I Have a Hope

Hey guys! Wow, it's been a while since I've given out an update, and I apologize.
Good news! I am officially finished with high school!!!
I've been super busy with graduation ceremonies, and parties, but I think things are beginning to wind down.
While the numerous social events have taken a toll on my emotional stability, I am happy to say that I did better than I thought I would...much better in fact. This, of course, is a product of endless prayer, and help from the Lord.
Goodness! Just thinking back on all of the decadent desserts that accompanied every party, I'm shocked that no disasters occurred! I'm serious, these parties were loaded with all kinds of goodies that would have fit conveniently in my purse; yet I had my guardian angles all around me, shielding me from misfortune.

Before my graduation ceremony, I had one little freak-out. I had a song prepared to go along with a short, little speech. (Well, at least I thought I was prepared)
I was sure I had the lyrics down, but after running through the song with my accompanist, Lori, I couldn't remember the words for the life of me.
Not only that, I also forgot what I was going to share before I sang my song.
I scribbled the lyrics down and just stared at them.
I cant do this, I thought. There is no way I'm getting up on that stage.
Once the ceremony began, I sat in the audience with no intention of going up on stage. As I looked around, I saw all my family members and friends who were there to support me. I can't let them down, I thought.
I leaned over to my mom. "Mom, I have to sit in the car for a few minutes. I'll be back, I promise." My mom was hesitant at first, but she handed me the keys, and I quickly made my way towards my dad's jeep. I knew I had about 10 minutes before the highschool grads were called to walk down the isle.
I sat in the front seat of the jeep and prayed, did a few vocal warm ups, and prayed again. "God, walk with me down that isle; give me strength and courage; help me sing like I've never sang before; let me minister to others like others have ministered to me."
A peace came over me as I walked in to the lobby where the graduates were lined up, garbed in their graduation attire. I zipped up my gown and placed my cap on my head; we all had that look of excitement in our eyes- not nerves, just pure excitement. In just a few moments, we were all going to graduate!!!
Each of the graduates had a unique way of accepting their diploma. Some gave a touching speech, some made videos, and others played instruments. This had to be the most special graduation in the world!
The Lord gave me confidence as I shared about the cross I received for my 18th birthday. In bold letters, it says "Journey," and in smaller script are Jeremiah 29:11 and Psalm 32:8
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.
I will advise you and watch over you".
These verses tied in with my song. It's called "I Have a Hope," and it's a my declaration!
Here are the verses:
I have a hope, I have a future
I have a destiny that is yet awaiting me
My life’s not over, a new beginning’s just begun
I have a hope, I have this hope

God has a plan, it’s not to harm me
But it’s to prosper me and to hear me when I call
He intercedes for me, working all things for my good
Though trials may come I have this hope

Chorus
I will yet praise Him, my great Redeemer
I will yet stand up and give Him glory with my life
He takes my darkness and He turns it into light
I will yet praise Him, my Lord my God

My God is for me, He’s not against me
So tell me whom then, tell me whom then shall I fear
He has prepared for me
Great works He’ll help me to complete
I have a hope, I have this hope

Goodness and mercy, they’re gonna follow me
And I’ll forever dwell in the house of my great King
No eye has ever seen all He’s preparing there for me
Though trials may come, I have this hope

Bridge
There’s still hope for me today
‘Cause the God heaven loves me

I am so happy I was able to sing that song! When I practiced the song earlier, I felt like I was straining my voice. But during the ceremony, the notes were able to flow, and I could sing those words with meaning without having to worry about my voice cracking. That was totally a God thing!
People later came up to me saying "I've never heard you sing like that!" That's because I really have never been able to sing like that before- I felt the anointing of the Holy Spirit as I sang, and I felt the His presence throughout the rest of the night.

I am so thankful that the Lord gave me the strength to walk in victory these last few weeks. I got a call from Mercy Ministries this morning, and the application process is moving along smoothly. The Committee approved my application, and I am now on the waiting list to stay at one of the homes. My family and I are praying that the wait won't be too long or too difficult for me. There is hope for me yet.