Life. There is no place like it and there is no telling where it will take you. It brings change, growth, choices, and most exciting...adventure. Six years ago today, I had an opportunity to take a leap and go on a faith adventure. The biggest decision of my life thus far laid in the hands of my faithful and loving God. God said go and with much hesitation I went. Austin, Texas became my new home.

Originally my after college plans were to return home to Denver, Colorado, find a suitable Russian man to marry, and start a family as soon as possible. However, God had a different plan in mind. Definitely not my own. And scary enough, without much direction. I knew no one. I didn't have a job. I hated the humid summer heat and I didn't know what I was going to do in the land where state pride showered residents from head to toe. Burnt orange face paint and "Keep Austin Weird" bumper stickers didn't calm my nervousness of this "plan".

I struggled in my new location questioning my every move and every decision.

Did I make the right choice? Did I hear God correctly? What kind of an adventure did I sign up for?

With sometime into my adventure, the answer to all questions became clear. This adventure continually requires me to put my faith into works knowing and trusting that my faithful God has my best interest in mind. Moments where I begin to doubt the choices I've made, I return to my favorite two scriptures:

"For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you. When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart." – Jeremiah 29:11

"And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." – Philippians 4:7

There are a couple prominent lessons I learned (and still learning) while on my faith adventure.

1 - Let go of your plan. God wants you to love life and enjoy it to the fullest. It doesn't have to be this hard. Forget your plan. It never turns out the way you designed it.

2 - Let go of the small habits making life more difficult and less enjoyable. Questioning your last choice/decision doesn't allow growth and maturity. Learn from your mistakes. When you hold on to negativity, you will continue to make life harder for yourself. Speak life into your situations. Thoughts thought, choices made, and words spoken today decide your future, the future of your children, and your children's children.

You are righteous in Christ! Until you change your perspective of yourself and speak good things, the promises of God become pointless. When you let circumstances, fear, unbelief control you, you limit promotion and success in your life.

Love yourself. Love life. Go on a faith adventure.

What adventure are you going on this summer?