This week was a full one.

Aside from enjoying dinner outside, making waffles, hosting bible study at our house…. I supported two sweet friends of mine for their high school AP Art Show, got a speeding ticket that was then changed to a warning (thank you, Lord), went shopping for a new mailbox (the old one pictured above), and rejoiced at being another month married.

This week was also one of a lot of prayer. There was a horrible multiple-car accident that killed five Georgia Southern nursing students. I only know two of them by name, but I have many dear friends who were close to one, if not all, of the girls. Events like this don’t make any sense. My heart hurts for the families of these five women. I cry out to God to surround any heart who is struggling, any heart that’s breaking, any heart that is reaching out for hope. Georgia Southern has come together like a family, praying and comforting. God is in their midst, God is with us always. (The image below was taken from Georgia Southern’s Facebook page).

I pray that people come to truly know Him through this tragedy. I pray that believers in the area will speak life and hope and comfort with confidence. I pray that in the midst of all the sorrow, God will be near.

God, please be near. God, breathe hope. God, heal hearts. God, hold together.

The church I was involved in while in college posted this a day or two ago, How To Respond To The Worst News Ever.

Friends and family are weighed down by sadness and confusion, and God is present to hold them just as they are. But there is also joy in knowing they are with Jesus now. While it may seem absurd to us right now, we have to try, with every ounce of our human strength, to remember that He has a plan. He is a good, loving God, and He is not surprised by this.

One of my best friends is a nursing student at Georgia Southern, and she shared her heart here.

Thank you, God, for your Presence in every second of our day.

“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8