Free to Be

Today marks 1 year that my dear friend, Marianne Delcambre, passed from this life here on earth to life in eternity. It has brought much joy to my day today, as well as a few tears, as I've reflected back on the years I was privileged to call Marianne friend.  Marianne was one that could cause the darkest and dullest of atmospheres to come alive with love and laughter. To prove it, here are a few pics of her during our college years while living in our apartment... Yes, those are hair clips in her eyes! She was truly one of the most beautiful women I've ever known...inside & out.  Over the years she would cause me to laugh till my stomach hurt and would cry with me when I was brokenhearted.  In more recent years she was a confidant for me during the joys & trials of adulthood, ministry & parenting.  She understood my world & I understood hers.  Friends like that aren't always easy to come by.  She coined the term "bipolar express" for days

But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. Jeremiah 17:7 I read this verse this morning during my quiet time and it's just been rolling through my mind all day. It's easy to put our hope and confidence in things or people.  It requires faith on our part to trust in God, which is not always the easiest thing to do.  I've so been there! If you've read my past blog posts then you know some of my story.  In the past I've put my hope and confidence in a job or a person only to leave me disappointed, disillusioned and discouraged.  The Lord is the only one who has never failed me. He is the only one who knows what lies ahead and gives me a "future and a hope" (Jer. 29:11).  Maybe today you feel like you are in a dark place...you feel like there is no hope.  Your situation may look bleak.  Maybe you are putting your hope & trust in someone or something other than God.  Maybe you feel the only person you can