So since I've received a couple subtle requests from an undisclosed individual (see what I did there?) for a post about the 4th of July, I guess I will share about the marvelous Independence Day I had one week ago. "Anonymous," this one's for you...
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." -Jeremiah 29:11
Many of us may be familiar with this promise from God regarding our plans for the future. The unknown path of our lives can often cause a lot of anxiety! But I was sure that my 4th of July in New York City this year would be very prosperous, indeed, because I HAD PLANS!
To give a little background info, God has been so faithful in providing me with a great new friend here in NYC from Hillsong church. Her name is Brittany and the best part is she goes to Point Park University, too! Can you believe it?! He works in crazy ways, I guess...
Brittany and her family have been extremely welcoming to me during my summer stay in the city, and they invited me to celebrate America's birthday with them in Long Island! I was so excited to join them, that I even went out and bought a blue plate so I could bring this little dish I prepared:
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| Fresh tomato, basil and mozz salad! |
I was literally chopping up some basil leaves when I receive a text from a Pittsburgh friend, Gabby, asking if I could video-chat later that afternoon. I let her know that I had to leave to go to Long Island soon, and before I knew it she was calling me asking, "How would you like to celebrate the 4th of July with ME?!"
SURPRISE!
I packed up that patriotic salad into some tupperwares and met Gabby and her cousin, Paige, for a fun filled day in the greatest city on Earth! |
| We enjoyed a nice picnic in Central Park.... |
Then we explored a little bit through Times Square, and I got to be their little tour guide! Eventually we took a subway down to my neck of the woods in the Financial District...
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| A visit to the 9/11 Memorial... |
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| ...Paige and I in front of the South Pool. |
It was only a mere seven hours that we got to spend together, but I was so thankful to have celebrated with Gabby and Paige. And even though I didn't get to share my latest "cooking masterpiece" with Brittany, it was evident the Lord had plans for me for that day! I had PLANS! I actually had to choose how I was going to spend my day that day! What a blessing! ...Sure beats wandering all alone in a huge city! (Although, sometimes I like that too...)Ultimately though, at the end of the day...at the end of the week (as I am writing this one week after this visit), the pictures are fun to look at and the memories were made, but it's the immeasurable love that shines through an eight hour round-trip, surprise visit that makes an eternal impact.
I am so blessed to have you in my life, Gabby!
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| "...bearing with one another in LOVE. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." -Ephesians 4:2-3 |
Using this in my club talk tonight. Great day.
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