"Grow Where You're Planted"

As Christians we often "tell" God where we feel we are most usable. "If you give me this job, at this specific place, with this amount of money, then God, I will do the work You have called me to do." It's funny how many times, when I honestly reflect on my heart and my own attitude, that I have told God that very same thing. "If this happens God, then I will ________..." It is like we reason with God and make "deals" with Him, as if WE are the ones who are in control.
A very kind and special woman gave Brock and I the best advice..."Grow where you are planted." Often times it's as if we are a plant, and we are the ones giving the perfect conditions that will help us grow perfect, strong, and beautiful. (In His glorious image, of course.) But for the best results, we need to stray away from our selfish nature and allow God to give us HIS perfect conditions for our growth. This whole time I thought: "Sun, sand, and the beaches of Florida are the perfect conditions for my glorious growth for God." In God's perfect plan, He is planting me far away from my ideal conditions, where I am far away from my comforts (family and friends); that way, my only comfort will be Him. And that is the only perfect way to grow where I am planted.
When I heard about the possibilities on Milan, my original, and very immature reaction, was to go and pout because this was against MY plan. I laugh now when I think about it. "Pouting in Italy!" hahaha I thought the perfect recipe for a beautiful and confident, successful and happy, and Holy and motivated Lauren, on fire for Christ was MY conditions for a "comfortable" life. I've realized that being uncomfortable allows God to become my security blanket. It also allows me to reflect on the comforts; sometimes unusual ones, that He gives me. My husband, this blog, pictures,communication with family and friends, and who knows, maybe a new friend in Italy; these things, these people, will allow me to grow into a better woman, friend, and wife in Christ's image.

Thank you all our friends and family who continue to motivate and support Brock and I during this very exciting and somewhat "uncomfortable" time. We love you.