Updates:

I figured I should get 2 posts in today since it has been awhile. Just wanted to keep you posted on what is up in my world.
Work: I am currently working 2 jobs and have been for 4 months now. I am tired. I applaud the people who do this their whole lives as I can not continue. I will miss my coworkers but believe my sleep and mental health to be more important than the extra cash I have been making. Some nights I am getting home at 11pm and need to be up at 3:15AM to get to job number 2. Not my cup of tea!
Age: I turned 27 almost 2 weeks ago and although I do not feel older, I think I am starting to look it. I have been finding grey hairs like you find little kids at a playground...they are EVERYWHERE!!! This shouldn't be a surprise to me as my mom has had a full head of grey since she was 40. My b-day party was fun (maybe a little too much) and I am so thankful for the amazing people God has placed in my life. My Grammy flew in to town to celebrate with the family as well and it was so great to spend some time with her.
Church: Have I said how much I love my church? Substance is honestly such an amazing place for me to be right now. The teaching hits home every week and it just starts my week on the right foot. They have been challenging us to get more involved and I really want to join a small group. The time factor has been a factor for me but I am working on that one. The last 6 months I have been going by myself which has been a big growth experience for me ( the girl who never goes ANYWHERE alone) but God has placed a friend in my life who was looking to attend with someone and so I am excited about that.
Dating: It has finally happened :) I know a few of you reading my blog will be glad to know that there is a certain someone in my life: FINALLY!!! We have only been dating for a few months now but I am really excited about the process. I don't want to elaborate too much as this relationship is pretty new still but I am thankful for it in my life. That is all I have to say about that!!! If you want more details you need to call!
I don't get on here as often as I would like but I do try to stay updated on all of your posts. Hope all is well in your world!
-Abbie

Complete Surrender:

This is a topic that has been a theme to my life since I was on Royal Servants the summer before my Junior year. I remember my leader talking to us about what our struggles are and how when we have struggles in our lives, it takes a daily choice to surrender it to God. When we struggle with something it is not usually the case that we make the decision to get rid of it and never struggle again. I remember this as a revelation in my life and it has stuck with me throughout the last 10 years now.

I remember in high school when God expounded upon that in my life by reminding me to live intentionally. I truly believe that SO often this is one of the hardest things to do. The busyness, day in day out factors of life make us forget to be intentional in everything we do. I also firmly believe that sometimes life makes it very difficult to be intentional. We start our days trying to "live right" and have the best intentions to be the best versions of ourselves. Then out of the blue something happens...be it big or small to cause a set back. I myself find this happening a lot lately to me. I know I am worn out and I need to take care of some of the reasons for that. I also know that sometimes, the circumstances are out of our control. Someone Else's bad mood or struggle can soon create an issue for us.

Today was a day like that. I was having one of the best days I have had in a while and I was reveling in how blessed I am and thanking God for that. I have really been striving for a positive attitude these days and working on making a difference. I know I am sensitive but honestly when I see others struggle in their relationships it breaks my heart. I am so relational and know that God put us all here for a purpose. The number one part of that being to serve Him. I just feel like life is too short to spend it struggling with the same issues over and over again. The effects of the past can not be carried into the future if we are ever to truly serve. This is where surrender comes to play.
I know that I need to surrender the things that are out of my control to Him....COMPLETELY. I want so badly for the world and each person in it to know how desperately God loves them and that it breaks His heart to see us struggle with the same issues over and over again. It is for freedom that Christ set us free....I choose not to be burdened. I will pray. I will pray with hope and belief but I will not let the struggles of others overcome me and the plans that He has for me. May you know today the love He has for you. May you understand that although it may be a daily struggle...He wants you to experience the joy and freedom that He has for you. May you choose to live a life of intention...through the struggles and through the abundance. We sang this song at church today and the words hit me hard:

All to Jesus I surrender;
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.
Refrain:
I surrender all,
I surrender all;
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.
All to Jesus I surrender;
Humbly at His feet I bow,
Worldly pleasures all forsaken;
Take me, Jesus, take me now.
All to Jesus I surrender;
Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
Let me feel the Holy Spirit,
Truly know that Thou art mine.
All to Jesus I surrender;
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power;
Let Thy blessing fall on me.
All to Jesus I surrender;
Now I feel the sacred flame.
Oh, the joy of full salvation!
Glory, glory, to His Name!