an answer

The Lord is faithful. I believe I've finally received clarity on which line of study I should pursue in college. Thank you, Jill, for solidifying that today :)
As many of you know, I'd tossed around three different areas of study (nursing, counseling, and journalism) but I’m finally recognizing what I've been drawn to the most, for quite a long time--counseling. I know that the Lord has asked me to go to Africa, and I may have a chance to go with my dad and a small group of doctors in the spring. I would really love to go into specific countries some day with professional training; I keep hearing people say (when talking about their various callings in Africa or with human trafficking victims) that what they need now are professional counselors. Every time I hear that, I want to be the one who goes.
Specifically, I am most drawn to victims of sexual abuse, abuse, mental illness, eating disorders, and human trafficking. I think I would get really burnt out if I held private practice, but my dream would be to go with a team of doctors into countries that need medical, spiritual, and psychological help. I also really desire to be a foster parent or adopt a child or two who have had a history of abuse, which would utilize the training I receive in counseling.
I am so looking forward to pursuing this degree and excited for what the Lord has in store! I would love prayer that the Lord would continue to guide and direct my path and that His will would be done. Thank you all!

sisters

We spend the later hours, most
Closer than a cousin close
Past our child, hurtful woes
The future’s colored “rose”

On the clock
Or in the shop
Our hearts laid on a table top
Complete with tea
And sugar packs
We’ll talk an hour dead

My hair of ash
And yours of red
Opposite as two can get
Yet through and through
Time has proved
We share two sister hearts

weak

Desire eludes me
each path is tiring
each road the same direction--on
my soul is dormant
sick of the same
the adventure's gone

When You wake me, I'll come home
these wanderings are a memory; I know
just short of 18 years, this road
but it feels I've wandered long
been a stranger all this life, I know
been waiting to see Your face, so long

restore my hope
restore my song

"...do not throw away your confidence;
it will be richly rewarded.
You need to persevere
so that when you have done the will of God,
you will receive what he has promised."

Hebrews 10:35-36

on meditation--oh the deep waters of His love in our being

You welcome me into Your chambers
And my heart is stilled before You—
In awe of the fear of Your roaring love
A consuming fire in the quiet place
You fill me fresh with Your Holy Spirit
Topped off and overflowing
Like a glass of cool water on a summer day
How is it that you desire to know me?
I am so small
A grain of sand in the sea of Your great love
Carried by the current of Your grace
Renewed by the tides of Your faithfulness
You rain compassion on me
I am a plant thirsty in this drought
Soak me with Your light
I am hungry for You
Jesus
My dear, Jesus
You call me Your own
Take my heart
Take all I am
I am Yours

Be still

Do not lose heart
Though all is shaken

Quickly He has come
Bearing joy in His laughter
Strength in His eyes

There is grace for the brokenhearted
Security for those who call upon His name
For all who seek His face

We shall lie down in peace
For our Shepherd is ever watchful
He watches over us by night
He ministers to our hearts even in sleep

We do not fear uncertainty
Our God is sovereign

He stirs the waters with His fingers
His breath awakes the mighty winds

My King,
This is my request
And this is what I seek
That I may dwell in Your presence
And in your steadfast love

May I be counted worthy of bearing Your name
And devote my all to the work of Your hands

All glory, praise, and honor to the matchless name of Jesus
The Lamb who was slain

Never Once - Matt Redman

This seems to be the theme of Jordan's and my lives the past six months. The Lord is faithful.