Reflections...

Last week my husband and I were in Chicago for a conference. As we sat emerged with fellow married youth workers I learned so much. I am a blessed woman, there is a very real and amazing call on my career life that I have yet to find, I have an incredible husband, and I am so lucky that his schedule is so flexible.

The church we attend now is not one I would have chosen previously. However, after being there for 2 months I have learned some wonderful things; that at the end of the day, church is about hearing God's words and truth and if I am not getting anything out of the service then it is a heart issue, there is a beauty in saying the doxology every Sunday, I have learned the goodness of stating "the grass withers and the flower fades but the word of our God lasts forever" after each time the scriptures are read, and that the body of Christ has more kindness, joy, and peace then any other group of people I have ever encountered, and I love getting to spend time with God each week. Sometimes I forget how great being in the presence of God is and I hate to admit that, but it's true.

Recently, a dear friend of mine passed. As I began to deal with his illness I found myself wanting to be brave, "strong" and to not cry. But this was a completely wrong attitude. Christ wept, he mourned the loss of his friends, and he encourages us to take from his strength in the hard times (Matthew 11:28-30). Where did our culture come up with this concept that being "strong" means to not embrace emotions, pain, stress, and sorrow? If one was walking through a forest and saw a blizzard to their left, would they be considered brave or strong if they ignored the blizzard and walked right past it? Or would the strength come from braving the blizzards and coming out okay? Strength is embracing the hard times, being honest with our emotions, and relying on Christ to carry us through. One of my favorite verses is found in Isaiah 45:3, "I will give you the treasures of darkness, hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that I, the LORD, God of Israel, has called you by name". Christ not only promises there will be hard times (John 16:33), not only offers his strength to us in these troubles, but he has precious jewels and treasures waiting for us on the other side. The Lord God of Israel has called us by name and we may rejoice!

These past two weeks have been full of growth and joy. I got to spend time with my two best friends, Cate and Jen. Cate-Each time I am with you I feel like our friendship grows miles. You are closer to me than almost anyone and I love you soo much. Thank you for being my bffff. I love you and I am SO proud of the woman you have becoming and are continuing to shape into. You are beautiful. Jen, I adore you so much. Your joy for life, your kind heart and your friendship to me mean so much and are so powerful. I always have the BEST time with you and i miss living with you!!! (Although I do love living with Sky). Gosh you are such a great friend and are my bestest friend. I love you Jenn thank you SO much for coming to visit me!!!


In conclusion, I HIGHLY recommend reading "Ocean Star" by Christina DiMari. It is an incredible story and deeply impacted me. My prayer is that I can find my calling and shine for Christ like she is. She is an incredible woman and I feel my journey is just beginning in feeling my calling on my life. Sure I have tons of passions and interests, but my prayer is that God points me in the direction he wants me to go that can bring Him glory and feed my passions as well.

:)