I don't even know how to put into words the week I have had. It almost makes me want to laugh! I have been going nonstop, hardly coming up for air in-between assignments and rehearsals and performances and ministry.
I have this book on my bookshelf called "The Best Yes" by Lisa TerKeurst. I can't say I've read it. (Don't we all have those good intentions to read a mountain of books? Go us for dreaming big!) One day, I really want to read it, but for now I have to say "no" to a book to say "yes" to more important things. I really thing I get the gist of it. ;)
There's not much of anything I could've said "no" to this week, so I've just had to roll with the punches and bathe it all in prayer. I remember on Thursday after my last class, with no rehearsals or meetings in front of me, thinking to myself, "I don't know what to do... I didn't think I'd make it this far!!"
I just barely slid in and got everything done this week- finishing assignments late into the nights, finding rides to appointments a few hours before I needed to be there, packing for a trip in between classes and performances. CRAZY.
But- it's done! And it's been such a sweet week. I have seen God provide for me in friends who have shown up and helped me in my need, and I have been able to support others as well. I have been given the extra dose of perseverance when I did not think I could make it through the next ten minutes. I consider this week a victory, because the LORD helped me through. Praise Him for being strong in my weaknesses and being my provider!!
There's been so much newness lately. I am excited all the time! I finally got my ears pierced, ten years after my parents gave me permission (it took me a little while to decide;). I got my hair professionally cut since the first time since freshman year (I have been cutting my own in order to save money and get it exactly as I want, but thought it was time! The hairstylist did exactly what I wanted- just a trim, layers and shaping.) And- I am on my way to somewhere wonderful that I have dreamed about and prayed about my whole life.
There have been changes in my life, triumphs in my work, and refreshing in my heart. I am excited for each "today" that God gives me- he works all things together.
I leave you with a hymn that inspires me every day and inspired the name of this blog. It's called "Day by Day"- it was written by a Swedish poet named Lina Sandell after she witnessed tragedy in watching her father drown. It is a strong reminder that God works all things together for our good and is our ever-present help in trouble. He is with us and for us and His ways are higher than ours. I pray this encourages you as much as it does for me!
"Day by day and with each passing moment,
Strength I find to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father's wise bestowment,
I've no cause for worry or for fear.
He whose heart is kind beyond all measure
Gives unto each day what He deems best--
Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.
Ev'ry day the Lord Himself is near me
With a special mercy for each hour;
All my cares He fain would bear, and cheer me,
He whose name is Counselor and Pow'r.
The protection of His child and treasure
Is a charge that on Himself He laid;
"As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure,"
This the pledge to me He made.
Help me then in eve'ry tribulation
So to trust Thy promises, O Lord,
That I lose not faith's sweet consolation
Offered me within Thy holy Word.
Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting,
E'er to take, as from a father's hand,
One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,
Till I reach the promised land" (Some versions- "till with Christ the Lord I stand.")
xoxo,
Annika