It's been some time since I've frequented the blogging scene. Three months is what it looks like from my last post.
Too long.
I typically don't write unless I feel like God's told me to write something. I think a big reason it's been so long is because I haven't been spending enough time with God to hear what He's saying to me.
Life.
It always seems to get in the way somehow. But, you can't escape it... Over the last several months I've let far too many distractions get in the way of my relationship with Jesus. It got to the point that if I opened my bible once a week I was doing good.
Apathy had set in... Not only that, I had become a little too comfortable and complacent. And, tired... I think exhaustion is one of the devil's most powerful weapons.
I could keep going on, and probably come up with several valid excuses, but the truth is spending time with Jesus is a choice. Of course there will be distractions, there always will be, the hard part is keeping focused and setting our hearts on what's eternal... I set my heart on more temporal things and ultimately it left me feeling exhausted and alone.
I'm coming back.
Back to Jesus. Back to intimacy with Him. Back to the One who's been through everything (good and bad) with me... I find myself looking back at the adventures I've had traveling around the world these past few years and to be honest, it feels completely surreal! I think to myself, "Was I really there, did that really happen?!". And, "I wish I had someone with me who I could have experienced all these things with. Someone I can reminisce with.". The truth is, there is! It's Jesus. I know it's different than a human relationship with someone, but He's been there with me, every step of the way. When I would go for a walk in the South African bush to watch the sunset. When I was in Wales wondering why on earth I had gone there. When I was in Germany at a Students For Christ conference. When I was in Panama at a drug rehab center in the middle of the jungle. And, beside me right now, here in Wichita, KS.
I don't know where you're at right now, whether you've become distracted as I so easily do. What I do know is that God wants you to come back, and come even closer.
I'm coming back.
Monday, August 12, 2013
Monday, May 13, 2013
New
I find it quite hard to believe that 2013 is almost half over. It seems like it was January just a few days ago and now we are well on our way into May!
Being at a halfway(ish) point through the year I've been taking a look back at 2013. I've realized that this year has brought a lot of new things in my life.
The biggest change of course would be living in a new city and having a new job. I've been in Wichita for 3 months now, and at Furniture Medic as a Shop Technician for 2 months. This is the first time I've had a "real", semi-permanent, full time job post-college. In some ways the whole 8-5 thing is pretty nice, but I will admit it's been an adjustment. I've been very blessed with this job because it's something I actually enjoy doing, refinishing furniture, it's about 10 minutes from my apartment, and it's a small, Christian based company. I've definitely had my fair share of mess-ups at work these past few months, but my bosses are extremely patient and are always asking if I'm doing Ok. This isn't something I will do for the rest of my life, but for this season it seems to be just the right fit.
Along with living in a new city has come a lot of new friends. Even though I've just been here a few months, in some ways it seems a lot longer because I already feel very much at home hanging out with my new circle of friends... I've been put in charge of planning events for our young adults group at church, I guess I'm an event planner at heart because I always end up doing that wherever I go. I think it comes from my passion for community and the desire to do life alongside other people.
Something else new this year is a my car. I debated back and forth for several months on whether or not to get a different vehicle and finally came to the conclusion that I wasn't going to get a different vehicle until things started to go wrong with my truck. A few weeks later all the gauges on my truck decided to stop working on my way home from work; I took it as a sign it was time. I found the vehicle I wanted that night on Craigslist, saw it the next day (which happened to be my 25th birthday) and put down payment on it the day after. I was able to get a great deal on the car because it had some hail damage on it, who cares about a few dents anyways?... With what I had saved and selling my truck for only $900 less than I paid for it 8 yrs ago when it had 40,000 less miles on it, I've been able to pay off most of my car loan and should have it completely paid off by next May.
I think what this all comes down to is I've been feeling very blessed this year! God's given me so much, including a brand new laptop and new-to-me iPhone that were both unexpected gifts!... To be honest, I feel quite spoiled and I really don't deserve any of this. I've sat and wondered why God would give so much to me.... I don't know why or how He loves me so much, but I've definitely seen that love these past few months!
I'm not writing about all these "things" to brag about it. In some ways I almost dis-like having these "things", but I just want to say thank you to the One who's given me all of this, and so much more!
I do know that God blesses us for a reason, and that's to share the blessing. I hope I can do my part to share what God's given me, and give Him the glory for it all.
Thank You, Jesus... You've given me so much and I wish there was something else I could say, but my words fall short. You know my heart, and that's enough. Thank You.
Being at a halfway(ish) point through the year I've been taking a look back at 2013. I've realized that this year has brought a lot of new things in my life.
The biggest change of course would be living in a new city and having a new job. I've been in Wichita for 3 months now, and at Furniture Medic as a Shop Technician for 2 months. This is the first time I've had a "real", semi-permanent, full time job post-college. In some ways the whole 8-5 thing is pretty nice, but I will admit it's been an adjustment. I've been very blessed with this job because it's something I actually enjoy doing, refinishing furniture, it's about 10 minutes from my apartment, and it's a small, Christian based company. I've definitely had my fair share of mess-ups at work these past few months, but my bosses are extremely patient and are always asking if I'm doing Ok. This isn't something I will do for the rest of my life, but for this season it seems to be just the right fit.
Along with living in a new city has come a lot of new friends. Even though I've just been here a few months, in some ways it seems a lot longer because I already feel very much at home hanging out with my new circle of friends... I've been put in charge of planning events for our young adults group at church, I guess I'm an event planner at heart because I always end up doing that wherever I go. I think it comes from my passion for community and the desire to do life alongside other people.
Something else new this year is a my car. I debated back and forth for several months on whether or not to get a different vehicle and finally came to the conclusion that I wasn't going to get a different vehicle until things started to go wrong with my truck. A few weeks later all the gauges on my truck decided to stop working on my way home from work; I took it as a sign it was time. I found the vehicle I wanted that night on Craigslist, saw it the next day (which happened to be my 25th birthday) and put down payment on it the day after. I was able to get a great deal on the car because it had some hail damage on it, who cares about a few dents anyways?... With what I had saved and selling my truck for only $900 less than I paid for it 8 yrs ago when it had 40,000 less miles on it, I've been able to pay off most of my car loan and should have it completely paid off by next May.
I think what this all comes down to is I've been feeling very blessed this year! God's given me so much, including a brand new laptop and new-to-me iPhone that were both unexpected gifts!... To be honest, I feel quite spoiled and I really don't deserve any of this. I've sat and wondered why God would give so much to me.... I don't know why or how He loves me so much, but I've definitely seen that love these past few months!
I'm not writing about all these "things" to brag about it. In some ways I almost dis-like having these "things", but I just want to say thank you to the One who's given me all of this, and so much more!
I do know that God blesses us for a reason, and that's to share the blessing. I hope I can do my part to share what God's given me, and give Him the glory for it all.
Thank You, Jesus... You've given me so much and I wish there was something else I could say, but my words fall short. You know my heart, and that's enough. Thank You.
Friday, March 1, 2013
Direction
I was standing in the kitchen this morning unloading the dishwasher (aren't I such a good roommate?) and out of the corner of my eye I thought I saw something in the apartment. I looked up, and of course nothing was there... For some reason the thought came to me, "How cool would be if Jesus just walked into the apartment and told me what to do" and I actually said out-loud, "Jesus, I wish You would just walk in here and tell me what to do!"
The second it came out of my mouth the Holy Spirit slapped me in the face... I want Jesus' directions more than I want Him!... What I should have said is, "Jesus, I wish You would just walk in here so we could be together and I could see Your face!"
The Bible tells us to seek after Him first and everything else will fall into place... I know this, but it's probably one of my biggest struggles.
Life, and our walk with Jesus, is about the journey, not the end destination.
I'm not really sure how long it's going to take me to learn this lesson, but I definitely got a reminder of that this morning.
May we all keep this perspective, and be obsessed with the Author of the story, not with trying to get to the next chapter as soon as possible.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Expectation
According to dictionary.com, expectation is: the act or state of looking forward or anticipating.
I've realized the past few days that I really don't expect, look forward or anticipate, great things from God like I should.
I've been job hunting for a while now. To be honest, I haven't been looking that intensely until I moved to Wichita about a week ago. I find myself conflicted. Do I wait for a job that I think I will actually enjoy, or just get any old thing that will pay the bills?... I believe God has me here for a reason and that He has the right job for me. But, I find myself almost expecting to not really find the "right" job, and that I'll most likely end up with something I hate.
Why do I do this? Why do I expect the worst when God's been so good to me in the past?
There's two reasons that come to mind... First, there's been times of disappointment and unmet expectations the past couple of years. Because of that, I've learned to no longer expect great things in order to not be let down. Secondly, I feel like I don't deserve great things. I've honestly done nothing to receive the blessings I've already gotten, and certainly don't deserve anything better. Also, how dare I expect great things from God when in comparison to the rest of the the world I'm living like a king? I'm here in my brothers large, 2-bedroom apartment listening to some Coldplay on the surround sound and texting my friends on my iPhone. I can take ten steps into the kitchen and eat whatever I want. It's freezing and snowy outside, but because we have central heat, I can sit here in a t-shirt and shorts and feel fine. There's 27 million people trapped in slavery around the world, and I sit here like a spoiled brat complaining about not finding the "perfect job"... I know God wants the best for me, I really believe that, but I feel guilty asking for it because there's sooooo many people that have nothing. How can I get even more when they have more and more torn away from them?... I don't understand it.
I really am still processing my second reason for not expecting God's best. I think that will take a lifetime to comprehend. However, my first reason, unmet expectations, that is something I can deal with now.... The truth is, I'm scared to dream. I'm the kind of person that once I get an idea in my head I usually make it happen one way or another. So, if I really dream, and dream big, what happens if I can't make it happen? I'm going to be letdown, and it will drive me crazy... But if I only try to achieve what I can do on my own, then I'll never be a part of something bigger than myself. I have to grow to the place of dreaming big, but being Ok with failing, and or waiting a long time for that dream to come true. I have to believe and trust that God is the author of my story and He's got some big surprises planned along the way. I have to expect to see Him work through me and give me dreams bigger than myself.
There is one dream that I've had for a while now. It's something most of my close friends already know. It's about moving to Paradise, aka Cape Town, and starting up a coffee shop/community center to do ministry out of. Thinking about it makes me feel alive and it just seems right. My friends and I spent an evening dreaming/planning what all we could do through this ministry. It was so much fun! It felt amazing to not limit ourselves and say whatever we thought we could do. It's a big dream, something that I couldn't do on my own for sure. A part of me is very hesitant to post this for the whole world to see, but I want to grow to that place of being willing to dream and share my dream with others.... Maybe this dream will change and evolve with time. Maybe it will come to pass in the next 5 years, or maybe it's 25 years down the road. Truth is, I really don't know, but I'm Ok with that. It's Ok to dream, and dream big! It's Ok to share that dream with others. And, it's Ok to wait for that dream and trust that if it's God's dream as well, it will certainly come to pass!
What are your dreams? Are you afraid to dream? Are you dreaming big? Are you expecting God's best?
God is passionate for us, and His dreams are bigger than we can imagine. May we all take the risk to dream big and not feel guilty in asking God for His best. He is for us, so who can be against us!
Feel free to comment below and share some of your dreams... I'll be praying for God's best in your life and the freedom to dream big!
I've realized the past few days that I really don't expect, look forward or anticipate, great things from God like I should.
I've been job hunting for a while now. To be honest, I haven't been looking that intensely until I moved to Wichita about a week ago. I find myself conflicted. Do I wait for a job that I think I will actually enjoy, or just get any old thing that will pay the bills?... I believe God has me here for a reason and that He has the right job for me. But, I find myself almost expecting to not really find the "right" job, and that I'll most likely end up with something I hate.
Why do I do this? Why do I expect the worst when God's been so good to me in the past?
There's two reasons that come to mind... First, there's been times of disappointment and unmet expectations the past couple of years. Because of that, I've learned to no longer expect great things in order to not be let down. Secondly, I feel like I don't deserve great things. I've honestly done nothing to receive the blessings I've already gotten, and certainly don't deserve anything better. Also, how dare I expect great things from God when in comparison to the rest of the the world I'm living like a king? I'm here in my brothers large, 2-bedroom apartment listening to some Coldplay on the surround sound and texting my friends on my iPhone. I can take ten steps into the kitchen and eat whatever I want. It's freezing and snowy outside, but because we have central heat, I can sit here in a t-shirt and shorts and feel fine. There's 27 million people trapped in slavery around the world, and I sit here like a spoiled brat complaining about not finding the "perfect job"... I know God wants the best for me, I really believe that, but I feel guilty asking for it because there's sooooo many people that have nothing. How can I get even more when they have more and more torn away from them?... I don't understand it.
I really am still processing my second reason for not expecting God's best. I think that will take a lifetime to comprehend. However, my first reason, unmet expectations, that is something I can deal with now.... The truth is, I'm scared to dream. I'm the kind of person that once I get an idea in my head I usually make it happen one way or another. So, if I really dream, and dream big, what happens if I can't make it happen? I'm going to be letdown, and it will drive me crazy... But if I only try to achieve what I can do on my own, then I'll never be a part of something bigger than myself. I have to grow to the place of dreaming big, but being Ok with failing, and or waiting a long time for that dream to come true. I have to believe and trust that God is the author of my story and He's got some big surprises planned along the way. I have to expect to see Him work through me and give me dreams bigger than myself.
There is one dream that I've had for a while now. It's something most of my close friends already know. It's about moving to Paradise, aka Cape Town, and starting up a coffee shop/community center to do ministry out of. Thinking about it makes me feel alive and it just seems right. My friends and I spent an evening dreaming/planning what all we could do through this ministry. It was so much fun! It felt amazing to not limit ourselves and say whatever we thought we could do. It's a big dream, something that I couldn't do on my own for sure. A part of me is very hesitant to post this for the whole world to see, but I want to grow to that place of being willing to dream and share my dream with others.... Maybe this dream will change and evolve with time. Maybe it will come to pass in the next 5 years, or maybe it's 25 years down the road. Truth is, I really don't know, but I'm Ok with that. It's Ok to dream, and dream big! It's Ok to share that dream with others. And, it's Ok to wait for that dream and trust that if it's God's dream as well, it will certainly come to pass!
 |
| Sunrise near Cape Town, South Africa |
What are your dreams? Are you afraid to dream? Are you dreaming big? Are you expecting God's best?
God is passionate for us, and His dreams are bigger than we can imagine. May we all take the risk to dream big and not feel guilty in asking God for His best. He is for us, so who can be against us!
Feel free to comment below and share some of your dreams... I'll be praying for God's best in your life and the freedom to dream big!
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Next
I find myself sitting at the solid oak table my Dad made for our kitchen, looking out the window at the brown landscape that is typical of Kansas this time of year... After being overseas there is always a certain amount of comfort being back home, at the same time there is an odd sensation about it. I've been gone for a year and experienced so much, but everything here is nearly the same. But I'm not the same anymore, and hopefully it's for the better.
I've been back in Kansas for almost two weeks now. To be honest, it's been weird because it hasn't felt very weird. 10 hours after getting home I went to my grandmothers funeral. It's not exactly the first thing you want to do after being gone for a year and spending 24 hrs traveling, but I'm thankful I got to attend her funeral and be a part of celebrating her life. She lived to 96 and had a full life. It's always sad to loose a family member, but I'm actually happy for her... The day I found out she had passed away was the day I was moving out of my flat and into the Elliott's living room for my last few days in Wales. My emotions were stretched across an ocean as I was excited to see family and at the same time my heart was aching at the thought of leaving my friends and family in Wales. That night I went to a large youth meeting in Newport, I was taking photos, as usual. At the end of the meeting was an incredible time of worship. We were singing Amazing Grace and the weight of everything that was happening hit me like a ton of bricks! I was overwhelmed. Then I began to cry, they weren't tears of pain, but of joy. I knew that my grandma was free, her chains of sickness and pain were gone, she was at the feet of Jesus worshiping Him! It brought me so much joy to see that picture in my head, not only that but I couldn't wait until the day when I would join her in worshiping our Savior and King! God gave me such a peace about what was happening.
It didn't feel right leaving Wales, but it didn't feel right staying either. My heart was torn, but I knew that Jesus was in control and nothing else mattered.... My journey home went smoothly and I got to say goodbye to all of my friends before I left.... Being home has been peaceful. Like I said, it's strange that it's not strange being back. But, I think it's because of what God has done in my heart over the past year.
Next...
What's Next???
I've always, always, always been wondering that. So much so that I've never really been able to live right now. The past 6 years of my life have been very transitional. 6 different homes, 6 different jobs, 11 different countries visited. The last 3 years have been living in a different country each year. It's been amazing, I've met so many incredible people and made lasting friendships. One of the major downfalls of all this transition though is not really letting myself settle or just live for today without thinking of tomorrow. "I would do this if I were staying longer." "When I move to _____ it will be better." That's the way it's been the past 6 years. I've not let myself be fully engaged where I'm at and constantly been planning and or begging God to show me what's next.
It has to end.
I've decided that I'm just not going to worry about what's next. I've decided that I'm not going to let the amount of time I'm living in one location determine how I act and limit the choices I make. I've decided to simply let Jesus take it all and enjoy today.
It's strange, and amazing, I'm back in Kansas and I don't know for sure what I'm doing next, but it doesn't matter. I feel like I'm free from that burden now. It clung to me for so long, and I'm so happy to be rid of it!... I'm back in Kansas and I'm not worried about what's next. Strange, but good, and right.
Now there is a tentative "plan" for the next few years of my life. I know that God has called me into a life of missions, most likely overseas. But before I go anywhere else I feel like I need to learn how to live in the now. So I'm planning on moving to Wichita to live with my brother and work for a few years. I want to proactively wait on God's direction as to where/what I should do next. I want to be fully engaged in life here and now, while at the same time listening to whatever God has me more long-term. It's something I'm going to have to work on balancing.
I'm excited about the prospect of living someplace for a few years without having to worry about what I'm going to do next. I'm even thinking about trading in my 15 yr old, gas guzzling truck for something that gets a little better fuel economy and that I could travel in. It's something I wouldn't have considered doing before because I've always been living in what's next, which usually involved something overseas.
Granted, my "plan" could totally change, and I'm Ok with that. Whatever is next I'm going to do my best to live it to the full and not think about what will be after that. It's not going to be easy, but with God's grace I'm hopeful that I can accomplish that!
What's next???
Well, Jesus knows and that's all that matters.
I've been back in Kansas for almost two weeks now. To be honest, it's been weird because it hasn't felt very weird. 10 hours after getting home I went to my grandmothers funeral. It's not exactly the first thing you want to do after being gone for a year and spending 24 hrs traveling, but I'm thankful I got to attend her funeral and be a part of celebrating her life. She lived to 96 and had a full life. It's always sad to loose a family member, but I'm actually happy for her... The day I found out she had passed away was the day I was moving out of my flat and into the Elliott's living room for my last few days in Wales. My emotions were stretched across an ocean as I was excited to see family and at the same time my heart was aching at the thought of leaving my friends and family in Wales. That night I went to a large youth meeting in Newport, I was taking photos, as usual. At the end of the meeting was an incredible time of worship. We were singing Amazing Grace and the weight of everything that was happening hit me like a ton of bricks! I was overwhelmed. Then I began to cry, they weren't tears of pain, but of joy. I knew that my grandma was free, her chains of sickness and pain were gone, she was at the feet of Jesus worshiping Him! It brought me so much joy to see that picture in my head, not only that but I couldn't wait until the day when I would join her in worshiping our Savior and King! God gave me such a peace about what was happening.
It didn't feel right leaving Wales, but it didn't feel right staying either. My heart was torn, but I knew that Jesus was in control and nothing else mattered.... My journey home went smoothly and I got to say goodbye to all of my friends before I left.... Being home has been peaceful. Like I said, it's strange that it's not strange being back. But, I think it's because of what God has done in my heart over the past year.
Next...
What's Next???
I've always, always, always been wondering that. So much so that I've never really been able to live right now. The past 6 years of my life have been very transitional. 6 different homes, 6 different jobs, 11 different countries visited. The last 3 years have been living in a different country each year. It's been amazing, I've met so many incredible people and made lasting friendships. One of the major downfalls of all this transition though is not really letting myself settle or just live for today without thinking of tomorrow. "I would do this if I were staying longer." "When I move to _____ it will be better." That's the way it's been the past 6 years. I've not let myself be fully engaged where I'm at and constantly been planning and or begging God to show me what's next.
It has to end.
I've decided that I'm just not going to worry about what's next. I've decided that I'm not going to let the amount of time I'm living in one location determine how I act and limit the choices I make. I've decided to simply let Jesus take it all and enjoy today.
It's strange, and amazing, I'm back in Kansas and I don't know for sure what I'm doing next, but it doesn't matter. I feel like I'm free from that burden now. It clung to me for so long, and I'm so happy to be rid of it!... I'm back in Kansas and I'm not worried about what's next. Strange, but good, and right.
Now there is a tentative "plan" for the next few years of my life. I know that God has called me into a life of missions, most likely overseas. But before I go anywhere else I feel like I need to learn how to live in the now. So I'm planning on moving to Wichita to live with my brother and work for a few years. I want to proactively wait on God's direction as to where/what I should do next. I want to be fully engaged in life here and now, while at the same time listening to whatever God has me more long-term. It's something I'm going to have to work on balancing.
I'm excited about the prospect of living someplace for a few years without having to worry about what I'm going to do next. I'm even thinking about trading in my 15 yr old, gas guzzling truck for something that gets a little better fuel economy and that I could travel in. It's something I wouldn't have considered doing before because I've always been living in what's next, which usually involved something overseas.
Granted, my "plan" could totally change, and I'm Ok with that. Whatever is next I'm going to do my best to live it to the full and not think about what will be after that. It's not going to be easy, but with God's grace I'm hopeful that I can accomplish that!
What's next???
Well, Jesus knows and that's all that matters.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Life
It's been way too long since I've written anything... Today will be a little different than most of my posts. Instead of one specific topic, it will mostly likely be me rambling about life, and some photos thrown in the mix :)
I can't believe it, but in less than 8 weeks I will hopping on a plane headed for Kansas! It's always a strange feeling knowing that your life will drastically change in a matter of weeks. The people I see everyday, the stores I go to, and the sites I see on a daily basis may never cross my eyes again. God's definitely changed my heart. To be honest, there were times earlier this year when I was basically counting down the days until I could leave, but now I am legitimately saddened by the thought of leaving! It's been a journey to say the least, with many hills and valleys! But I've seen God answer so many prayers recently... The thing that I've struggled with the most about leaving is the fact that our church didn't have that many young men in it to disciple our teenage boys. I hated the thought of just leaving the boys with no one around. So, I prayed. I trusted that God would provide. And, He has! Recently God's lead some awesome young men to join our church who are passionate about Him and are really connecting with our youth! Not only that, but I've been so blessed by their friendship these past few weeks! I'm just amazed by it all.
Many of you are familiar with Chi Alpha, the campus ministry I was involved with during my time at KSU. The Living Room is essentially our Welsh version of XA. It's been awesome to be a part of launching this ministry. Seeing something grow from an idea to an active ministry is exciting, and seeing it happen so quickly is really exciting! We started planning late this summer and have been able to establish an identity, publish a web-site, market the ministry, hold two outreach events, and start a regular weekly meeting!... We set up a "Living Room" just beside two of the Universities here in Cardiff. We gave out free iced coffees and invited the students to pancake party that night. We gave out hundreds of coffees and saw a total of about 50-60 students come to the two different pancake nights!.... I can't wait to see what all God does through this ministry, and I'm thankful that I've been part of laying the foundation for what's coming next!
This is our church, and I love it!... We've partnered with a church in Cathays, the student area of Cardiff, to use their building, and help them renovate it! The back room is what we use for The Living Room and will eventually be a coffee shop open to the public! It's been awesome seeing the transformation happen, and to be a part of the work put into it. I love doing that kind of stuff. Taking something quite hideous and turning into something beautiful....Here are a few Before and After photos.
8 Weeks!
I can't believe it, but in less than 8 weeks I will hopping on a plane headed for Kansas! It's always a strange feeling knowing that your life will drastically change in a matter of weeks. The people I see everyday, the stores I go to, and the sites I see on a daily basis may never cross my eyes again. God's definitely changed my heart. To be honest, there were times earlier this year when I was basically counting down the days until I could leave, but now I am legitimately saddened by the thought of leaving! It's been a journey to say the least, with many hills and valleys! But I've seen God answer so many prayers recently... The thing that I've struggled with the most about leaving is the fact that our church didn't have that many young men in it to disciple our teenage boys. I hated the thought of just leaving the boys with no one around. So, I prayed. I trusted that God would provide. And, He has! Recently God's lead some awesome young men to join our church who are passionate about Him and are really connecting with our youth! Not only that, but I've been so blessed by their friendship these past few weeks! I'm just amazed by it all.
Many of you are familiar with Chi Alpha, the campus ministry I was involved with during my time at KSU. The Living Room is essentially our Welsh version of XA. It's been awesome to be a part of launching this ministry. Seeing something grow from an idea to an active ministry is exciting, and seeing it happen so quickly is really exciting! We started planning late this summer and have been able to establish an identity, publish a web-site, market the ministry, hold two outreach events, and start a regular weekly meeting!... We set up a "Living Room" just beside two of the Universities here in Cardiff. We gave out free iced coffees and invited the students to pancake party that night. We gave out hundreds of coffees and saw a total of about 50-60 students come to the two different pancake nights!.... I can't wait to see what all God does through this ministry, and I'm thankful that I've been part of laying the foundation for what's coming next!
Transformation
The Back Room... A coffee bar will eventually be installed at the end of the room where the chairs are lined up against the wall.
The Kids Room.
The Main Hall... Still has some work to do. Lighting and sound will be installed in a few weeks. The railing on the balconies still need painted, chairs need recovered, and eventually new carpet!
What's Next???
8 weeks isn't that far off and some of you may be wondering what on earth I'll be doing next. I wonder that quite often myself!... Right now the plan is to actually stay in Kansas for a few years (probably :)). I know God's called me to a life of missions, but I'm just not sure where and what He's called me to, so instead of just randomly picking someplace to go I've decided to just wait for a while. I know He will show me what's next when I need to know.... Prayer for God's leading and finding a job when I get back to Kansas would be much appreciated :)
And... That's it, well there's much more I could share, but for today I think this is enough.
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Great Plans
I've labeled this my Prayer Tree. It's about a 10 minute walk from my house, right next to the Taff River. On days that it's not raining or very muddy; I'll walk to this tree, lay under it, stare in wonder, and talk to Jesus.
It's amazing how interesting a tree is when you take the time to really look at it. Your mind can get lost in the shapes that are created with the branches and leaves. All the colors, all the detail, in just this one tree.
Off in the distance is Cardiff, you can just barely see Millennium Stadium. The ground was a little damp, but I just didn't care. I wanted to rest in His presence
All of that beauty in something so large as that tree, but there's also something mesmerizing about a single leaf.
It's my Prayer Tree. It's my place to get away and talk to Jesus. Of course you can talk to Him wherever you are, but there's something special about this place. I'm thankful that I'm in a place in my life where I can take time in my day to pray under a tree and be with Jesus. I haven't been to my Prayer Tree that much in the last month, and I miss that. I miss that time with Jesus. It's something so great; you'd think I'd make it more of a priority, but for some reason things like facebook or movies get in the way. Why is it so easy to waste away my time with worthless things, yet so hard to simply be? Simply be with Jesus. Not trying to impress Him, or ask Him for things, but just to be with Him.
I need more of Jesus.
Something that helps me focus on Jesus is music. Probably the most listened to song on my iPod this year has been "Great Plans" by Cloverton
Hello my love
your future waits for you
the certainties are few.
your future waits for you
the certainties are few.
I know you’re scared
but the voices in your head,
will soon be mine instead; they’ll say
but the voices in your head,
will soon be mine instead; they’ll say
Great plans I have for you
great plans I have for you
great plans I have for you
great plans I have for you
great plans I have for you
I know you’re tired
the darkness in your eyes
I’ve come to recognize
the darkness in your eyes
I’ve come to recognize
So lay yourself down
in the shelter of my tree
rest awhile with me, here
in the shelter of my tree
rest awhile with me, here
Great plans I have for you
great plans I have for you
great plans I have for you
great plans I have for you
great plans I have for you
And prosper you will
I know you will, I know you will
Prosper you will
I know you will, I know you will
I know you will, I know you will
Prosper you will
I know you will, I know you will
Great plans I have for you
great plans I have for you
great plans I have for you
great plans I have for you
great plans I have for you
I love the line "So lay yourself down, in the shelter of my tree, rest awhile with me, here" It pretty much sums up my time under the tree, resting with Him.... I love the whole song, all of it. On the days when I don't have anything left in me and I just don't understand, I listen to this song. I let its truth seep into my soul. God, the creator of everything, the One who sent His Son to die for me, who loves me more than I can fathom, has great plans...for me!
May we learn to rest awhile with Him, under the shelter of His tree. May we also rest in the fact that He has great plans for us. May we live a life that reflects that truth. May it seep into the depths of our hearts and souls.
Great plans I have for you
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