Holly received her USFSP c/o 2020 tassel. Go Bulls.
“Can anyone hide from me in a secret place? Am I not everywhere in all the heavens and earth?” says the Lord. Jeremiah 23:24
Yep, that was the bible verse that I woke up to on the day we were moving our daughter to college. Appropriate to share with her? You bet! And…I reminded her that just because we don’t know what she’s up to, God does. (*wink*wink)
I am grateful that God is watching over and protecting Holly. I pray that she will have a God confidence in herself as she moves forward in this new adventure. I pray that Holly will cultivate new friendships and that they will keep each other accountable. I pray that she will develop a love for learning, be passionate about her studies, have a blast getting involved in campus life, and embrace all that USFSP has to offer.
“My God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. He is my refuge, my savior, the one who saves me from violence. I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies.” 2 Samuel 22:3-4
“Be strong. Take courage. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He’s right there with you. He won’t let you down; he won’t leave you.” Deuteronomy 31:6
As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. Proverbs 27:17
Wise people want to learn more, so they listen closely to gain knowledge. Proverbs 18:15
Her first day: (The photos tell the story)
- Get a “see ya later” hug from big bro.
- Love Marley, the family dog, bye.
- Load vehicle and head west.
- Have parents, younger brother, and nana and grandpa help move in to dorm.
- Pick up textbooks (even if one was the wrong one).
- Settle in to the dorm and meet new roomies.
- Receive “A Pocketful of Promises” book, like mom’s, for quick encouraging words from God.
- Parents head to the beach.
- Have a nice dinner on the water with parents.
- Watch the sunset while having toes in the sand on the beach (This momma needed the peaceful feeling of seeing the sunset on the beach.)
- Part ways.
Day Two:
- Have breakfast at The Hanger with parents.
- Receive tassel for the class of 2020 at convocation, with an awesome vocalist singing the National Anthem.
- Have photo taken with classmates by the bull.
- Last minute Publix trip before parents leave.
- Farewell hugs and yes tears until…just next weekend. (*smile*)
What a rollercoaster of emotions the past few weeks have been. I invested in waterproof mascara and tissues, and knee pads for praying knees (JK about the knee pads, but serious about the praying.)
Change often brings challenges and may (usually) take us out of our comfort zones, but when we fully rely on God each step of the way, there will be victory in the end. It’s my desire for Holly step out in faith, face those challenges head on with confidence, and always look to God for guidance.
We have troubles all around us, but we are not defeated. We often don’t know what to do, but we don’t give up. We are persecuted, but God does not leave us. We are hurt sometimes, but we are not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
Praying for all you parents and newly-college-bound-kiddos. Trust in the Lord.
