Resting in the Lord

This past week I was at home sick for most of the week. I don't like being "stuck" at home sick. But the good thing is that I had loads of time to pray and listen to the Lord.

It is amazing to me how stopping and resting in the Lord brings perspective to life. Perspective on what is really important. Perspective on how God is my provider. Perspective on who He calls me to be.

I am continually hearing of how much what I want to do is needed in this world. I hear of how missionaries are burned out, worn out, weary and afraid. My heart hurts as each time I wish I could have stepped in and helped them be healthy.

I am excited to get more training on how to help missionaries be healthy, mentally, emotionally and most importantly spiritually.

In reFresh, we talk about our First Order Calling...  to live in and from His embrace...loving and delighting in Him and letting Him love and delight in me.

From this, all other things flow. And often the challenges of our life keep us from resting in the Lord. Oh how I long to help more people see healing and growth in their life!

fall in love with Jesus

As I ponder the waiting I have done over the years for various things.. I came across a blog post today that someone posted on Facebook. I Don't Wait. Please read it. :)

I grew up in the time when the purity rings and necklaces were first becoming popular. And I resonate with growing up and as I became 27, 30, 32, now 38, I find it was so long ago that I made that promise... it almost seems irrelevant.

Not that it is irrelevant to keep pure for marriage.. but rather that falling in love with Jesus is more my goal. I find that the more I know and love my Lord and Saviour, the more easily I value who He has made me and the less willing I am to follow what the world says is important for relationship and love.

Broken I run to You

You know the song by Kathryn Scott,  "Falling on my Knees"?

Hungry, I come to you
For I know You satisfy
I am empty, but I know
Your love does not run dry

Broken, I run to You
For Your arms are open wide
I am weary, but I know
Your touch restores my life

So I wait for you
So I wait for You
I’m falling on my knees
Offering all of me
Jesus, You’re all this heart is living for

On Friday I was helping with a reFresh retreat and Paula was lead the group in worship to begin. This was one of the songs. I was thinking about the words. This song has spoken to my heart for various reasons over the years. 

As the day went on, I was struck with how taking time away to rest allows us to run to Jesus. It allows us to lean into His love that does not run dry. It allows us to melt into His arms. 

How often do you step away from the busyness of life to melt into the arms of Jesus and just be there?

Delights and Sorrows of Life

One of my greatest delights is being with my friends for big life events.  

It is also one of the greatest sorrows I experienced while being overseas. 

The missing out of these big life events

This weekend brought the delights and sorrows to the forefront of my mind. 

The wedding of my dear friend Kristin Gibb to Wes Gorton

and Mother's Day.

praying for Wes and Kristin before their wedding

Kristin getting married! God's amazing story!

Bekah Tucker giving an amazing speech for Kristin and Wes's wedding

Dancing at Kristin and Wes' wedding

My dear brother Matthew and my dear niece Ava

cool scenes on the farm

on the farm.. what beautiful views

Ava chasing chickens

Ava, meet Sunny. :)

Ava's first ride on a horse!

The Farm is where my sister in law's mother and step-dad live. They are great. We spent Mother's Day with them on the farm. 

I look forward to getting to know them as I am back in the area again.

Almost 8 years...

3, October 2005. 

It was almost 8 years ago that I moved to Germany and began working with Agape Europe (Cru).

Today 2, May 2013, is my last official day as Cru staff. 

It feels a little strange. 

So much has happened in the past 8 years. 

I have learned so much about who God is and who God is making me to be.

I am processing those changes this week... I hope to give you a little photo journey next week. :)