About

As I sit here writing this, I have two more days until I report to court for sentencing. Maybe you wonder why on earth I would want to blog about the most difficult, embarrassing, shameful time of my life. Well, for lots of reasons, I guess. Two days ago my mother-in-law stumbled across another blog - one written by another currently incarcerated girl and her mother: www.jessicasoperationorange.com We have been looking for information about what to expect for months to no avail, until Wednesday. It was like God was handing us a little gift. Through email and a telephone call, Jessica's mom was able to help us prepare for all that is to come. I don't think she'll ever know what an incredible blessing she has been to me. I hope one day to tell her face to face. It makes me think that if she was able to use her journey to help me, maybe God will use my journey to help someone else. Jessica and her mom have taken what could have just been a tragic story and used it to become a blessing to others. (You really need to go check out her site - they are doing amazing things!) Truly, that is my greatest desire. I believe in a God who brings beauty from ashes. He is not content leaving hearts broken and lives shattered. So I wait with expectation to see what my Jesus will do. I am asking Him to heal what I have broken and use me again. At the beginning of this journey my former youth pastor told me that God doesn't waste our pain. Thank you Dennis - I desperately needed that reminder. I promise I won't waste it either. It is going to be more than o.k. Watch with me and see. Watch my God trade beauty for ashes.