To say, “it all starts now” would be a lie. God knew back before He created the universe that I would be sitting here now, in my Fairfield Ohio home, writing a blog leading up to a 9 month mission trip. To try and fathom that is absolutely insane. He knew the perfect woman to be my mother, and has blessed me beyond words with her. She is so insanely amazing! He knew I would spend my first few years of school in one school, and then switch to another in 5^th grade. He knew I would be obsessed with dogs, every single one of them, and has filled my life with people who agree. He knew my love for music would blossom in junior high. He knew whom I would call my best friends, who have blessed me more than words can say. He’s continuing to bless me with an amazing relationship, Christ centered in every way. He knew of my heart for others, and continues to put opportunities in my life to enjoy this. He knew I would spend July of 2016 in Swaziland Africa, and knew every piece of growth that would come from it. He knew that school wouldn’t be my ‘thing,’ and that it would take me a few years to realize that’s okay. He knew I would need a great school, and decided to bless me with that. He knew I would be running through my senior year with an open heart, to then crash into dreaded Senioritis at the halfway point. (Still pushing through…) He knew I needed a strong father in my life and has been the best one a girl could ask for. He knew every detail.

Seventeen years of life, a little over 204 months, around 6,500 days.

…And God has known all of it.

You know what’s even MORE crazy?

SPOILER ALERT!

He knows everything going FORWARD too! (It’s okay you can freak out. I sure do, every time I think about it.)

When I look forward into my next steps, I have no idea how it will all pan out. I know I’m hesitant, excited, nervous, and eager all at the same time. I know I am not in charge, thankfully. But most importantly, I know He’s got it all worked out.

And I know we can do it, together, with His lead.

‘No Turning Back’ by For King and Country is one of my favorite songs. The lyric “I’m marching out of the doubt into trust, out of the me into us” rings through my mind. There’s no turning back from the future, and that’s okay. Marching into trust with Him leading? Man that brings tears of excitement to my eyes. I’ve got a tool belt filled with helpful tips, ready to take on this journey, and to add more tools along the way. With God leading, I’m so excited to live. Life is good and it is well, my friends. I’m beyond blessed to be able to run this journey with you all by my side, letting Him guide.

My love for music will never cease; I’ve decided to include some songs I’ve been listening to at the bottom of every blog.

Here’s some great music!

“No Turning Back” by For King and Country

“This is Living – Acoustic” by Hillsong Young & Free

“All He Says I Am – Live” by Gateway Worship