Saturday, May 21, 2011

Waiting

Transition...waiting...stuff I am not necessarily very good at.

I'm in Wichita, KS for a reason, and I have discovered what part of this reason is. As I have been surrounded with some amazing people once again, I remember why I love them as much as I do. It's amazing how much God provides even when you're not expecting it.

My heart does miss my Evangel friends, and I know that it will. This was such a special time to me, but I am in eager anticipation of discovering the meaning in my transition. I know that many of these friendships will go with me for the rest of my life.

Kansas. The state that is flatter than flat. However, God has blessed us with some pretty remarkable sunsets. As I walk the neighborhoods at sunset, I feel as though God reminds me that His beauty is everywhere...in every moment. I have started going on walks at sunset, and it is one of the most calming and enjoyable experiences. As much as I pick on the good 'ol sunflower state, God's beauty isn't just limited to places like the East Coast or Europe...His beauty is surrounding. You just have to be open to seeing it.

I have begun sending out applications and resumes, and some doors have already been shut in my face. But one of the many things that I appreciate the most about my relationship with the Lord is He is always pretty quick to tell me when one decision isn't the best for me...however, on the flip side, He has absolutely no problem making me wait for the right one. ;)

In this period of waiting, I have learned the absolute necessity of rest. I am such a busy body. I like being everywhere all the time without stopping. Sleep gets in the way of my social time. However, God has revealed Himself to me in ways that I don't think I would've been so aware of walking around like a zombie. So as I sit in waiting, I get to enjoy the people that God has put around me here (while still getting to talk to so many of those that I love that are not) and marvel at His greatness and beauty in a state that many people just look over. No, I don't want to live here for the rest of my life, but I know that God has something for me while I'm here, and I don't want to miss out just because I'm getting antsy to get out there and go.

Waiting is a time for growth and a time for opportunity, and I pray that I always keep this mind set. God does not keep us in waiting to punish us but to teach us the beauty of His grace and that He is indeed faithful. So as I wait for my next step, I wait with an open heart. I will not just bide time while I am here, but I will make the most of every God-given moment. I will see His beauty in all that life has to offer. I will treasure my moments.

I'm thankful that the Lord is letting me travel some in the upcoming weeks. He's letting my itchy feet get a little road under them. :)

However, as I wait, I am excited to learn.

Don't put God in a box. It's rather fun to let Him surprise you.

Love you guys.

In Him,
Em

Friday, May 13, 2011

Surging Ahead

Graduation has come and gone. I am officially a graduate of Evangel University. Weird.

Last week was definitely one of the most emotional experiences of my life: joy, sadness, excitement, anxiousness, etc. The spectrum was absolutely insane. However, I wouldn't change a moment of it for anything.

In this process, God has taught me rest...and rest in Him. This week has proved to be a constant reminder of His love and mercy in my life. As I've been at home and reflecting, peace has been ever present.

The past four years at Evangel are four years that I will treasure for the rest of my life. The friendships I have made and the lessons learned are absolutely irreplaceable. I am humbled by all that Evangel meant and will continue to mean. However, as one of my good friends so wonderfully reminded me, this is a time to go out in peace because God has not forgotten about me. His plans are absolutely and 100% perfect, and I cannot wait to see what those may be.

This week is application week. As I send out my resume to ministries all over the country and begin the process to apply for my credentials (Ah!!!!!!), I continue to surrender any and all plan. This is the most recklessly abandoned I have ever felt in my entire life, and it is kind of exciting. I have such joy and such eager anticipation for what my future holds.

As I am still awake at almost 2 in the morning, my mind races with possibilities - with dreams. My dreams for inner-city, women's ministry, children, traveling and speaking, music, relationship building, being a wife and a mom, and so many others still burn a fire in my heart. As God continues to grow my passion for Him and His calling, I pray that I continually surrender my will to His. As I know He has made me a mega dreamer for a reason, it's kind of fun to sit and think about the puzzle pieces.

As I reflect on Evangel University, I am given a sense of hope. That was only a chapter, and what an amazing chapter it was. The rest of my story is full of so many more exciting adventures. I'm ready to start the rest of my life. Look out world. I'm ready to shake you up for Jesus.

Love you guys.

In Him,
Em