a new journey

Well, today I am starting a new journey. A journey through the book of Esther. And I cannot even begin to tell you how excited I am. I KNOW that God is placing me right where I need to be. Hallelujah! It all started with the group lesson. As the speaker was telling us that God's name is not directly mentioned in this book and how this does not mean that God is not present. That there is as much to learn about God in a place where He does not make himself obvious as in a place where He does. That there are times God works through miracles...but there are times God works through individuals and the natural. So, as you can imagine, after hearing this I was already in tears by the time we broke to small groups. Thank goodness God placed me in a group of the most amazing women....I can already tell :) I didn't really know the women in there, but knew a couple of them through a very close mutual friend. I had been nervous for a few days before today about meeting my small group. So funny...I know... I love meeting new people and making new friends, but I KNEW we would have to go around and introduce ourselves and that inevitably everyone would be telling the group about their children. So, of course as soon as the first person started I was already in tears. Which I am sure scared them to death! Well, I made it through my turn and of course told them I had a son in August who went to be with our Lord in September. It still kills me every time I have to say those words. Simply kills me. But, I made it through. And I have to say, I just know that God has placed me with this wonderful group of women for a reason...just as He placed me in this study....and is guiding me through this journey. I absolutely love it when I can feel His presence and His word so clearly. Thank you God for holding me tight when I need it most. Thank you for working through my friends to bring me peace and uplift me when I am too weak. Thank you God for loving me despite my emotions...through all of my ups and through all of my downs. Thank you God for never leaving my side...even when I think you have.