Songs of Thanksgiving, Sounds of Rejoicing

Well, it's official! I've been living in Iowa City for about two weeks now.  Here are some apartment pictures! 

My room...

Our kitchen...

The living room ...

Yep! We live here! Oh, and maybe you were wondering, "Who's we?"

Meet my wonderful new Roomie, Miranda.  We're having lots of fun together. 

"From them will come songs of thanksgiving

    and the sound of rejoicing. 

I will add to their numbers, 

    and they will not be decreased; 

I will bring them honor, 

    and they will not be disdained." 

-Jeremiah 30:19 

That's a scripture that our Teaching Pastor, Jeff Thune, shared at our Salt Company Iowa City leader's retreat this past Monday and Tuesday.

Songs of thanksgiving, the sound of rejoicing---that's what's been echoing in my heart in the two weeks since I've moved in.  God has shown Himself to be incredibly faithful (imagine that!), and literally, each day I see another example of that truth.

New places, people, and routines are tricky at first, and I'm definitely experiencing that.  But, there's also an undercurrent to all of those feelings, a deeply rooted understanding-one that is growing and maturing with each new way I trust Him--that He is in complete control and that He is trustworthy.  Each morning as I wake up in a place that is becoming familiar, I find myself agreeing more confidently with David when he says, 

"Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; 

    you have made my lot secure. 

The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; 

    surely I have a delightful inheritance.  

I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; 

    even at night my heart instructs me. 

I have set the LORD always before me.  

    Because he is at my right hand, 

    I will not be shaken." 

[Psalm 16:5-8]

Thank you all so very much for your prayers.  Truly, you are such an important part of all that is going on in this place!