The Journey of Packing Up

This was my first official weekend in the process of dividing and packing up my stuff. I decided to take it easy on myself and start with the stacks of non-Africa bound belongings. I went through the real obvious toss out items I haven't looked at or used in over six months. That made it easy to say good-bye. I can't really miss something that I never really use. :)
So the process was not as painful as I thought it might be...but then again I really have so much left to do and I haven't touched the good stuff yet. But I started the journey of packing up and didn't shed one tear...yet.
I did find time to take a nap...not because I was physically or emotionally wiped out...I just love a Saturday afternoon nap. :)

Preparing to Leave

Tomorrow is Saturday. I have determined in my mind to spend a significant part of the day packing up and preparing my things for either storage or Africa. I'm already exhausted just thinking about it. I think I'll spend some time in prayer first...this job is going to take a lot and I'll need the Lord's help.
I don't like the idea of getting rid of my stuff. I don't own a whole lot but I have enough that it's too much to pack in a suitcase and take with me to Africa...how does a person get so much "stuff" in such a short amount of time...and it really isn't all that much stuff.
I think I'll find time to take a nap on Saturday. I'll probably be tired physically but even more emotionally. I wonder if I'll cry while I'm packing...I should probably write about it in my next blog entry, right? :)
I'll keep you posted.

Just Thinking About It All

It is Saturday morning and I have just written two long emails to friends that don't live in close proximity to me. I am telling them about my upcoming move to Africa and some of the details that are involved with that process. After sending those emails my mind begins to wander to what it will be like to leave so much that is comfortable and warm. I am not talking about house, bed, and food. My mind is thinking about family, friends and church. I know that I am blessed. I am surrounded by people that love me and who I love dearly. I go to a church where I am filled up and encouraged and where I am able to use the gifts the Lord has given me to bless others.
I have friends who speak truth to me and who love me even when I haven't been very lovable...oh boy, the grace they have shown. Thank God for grace. :)

I miss all of them already. Even though I have so much in my heart to reflect back on that warms my heart. I still miss them already.

My First of Many Entries

It is February and this is the beginning of my blog. I will be moving to Africa in July but I wanted to start now and journal my process all the way to Africa and then continue on once I get there.
This has been an exciting adventure already. I am challenged to trust the Lord at a deeper level...my faith is put to the test. I have the assurance from God's word that HE is faithful to finish what he has started in me.

The name of my blog is "My Devotion to You." It comes from one of my favorite Keith Green songs called "Dust to Dust." In that song he sings, "Make everyday a devotion to you." That is my prayer too.
While I prepare to move to Africa and after I get there it is my heart's desire that all I do would be as unto the Lord. It would be my devotion to Him.