Three simple words, One great week!!

Man, God has REALLY been speaking to me this week while I have been hanging out at Encounter in AMAZING ways. He never ceases to amaze me.

One of the things that really opened my eyes the other day this: I was writing out a prayer, and at the end of the prayer after crying out to Him I wrote "I love you, God". I just stared at those words, wondering how long it had been since I had written those words, much less spoken them out loud. It has been a long time-way too long. I just sat there and prayed over and over again, "I love you, I love you, I love you..." I know that He loves me unconditionally, I know I follow Him because I love Him, but I had not expressed that to Him like I should. Wow, what an incredible revelation.

He has reminded me that I am valued, I am loved, that I am not alone in this battle against the evil one, that He has never left me and has always been by my side, that when the storms of life come-He is there, He turns my mourning into dancing, He washes my tears away and one day there will be no more tears or pain, He carries my burdens and I can lay them at His beautiful feet, His love is so deep for me-as far as the east is from the west, and so many other things that I needed to hear and be affirmed by.

What incredible reminders. What a faithful God. The future is still uncertain, I still have things to work through, but this I know-God is with me. He has never left me, nor will He ever. Even when satan throws his arrows towards me, I AM NOT ALONE.

He has placed people in my path this week to give me hugs; to encourage, love, and affirm me. He has reminded me how truly blessed I am and strengthened and renewed relationships. I have a lot of great friends, a huge network, and a wonderful family in God. I am so thankful for that. I needed that right now more than ever, and God provided. I have been able to worship Him fully and openly, something that I have not been able to do for a long time.

Thank you, Lord for your everlasting love and faithfulness. You are my God and I LOVE YOU.