Father God,

You never cease to amaze me. 2017 has been a year of adventures and unexpected surprises. Thanks for blessing me with the opportunity to go to Uganda, to explore your creation, meet your people, and make my world become larger than my familiar territory. And thank you for the beautiful souls that found themselves with me on that trip. Little did we know, we all needed each other in this season. Thanks for giving us technology and funds to continue these friendships to continue encouraging one another to "be of Good Courage" as Love Does.

And then, there was, Ryan.  It still blows my mind that you've counted me worthy to be a part of this man's life. He is brilliant and charming, but most of all he has a depth of heart that I respect and admire. He seeks you first and foremost.  God, I love him. I've never quite understood this depth of care for someone in quite this way. I want to give up everything, if it means that I would get to spend the rest of my days serving you alongside him.  Lord, the fears linger in the background but thanks for giving me peace in moving forward.  If nothing else, I know that even if the unforeseen would happen in our relationship, I don't doubt that the depth of my relationship with you would only grow in the midst of any adversities that could pop up.  Lord, I pray for Ryan. I pray that you give him discernment and wisdom as he thinks about the timeline for our future. It's in your hands God, and I happily release my clenched fists of timelines and milestones, and I let you dictate the path that this relationship should take.

Lord, I pray in this waiting of what is to come, that you would not let me run ahead of you.  Forgive me for the times when I move ahead without checking in on you. Be the pace setter of my heart. Prepare me to be the wife for Ryan that he needs me to be, so that we can both run relentlessly towards you.

I anticipate the months ahead to be full. Full of good and full of emotions.  God, would you help me keep perspective in the coming months. Help me to remember what is truly important and run after that.

I don't know what courage in you is going to require of me in the next year. I can imagine a little, but I don't think I can even grasp the magnitude of it at this point. But I will cling to you.

God, I pray for those who are lonely this season. I've known what that can feel like. I also know how amazing you are when we decide to pursue you relentlessly in the face of our loneliness.  Father, I pray for my friend Rita down the street. I don't know much about her but I pray for the opportunities while I still live here to get to know her heart.

Here's to what 2018 has to offer!

Audrey