Above all else guard your heart, for it is the well spring of life. Proverbs 4:23

March 25, 2013

Commence the Countdown

Countdowns have not always rubbed me the right way, as they seem to be an excuse to not fully embrace or appreciate what is "in the moment." I also don't think they're evil, either. They can be a source of joy, and with that in mind, you could say that there are four-forming balls of joy in my life.

Countdown Numero Uno: 14 DAYS 'til my 22nd Birthday. I love celebrating life, and so naturally, birthdays are a big deal to me.

Countdown Numero Dos: 41 DAYS 'til I GRADUATE from Bethel College. Whoa Nelly. I didn't see this one coming so quick - staying up until the wee hours of the morning and sneaking out of the laundry room windows before curfew even struck seems like just yesterday. And let's just say, I'll be ready.

Countdown Numero Tres: 55 DAYS 'til my first ever voyage oversees. IRELAND it is and this girl is just a wee bit thrilled. One week of serving and learning and experiencing a new culture, with a nice side of jet lag.

Countdown Numero Cuatro: 63 DAYS 'til the start of my summer with Youth Works. As of today I sent in my contract acceptance letter as a Utility Site Director. I will find out my location near the end of May, but because of the "utility" nature, there is a great likelihood that I will not be in one spot for the entire duration of the summer, but rather moved around to different sites. To learn about what Youth Works does and is about, check out: www.youthworks.com

Now, there is a potential countdown numero cinco looming around right now, and without spilling the beans as to what it is, I would just REALLY REALLY like for you to join me in prayer. That in these next 20 days I have before I need to make an official commitment one way, that I would be confident in hearing the voice of the Lord. Obedience to Abba must be my deciding factor in life, and in the midst of pros and cons, logistics, wise counsel and opinions, that I would concern myself with What is He saying? 

March 11, 2013

Yet It Remains

Today I'm playing hooky from the first day of classes back from spring break.
Sitting beneath a blowing fan in an air-conditioned home in San Antonio, Texas.
Hoping the inches of snow piled up in Indiana will be melted by the time my flight rolls in later tonight.
55 days until I am an official Bethel graduate.
Many hours of reading and pages of writing in the meantime.

It's been nice not having much of a care these past 9 days. Nothing to turn in. No reason to hit my snooze button 47 times before waking up. Eating way too much Blue Bell ice cream with the excuse that I can't get it up in Indiana. Real life continues on, and though it's been a much needed time of rest and refreshment, I'm ready to jump back in. To the good, to the bad, to the ugly - I know it's all waiting for me.

Anxiety. It's made a home for itself beneath my skin. 
Irritating it is and mostly unwelcome. 
I feel it in my chest. 

I know I haven't been created to bear the weight of worry. Yet it remains, so what do I do? I find myself in an utterly uncertain season of life, while at the same time I could overflow with excitement at any moment. Lord, I look to You. (2 Chronicles 20:12)

Last year's spring break was the best time of my life. Over 70 hours of road trip across the country with two of my favorite people. A blizzard. A hawaiian worship set. New friends. New encounters with the Lord. The Nook Diaries. Rescuing a FedEx truck from driving off a cliff. Elk Steak. Swing Dancing. Mountains. Too many cooler turkey sandwiches, sour patch kids sugar highs, and the best adventure travel music one could ask for. THIS spring break (that technically I am still on), couldn't compare even if.... well, ever. No future sermon illustrations from wacky adventures, but that's okay. A lot of down time was in the order for this time around, and there are no complaints from this girl.

PS - I started reading a book that mysteriously appeared in the mail with my name of it a few months ago, though I did not order it. It's called The Release of the Spirit by Watchman Nee. Give 'er a read, and perhaps we can speak words about it.