#8, or - ok, so now things are finally starting to make sense.

A few months back, I wrote about a one-word challenge that K-LOVE encourages at the end of every year. Basically, you pray about it, and wait for the Lord to tell you what word you should strive for that year. After listening to the stories of folks and their 'one word' experiences - this year, I bit. I prayed and prayed, and the word I got: rejoice. You might remember (and if you don't, go back a few posts - you'll find it), that I was a little bit confused by this word (and truth be told, I was a bit mad because I felt like it was a little bit cruel considering the circumstances of my life). At the time, I truly felt like my whole life was crashing down around me. My marriage had fallen apart, we had been separated for something like four months at that time, and we were well on our way to a divorce. I was a little (ok, a lot) mad that this was the word that kept popping up. But, I finally settled in on it, and just said "ok, God. If rejoice is what you're insisting on telling me, then I guess You'll fill me in on the details at some point." So, I went with it. And what a difference half a year has made.

I'm happy to say that Eric and I somehow found our way back to each other...people have asked us what changed - the only answer we can come up with: we don't know. Perhaps the only explanation is 'divine intervention'. We were just as shocked as our families and friends when it all happened. But, we both knew that it was all God, and none of us. We found ourselves a christian counselor and we have been to a few sessions and we absolutely love her. And we're absolutely amazed at the changes that God was making in and around us during our nearly ten month separation. If you think it's impossible to learn some heavy life lessons in a little less than seven or eight months (because I'd rather we didn't count the couple of months that I sulked, stayed in bed, and generally loathed the idea of being around anyone), well, then welcome to my world. I think I grew up more in ten months than I did in ten years. I've learned a lot, some of it I've shared here, some of it I've shared with close friends and family, and some of it - well, some of it will stay right where it belongs - between me, Eric and God.

And, while I'll still use my blog to talk about fun things going on in my life, or sad things, and events around me, or things that I feel like I'm learning from God and He gives me words to share - I'd really like to start using it as somewhere to talk about one of my other passions, as well - food. My initial intent all along was to have somewhere that I could share recipes with friends, and post pics of cakes I've worked on. And so, with that in mind, I hope that you'll all continue to grow with me...and I hope that you'll feel free to keep me in mind when you start a new recipe - because I'd love to be able to share it for you! (including your pictures!)

I can't wait to see what God will reveal to me next...and then to be able to share it with y'all! Thank you so much for your continued love and prayers - you'll never know what they have meant to me...to Eric...and to our marriage.

And so, in closing - I'd just like to remind y'all that you never know what God is up to...and just when you think that nothing makes sense in your life - hold on. Wait for Him to reveal it to you in His time. Wait for Him, don't try to fix it yourself. Listen to Him. Let Him guide you through it. He is the author of perfection. He understands your pain. And He will see you through it - in some form or fashion, He will. And He will work all things together for His glory. And through that, you will be blessed...and, you'll find your reason to rejoice!

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Romans 12:12