Prayer is a neat thing

Today was awesome. And by that I mean, God has heard your prayers. I can't say that a whole lot really happened today or that there was some major difference in today and yesterday, but my attitude was much different. I still shed a tear or two this morning, and I still was discouraged, but I overall just don't feel so defeated anymore. I feel validated and safe in the arms of my Lord. I realized at some point that I wasn't trusting Him as I should be. And though I still have some reasonable concerns and feel that most of what I said yesterday is still applicable, I know that "if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us, and if our God is with us, then what can stand against?" (Thank you passion band.) I can't really explain what happened except to say that God answers the prayers of His people, and I can't thank you enough for lifting me to Him in a tough time. Please don't stop doing so.

Anyway, we began teaching our series on worship tonight to the Karen youth group. It went pretty well. If nothing else, it was a great reminder for me all about worship. Katie and I did a lot of the talking, but our entire team worked together to plan the lesson, which was neat. We've come together pretty well, lately, and God is giving me the patience I prayed for in every circumstance. I also really enjoyed spending some more time with Catherine and the other Karen girls tonight. SheeYo got really excited when I talked to her about teaching new american worship songs to them. It's going to be a good summer with that group.

Finally, the Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup. I was cheering for the Flyers, but I must admit that I'm pretty excited for Chicago. The jubilant spirit is contagious, and I think I caught it from the ENTIRE Chicagoland area's insane fireworks display this evening. I'm WAY out in the 'burbs and even out here folks are freaking out. It's so much fun. I love being in a city where people care about hockey! The only thing keeping my excitement from completion is that Aly isn't here and that I didn't actually get to watch the game or celebrate with anyone. Though I will say my new friend Christopher from the College of DuPage offered me a place to watch with him and his buddies. (ha...my life is so strange...)

Well, that's all. I'm going to bed in hopes of waking and feeling well-rested. We'll see how that plays out. Love you guys, and thank you so much for the encouragement and mail and texts and calls and prayers. I couldn't ask for better friends and family supporting me and loving me.