in awe of HIS goodness, grace and love.

wow. i am amazed at how God continues to lavish His blessings upon me. When I returned to St. Simons I was kind of discouraged because I knew I had a week and a half until my PET scan and surgery would actually take place and I didn't really know what I was going to do. I am currently taking a semester off so I could not "busy" myself with schoolwork or anything...but God in his grace showed me that I was here for a purpose and so I trusted him to show me that reason. The past few days have been FULL of his goodness and surprises:)
I returned to the Island Thursday night and was immediately invited to the CONVERGE movie night at the college and we watched "Despicable Me" It was so so wonderful to be re-united with my CONVERGE faith family and to see and fellowship with my brothers and sisters. I was greeted outside by some of my closest friends, Anna and Mercedes and immediately felt like I was home. After the movie, some friends and I ate at Zaxby's and just hung out together. I didn't know how desperate I was for fellowship with other believers, but it was so fulfilling. On Friday, my mom, my dad and I headed to Savannah for the day. I love Savannah! Its architecture and buildings make my heart happy. My dad had to work, but my mom and I met my Uncle Reid and his fiance Susan and her brother's family for lunch on the river. I got to meet three precious children and learned that Susan's sister-in-law went to Africa for four months before meeting her husband!! GOD IS SO GOOD. We talked about the culture and how its so different and refreshingly simple and she said she would go back in an instant. It was so good to see Susan and Reid and talk about their upcoming wedding!!!! They are getting married May 14th and I could not be MORE thrilled. We have been praying for a long time for Reid to find his perfect match and he has!! cannot wait to have a new aunt:)
After lunch, my mom, Reid and I went on a trolley tour of the city. It was so so awesome! I learned a lot about the rich history of Savannah and SCAD. SCAD is the Savannah College of Art and Design and has restored over 77 buildings in Savannah alone. They have used and continue to use these buildings for classrooms, studios and dorm rooms. We were also able to see the site where Forrest Gump was filmed and see the house and church Reid and Susan's Wedding is going to take place at. We even got some hot homemade pralines at Savannah's Sweet Shop:)
After a long day, I returned home and watched two Cary Grant movies with my parents: His Girl Friday, (which was not my favorite) and Charade with Audrey Hepburn which I LOVED. They are my two favorite older actors. I kinda secretly wish I lived in the 50's or 60's:)
Saturday was definitely a lazy day spent sleeping in, surfing on the internet and writing Thank you letters. It was good to relax and rest for a little bit. That night I was able to go to Savannah again with one of my good friends Erin and see her boyfriend and hang out with some of her friends. It was wonderful and so much fun! God was centered in every conversation and we were able to meet some broken people and tell them about Christ. It was humbling and eye-opening.
Sunday was SO GREAT. I have always loved Sunday. I think it is my favorite day of the week. I was able to attend St. Simons Community Church (my home church) and see the many dear friends that have been praying for me. There is something unique about SSCC. It is inviting, welcoming and it feels like you are walking not only into God's house, but your house. The worship was amazing and it was Sanctity of Life Sunday. If any of you know me, you know that one of my passions is fighting against abortion and fighting for life. Life is a gift and is only meant to be given by God and taken away by God. In Macon, I volunteered along with my mom at Sav-A-Life Care Center during middle school and high school. I love Sav-A-Life and what it stands for. SSCC featured Care Net which is equivalent to Sav-A-Life in Brunswick. A volunteer named Terry spoke about the work at Care Net and how it had not only changed her life, but many lives in the Brunswick area. She confessed that she had had an abortion when she was 19 and she hid it from everyone for twenty years. She said when she was in Atlanta one weekend, she attended worship at a Messianic temple and the Rabbi taught on abortion and how it was murder and wrong and it deeply grieved the heart of God. The next day, Terry surrendered her life to Christ and told her dad about her abortion. Her dad's response was beautiful. He said there is nothing that you have done or will do that will ever make my love for you change. I will love you always. THAT is what our dear Jesus whispers to us. He has wiped clean our sin and made us new. We are a new creation in His sight. When he gazes upon us He does not see us, but His SON.
It was a mighty, beautiful picture of the gospel. It was also the Sunday where families dedicate their children to the Lord. The pastor asked the couples to renew their vows of marriage and commitment to one another. It was SO BEAUTIFUL. He said that as parents, you are going to be the closest example of Christ to your children; husbands you should love your wife as Christ loved the church and gave up His life for her. Wives you should honor, respect and cherish your husbands. After their vows were renewed, the parents then committed their child to the Lord.
Another beautiful thing took place. A single mother in the congregation had given her life over to the Lord about a year ago and wanted to be baptized and profess her faith and then dedicate her precious daughter to the Lord. It was a beautiful picture of the example Christ set for us when he was baptized by John the Baptist. The Lord moved in that room and many lives were dedicated and re-dedicated to Jesus yesterday morning.
Our God is faithful and true and mighty to save. He can heal every hurt, every wound, every pain and wipe you clean. He is the true, living God and I am privileged to call him my Master, Jesus, Savior, Lord and friend. He is truly good, full of grace and abounding in steadfast love.
HIS NAME IS JESUS.
-rach