God. Is. So. Good.

I've spent the past year church-hopping, trying to find the best fit for me in this ever-changing part of my life. I've spent all this time hoping I find a church I didn't mind going to or that I could bear; I never expected it to feel like home.

 I met Matt & April Elliot through the Domain, and they have taken over the Youth program at Good Shepherd Episcopal in Lexington. I got pushed into trying out their youth group - and fell in love. I loved the easy going, small atmosphere it provided with kids my own age. So this Sunday, I tried their 9AM Eucharist.

Beyond a shadow of a doubt, it feels like home. The small congregation, style of service and clergy welcomed me in the second I stepped inside. I've spent all this time hoping to find a force-fit when I never needed to have one in the first place; Good Shepherd fits like a glove :)
It felt like  the longest day of my life (as I'm sitting here writing this post about to fall asleep at 7:27PM..) but it was so worth it. I'm excited to see where the rest of this chapter takes me as a newbie-Episcopalian but I know this has been the "what's in store for me" for so long. I've found home. I've found where I'm supposed to be. 

I'm so thankful for everyone in my life who's had a hand in this step in my life. It's a new chapter, but an exciting one. 

All my love for a safe and wonderful week. Ash.

9/11 and Psalm 23

Although I was too young to fully remember 9/11 and tragic events that played out that day, I have come to understand the story and appreciate the heroes that embodied everything I hope to be on that day. Reflecting on that day, I decided to watch George W. Bush's presidential address the night of September 11th; at the end, Bush hopes and prays that the American people will be comforted by "a power greater than any of us, spoken through the ages" depicted in Psalm 23. 

¹ The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
²     He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
³     he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
    for his name’s sake.
⁴ Even though I walk
    through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.

⁵ You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
⁶ Surely your goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.

12 years later I still feel comforted and assured by these words. Today, I pray for the lives lost, the families changed, and the country broken on September 11th. Today, I'm thankful for our service men and women who put their lives at risk everyday to defend our country against terrorism. Today, I'm thankful to be American.

All my love, Ash.