It's been a while since updating my blog. (And, at 11:30pm, it's probably not a very good time to try to do so...)
It feels like the more I try not to think about the fact that I'm single, the more anxious and impatient I become. I know I'm only twenty. I know that most people like to remind me of that quite frequently, even though I really dislike it. I know that I have time, and I'm not doubting that for a second. It's just that it all feels so very hopeless. Could he really be out there? Is there really a man that wants the same thing in life that I do? Could there ever be someone so specific?
A lot of people say to make lists, to pray for specifics, to make vows, to do this, to do that... but it's not really that necessary. A list isn't going to bring you the man of your dreams, and praying about it doesn't make a whole lot of sense because God knows what is better for us than we do. The more I pray about it..the more I just think and dwell on it. It may be better for me not to pray about it. ;-)
The things I long for and feel ready for... coming home to make dinner, chat about the day, read a good book together, pray together, volunteer together, connect with others. . . Share in the same dreams and visions for the future the Lord is planning for us. I know it's totally not necessary to be married and do huge things for the Lord. And, I'm all down with that. But at this point in my heart and life, I ache for it. I'm not unhappy alone, or mad, or sad... just ready. At least that's what my heart says.
Another ridiculous point is that I have virtually NO time to put into a relationship. Maybe that's why God hasn't sent him yet. He knows I'm busy... yeah, I'll keep telling myself that. Lol. I can be impatient, but the truth remains that God's timing is best. (Elizabeth said that is what the sermon was on tonight. Too bad I had to be at clinicals.) He knows what I need way more than I do. God wants me to get where He wants me to go way more than I want to get where He wants me to go. And, I must cling to that.
I have so much more I could/want to say.... but I won't.
Goodnight, loves.
xoxo
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Cutting the cord, because I CAN.
When I think about the possibilities... oh my goodness, adulthood is SO exciting! Independence is thrilling! Responsibility is s-c-a-r-y! :) But, I'm so amped that after May, 2009, I will be my own person. I will be making my own money. I will be living independently. No more feeling like I need permission to do things. I am cutting the cord and clinging to the Lord. :-) It is gonna feel soooo good! If I want to up and drive across the United States, I can SO do that. If I want to hop on a plane and fly to CA, I SO CAN. If I want to buy a car, I CAN. If I want to give my money away, I CAN. If I want to say, "No!" I CAN. , I can taste the sweetness now! And it tastes GOOD!
St. John's hospital here isn't hiring very well, which I knew was going to become a very real possibility. So, I must be open to new opportunities. At first, getting used to leaving Mountain View was a slight challenge (okay, so there really wasn't a challenge there at all). But, I enjoy Springfield. But, I want a job more. So although the idea of leaving Springfield is a little scary (okay, really scary), I bet I could manage. I'm so NOT good at meeting new people, but I would so make it.
I have no idea what the Lord has in store. One thing for sure, I will follow Him. If He wants me to stay here, I trust He will provide me a job. But if He wants me to leave, I will go boldly, confidently, powerfully in the Spirit, and faithfully!
(And, a cool thing: I will make this decision with God's help. I will not make what others feel is the best decision. <- This is awesome.)
God, You are SO cool!
-Kayla
St. John's hospital here isn't hiring very well, which I knew was going to become a very real possibility. So, I must be open to new opportunities. At first, getting used to leaving Mountain View was a slight challenge (okay, so there really wasn't a challenge there at all). But, I enjoy Springfield. But, I want a job more. So although the idea of leaving Springfield is a little scary (okay, really scary), I bet I could manage. I'm so NOT good at meeting new people, but I would so make it.
I have no idea what the Lord has in store. One thing for sure, I will follow Him. If He wants me to stay here, I trust He will provide me a job. But if He wants me to leave, I will go boldly, confidently, powerfully in the Spirit, and faithfully!
(And, a cool thing: I will make this decision with God's help. I will not make what others feel is the best decision. <- This is awesome.)
God, You are SO cool!
-Kayla
Thursday, November 12, 2009
I don't want anything for Christmas...
God is SO good. I am so grateful to be allowed in His presence. His presence definitely wasn't always this accessible. How blessed we are!
I am so thankful for those that the Lord has placed me around to teach, lead, and guide me. I am thankful for learning different parenting skills, marriage skills, leadership skills, servanthood skills, how to LOVE the Lord no matter what you go through. How to praise Him in the storm. I am SO blessed!
I'm still waiting. Several times I've been tempted to change the name of my blog from, "Kayla's Journey to Haiti" to something less specific. Not a whole lot has changed from simply being called to aid the country and now I feel it could be years before even getting to set foot on the territory. Nevertheless, I am headed there and I will get there sometime. In this season of waiting, I will rest and be refreshed by the Lord. I will learn during this time. I will gain experience in the field of medicine, and I will reach local people. I LOVE people.
I LOVE people a lot. There's one thing that angers me a lot; When people hurt other people purposefully. I genuinely have a heart for those that are hurting. God has blessed me with a strong desire to see people live in the knowledge that they are loved, that they have a blessed future in the Lord, and that they are a child of the KING. That they have potential and that they can be healed. I never want to lose this feeling of wanting so badly to just help the needy. After all, there have definitely been times when I remember my family qualifying in the 'needy' category. So many people rose up and helped us. I remember distinctly one time coming home after church and our kitchen table was full of groceries, and the refrigerator and freezer was full. I remember as a young kid how much I was blessed with food I liked. And, I can't tell you how many times a close friend or family member has filled up my gas tank while I've been struggling in college. There's nothing wrong in needing some help from time to time for extended periods of time. It's just important that when you are back on your feet, you give back like you were blessed/more than you were blessed.
I've decided I pretty much don't want anything for Christmas. If anyone was actually going to spend money on me, I would want to save it and put it back to either A)give it to someone who needs it or B) put it in a missions account to save to go do work to help, still. I can't wait until I have the finances to bless other people with. To be able to do that would bless my heart so much! Yay, I get so excited just thinking about the possibilities! :-D
I MUST get rest. My eyes are BURNING. :)
Night!
xoxo
I am so thankful for those that the Lord has placed me around to teach, lead, and guide me. I am thankful for learning different parenting skills, marriage skills, leadership skills, servanthood skills, how to LOVE the Lord no matter what you go through. How to praise Him in the storm. I am SO blessed!
I'm still waiting. Several times I've been tempted to change the name of my blog from, "Kayla's Journey to Haiti" to something less specific. Not a whole lot has changed from simply being called to aid the country and now I feel it could be years before even getting to set foot on the territory. Nevertheless, I am headed there and I will get there sometime. In this season of waiting, I will rest and be refreshed by the Lord. I will learn during this time. I will gain experience in the field of medicine, and I will reach local people. I LOVE people.
I LOVE people a lot. There's one thing that angers me a lot; When people hurt other people purposefully. I genuinely have a heart for those that are hurting. God has blessed me with a strong desire to see people live in the knowledge that they are loved, that they have a blessed future in the Lord, and that they are a child of the KING. That they have potential and that they can be healed. I never want to lose this feeling of wanting so badly to just help the needy. After all, there have definitely been times when I remember my family qualifying in the 'needy' category. So many people rose up and helped us. I remember distinctly one time coming home after church and our kitchen table was full of groceries, and the refrigerator and freezer was full. I remember as a young kid how much I was blessed with food I liked. And, I can't tell you how many times a close friend or family member has filled up my gas tank while I've been struggling in college. There's nothing wrong in needing some help from time to time for extended periods of time. It's just important that when you are back on your feet, you give back like you were blessed/more than you were blessed.
I've decided I pretty much don't want anything for Christmas. If anyone was actually going to spend money on me, I would want to save it and put it back to either A)give it to someone who needs it or B) put it in a missions account to save to go do work to help, still. I can't wait until I have the finances to bless other people with. To be able to do that would bless my heart so much! Yay, I get so excited just thinking about the possibilities! :-D
I MUST get rest. My eyes are BURNING. :)
Night!
xoxo
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Resting
This past week I have been making it priority to find rest in the Lord. I love to worship the Lord. It is a passion of mine that I have had since I was 12 years old. It was at that age (8 years ago), I knew the Lord was training me to be a worshiper. We are all to worship, and give Him praise for what He is doing in our lives. I find comfort in knowing that even when I don't see all the answers in front of me, God is in control. I love knowing that this little world we live in is nothing compared to all that goes on in the Heavenly realm. I love this verse, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Eph. 6:12). I love it because it signifies something so much greater than ourselves. So much greater than our everyday work lives, our school life, our church life. It shows me that we live in a sort of matrix world. Where adventure and excitement occurs. Where warriors of God and princesses of the King live. Where the Lord is watching over us all the time, and although tough situations can throw us for a loop, the TRUTH is that He never leaves our side. The TRUTH is that He loves us!
I've switched up a portion of my worship routine at church even. I remember how it felt to lead worship and see some sitting down reading a book, or staring at the church bulletin (yes, we're not oblivious) and I remember feeling as if I had failed at leading the people of God into the heart of worship. I wrapped my mind around routine; Stand up, raise your hands, love the Lord your God. But it became just that, routine. Even as I stand in the crowd. Don't get me wrong, when I stand and raise my hands and sing with all of my might, I most definitely am praising the most high King with ALL my energy, but sometimes I think God invites us into His presence to sit and become refreshed and renewed so that we can impart peace and comfort to others. Agree? Last Wednesday night, during the last worship song, I sat down in my chair, leaned my head back, closed my eyes, and sang to the Lord from my heart of hearts. And what a beautiful picture the Spirit painted in my heart of the Lord. He is so worthy to be praised, Amen? I'm sure I looked odd to those around me.
During my continued time of rest, God has been restoring my heart. Building me to be a Warrior Princess, strong and elegant. Able to fight and able to heal by His power. Filling me with hope for the future. Filling me with a desire to restore broken hearts. Preparing me to heal using prayer and medicine. Pouring out a favor so sweet I can taste it on my lips. Training me, using me, loving me. And all the glory goes to Him.
I will overcome this world because I have the Overcomer living in my heart. I will defeat the darkness because I have the Light to shine radiantly from my face. I will defeat my enemy because I have donned the full armor of God. I will live because He came so that I may have life more abundant. I will fight for what He wants until the end of my day. I will rise up. I will.
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,
15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
I've switched up a portion of my worship routine at church even. I remember how it felt to lead worship and see some sitting down reading a book, or staring at the church bulletin (yes, we're not oblivious) and I remember feeling as if I had failed at leading the people of God into the heart of worship. I wrapped my mind around routine; Stand up, raise your hands, love the Lord your God. But it became just that, routine. Even as I stand in the crowd. Don't get me wrong, when I stand and raise my hands and sing with all of my might, I most definitely am praising the most high King with ALL my energy, but sometimes I think God invites us into His presence to sit and become refreshed and renewed so that we can impart peace and comfort to others. Agree? Last Wednesday night, during the last worship song, I sat down in my chair, leaned my head back, closed my eyes, and sang to the Lord from my heart of hearts. And what a beautiful picture the Spirit painted in my heart of the Lord. He is so worthy to be praised, Amen? I'm sure I looked odd to those around me.
During my continued time of rest, God has been restoring my heart. Building me to be a Warrior Princess, strong and elegant. Able to fight and able to heal by His power. Filling me with hope for the future. Filling me with a desire to restore broken hearts. Preparing me to heal using prayer and medicine. Pouring out a favor so sweet I can taste it on my lips. Training me, using me, loving me. And all the glory goes to Him.
I will overcome this world because I have the Overcomer living in my heart. I will defeat the darkness because I have the Light to shine radiantly from my face. I will defeat my enemy because I have donned the full armor of God. I will live because He came so that I may have life more abundant. I will fight for what He wants until the end of my day. I will rise up. I will.
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,
15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
19Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,
20for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Perfect timing. . .
Lie down in green pastures of Peace. Learn to unwind whenever possible, resting in the Presence of your Shepherd. This electronic age keeps My children "wired" much of the time, too tense to find Me in the midst of their moments. I built into your very being the need for rest. How twisted the world has become when people feel guilty about meeting this basic need! How much time and energy they waste by being always on the go, rather than taking time to seek My direction for their lives.
I have called you to walk with Me down paths of Peace. I want you to blaze a trail for others who desire to live in My peaceful Presence. I have chosen you less for your strengths than for your weaknesses, which amplify your need for Me. Depend on Me more and more, and I will shower Peace on all your paths.
-Sarah Young
This is evidence of God's handiwork. On October 24th, I was just very tired, and feeling very out of Peace. I'm sure you know how that feels. Anyway, if this encourages/strengthens anyone else out there, it's totally worth posting.
xoxo
I have called you to walk with Me down paths of Peace. I want you to blaze a trail for others who desire to live in My peaceful Presence. I have chosen you less for your strengths than for your weaknesses, which amplify your need for Me. Depend on Me more and more, and I will shower Peace on all your paths.
-Sarah Young
This is evidence of God's handiwork. On October 24th, I was just very tired, and feeling very out of Peace. I'm sure you know how that feels. Anyway, if this encourages/strengthens anyone else out there, it's totally worth posting.
xoxo
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Devotion
October 21
To live in My presence consistently, you must expose and expel your rebellious tendencies. When something interferes with your plans or desires, you tend to resent the interference. Try to become aware of each resentment, however petty it may seem. Don't push those unpleasant feelings down; instead, let them come to the surface where you can deal with them. Ask My Spirit to increase your awareness of resentful feelings. Bring them boldly into the Light of My Presence, so that I can free you from them.
The ultimate solution to rebellious tendencies is submission to My authority over you. Intellectually you rejoice in My sovereignty, without which the world would be a terrifying place. But when my sovereign will encroaches on your little domain of control, you often react with telltale resentment. (italics mine.)
The best response to losses or thwarted hopes is praise: The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord. Remember that all good things- your possessions, your family and friends, your health and abilities, your time- are gifts from Me. Instead of feeling entitled to all these blessings, respond to them with gratitude. Be prepared to let go of anything I take from you, but never let go of My hand!
Psalm 139:23-24, "Search me thoroughly, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there is any wicked or hurtful way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
1 Peter 5:6, "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you."
I always enjoy reading these mini devotions out of Sarah Young's book Jesus Calling. They always challenge me to view the Lord a little differently. She set out to write down what the Lord spoke to her heart for a solid year. And these mini devotions are what He spoke to her. When I read these, it's like the Lord's presence is flowing right off the pages and words in the book. I am so thankful for God's faithfulness and His riches in mercy and grace.
One thing I realized while I was in El Salvador is that when the Lord is speaking to my heart, I know how intimate His presence is in me. At first, you just want to be able to share the words He pours into your heart with the nationals, but a guy on our team, Levi, made a very excellent statement. He said, "When God is speaking to our hearts in our language, He is also speaking to their hearts in their own language." Simple statement, but if you meditate on that, how incredibly powerful is it?
It was literally a moment where you could understand for a few seconds how 'everywhere' the Lord is. He is not just with you, or in your town, or state. Not even just in your own country. He is as intimate with a person in Sri Lanka RIGHT NOW as He is in you. That, my friends, is incredible, unexplainable, powerful, and straight up truth.
I italicized a sentence in the devotional that really made me think. When God's Holy Spirit encroaches on my little domain. . . I never want to respond with even a hint of resentment or rebellion.
God, create in me a clean and pure heart. Renew my spirit to be in tune with Yours. Open my eyes to the things around me and help me be open to the leading of Your Spirit. Speak to me through the sun, flowers, and rain. Extend my territory so that I may reach others and use my voice, mind, and body to pour into others your living truth. Thank You for Your chastisement. Thank You for loving me. So much so, that You would place a check in my spirit when You want me to learn something new or change something old. Oh, how I love You. ~Amen
xoxo
To live in My presence consistently, you must expose and expel your rebellious tendencies. When something interferes with your plans or desires, you tend to resent the interference. Try to become aware of each resentment, however petty it may seem. Don't push those unpleasant feelings down; instead, let them come to the surface where you can deal with them. Ask My Spirit to increase your awareness of resentful feelings. Bring them boldly into the Light of My Presence, so that I can free you from them.
The ultimate solution to rebellious tendencies is submission to My authority over you. Intellectually you rejoice in My sovereignty, without which the world would be a terrifying place. But when my sovereign will encroaches on your little domain of control, you often react with telltale resentment. (italics mine.)
The best response to losses or thwarted hopes is praise: The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord. Remember that all good things- your possessions, your family and friends, your health and abilities, your time- are gifts from Me. Instead of feeling entitled to all these blessings, respond to them with gratitude. Be prepared to let go of anything I take from you, but never let go of My hand!
Psalm 139:23-24, "Search me thoroughly, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there is any wicked or hurtful way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
1 Peter 5:6, "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you."
I always enjoy reading these mini devotions out of Sarah Young's book Jesus Calling. They always challenge me to view the Lord a little differently. She set out to write down what the Lord spoke to her heart for a solid year. And these mini devotions are what He spoke to her. When I read these, it's like the Lord's presence is flowing right off the pages and words in the book. I am so thankful for God's faithfulness and His riches in mercy and grace.
One thing I realized while I was in El Salvador is that when the Lord is speaking to my heart, I know how intimate His presence is in me. At first, you just want to be able to share the words He pours into your heart with the nationals, but a guy on our team, Levi, made a very excellent statement. He said, "When God is speaking to our hearts in our language, He is also speaking to their hearts in their own language." Simple statement, but if you meditate on that, how incredibly powerful is it?
It was literally a moment where you could understand for a few seconds how 'everywhere' the Lord is. He is not just with you, or in your town, or state. Not even just in your own country. He is as intimate with a person in Sri Lanka RIGHT NOW as He is in you. That, my friends, is incredible, unexplainable, powerful, and straight up truth.
I italicized a sentence in the devotional that really made me think. When God's Holy Spirit encroaches on my little domain. . . I never want to respond with even a hint of resentment or rebellion.
God, create in me a clean and pure heart. Renew my spirit to be in tune with Yours. Open my eyes to the things around me and help me be open to the leading of Your Spirit. Speak to me through the sun, flowers, and rain. Extend my territory so that I may reach others and use my voice, mind, and body to pour into others your living truth. Thank You for Your chastisement. Thank You for loving me. So much so, that You would place a check in my spirit when You want me to learn something new or change something old. Oh, how I love You. ~Amen
xoxo
Sunday, October 11, 2009
It truly is ALL about Him
This morning, (early afternoon), I am still laying in bed. It's so cold in my parent's house right now, and I don't have the strength to fight the chills! ;-) I've been meaning to update my blog, too. I've been playing catch up reading everyone else's, and it made me realize that I just really need to let people know what the latest is in my life.
School! Oh my goodness, I never ever realized how much time my school would demand from me. I thought the farther along I got in Nursing School, the easier it would be to manage my time. But, I was deceived. Nah, It is going okay. I am really struggling with my main nursing content right now. I'm praying for more diligence and wisdom in spending my time so I can really focus on studying. I am also praying for a better attitude about studying. The Lord called me to be a nurse. I am doing this for Him, and thanking Him for my personal love for the well being of health for others. I am also making a major lifestyle change so that I, myself, may be in better health very soon.
Church! I struggled there for a while about whether to return to James River in Springfield, MO after I returned from El Salvador. I was hindered by how small I was and how little I could do in such a huge church. But then God opened my eyes through a single picture from the country of Haiti, and He spoke to my spirit, "This is exactly were I want you to be. I have placed you here for a purpose. You are part of this puzzle for Haiti at James River Church." So I stayed, and blogged about it entitled, "I'm staying" so check it out! I've been working alongside Pastor Scotty and Casey Gibbon's family to help with childcare and anything else they need. I'm very blessed to have been placed by God to offer some of my talents and giftings to them.
Free-time! I live with a family of 6. A type of boarding, if you will. I've known them since I was very young, and they are very hospitable. It's becoming easier to say "no" to the children when indeed I feel like saying "no." I'm a people pleaser and saying no to anyone is extremely difficult for me. Especially to the people that mean the most to me in the whole world. This is a problem I have been working on. Because, sometimes saying yes to things requires me to back out on things I have committed to, or become very stressed because I cannot manage my time efficiently between everyone. But I really enjoy hanging out with my Life Groupers, and hitting the coffee house every now and then. Caramel Macchiatos...mmmm! So bad for me! :-(
Holiday letter/Newsletter will go out over the course of the next few weeks. I am putting together a little something that will say to many that read this and keep up with my life a very sincere Thank You and a short summary of what going to New Orleans and El Salvador did for the residents that live there because of your generosity and prayerful attitude in sending me to be Christ's hands and feet. It will also include updates about the future and my long term plan. (Not that it is a set plan, because everything is totally in God's hands, and we all know how He is best at tweaking our plans to make them soooo much better.)
Most currently: Please be in prayer for this: About a year ago, when God began to visibly transform every step of my life in front of my very eyes, a small seed was planted in my heart by what I believe was most indeed the Holy Spirit. I had a very strong urge to write down what was happening, and I did. But, I also felt like I am to write about it so that others may be inspired at a young age to follow their heart and act on what God puts in their heart. I also want to incorporate our in between years for girls. Ya know, the years I am going through right now. Those out-of-high-school-in-college-single-girl years. I think God may have a slight twist in our life stories, and I can't wait to continue in prayer about this matter, and then ACT on it! How exciting!
Well, I must go and take a shower, and actually begin this day. I really can't believe I am still in bed!
Love you! xoxo
School! Oh my goodness, I never ever realized how much time my school would demand from me. I thought the farther along I got in Nursing School, the easier it would be to manage my time. But, I was deceived. Nah, It is going okay. I am really struggling with my main nursing content right now. I'm praying for more diligence and wisdom in spending my time so I can really focus on studying. I am also praying for a better attitude about studying. The Lord called me to be a nurse. I am doing this for Him, and thanking Him for my personal love for the well being of health for others. I am also making a major lifestyle change so that I, myself, may be in better health very soon.
Church! I struggled there for a while about whether to return to James River in Springfield, MO after I returned from El Salvador. I was hindered by how small I was and how little I could do in such a huge church. But then God opened my eyes through a single picture from the country of Haiti, and He spoke to my spirit, "This is exactly were I want you to be. I have placed you here for a purpose. You are part of this puzzle for Haiti at James River Church." So I stayed, and blogged about it entitled, "I'm staying" so check it out! I've been working alongside Pastor Scotty and Casey Gibbon's family to help with childcare and anything else they need. I'm very blessed to have been placed by God to offer some of my talents and giftings to them.
Free-time! I live with a family of 6. A type of boarding, if you will. I've known them since I was very young, and they are very hospitable. It's becoming easier to say "no" to the children when indeed I feel like saying "no." I'm a people pleaser and saying no to anyone is extremely difficult for me. Especially to the people that mean the most to me in the whole world. This is a problem I have been working on. Because, sometimes saying yes to things requires me to back out on things I have committed to, or become very stressed because I cannot manage my time efficiently between everyone. But I really enjoy hanging out with my Life Groupers, and hitting the coffee house every now and then. Caramel Macchiatos...mmmm! So bad for me! :-(
Holiday letter/Newsletter will go out over the course of the next few weeks. I am putting together a little something that will say to many that read this and keep up with my life a very sincere Thank You and a short summary of what going to New Orleans and El Salvador did for the residents that live there because of your generosity and prayerful attitude in sending me to be Christ's hands and feet. It will also include updates about the future and my long term plan. (Not that it is a set plan, because everything is totally in God's hands, and we all know how He is best at tweaking our plans to make them soooo much better.)
Most currently: Please be in prayer for this: About a year ago, when God began to visibly transform every step of my life in front of my very eyes, a small seed was planted in my heart by what I believe was most indeed the Holy Spirit. I had a very strong urge to write down what was happening, and I did. But, I also felt like I am to write about it so that others may be inspired at a young age to follow their heart and act on what God puts in their heart. I also want to incorporate our in between years for girls. Ya know, the years I am going through right now. Those out-of-high-school-in-college-single-girl years. I think God may have a slight twist in our life stories, and I can't wait to continue in prayer about this matter, and then ACT on it! How exciting!
Well, I must go and take a shower, and actually begin this day. I really can't believe I am still in bed!
Love you! xoxo
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