CALI JOURNEY

Hi friends and family,

"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." Proverbs 19:21
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
"I know, O Lord, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps." Jeremiah 10:23

First of all, let me thank you for all the support and prayers that I have received over the past week. thank you for loving me and encouraging me through this journey, God's journey! After many meetings, much wrestling with God, lots of tears and even moments of frustration, I will be moving back home the second week in October. this has been such a difficult decision, which came to surprise me a bit, since Murfreesboro still feels like Home to me, but Lake Forest, CA has definitely been my home away from home these past few months.

After many days of wrestling with God, meetings with Megan and Saddleback, God has closed the door for me to stay out here. Although I see it as a closed door right now, Megan and I see it closed for just this present time. Even though I am moving home, I still plant to travel with Megan when she speaks about hurting kids and even at times work alongside her as she writes, etc. I am staying out here till October for a few reasons, but the main one being that Megan and I will be going to Los Angeles at the end of September for a speaking engagement at a youth conference. She also has a few important meetings this month, one being with Group Publishing about the new curriculum for youth pastors and hurting kids that I will attend with her. I am so thankful God is allowing me to be part of both, I know HIS plans are BIG, and right now I am just trying to rest in Him, and walk alongside Him in this journey.

In the midst of not understanding and hurt that I am leaving my new friends, I can't help but be excited about the opportunity to start LHGH in Murfreesboro this Spring. Over the past month, I have met two people (in Murfreesboro) that have the desire to start LHGH. Crazy how living in CA helps me meet people living in the boro with a heart for hurting kids. I can't wait to sit down with them and see where God leads.

i am looking in to a few opportunities for me to intern part time with at home. One being in Murfreesboro and one in Nashville. I plan to try to get a part time job, intern a couple days of the week, get my counseling license, and start LHGH. I know that seems like a lot, but I think if my internship is involved with starting up LHGH, I can do it. Please pray for direction over the next month with my future. it looks like I will still be traveling once a month or every other month with Megan, so please pray for God to show me how that will work financially. My prayer is that a few of you would still be willing to support me as I start LHGH and travel with Megan.

I KNOW GOD IS BIG, and right now it seems so overwhelming, so I am going to quit trying to type out the details, and trust God in them as they come. I will be in touch over the next few weeks!

I love you all!

P.S. As of earlier this week, the Celebrate Recovery team postponed the "teen recovery" till January. there are no plans as of yet for the 100 of kids that would have been attending LHGH starting Sept. 18. Please pray with me that these plans will change, that there will be a safe place for them to come on 9/18. Even though it is out of my hands, I know it is in God's. I have been talking with Renee, Brooklynne, and Chandler this past week, they don't know about Megan's lay off or about LHGH not being there this Fall. Please pray as I share with them that God is much bigger than a lay off or a program. these are the times that I am thankful for Facebook, cell phones, etc. even though I will be 2000 miles from them soon, we will always be in touch. OH, and the so cool thing about all of this is, Brooklynne and Chandler (sisters) come to TN every year for Thanksgiving, because they have family in Franklin. How cool is God!!!