The gift of letting go. . .

There doesn't seem to be a good way to start this blog so I'll just jump right in!
Yesterday was Christmas and I hope everyone had an amazing day spent with family and friends, fun new "toys" and relaxing from the craziness that leads up to the day. I also hope you had an opportunity to reflect on the true reason we celebrate and rejoice in the grace and mercy that we can enjoy that was made possible by the birth and death of our savior!
If you've followed my blog at all, I hope one thing you have taken away from it is how much God has been growing, stretching and teaching me through this World Race journey. Yesterday was no exception. My last blog touched on the revelation of just how independent God has showed me I can be, this week He has blessed me with the gift of peace for letting go of something I really, REALLY wanted to hold on to. The World Race.
Although finances definitely played a role in my decision, it is not the lack of funds that lead me to let go, as I know I serve the God who owns the cattle on a thousand hills and He can provide far beyond anything I may need. I struggled with losing/leaving the amazing family I have in Q sQuad but even in that God has shown His love and provision over the last few days in all of the texts, calls and messages I have received from them letting me know that World Race or not, they are still my family and I am forever grateful for that!
God has been amazing in giving me a real peace, one that surpasses all understanding (at least on my part!) in this decision. God has a plan for my life so much bigger than anything I could ever even dream of and I believe that every revelation in this process, every person He brought into my life and every situation I faced and overcame (I'm looking at you training camp!) are preparing me for what He has in store.
To everyone who partnered with me in this journey either through prayer, gear or financial support, thank you again! Rest assured that everything you gave did and will be used to build up and expand the kingdom of God with or without my involvement and God will bless your faithfulness to His calling.
I pray that you will continue to follow and pray for my God journey through my personal blog (as this one will soon be no more) which can be found at http://thebeautyandwonderwithin.blogspot.com/
Thank you again, I love you all!
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." ~ James 1:2
"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those that love him." ~James 1:12