Things Are Always Changing

Good morning my beautiful readers! How are y'all doing today? What's new in your life? My youngest daughter is home for a couple of days, we are meeting with the caterer today and shopping for new outfits for her job interviews coming up. She is going to be the best teacher. So excited for her new journey....graduating in May and getting married in July. Times are a changing here at the Hopkins homestead.

Change brings about many emotions, doesn't it? Fear is the first one time come to mind. I guess because of all the unknowns. What all will change? Will things still be the same in your relationship, etc? Will I get to see my children very often? There's also grief, the grief of losing something or the grief of how things will change and not be the same anymore. Then loneliness or sadness, you feel like your losing a child or sad things won't be the same in your relationship. Just the loneliness or emptiness of it all. There's also happiness and excitement, seeing your child grow into a beautiful godly successful young man or woman. Just waiting to see what all God has in store for them. All the prayers you've prayed, seeing them come to pass. I guess I say all that to say, things are always changing, we just gotta roll with it and not get stick somewhere along that path. I've been the one who got stuck and it's not a fun place to be. Enjoy the journey my friend because just because a season might be coming to an end doesn't mean everything is lost. It just means things are going to a new level, I know there is excitement mixed with fear when we go to a new level, but God is with you always. Your relationship might look different but I believe it just has the opportunity to go deeper, and you cherish your time more with loved ones. See God is not finished with you just because your children grow up. No way! He's got so much more in store for you and them. I'm blessed to have been a stay at home wife/mom but as my kids grew up and they start leaving the nest, I really struggled. We do still have our oldest at home, but she's so busy with work and church, and small group you wouldn't know she's here lol. But I tell ya throughout all the changes my husband and I have grown closer and I'm also able to travel with him whenever I want, I didn't have that luxury when they were little. So yes there are sad changes but there are also good changes as well. Look for the positive instead of dwelling on the negative. Just a couple of our trips...

Let me ask you, what has God been speaking to your heart to do that you have been to afraid to do or just simply didn't have the time? One thing I've learned is when you step out in faith to walk in your destiny or something new, you will have opposition. The devil doesn't just roll out a red carpet for you. Often times there seems to be one attack after another. Once we make an unwavering decision to walk in God's plan for our lives, the enemy ramps up and opposition begins. But can I just say.....he is just trying to distract you, wear you out, because if he can do that he gets your joy and ultimately that's what he wants. He knows the joy of the Lord is your strength. God's word says,"For a wide door of opportunity for effectual service has opened to me and there are many adversaries.(1cor 16:9) Be determined sweet friend that you are not giving up, quitting is NOT an option!!! Make up your mind, and keep it set!! Keep your eye on the prize, finish your course with joy! Do not fear, God is with you every step of the way. It maybe hard and scary but God didn't give you a spirit of fear, He gave you a spirit of peace, love, joy, discipline, self control and a sound mind!

Help us Lord that as things change in our lives, we won't look at them in a negative light but that we will embrace where we are on our journey and believe You for bigger dreams and better and stronger relationships. Thank you that you are not finished with us yet, we are just entering a new season. Help us to grow closer to You and our family and friends. No matter what changes come we will not walk in fear, we will not retreat, we will not back down but we will press into You and persevere!! Strengthen us for the battle Lord so that we might finish the course strong in Jesus name, Amen! Big hugs, Nicole💗