MY LOVE LIFE: Psalm 23, 365 DAYS OF LOVE #268: HIKING & PRAYING

MEMORY VERSE: "Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had nearly slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from the burdens common to man; they are not plagued by human ills." Psalm 73:1-5

NOTES: ¹ The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

² He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
³ he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
   for his name’s sake.
⁴ Even though I walk
   through the darkest valley,^[a]
I will fear no evil,
   for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
   they comfort me.

⁵ You prepare a table before me
   in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
   my cup overflows.
⁶ Surely your goodness and love will follow me
   all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
   forever.

After hearing from multiple architects and friends of architects that being an architecture major is a lot of hard work, I was intimidated. What scared me the most wasn't that I would have to completely alter my perspective into that of an architect, or that it likely will be harder than anything I've previously encountered. Instead, I was most scared of the all-nighters and time commitment: I didn't want my major taking priority over my faith in college. I was scared that my faith would run dry if I had to spend too much time at the studio. It might sound silly, but that's something that I was concerned with, until I read God's word.
Upon reading this Psalm, I am even more comforted by the fact that it really is God who does things through me. If it is God's intent for me to become an architect, then He will give me the strength to do so, even if the rest of my class or team or group isn't Christian. And more often than not, I realize that my fears are often not of God, because those who abide in Him can "fear no evil". How awesome is it that God already has a perfect plan for me, and that all I have to do is trust in Him alone! Although I'll admit it is easier said than done.

ACT OF LOVE: Today, I went on a hike with my friends Amy and Danica for the purpose of God-centered fellowship. We went to Tarranea (?) and sat by the rocks along the shoreline of the beach, and just spent an hour or so worshipping. We began by singing some praises a capella, and then spent alongg time praying for each other and for the fellowship. It was a huge encouragement to all of us! And we got to see a magnificent sunset & took billions of pictures. GOD IS SO BEAUTIFUL.