It used to seem so far off. And now it's here. I am so excited to begin this next season with LEGACY School of Discipleship! The Lord is so good, y'all. Eight months ago I would have never dreamed I would be doing something like this. 2010 was an interesting year, to say the very least. Some days I didn't know how I was going to make it through to the next. There was a lot of hope and also a lot of let-downs. I even let myself, and others, down in ways I never thought I would. I was at the lowest point I have ever been. And then, the Lord allowed a series of events to unfold in order to yank me from the mess I was in and back into His arms. I was literally curled up in a ball, on the floor, a helpless, heartbroken little girl in need of her Daddy, and He began to captivate my heart again. I absolutely love this quote by Chuck Swindoll:
"There's not a single saint that sits in a single church, that doesn't have a few things that they are ashamed of. It makes no difference how loudly we sing or how piously we pray, we've all been taken from the same dunghill. When God forgives, he forgets. Your past just ended a second ago."I spent a week during the first part of June with my dad out at JH Ranch in northern California. It's my favorite place on earth. That time was so needed, and God started to stir up some things in my heart. I had heard about LEGACY while at the ranch. I also came back home feeling somewhat renewed and restored. The Lord wanted to remind me of some things while I was out there. Ever since my last minute trip to the ranch, most everything has been last minute. The way God has put everything together is so incredible. I was able to live in Athens with an awesome roommate, which was definitely a God thing. Honestly, I was quite miserable during the first couple of months, but I think the Lord was wanting to teach me a few things. The last couple of months were so great. I thank God for allowing me to meet some amazing, fun friends that I feel like I've know for years. That was such a blessing to be able to enjoy and soak up that little time that I had left there. And now, after spending about a month at home, it's about time to leave. I will be heading to Eutaw, Alabama to live with 24 other students. We will have class each morning, work on the vineyard, and have awesome times of fellowship. Sometime around April 15th, we will all leave to go travel around Israel until about mid-May. I can't believe I will walk where Jesus walked! Wooooo hooooo! When we arrive back in America, we will have a small break for a couple of days, and then we are off to the JH Ranch to serve for the summer! When first looking at the cost for LEGACY, it seemed like a large number, which it is. But you know, I have never been worried about the money. I KNEW that I was called, so I KNEW that He would provide. The total tuition is $11,500. I started raising money during the summer, and now I only need a little over $1700! God is faithful.
So, I have some amazing months ahead of me. It sounds like a long time, but in reality, it will probably go by so fast. I want to treasure every moment. I can't wait to spend this time completely devoted to my Lord Jesus. A lot about LEGACY is still a mystery in ways, but I am expecting wonderful things. I am expecting to encounter the Lord like never before. I am praying that He will reveal some specific things, and I know He will. We are not supposed to talk about our past experiences, upbringing, spiritual situation, denomination, testimony, or personal issues once we arrive at The Vine (which is what the vineyard where we live is called) until we are instructed to do so. My words upon initially hearing this were, "Well, I may as well not talk!" But now I see how neat of an approach this is. They want this training to be Christ-centered and not about us and our issues. This way we can find our identity in Christ and not in our personalities and experiences. I love that! The Lord has already been teaching me about my identity and I know there is sooooo much more He wants to show me. I feel like I have been on a roller coaster for quite some time now. But lately, the Lord has given me so much peace. My Maker is incredibly, painfully IN LOVE with me! I know that He holds my world. And He holds my dreams. Every tear, and every laugh. He KNOWS me. I can't wait to become more of the woman He has created me to be. A better version of me. This is what I was made for. It was already written. And now I will begin this God-ordained journey. I can't wait to give my next update once I am there, although I don't really know when it will be. I appreciate all of your prayers and support!
And remember, His timing is perfect.
Peace and Blessings to you, friends.
