Surrender

dress & shirt: old navy   sandals: target

It's been far too long since I had been running outside and while I was camping I was reminded how much I miss it.  I think I've avoided "quiet" time a lot this summer as I often end of feeling sad, scared and upset when I just sit and think about what I am going through, and what our future may be.

I was reminded while running how important it is to continually process what I'm going through and open my heart to whatever the Lord wants to teach me.

I believe that God uses trials to bring us closer to Him and to teach us. 

As I've been in the same trial for over a year, I believe the most important thing I've learned is to surrender. 

Surrender 

my plans

my desires

my control

my timing 

and to trust that God has His perfect plan and His perfect timing.

And whether I learn one more thing or ten more things before he blesses us with a baby, 

I need to give up trying to figure it out. 

I need to stop planning after each "lesson" I feel I learn and think that maybe now God will give me what I want.
I need to surrender my frustrations and anger that we have been in this same place for what seems like so long. 

I need to stop planning out my future month by month of what I think would be the perfect plan. 

This song continually ran through my head while running and is a great reminder of what I need to do. 

1. All to Jesus I surrender;
   All to Him I freely give;
   I will ever love and trust Him,
   In His presence daily live.
   • I surrender all,
     I surrender all;
     All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
     I surrender all.
2. All to Jesus I surrender;
   Humbly at His feet I bow,
   Worldly pleasures all forsaken;
   Take me, Jesus, take me now.
   
   
   All to Jesus I surrender;
   Now I feel the sacred flame.
   Oh, the joy of full salvation!
   Glory, glory, to His Name!
   
   I surrender all, 
   I surrender all;
   All to Thee, my blessed Savior, 
   I surrender all. 
   
   

   I need to open my hands and surrender to Him.  
   
   

On your heart Tuesdays
we encourage

Dear Lauren and Lauren,

dress: discovery (worn here)  shirt: jcpenney  necklace: old navy

It figures that my Laurens not only share a name,
but have birthdays within two days of each other.  

Dear Lauren, 

I know I say this often but you are truly my best friend.   I am so thankful to have a sister that I can laugh with, talk about anything to, and get encouragement and advice from.  I'm thankful that we share a love of coffee, blogs, Target trail mix, shopping, clearance clothes, and desserts. 

I admire the kind of friend, mother and woman of God you are.  You are one of the greatest blessings in my life and I am beyond thankful for our relationship.  

Dear Lauren in Law, 

I couldn't be happier with the woman my brother married.  Not only did he get lucky, but our family did too!  I love your sweet, funny and loving personality.  I am beyond happy that you live 5 minutes from me and can't wait to spend time more time with you.  

I admire you for your outgoing personality, your humor and your attitude.  I am so lucky to have an amazing sister in law who I know will be one of my closest friends.  

Happy birthday Lauren and Lauren.  I love you both SO much and know I am one lucky sister!

Love,