The First of Lasts

Well today began the first of lasts for me. It was my last Sunday at FBC Fort Mill, the church that I once despised as a fourth grader forced to move, but have grown to love and cherish. The people that form that church love the Lord. So much. It's quite beautiful.

Here's a few pictures of my senior class:

Stunning huh? I love my senior girls especially, for they are the ones who have been with me through it all. It has been a pleasure watching each of them mature and grow in the Lord, while also growing quite a bit myself. We have indeed come quite a ways...

...a long, long ways. I mean just look at those pictures...whew. Anyways, this morning I cried a good bit, no thanks to these guys:

Johnny, my youth pastor, and his wife, Trish

 Matt, my youth pastor, and his wife Meghan, my small group leader

All four of these people have poured the love and truth of God into my life and I praise Him for it. It's so hard to say goodbye to them, or, excuse me, 'see ya later.' 

But, in the midst of all the tears, the congregation proclaimed "The Lord our God is ever faithful" and that He is. He is huge and mighty and sovereign and this summer has been remarkable for He has taught me to trust. 

Me. Catilyn. The one who stresses. Who worries. He has shown me that He is good, that He is faithful, and that I can trust Him. 

Tonight I lied beneath the sky under thousands upon thousands of stars in order to see a meteor shower, to see the heavens declare the glory of God (psalm 19:1). 

While laying in the dark, my friends and I thought there was someone lurking, and they began to get a tad bit anxious, but I was legitimately calm, and one of my friends, who knows me quite well, said, "since when are you so go-with-the-flow? you would normally be freaking out." To which I responded, "I've learned a lot."

I've learned a lot.

PRAISE BE TO GOD. For He is faithful.

And so, even though this morning was hard, this week will be hard, and move-in day will be even harder -- even though I hate change, and it's scary -- it's going to be good. Great, really. For the Lord is faithful. He can be trusted. And He works for the good of those who love Him (romans 8:28).

I am so thankful for the things that He has done, and I am excited to see what His will holds for me in the future.