Arms Open Wide

Take my life I lay it down
At the cross where I am found
All I have I give to You oh God

Take my hands and make them clean
Keep my heart in purity
That I may walk in all You have for me

Oh here I stand
Arms open wide
Oh I am Yours
And You are mine

Take my moments and my days
Let each breath that I take
Be ever only for You oh God

Oh here I stand
Arms open wide
Oh I am Yours
And You are mine

My whole life is Yours
I give it all
Surrendered to Your Name
And forever I will pray
Have Your way
Have Your way

Oh here I stand
Arms open wide
Oh I am Yours
And You are mine

He knows...

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11

Back and forth, back and forth. What to do this time next year. I should be graduated from undergrad by then but I'm staying an extra semester. I blame myself for switching majors six times but that's really not the point. The point is, I won't be a college graduate like I thought I was going to be August 2008. One semester isn't really that long. It's the after that I'm worried about. Straight into grad school? Seminary? Life? Where does God want me? Where will I be happy? What is my plan? (It's not really up to be though, is it?)

(22)Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. (23)Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. (24)Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! (25)Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? (26)Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

(27)“Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. (28)If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! (29)And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. (30)For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. (31)But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. – Luke 12:22-31

At one point this summer, I avoided anyone and everyone who I knew was going to ask me about "the after". It sounds so dooming. Life after college. So final. Like you don't have a chance to go back. College is suppose to be the happiest times of your life. Don't get me wrong, I love college. I like my classes. I love my roommate. I love being part of a community that loves and nurtures you when you're down. I love the friends I've made. I would be completely lost without my best friend from college.

However

At one point, I knew without a doubt that God wanted me in Wise. He always provides. When I didn't have funding for school before my sophomore year, I knew He wanted me there. There was a way. He showed us and I have been forever thankful. I knew I was wrapped in His arms and loved and He was leading me to Wise. He knows what's best.

“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” – Phil 4:19

I think that's the part where I struggle though. He knows what's best. Him alone. Dontcha wish He'd give a little hint every once in a while??

I know He's going to take care of me...but does He know that I don't like it? Does He know that sometimes doubt Him? I shouldn't. I should have faith like a child. I should be able to follow the light without question and jump knowing I'll be caught.

I need to do something. Worship more maybe. Be quiet more. Listen more. Just be in Him. Prayers are welcomed...and suggestions!