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| When the team got back together we stayed at a beautiful place called The Grove for 3 days |
Today, I feel...cozy. The reason? It's the second day of being "snowed" (aka "iced") in at our host homes in Bartlett, Tennessee. Yesterday: I did nothing. Oh wait, that's wrong. I washed a load of clothes. And folded them. And put them away. And I showered....Yeah, that's it.
One day like that every now and again is acceptable, but I figured two days in such a state would render me too much a couch potato. I like potatoes; I do not want to be a potato.
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| there's a bit of ice on the ground: apparently to keep us from driving to church. = ) |
As part of my campaign to be productive (or semi-productive, let's not get too crazy) I opened my laptop, came here and realized I have not written a post since I went on Christmas break!!! So what has happened in my life since then?
Well, I had a wonderful break. It was possibly not as productive as it could have been (I'm seeing a pattern here) but I thoroughly enjoyed being home with my family and just doing normal life together. Well, mostly normal: it is my family after all. = )
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| While at the Grove, we had a Heroes vs. Villains party. I was a hero(ine) named OwlEye. I was very wise. |
On November 31st, I made a decision that I would write in my prayer journal EVERY day, no excuses. I'm not under a false impression that I will fall out of grace if I miss a day or that doing such small tasks somehow earns me heavenly points. No, I resolved to do this because I need it. I need to make sure I focus on God in that way each day. I need to pause and allow myself to dwell in the peace of God. I need to be deeply honest with God and myself. I need to be intentional. I need to know Him more and how can I do that if I don't talk to Him? These really are needs, not wants.
Thus far, I have not missed a single day. Does that mean it's easy as pie? NO! Most days, it's a battle. I make excuses: I'm too tired. I don't feel like thinking. I don't want to analyze my thoughts and actions of the day. I just want to read a book. I can't leave the light on because I have a roommate. I already talked to Him today before service... God's grace is truly marvelous. I could not have come this far without His help.
Already, I see changes in my heart and my behavior, and more changes that need to happen. I'm more comfortable talking about what God's doing in my life. I'm more at peace and less stressed about when I teach lessons. I'm more intentional with the kids because I honestly want to share this love with them. I used to inwardly scoff when I would hear women say they were "falling in love with Jesus," and I still think that we use those words far too flippantly. However, I see the reality of it in my life now. I'm seeing in me the necessity of Him in my life and I delight in it. He is All and I do love that time of writing to Him (once I do sit down to write.)
I'm not sure how well I'm saying this, but the point is: I'm growing, I'm changing, and I'm joyful because God is answering my daily prayer that I would know Him and love Him more.
So that's my heart right now. That's the journey I'm on. I love it that I can still be the same with God even when my surroundings are changing all the time.
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| Team went to Starbucks on Valentine's Day and they had random fun date things on the tables. I used a double mustache to make a crown. It looked better as a crown. |
Speaking of changing surroundings: we have been to Arlington, TN, Dalton, GA, and Bartlett, TN so far and we leave for Harrison, TN on Thursday. Each summit and each group of kids has had its ups and downs. (this summit we have so many kids that we have to stand on a low stage and use mics and stare into spotlights. I can't see past the first row of kids and that, my friends, stresses me out like nothing else: but God is holding me steady.) My host families have been WONDERFUL (I feel spoiled) and I've seen God working through the adults and children. We are planting and God is growing some while we are there and more after we leave. I love this ministry and the opportunities it gives us to touch more lives with truth and authenticity. It's hard, but it's wonderful.
Because my heart is so attached to the mission of Life Action, I have prayed about traveling another year and God has said "yes." It's an exciting thing, but it's harder than I expected: I miss my family A LOT and I worry about the money since I still haven't finished paying the ministry for this year, much less next. But. I know God has a plan and He will provide and I know I'm where I"m supposed to be.
Please pray for me: that I would continue to trust, that I won't be homesick, that I would not be anxious about the money and that I wouldn't miss a day of dwelling in His presence.
Thank you all so much for your love and encouragement!!
Love,
Anna
