Day 56

Let's just say yesterday was crazy, amazing, exciting.... One of the best days of my life. And you know what, you wouldn't think a basketball game would give you the thrill of a lifetime, but sure enough, it was probably the best and most memorable thing that has ever happened in my lifetime.

This morning, as I listen to my dog snoring in her bed, I'm reminded of how great our God is. Not because he gave my team the strength and power to win a basketball game yesterday, but because he gave me the life I live to enjoy it. He gave me the means to come to this school that I love, to bless me with the education I'm receiving, and to give me a love for my team and our traditions.

For those of you who have been reading, you know how lately I have been a little bit discouraged and feeling so unworthy... Well this Psalm today really was spot on.

"¹ As the deer longs for streams of water,
      so I long for you, O God.
 ² I thirst for God, the living God.
      When can I go and stand before him?
 ³ Day and night I have only tears for food,
      while my enemies continually taunt me, saying,
      “Where is this God of yours?”
 ⁴ My heart is breaking
      as I remember how it used to be:
   I walked among the crowds of worshipers,
      leading a great procession to the house of God,
   singing for joy and giving thanks
      amid the sound of a great celebration!
 ⁵ Why am I discouraged?
      Why is my heart so sad?
   I will put my hope in God!
      I will praise him again—
      my Savior and ⁶ my God!
   Now I am deeply discouraged,
      but I will remember you—
   even from distant Mount Hermon, the source of the Jordan,
      from the land of Mount Mizar.
 ⁷ I hear the tumult of the raging seas
      as your waves and surging tides sweep over me.
 ⁸ But each day the LORD pours his unfailing love upon me,
      and through each night I sing his songs,
      praying to God who gives me life.
 ⁹ “O God my rock,” I cry,
      “Why have you forgotten me?
   Why must I wander around in grief,
      oppressed by my enemies?”
 ¹⁰ Their taunts break my bones.
      They scoff, “Where is this God of yours?”
 ¹¹ Why am I discouraged?
      Why is my heart so sad?
   I will put my hope in God!
      I will praise him again—
      my Savior and my God!"

That is just absolutely beautiful. This is exactly how I've been feeling. God is just spot on!

I really praise him and thank him for this life that he has given me, the opportunities and the love that he shows me everyday. I praise him when I'm feeling discouraged, and I praise him when I'm feeling great. And that is the beauty of relationship...

God bless,
Lauren