What a Friend I've Found

I'm feeling really homesick today.  I miss my friends and fam...their hugs, laughter, being "known".  But the LORD taught me a valuable lesson over the summer at JH Ranch that I am quick to remember these days: Jesus loves me...and His friendship is enough.  When I feel the pangs of loneliness and the lack of rich community, I remember that Jesus is my Friend (not to be confused with the ridiculous song by Sonseed, thank you very much!) ;)  But truly...He satisfies my soul and comforts my core.  He loves me, He loves me, He loves me.  He is enough.  There are still tears...but my heart is held by a compassionate and loving Father...and Friend.

What a friend I've found

Closer than a brother
I have felt your touch
More intimate than lovers

Jesus, Jesus
Jesus, friend forever

What a hope I've found
More faithful than a mother
It would break my heart
To ever lose each other

Written by Martin Smith ©1996 Curious? Music UK

Ten in Tennessee

Well...I've officially been a Tennesseean for 10 days now.  Wooh!!  I'm enjoying myself.  I have 2 wonderful roommates (Ashley & Bethany), we live in a great part of town (10 minutes from downtown Nashville), and the sun shines here (no offense, Portlanders).  I am currently infatuated with the opportunity to listen to live music every day of the week, if I so desired (and believe me...I do so desire!!)  and I've already met some wonderful people who have shown me ridiculous amounts of kindness, helping curb the "sickness" I feel for my forever Home (Portland, OR) and my dear friends who I miss terribly.

I don't have a typical day yet.  I've mostly been gettin' all my stuff switched over to Tennessee (address, residency, bank, etc), getting to know my roommates, exploring the area & tryin' to find a jobby-job.  I look forward to building relationships, getting plugged in to the music world and seeing what opportunities exist for me to sing for the glory of God.  Every day is an Adventure!!  Sincerely!

Hey...I had a funny experience after church last Sunday.  I met up with a new friend at the Mall, and as we were talking, he spotted Robert Plant (lead singer of Led Zeppelin).  I immediately called my pastor from Portland (who is a die-hard fan) to tell him the great news...and then promptly approached Mr. Plant to ask for a photo.  Because of my behavior, I have now been tagged as a "tourist."  I have no shame ;)

Robert Plant & Amber Dawn

So...if I were to sum up these past 10 days in 3 words, it would be:

God is Good.

He is such a good Dad.  I catch myself thanking Him frequently for taking such good care of me in this transition.  He has been gracious and tender towards me, taking care of all my needs, like a Daddy takes care of His little girl.  I feel secure & cared for.

* for those of you Bible Study Methods students, the repeated word in the text is "care".  Hmm...seems the author is trying to relay an important message about God's CAREacter ;)

As each day comes & goes, I see the LORD's hand in the smallest details.  It's fun to watch for it because it comes, like clockwork, every single day.  And I see very clearly how the LORD has prepared me for this.  It's exciting...and I thank Him.

My prayer this week (thanks to Tim Hughes) has been:

"LORD, will You be my Vision?  LORD, will You be my Guide?  Be my Hope, be my Light, and The Way?"

He has been...and He will continue to be.  God is faithful.  I love Him...and I trust Him.

Thanks for joining me on the Journey!!

The Arrival

I just wanted to let y'all know that...I'm here!!  Cheree & I arrived in Nashville, TN around 5:30pm this evening.  I met my roomies (they're GREAT!) and we all went out to dinner.  I've just been gettin' my room set up & trying to believe that I actually live here.  Cheree & I feel  like we're at camp.  Hahaaa! :)

Anyway...thank you for your prayers.  The LORD has been so good & faithful...and He will continue to be.  That's just who He is.

I will write more once I've got a few days in Nashville under my belt :)