would I be if I took time to step back from all my anxieties and looked at the big picture, remembering that I am not in control but that My God is.

The coolest part about it is that even in the darkest of circumstances, in looking at things in the long run, I'm able to see God's fingerprints and that there was light all along the way!!! I just didn't recognize it at the time, or wasn't looking for it.

...like a starry sky upside-down. Heaven HAS come to Earth.. He's in You