A Needed Recharge

Last week was one of the craziest, exciting, tiring, and needed weeks since I graduated from college. In essence, it was almost perfect.

The week started with my first district event for the Assemblies of God in Kansas. Every year, the district puts on something called Ministers' Renewal. Many of the district pastors come to good 'ol Wheat State Camp and spend a few days being able to connect with other leaders.

It was such a great experience.

Can I just tell you that I work for the best people ever? (Andy, if you're reading this, I'm including you!) ;) They have such hearts for people and for doing Kingdom work that I can't help but be inspired every time I am around them. They love these pastors and they love people.

This event allowed me to interact with some of Kansas' finest. I got to talk to so many different people - some that I knew, some that I didn't. One of the first people to really influence my walk with the Lord was also there. She and her husband are pastors, and it was so nice to have the chance to connect with her again. She poured into my life starting at such a young age, and I am forever grateful.

I love that my line of work allows me to be so relational. I get to talk to people from all different walks of life all the time, and it is such an energy boost for me.

The event was also just tons of fun. Along with the fun, there were also lots of long hours. However, since I worked such long hours, I was given Thursday and Friday of last week off. Can you say glory hallelujah?

With that, I was able to take off to Springfield a day early. Let me just tell ya, that trip was exactly what I have needed. I got to spend time with some of my favorite people in the entire world, and it was so nice to be able to interact with them face-to-face again.

I have missed my community. At Evangel Temple's young adults group on Sunday, they really talked about the importance of community and connecting to the people around you. None of us were meant to walk through life alone. I am so thankful to have the friends I do (even if the ones who walked through Evangel with me aren't really near).

However, I was also reminded that Evangel is no longer my home. As I stood at the front desk, I expected my friend Laurisha to come bounding out of her room on the first floor. Also, walking down the side walk to the south-side of campus, I kept looking for my dear Amy. As I remembered that they are no longer there, I took a look at the Evangel that was around me. New faces. Different settings. A whole new time.

I will always treasure everything about my experience at Evangel. My friend Lisa asked me to list off what made my last semester so wonderful, and the list was just endless. I am blessed.

As I continue on my new path in life, I look back with fondness. I get to go back to Springfield in November for my friend Olivia's senior recital, and I cannot wait to once again hug the necks of these wonderful friends I have missed so dearly.

However, I am also keeping my eyes ahead. When I graduated from Evangel, my dear friend Deanna reminded me that this was a time to go out in peace because the Lord knows exactly what He is doing. Time and time again, He has proved that He does.

The Lord knew I needed this time with so many precious friends. I have made some wonderful memories with these amazing people. As I look forward to the time when I can see them again, I also look forward to where God is taking and shaping my life.

I have learned something very valuable these past few months: His plans far exceed my own.

Thanks for letting me ramble.

Love you guys.

In Him,
Em

Pleasant Reminders

I have been employed for almost a month.

My how time flies.

I love absolutely everything (well almost everything!) about my job. I could not have asked for a better work environment or better people.

In this past month, I have also been officially credentialed. It is quite humbling to be honest. I have spent the past 10 years dreaming of this day and now that it has come, I am reminded still of just how small I am and how great HE is. Reverend is such an honor and one that I hope I never take lightly.

The month has also been filled with some spots of loneliness. I have transitioned out of one of the most constant and people-filled stages of my life: college. At every wake and turn, there was someone there...always. Now as I have entered this new phase in my life, there is not always someone at every turn (at least not someone my age). Don't get me wrong, I am blessed beyond measure. I still have some of the world's greatest friends (even though they are miles and miles away from me). However, the Lord has constantly taught me to find my source in Him.

In these moments of loneliness, I have tried to make it an effort to cry out to God instead of moping in a state of self-despair (a.k.a. pity party). I have learned that God does a much better job of filling that hole than if I sit there and whine to myself. It's like He is meant to be our all sustaining source of life and joy. Weird. Who would have thought.

And it is in these moments of asking God to constantly be my source, a pleasant reminder of His love and grace comes through.

God has made me a very relational being. I derive energy from being with and around people. I always have, I believe I always will. It's called being an extreme extrovert. So in these moments of loneliness, God makes His presence even more known. After I have had one of these moments, a text message, a call, or some form of communication comes through from one of those wonderful friends I was telling you about who live miles and miles away from me. Every time this happens, I feel God gently nudge me and say, "My child, I told you that you are never alone. Let me provide the comfort you need, and I will grant you the relational need I have placed in you." And let me just tell you, He provides again and again at exactly the right moment I need it.

God is my source.

Lives get busy. Chaos ensues. But God remains the same.

It is easy to feel that ping of loneliness, but it is important to remember that we are never ever alone. So let the God of the universe be the one you need.

Thanks for letting me ramble yet again. :)

Adios until next time.

Love you guys.

In Him,
Em