byebye fear.

hey guys.

working on putting up some pictures of the new apartment, hopefully within the next few days or so everyone will be able to check out our sweet bachelor pad!

caleb and i have been here a little bit over a week now.  and i'm still getting used to the idea of living independently.  there have been several days where i've felt really bipolar.  one minute i'm excited to be living on my own, can't wait to get classes started, loving this new town, and the next, i'm freaking out that i now have to pay my own bills, i'm nervous about school, and missing my family and friends back home.  i hear all of these feelings are normal, and that it won't always be like this, but i still remain unconvinced. 

i'm the kind of person who likes to be prepared. i like to be prepared so that i can do my best, live up to my full potential.  i want to know what to expect, where to go, how to be ready, and what is required of me.  when i'm unsure, and i don't know the situation i'm afraid that it will make me look stupid.  but here is the major thing God has been teaching me these last few weeks:

 

Don't live a life controlled and dictated by fear.

from here on out, there isn't much i'm sure of, and that scares me.  but there are a few things i am convinced of:  He has it under control, He sees the bigger picture, His timing is perfect, and i am exactly where He wants me to be.  so i guess, what else do i have to be concerned about?

"Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go"

-joshua 1:9

wow.  what a promise.  my heart has been dwelling on that verse a lot this week.  i hope it encourages you as well.  don't live a life controlled by fear, because God is with you and He knows what He's doing.

for His name and renown,

Aaron

This is crazy!

Leaving the house, driving away, putting pictures up... its all kind of crazy how it feels like a vacation until your family is gone. Aaron and I said goodbye to our family today and are now really on our own. I don't know about Aaron but today after lunch when I watched my parents and little brother climb into the car without me was the first "oh, my gosh. I'm never coming home," I felt like I wanted to puke for about 15 minutes. Its a funny feeling, we came home to our empty apartment. Its so quiet after living with our big and energy charged family. 

We have orientation tomorrow and I can't wait to start school I have waited for years to work with people who have the same drive and passion as I do. Its kinda scary, kinda strange, and really crazy. A lot of people expect great things from me, and I can't wait until I blow everybody's mind with how hard I work and the huge potential I feel that is just waiting for me to use. I just want to say thanks to God, and everybody that has helped and been a part of my life. I feel good about this.

-Caleb

grateful.

"it takes a village to raise a child"

ever heard the quote before?  getting ready for a major life change has had me reflecting on all of the people have brought me to this point.   people who have encouraged me, challenged me, hurt me, forgiven me, and inspired me.  and i am so grateful. 

"you've been more than a friend to me,

fight off my enemies,

and you've spoken truth over my life,

and you'll never know what it means to me,

just to know you've been on your knees for me,

oh, you have blessed my life, more than you'll ever know."

(nathan and christy nockels)

i'm constantly growing and changing, thank you all who have had a part in that.

for His name and renown,

Aaron.