| So it's time for another update!!!
Jenn just went home on Tuesday. :( I was sad to see her go, but we had soooooo much fun while she was here! We went to Giant's Causeway (of course), amongst other things. That is my favorite place on earth! We went somewhere new for me - Carrckfergus Castle - woah nelly, that rocked! We wanted to pitch a tent and never leave! (but it was too cold) It was really nice having her here, definitely confirmed my decision to go home in August and stay there. (For those of you who didn't know, I had this psycho wanting to stay thing happen a while back....weird, I know! I think God just wanted me to be like ok I'm willing to do anything, even stay here. And I was, but then He was like, nope, close that door....long story....)
So what's new with me you may ask?! Well, last night I was reading these little cards that Meredith Earley made for me, they have a verse and a prayer. She made one for each day, and they really encourage me! And I just realized how much people like her help me get through life. So to all of you who have emailed me, sent cards, prayed, supported me, etc: THANK YOU! Those things may seem small, but they're not. That is what helps me survive!!! I am again overwhelmed by the awesome-ness of my home church. I can't wait to be a part of it agian!
I felt like this year was never going to move at all...like it just was dragging on and on, but really, the time from Christmas to now has FLOWN! I am so grateful that summer is slowly creeping up on us! :) I know it will be the busiest time of year for me! That excites me!
So...I had to do this project for Youth for Christ...I will try to explain it. We do monthly reports for them, just keeping them up to date on what's happening at our locations, what God is teaching us, how team life is, etc. The form for February was different, though! It said to find a creative way to convey all of those things....I thought of a few options: writing a song, making a cd of all the songs God has been using to speak to me, writing a poem, the options were endless. But then I decided to get a HUGE piece of paper and make a collage/poster thingy. It was so much fun becuase I got to really pour my heart into it, and I don't pour my heart into enough of what I do anymore. I put these songs lyrics on it, from Nichole Nordeman's song "To Say Thanks." Hello, Mr. Darkcloud
Never thought that we would meet so soon
Never thought I’d bundle up in June
Funny how the fog rolls
Funnier that I’d know who to blame
Never thought I’d have to own this pain
If all that’s good and true
comes from heaven
Then what’s a girl to do
when it rains?
And I’m sayin’
Why, why, why, why?
I’m shakin’ a fist in the dark,
and I’m askin’
Why, why, why, why?
Why does it keep getting harder
To say thanks?
Tell me what's a girl to do...
Even fields of flowers
Dressing in their best because of You
Knowing they are blessed to be in bloom
But what about November
When the air is cold and wet winds blow
Do they understand why they can’t grow?
And I could not pretend
to know the difference
Between the storms You send
and those I find
And I’m sayin’
Why, why, why, why?
I’m shakin’ a fist in the dark,
and I’m askin’
Why, why, why, why?
Why does it keep getting harder
To say thanks?
Tell me what's a girl to do...
I know this seems maybe a bit melodramatic and depressing, but it was real to me. Nichole Nordeman sings the words that my heart sometimes cannot utter for itself. I guess God has been teaching me that sometimes life is hard, yeah, but that doesn't mean I can give up. I am always reminded of Peter's words: Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. I feel like this year is my physical demonstration of that phrase. I have hated stuff here at times, but I have no where else to go! And I'm glad about that....
The Logic Cafe has been *still* interesting! We started an after school club for girls in P-7 (6th grade). I love it! We meet Friday afternoons, and I am always so energized after being with them. They're so enthusiastic about everything in life! The regular drop-in times at the Logic are still not my favorite thing, but that's ok. I need to not be so selfish and let God teach me endurance. Since I got here, I have been so concerned with wanting to change everyone and everything that I don't agree with, and I failed to notice that perhaps my own heart needed to be changed. Hebrwes 13:14-16 has become real to me finally:
"For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come. Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise–the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."
The hope of heaven is enough to spur me on to offer a sacrifice of praise. Now, this is what I think of going to the Logic as - a sacrifice of praise. It's a sacrifice since I don't want to be there. It's praise to God because I'm doing it to obey Him. Hard stuff to learn, let me tell you....
So I am loving life now! I am feeling better now that the days are longer and the weather is nicer, etc. I think the winter time was hard and now that it's over, I can just be excited about everything agian. Sorry to all of you who had to listen to me whine and complain so much the last few months! I appreciate your listening ears tho!
Some friends who I graduated with are coming over in May - that should be super cool! I am almost out of holiday time since Jenn and my Mom both came, but I will make somthing work! :)
So sorry to all of you that I haven't been keeping in touch with very well....life is busy! Let me know if you have any questions about what else has been going on lately! |
