Joyfully

"What joy, what joy for those whose hope is in the name of the Lord. What peace, what peace for those whose confidence is Him alone!"

This song really captures how it feels to have hope and peace in the Lord. 

Pure joy. 

You don't always feel it. But when you do, it fills you up to overflowing. 

When you're focusing on God and not on Earthly things, and how you can make yourself happy, He can blow you away with His timing.

I've been working on that a lot lately. Trying to find my hope and peace in God instead of searching this world for things, or people, that will satisfy me. And let me tell you, He's blowing me away.

I was trying to call my friend's phone the other day, and since I'm out of the country I have to use Skype. Well, my account was out of credits so I got on my dad's account. Much to my surprise and delight one of my favorite people in this whole world was online.

It's been forever since I've talked to her. After she moved everything got busy. (When I say forever, I really mean less than a year, but that's forever in my book. Going from everyday to almost a year, that's forever.)

I was ECSTATIC. Like a little girl in a candy shop. I was giddy and giggly the whole time. I couldn't even contain my excitement. 

It was so good to see her sweet face. And her sweet little boy. I love that little guy. I wish I could've gotten to know her husband more before they left, but I'm sure there will be a time.

It was so good to see her and know that she's doing well. E-mail just doesn't cut it sometimes. Although she answers (MOST) of my e-mails, it's still so great to see her face.

She has been through so much with me. Thick and thin, she never gave up on me. 

And I'm forever grateful for that.

I never would've guessed that a teacher would turn out to be someone that I respected so much, and walked so closely with, throughout high school and into college.

I've come so far in my life and my walk with the Lord since I saw her last. I wish she could be here to walk side by side with me through this next part of my life. But, apparently that wasn't in the Lord's plan. And that's ok. I'm really proud of her and what she's doing now, even though it's not what I would've chosen. :)

If it was MY plan, she'd be right here helping me study for this dang math entry exam that's looming over my head. And sitting on her front porch sipping tea, reading, talking, laughing and crying. Her face lighting up when she sees me making progress in anything.

She's really good at that. She makes you feel so accomplished over the smallest things. Like every baby step you take is a huge leap in her eyes. That's one of my favorite things about her. It's really refreshing from the negative world we live in today.

I really miss her, a lot. Her smile, her laugh and her sweet, soft, yet (often) confrontational words and advice. (what can I say, I was a freshman in high school, I needed it. Don't we all? :))

OH, and her awesome teaching. She was by far THE best teacher I've ever had. She's the best, I can guarantee.

Her face will light up any room she walks into, and I know she's lighting up rooms all over the place now. I just can't wait to see her face in person again.

Until then..If I could say only one thing to her, it would be: Thank you.

I don't think I ever really told her that when she was home.
But I am so thankful for her life in mine.
For what she has invested in me and my life.
For the emotions she felt for me when I wasn't really sure what to feel.
For all the time, tears and laughs she poured into our relationship.
And for the effort she continues to give to keep up with me and my life.

So...thank you, thank you, thank you.

A million times, thank you.

I love you.

xKassiex