So much has been running through my head the past few days. As 2009 came to an end, I was left with the memories of this past year- some incredible and some I wish I could forget...

But, I find it absolutely incredible that even in what seemed like the worst situations of 2009, God still worked for the good of me,his child who loves Him, who has been called according to his purpose(Romans 8:28). 
He doesn't just say,"See ya later sucker, good luck figuring this one out alone." No, He says,"For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you"(Isaiah 41:13).

In the beginning of 2009 I ended a relationship with a guy who I had been dating for almost 2 years. We had done life together for 2 awesome years and then God pushed me in a new direction and told me to end this relationship. Don't get me wrong, this guy was an incredible man who was pursuing a relationship with Christ, but God wanted me out of it. Perhaps He did not want me divided anymore between a relationship with a guy and Himself. Anyone who has been in a long relationship and then it ends can tell you that the heart ache takes an incredible amount of time to heal. Mine of which is still being mended back together by the Lord. But, even through all of this I can see God's hand at work. Even in the times when I longed to be back in this relationship and wanted to just call and plead for him to take me back, God was there. He was holding my hand and telling me not to fear, he will help me. He put people in my life that spurred me towards Him and helped me to look ahead and not behind me.

While dealing with this (which may seem miniscule to some), God taught me more about Himself and His incredible love than ever before, He brought me to become a councelor at an amazing Spirit filled youth camp called SnowBird, where I was able to pour into students lives and see them strenthen their relationships with the Lord or begin one, and He brought some of the best friends I could ever imagine into my life. 

It's so cool when I look back on the desert times of 2009 and then I am able to see the times that He has still been so faithful to love me and reveal Himself to me.

Even during times that I was unfaithful, He was still faithful (2 Timothy 2:13). 

What an incredible God we have. 

Maybe it's a good time for us all to look back on 2009 to our times in the desert, yet instead of camping out there, venture to see where God has brought you since then and where His hand can be seen directing your steps. 

Caution: Do not stay too long though! 
See where God has been faithful and immediately look ahead! 
My awesome friend Betsy has told me many times,"Dp not long for the things you have forsaken!" So there ya go! Let's not long for what we have forsaken in 2009, lets strain towards Christ! 


"Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14

2010 is a new year! I'm stoked to see where God takes me this year! 

Whatever desert I may arrive in, I know He will be faithful! 

Much love,
Amanda