IT'S A CELEBRATE!!

I am so excited to have made it to my 100th post!!  I've paused and stopped writing so many times there were days I didn't believe it would come.  So since this is my 100th post I figured I'd just take a moment to keep it 100 and hope to encourage someone in the process.

For those who don't know, this place I'm in right  now is completely new for me.  At the leading and directing of the Lord, I packed up everything I own (after giving, donating, and selling a lot) and moved about 12 hours from home.  It might not seem like a big deal to some, but I am a people person so my family and my friends are where I draw energy from.  I spent time with my babies every chance I got, hung out with friends all the time, lived close to my family pretty much my whole life.  So being alone, 12 hours away, and not a familiar face in sight is quite an adjustment for me.  I know  it takes time to meet people and make friends when you move to a new place so I'm not worried.  A little frustrated maybe, but  not worried.

I'm also in the midst of job searching and looking for a new church home. Fun times!  It's been interesting visiting new churches and feeling out the spiritual climate of the city but I haven't found a home yet.  I know I'm here to plant, but in the mean time I need to be fed and poured into as well.  So far the messages have all been about making it through the wilderness so I guess I'm passing through.  I've been in Daytona for about a month and a half and I think I've spent more time counseling, ministering,  and putting out fires from multiple states than I have anything.  I've also been writing and trying to stay consistent with blogging, sending out my weekly messages and running things for Loved Right from here in FL.  So basically, ministry is my full time job at the moment. I'm fine with it, but at the same time there's that little countdown clock in the back of my head saying ok, you know you've got this much money which will run out in x amount of months... I can't worry.. I trust that God will continue to supply just like He's always done.

I had the chance to meet one of my neighbors today and like many others he questioned me moving alone, not being married, and was shocked that I am single... Listen Linda, Look it, but Linda Honey... I'm just as shocked as you! LOL  I thought I would have been snatched up by now too but alas... I'm still waiting to be found I guess. Honestly, I just can't handle a lot of foolishness and I refuse to settle for less than God's best for my life.  I would love to be married, dating, or have a prospect but for now, I'm ok with knowing He's on the way.  I know what God promised me and I'm still standing on it.  Plus dating is the PITS!!  I'll continue to take myself out on fabulous dates until the right one comes along... I'm great company! LOL

While I'm on the subject of 100, let me just admit that it's been a lot harder being away from everyone than I thought it would be.  I tried to prepare myself mentally and knew I would be in that awkward newbie phase for a while but this right here... THIS RIGHT HERE.... I was so not prepared for!  This is the first time I've ever had to do everything alone.  I've always been ok with spending time alone, and actually love it, when it's my choice.  It gets old real quick.  I'm thankful for unlimited calls, wi-fi, Facebook, and video calling (that's bae).  I miss being able to go fall asleep on my granny's couch, taking my shinkamama to school, and having little faces and arms run at me full speed for hugs when I walk into the house.  I miss movie dates with Motha & Roskina,  going to the Den of the Lotus eaters (Mae's & Cina's houses), I miss my mom coming and falling asleep on my couch, I miss boo dates, going to my Aunt Carol's house to eat fried chicken, kickin it with my Daniella & baby Hollis, and connect group ladies, and did I say I miss my babies??  Le Sigh..

Even though I miss home and I'm in this strange awkward wilderness place right now, I know that this is the path to the promised land.  When God told Abram to go, He blessed him so amazingly that we're still fulfilling that promise today... The children of Israel had to go through some things in the wilderness and even Jesus had a wilderness experience.  So if you find yourself traveling through, just remember that the promised land is up ahead.  Even if you can't see it from where you are on the road right now... sometimes you have to be like Zacchaeus and change your position to gain a better perspective. Preach to yourself Chaconna.. I'm doing the best I can I tell ya!!

The difference in me & Zacchaeus is that he went up in the tree so he could see Jesus.  I'm going down on my face, I'm putting my nose in the book, lifting my hands, and opening my mouth in praise.  I didn't say all of this to complain because I love my new home.  God has truly blessed me and provided.  Where He sends, He provides, so in His time, the job, friends, husband and church will come.. I just wanted to be transparent and help somebody else who may be in this place or heading into this place.  Change and transition are not easy, but when you're in the right position and have the right posture you can't do anything but win.

The tribe of Judah won many battles without ever physically fighting.. all because they had the right posture (praise) and allowed God to put them in position.  I  pray that you would do the same.  If you've been wrestling with some crazy instructions God gave you, go for it!  Take a leap on faith (and wisdom) and go after everything he promised!  You'll touch and inspire someone else just by taking the first step out...