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
Friday, May 13, 2011
Saturday, April 23, 2011
See You Later
The countdown is on...less than two weeks until graduation...oh my lanta...
I have begun to feel every last emotion under the sun: joy, sadness, excitement, wonder, etc. This week has been a lot of "lasts" for me. Tuesday I passed on my Crosswalk position. It was a wonderful evening even though a little difficult. I am officially no longer the Assistant Director of Children's Ministries, and that is kind of a strange concept for me. Two years of my life have been committed to this ministry and a wonderful group of people. I would not know nearly all of the people that I know without Crosswalk. What a blessing that God uses positions like these as great opportunities. It was also my last Children's Ministries get together. My team all signed a card for me and gave me various words of affirmation and encouragement. Yes, I cried. This should not be a surprise to anyone. While I am super excited for what God has for the future, it is hard to see this chapter come to a close.
Hangouts, balancing acts, treasuring moments...these are all just a few of the things I have in the upcoming two weeks. I am embracing every feeling.
Yesterday was Good Friday, and I could not be more thankful for the gift of the cross. Watching The Passion of the Christ again really just reminded me of how great a cost it really was. Wow. I am blessed that I got to watch this movie with friends for the past two years.
Friends. How great they are. As graduation nears, I have promised that I will never say "good-bye." I hate that phrase. HATE IT. I have never believed in good-byes, and I am definitely not planning on starting now. One of the many cool things about being Christians is that we get to spend all eternity with each other.
Instead of saying good-bye, I will tell each and every one of you see you later. Things shift. Things change. Time moves on. However, the people I have been privileged to meet in college are people that definitely have made their mark on my heart and my life. God blesses us everyday with opportunities, and Evangel has provided several.
Yeah, there will be tears. I am one of the biggest criers I know, and that is a-ok! Closing of chapters is never easy, but it is a necessary process of life. And with the closing of one begins a whole new and exciting other. For us seniors, life is just getting started, and I cannot wait to see where God takes each and every one of us.
So, to my dear Evangel friends, don't think this is the end. Technology is a wonderful blessing. I love you all more than words can say and am blessed by your friendship. As I hug you before we all depart, know one thing. I will definitely see you later.
Love you all,
Em
I have begun to feel every last emotion under the sun: joy, sadness, excitement, wonder, etc. This week has been a lot of "lasts" for me. Tuesday I passed on my Crosswalk position. It was a wonderful evening even though a little difficult. I am officially no longer the Assistant Director of Children's Ministries, and that is kind of a strange concept for me. Two years of my life have been committed to this ministry and a wonderful group of people. I would not know nearly all of the people that I know without Crosswalk. What a blessing that God uses positions like these as great opportunities. It was also my last Children's Ministries get together. My team all signed a card for me and gave me various words of affirmation and encouragement. Yes, I cried. This should not be a surprise to anyone. While I am super excited for what God has for the future, it is hard to see this chapter come to a close.
Hangouts, balancing acts, treasuring moments...these are all just a few of the things I have in the upcoming two weeks. I am embracing every feeling.
Yesterday was Good Friday, and I could not be more thankful for the gift of the cross. Watching The Passion of the Christ again really just reminded me of how great a cost it really was. Wow. I am blessed that I got to watch this movie with friends for the past two years.
Friends. How great they are. As graduation nears, I have promised that I will never say "good-bye." I hate that phrase. HATE IT. I have never believed in good-byes, and I am definitely not planning on starting now. One of the many cool things about being Christians is that we get to spend all eternity with each other.
Instead of saying good-bye, I will tell each and every one of you see you later. Things shift. Things change. Time moves on. However, the people I have been privileged to meet in college are people that definitely have made their mark on my heart and my life. God blesses us everyday with opportunities, and Evangel has provided several.
Yeah, there will be tears. I am one of the biggest criers I know, and that is a-ok! Closing of chapters is never easy, but it is a necessary process of life. And with the closing of one begins a whole new and exciting other. For us seniors, life is just getting started, and I cannot wait to see where God takes each and every one of us.
So, to my dear Evangel friends, don't think this is the end. Technology is a wonderful blessing. I love you all more than words can say and am blessed by your friendship. As I hug you before we all depart, know one thing. I will definitely see you later.
Love you all,
Em
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Unexpected Blessings
This past week has been nothing short of incredible. It has been amazing to see how God has worked in and through my life because I surrendered.
Let me just tell you all a little story.
So, I was given the absolute AMAZING opportunity to dine with the Board of Directors and the President of our campus this past Friday.
There's God doing that humbling thing again...
Well, I didn't exactly have anything super snazzy to wear to this thing, but I wanted to be impressive. It was such an amazing honor to get to go to this luncheon, and I wanted to look like I belonged there.
And it was in this that I was completely and totally blessed.
Being at Evangel has opened so many great doors for mentorship and relationship building. One of these great mentors has been my leadership professor, Dr. Alina Lehnert.
In discussing with her that I was eating with the Board and the President, she asked me what I was going to wear. I wondered this very same thing myself. She informed me that I needed a business suit and gave me a list of places to go. Once I found something, she asked that I put it on hold.
So, on Wednesday of this week, I went browsing. Once I hit JC Penny's, I found an awesome deal and a suit that worked well for what I needed. So doing what she asked, I placed it on hold.
Then the blessing took place.
The next day, she asked me to come to her office after class. Once we were both in there, she shut the door and pulled off the suit that I had put on hold.
She had bought it for me. It was exactly what I had needed, and she was there in that need.
Dr. Lehnert hugged me and told me how much she believes in me. Trying to choke back tears, I knew nothing else but to thank her (even though this seemed anything short of adequate.)
She invested in me. She believes in me. And now, I have a business suit. Not only that, but she blessed me with a dress.
It amazes me every day how God can put such wonderful people into your life to invest and believe in you. I don't think she fully realizes how much that meant to me, but it completely touched my heart. This is one of those circumstances that I will never forget. She told me that some day I would be able to buy some young lady a suit and that I could continue to pay it forward.
I cannot wait for that opportunity.
The luncheon went fantastically, and I was given even more incredible opportunities. In fact, I really can't wait to see where God takes me in some of these encounters. More to come. I'll keep ya posted. :)
God is so faithful, and I am learning how wonderful it is when we surrender our will to the will of the Father.
Love you guys.
In Him,
Em
Let me just tell you all a little story.
So, I was given the absolute AMAZING opportunity to dine with the Board of Directors and the President of our campus this past Friday.
There's God doing that humbling thing again...
Well, I didn't exactly have anything super snazzy to wear to this thing, but I wanted to be impressive. It was such an amazing honor to get to go to this luncheon, and I wanted to look like I belonged there.
And it was in this that I was completely and totally blessed.
Being at Evangel has opened so many great doors for mentorship and relationship building. One of these great mentors has been my leadership professor, Dr. Alina Lehnert.
In discussing with her that I was eating with the Board and the President, she asked me what I was going to wear. I wondered this very same thing myself. She informed me that I needed a business suit and gave me a list of places to go. Once I found something, she asked that I put it on hold.
So, on Wednesday of this week, I went browsing. Once I hit JC Penny's, I found an awesome deal and a suit that worked well for what I needed. So doing what she asked, I placed it on hold.
Then the blessing took place.
The next day, she asked me to come to her office after class. Once we were both in there, she shut the door and pulled off the suit that I had put on hold.
She had bought it for me. It was exactly what I had needed, and she was there in that need.
Dr. Lehnert hugged me and told me how much she believes in me. Trying to choke back tears, I knew nothing else but to thank her (even though this seemed anything short of adequate.)
She invested in me. She believes in me. And now, I have a business suit. Not only that, but she blessed me with a dress.
It amazes me every day how God can put such wonderful people into your life to invest and believe in you. I don't think she fully realizes how much that meant to me, but it completely touched my heart. This is one of those circumstances that I will never forget. She told me that some day I would be able to buy some young lady a suit and that I could continue to pay it forward.
I cannot wait for that opportunity.
The luncheon went fantastically, and I was given even more incredible opportunities. In fact, I really can't wait to see where God takes me in some of these encounters. More to come. I'll keep ya posted. :)
God is so faithful, and I am learning how wonderful it is when we surrender our will to the will of the Father.
Love you guys.
In Him,
Em
Friday, April 1, 2011
A Change of Plans
As some of you know, I am no longer going back to Memphis for the summer.
Trust me. This shocked me too.
As I stood at the Black sea, God told me no. He told me no to every single plan I have ever had for the past 21 years of my life. And let me tell you...it has been completely liberating.
For the first time ever, I no longer have a plan. Of course, I still have my dreams and aspirations. I dream of being able to go back to Romania and doing ministry. I dream of seeing Roxana again. Being on the east coast would bring my heart so much joy. I would get to see Steph and many of my Evangel friends. (And I know I will see these people again.) However, it is not about my plan. It's about God's.
This feeling, while liberating, is also completely scary. As I send out applications this weekend and work on my resume, I can only sit and wait to see where God leads me next. The lesson I am learning is that God's plans turn out millions of times better than mine ever could or would.
So what is my plan right now? Surrender. God asked me to surrender every single plan I have to Him while I was in Romania. Let's be honest; He's been asking me to do this for years. It just took me awhile to listen. In Romania, I had absolutely no plan. I worked off of everyone else's. While I was the student leader, I completely took a back seat and watched as God worked wonders because I finally let go. As He opened doors and brought people into my life, I realized just how fun and exciting (even though sometimes challenging) His plans are.
God knows the desires of my heart because they are desires that He has given me. I have a desire to do ministry, in whatever capacity that may be.
So, no more Memphis. As hard as this decision is, I know it's the right one. As I sit at my desk, I can see the faces of my kids in the pictures on my wall. As I look at their faces, I know that they are no longer mine to watch over. They never have been. God chose to use me to minister into their lives, and I know He will send someone else in my place. I can always pray for them, and I always will. But it is time, in some sense, to let my babies go. They will always be my babies, but God is moving me in a new and exciting direction.
I am gearing up for the ride of my life. I will keep you posted as I know more. I'm trusting completely. I surrender my life to my Master's plan.
Love you guys,
Em
Trust me. This shocked me too.
As I stood at the Black sea, God told me no. He told me no to every single plan I have ever had for the past 21 years of my life. And let me tell you...it has been completely liberating.
For the first time ever, I no longer have a plan. Of course, I still have my dreams and aspirations. I dream of being able to go back to Romania and doing ministry. I dream of seeing Roxana again. Being on the east coast would bring my heart so much joy. I would get to see Steph and many of my Evangel friends. (And I know I will see these people again.) However, it is not about my plan. It's about God's.
This feeling, while liberating, is also completely scary. As I send out applications this weekend and work on my resume, I can only sit and wait to see where God leads me next. The lesson I am learning is that God's plans turn out millions of times better than mine ever could or would.
So what is my plan right now? Surrender. God asked me to surrender every single plan I have to Him while I was in Romania. Let's be honest; He's been asking me to do this for years. It just took me awhile to listen. In Romania, I had absolutely no plan. I worked off of everyone else's. While I was the student leader, I completely took a back seat and watched as God worked wonders because I finally let go. As He opened doors and brought people into my life, I realized just how fun and exciting (even though sometimes challenging) His plans are.
God knows the desires of my heart because they are desires that He has given me. I have a desire to do ministry, in whatever capacity that may be.
So, no more Memphis. As hard as this decision is, I know it's the right one. As I sit at my desk, I can see the faces of my kids in the pictures on my wall. As I look at their faces, I know that they are no longer mine to watch over. They never have been. God chose to use me to minister into their lives, and I know He will send someone else in my place. I can always pray for them, and I always will. But it is time, in some sense, to let my babies go. They will always be my babies, but God is moving me in a new and exciting direction.
I am gearing up for the ride of my life. I will keep you posted as I know more. I'm trusting completely. I surrender my life to my Master's plan.
Love you guys,
Em
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Romania
It is 2:00 a.m. here in wonderful Springfield, MO, and my body is completely exhausted. However, my mind runs rampant with thoughts about Romania. It is 9 a.m. there, and I already miss it dearly.
This trip was definitely relational.
You think I would get used to God surprising me but He always catches me off-guard.
I went on this trip with 5 other wonderful students and one amazing faculty sponsor not really knowing what to expect. Boy did God rock my world.
While in Romania, our team was able to combine with another team from Valley Forge to do ministry. I will admit that I was quite skeptical but was happily surprised by how well we worked together. We did kids programs at many villages, handicap hospitals, and churches. We did ministry with women as well through testimony, song, and interaction.
Can we talk about how excited I was that I got to do both women AND kid's ministry...two of the things I want to do for the rest of my life?? I was stinking excited.
The first night we were there, God allowed me to be put outside of my comfort zone.
I got to sing.
One of the members of my team, Lexi, suggested that I sing Mighty to Save as I was frantically trying to figure out what would be good. We were in a tiny Romanian apartment with about 5 women and here I was getting ready to sing. My nerves were definitely very present. However, as I began, I closed my eyes and let God envelop me. I was worshiping. It was just me and the big man upstairs.
And let me tell you, it was awesome. God used me...little old me...to minister to these ladies. My voice is not mine to brag about because God totally gave me the talent. It's His to use, and my biggest dream of using it to bring glory and honor to His name came true.
Wow. Humbled yet again.
The children were precious. Even though I could only say hi in their language, a smile carries a thousand words. We would play thumb wars and hug. While the frustration of not being able to speak their language was definitely present, God works through any and all barriers. I got to be a crazy, wacky scientist named Dr. Lupa and bring smile and laughter to their lives. A child's laugh is irreplaceable.
Not only was I able to minister, but I was ministered to. God brought two very unexpected individuals into my life during this trip: Steph and Roxana.
Steph is a senior at Valley Forge. Much like myself, she has no idea where May will bring her. But her life is a testimony to the greatness of God. She has been diagnosed with Lupus and Crohne's Disease but you would never know it. The girl radiates joy and beauty. She encourages me by just how much she brings God glory through her life. Her friendship has blessed me immensely and words cannot even describe how thankful I am to have met her. I cannot wait until I get to see her again.
Then there is Roxana. She is Romanian and the husband of one of the men we worked with all week. She is absolutely beautiful. By the end of the week, she had told me that I was her sister from another mother. Thank the Lord she could speak English. Her sense of humor always kept me smiling. I loved every minute of being around her and pray with all of my heart that the Lord allows our paths to cross again. I feel like this is only the start of our friendship and being thousands of miles away will not keep God from doing what He wants. I would love to learn more of her heart. She definitely blessed my life.
Not to mention, we had an absolutely amazing faculty sponsor. Annie Bailey is an RD here on campus and an amazing individual. She's like the big sister I never had. I am so thankful I have the next two months to learn from her while I am still in Springfield. She is an amazing woman of God, and I am so thankful that I have gotten to know her. I kinda wonder where she was for the past two years of my college career, but God's timing is always divine.
I am currently praying about returning in August with Sarah Taylor (who is also quite the wonderful person.) I love Romania.
The mountains were beautiful. As we made our drive, I couldn't help but marvel at the creativity of God. They were so majestic and beautiful and only gave a hint of the beauty of our God. Looking at those mountains made me remember the strength of our God. It's amazing what you can miss when you are not looking.
Then there's the ocean. As we were at the Black Sea, I could not help but marvel at the vastness. As I stood at a look out point, I felt the peace of God encapsulate my heart. The waves crashed against the rocks in front of me, and I again felt compelled to sing. It was the closest feeling I have had to my actual dream, and it was perfect. In that moment, it was me and God. Nothing and no one else.
My mind still races with thoughts. This trip was nothing short of amazing. God is incredible, and I am so thankful that I go the chance to go. Thank you to everyone who prayed and supported me. God definitely worked in amazing ways.
I hope I can go back. I loved the kids, I loved the people, and I loved what I learned.
I cannot wait to see what else God teaches me as I continue to process one of the most amazing weeks of my life.
Until next time, I will leave you with this picture of the beauty of the mountains.
Never forget to see the beauty in God's creation. He's pretty mighty, and it's amazing how He will use you if you just take the time to stop and listen.
Love you guys.
In Him,
Em
This trip was definitely relational.
You think I would get used to God surprising me but He always catches me off-guard.
I went on this trip with 5 other wonderful students and one amazing faculty sponsor not really knowing what to expect. Boy did God rock my world.
While in Romania, our team was able to combine with another team from Valley Forge to do ministry. I will admit that I was quite skeptical but was happily surprised by how well we worked together. We did kids programs at many villages, handicap hospitals, and churches. We did ministry with women as well through testimony, song, and interaction.
Can we talk about how excited I was that I got to do both women AND kid's ministry...two of the things I want to do for the rest of my life?? I was stinking excited.
The first night we were there, God allowed me to be put outside of my comfort zone.
I got to sing.
One of the members of my team, Lexi, suggested that I sing Mighty to Save as I was frantically trying to figure out what would be good. We were in a tiny Romanian apartment with about 5 women and here I was getting ready to sing. My nerves were definitely very present. However, as I began, I closed my eyes and let God envelop me. I was worshiping. It was just me and the big man upstairs.
And let me tell you, it was awesome. God used me...little old me...to minister to these ladies. My voice is not mine to brag about because God totally gave me the talent. It's His to use, and my biggest dream of using it to bring glory and honor to His name came true.
Wow. Humbled yet again.
The children were precious. Even though I could only say hi in their language, a smile carries a thousand words. We would play thumb wars and hug. While the frustration of not being able to speak their language was definitely present, God works through any and all barriers. I got to be a crazy, wacky scientist named Dr. Lupa and bring smile and laughter to their lives. A child's laugh is irreplaceable.
Not only was I able to minister, but I was ministered to. God brought two very unexpected individuals into my life during this trip: Steph and Roxana.
Steph is a senior at Valley Forge. Much like myself, she has no idea where May will bring her. But her life is a testimony to the greatness of God. She has been diagnosed with Lupus and Crohne's Disease but you would never know it. The girl radiates joy and beauty. She encourages me by just how much she brings God glory through her life. Her friendship has blessed me immensely and words cannot even describe how thankful I am to have met her. I cannot wait until I get to see her again.
Then there is Roxana. She is Romanian and the husband of one of the men we worked with all week. She is absolutely beautiful. By the end of the week, she had told me that I was her sister from another mother. Thank the Lord she could speak English. Her sense of humor always kept me smiling. I loved every minute of being around her and pray with all of my heart that the Lord allows our paths to cross again. I feel like this is only the start of our friendship and being thousands of miles away will not keep God from doing what He wants. I would love to learn more of her heart. She definitely blessed my life.
Not to mention, we had an absolutely amazing faculty sponsor. Annie Bailey is an RD here on campus and an amazing individual. She's like the big sister I never had. I am so thankful I have the next two months to learn from her while I am still in Springfield. She is an amazing woman of God, and I am so thankful that I have gotten to know her. I kinda wonder where she was for the past two years of my college career, but God's timing is always divine.
I am currently praying about returning in August with Sarah Taylor (who is also quite the wonderful person.) I love Romania.
The mountains were beautiful. As we made our drive, I couldn't help but marvel at the creativity of God. They were so majestic and beautiful and only gave a hint of the beauty of our God. Looking at those mountains made me remember the strength of our God. It's amazing what you can miss when you are not looking.
Then there's the ocean. As we were at the Black Sea, I could not help but marvel at the vastness. As I stood at a look out point, I felt the peace of God encapsulate my heart. The waves crashed against the rocks in front of me, and I again felt compelled to sing. It was the closest feeling I have had to my actual dream, and it was perfect. In that moment, it was me and God. Nothing and no one else.
My mind still races with thoughts. This trip was nothing short of amazing. God is incredible, and I am so thankful that I go the chance to go. Thank you to everyone who prayed and supported me. God definitely worked in amazing ways.
I hope I can go back. I loved the kids, I loved the people, and I loved what I learned.
I cannot wait to see what else God teaches me as I continue to process one of the most amazing weeks of my life.
Until next time, I will leave you with this picture of the beauty of the mountains.
Never forget to see the beauty in God's creation. He's pretty mighty, and it's amazing how He will use you if you just take the time to stop and listen.
Love you guys.
In Him,
Em
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Inspiration
It has been almost 2 months since the last time I blogged.
However, I am inspired to write.
I am halfway through my final semester. Where did the time go? It has been an incredible semester so far to say the least. God has grown and blossomed some even more amazing friendships within good old Burgess hall that I was not even expecting. He has also placed before me an amazing amount of opportunity.
There has also been a lot of growing.
Growing is painful. In a lot of ways, it almost feels like God is physically pulling out all that crap in your life. But this is a process I am extremely grateful for. I am thankful to follow a God who cares enough about me to see growth and positive change in my life. I am not my own. My life is definitely surrendered to the hands of my King.
Growing also takes time. If I have learned nothing else about our society, it is that we are a want and want it all now kind of people. But change doesn't just happen over night. The process itself can be a great faith builder if you allow it to be. I challenge you to look back over your life and see where God has taught you some of your greatest lessons. For me, the lessons I appreciate the most are the ones that took time. It's not because I like things to move slow. (If any of you know me at all, you will know how extremely impatient I am.) It's because I love seeing the individual steps and paths that God led me down. You don't always understand life as it's happening. I guess that's one of the reasons that they say hind-sight is 20/20. Seasons of life are not always easy, nor do they always make sense. But our God is a God of love. He won't abandon us. And just as the scriptures say, He will never give us more than we can bear.
For you seniors out there, really take the time to enjoy the present. Graduation is coming soon, but we have to make the next two months count. Yes, we will all have our moments of nostalgia and the feelings that are oh so bittersweet. But let's really see what God has to offer us in these last two months. Let's be intentional in all that we do. And don't worry about time. God will walk us through this like He has walked us through everything else. Enjoy what we have.
And don't quit growing. Spring Break is a wonderful time to reflect. I will be in Romania, so I can't wait to see what God is going to do with our team! However, I do have a nice nine-hour flight, and it will be good to look back over these past few months to see how God has revealed Himself in my life.
Also, don't miss opportunity. There are so many opportunities knocking at all our doors right now. Don't be afraid to step out in faith when God opens a door. Life is meant to be lived, so go out there and live it.
Matthew 6:34 "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Live.
Love you guys.
In Him,
Em
However, I am inspired to write.
I am halfway through my final semester. Where did the time go? It has been an incredible semester so far to say the least. God has grown and blossomed some even more amazing friendships within good old Burgess hall that I was not even expecting. He has also placed before me an amazing amount of opportunity.
There has also been a lot of growing.
Growing is painful. In a lot of ways, it almost feels like God is physically pulling out all that crap in your life. But this is a process I am extremely grateful for. I am thankful to follow a God who cares enough about me to see growth and positive change in my life. I am not my own. My life is definitely surrendered to the hands of my King.
Growing also takes time. If I have learned nothing else about our society, it is that we are a want and want it all now kind of people. But change doesn't just happen over night. The process itself can be a great faith builder if you allow it to be. I challenge you to look back over your life and see where God has taught you some of your greatest lessons. For me, the lessons I appreciate the most are the ones that took time. It's not because I like things to move slow. (If any of you know me at all, you will know how extremely impatient I am.) It's because I love seeing the individual steps and paths that God led me down. You don't always understand life as it's happening. I guess that's one of the reasons that they say hind-sight is 20/20. Seasons of life are not always easy, nor do they always make sense. But our God is a God of love. He won't abandon us. And just as the scriptures say, He will never give us more than we can bear.
For you seniors out there, really take the time to enjoy the present. Graduation is coming soon, but we have to make the next two months count. Yes, we will all have our moments of nostalgia and the feelings that are oh so bittersweet. But let's really see what God has to offer us in these last two months. Let's be intentional in all that we do. And don't worry about time. God will walk us through this like He has walked us through everything else. Enjoy what we have.
And don't quit growing. Spring Break is a wonderful time to reflect. I will be in Romania, so I can't wait to see what God is going to do with our team! However, I do have a nice nine-hour flight, and it will be good to look back over these past few months to see how God has revealed Himself in my life.
Also, don't miss opportunity. There are so many opportunities knocking at all our doors right now. Don't be afraid to step out in faith when God opens a door. Life is meant to be lived, so go out there and live it.
Matthew 6:34 "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Live.
Love you guys.
In Him,
Em
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
A Piece of My Heart
Memphis, Tennessee.
Who would have known that 5 months later I would still have the same passion and burden for that city. It's amazing the rush of emotion I felt as the skyline came into view. I had had time to reflect on everything the summer had taught and now, about 70 degrees cooler, I was back.
My first thoughts were my kids. Would they remember me? Would they want to see me? Had I had nearly the impact on them as they had on me? What would it be like to walk the streets of club Guernsey once more? All these thoughts bombarded my mind as I began my drive to meet my dear friend Erica who lives in a suburb really close to Memphis.
The next day I got the opportunity to go back to the church that I had worked with all summer. It was amazing to be greeted with so many hugs and smiles on the faces of the people of the congregation. To be there felt completely like home and like it was exactly where I belonged.
That afternoon I began the trek to see my kids. Emotions were high, and I could not help but be completely anxious. It had been 5 months. 5 months since the last time I had held them in my arms and looked at their beautiful faces and heard their precious laughter. 5 months. And 5 months in which I learned a whole lot.
As I saw the first group of kids came pouring out of the house I realized that this is exactly where I belong. In this moment in time, being on those streets and at those houses could not have felt more right. I was greeted by, "you're really here! You came back! Miss Emily is here, Miss Emily is here!!" Their excitement and looks of shock were enough to make you want to cry. They thought I had made their day. They had made mine.
My babies. I got to hug and hold my babies one more time. God granted my wish to let me see them again. When I left Memphis, I told God that I would trust Him to keep and protect them. And He has. In more ways than I could ever comprehend.
The next day, we went back to see more of the kids that weren't home. One of my little ones informed me of how much he has missed me, and his sister asked if she could come with me to the church to do Bible Club. How I longed for the chance to take them all with me. However, I just feel blessed that I got the chance to see them once more.
I don't know what all the future holds for me. I know that my life is an open book, and I am ready for God to write my story page-by-page. I am ready to free-fall into the unknown because He has a plan and purpose for me. I will continue to surrender my wants and desires to be His wants and His desires. I want to be back in Memphis, TN, and if God opens the door, I will happily take it. However, wherever He leads I will follow. If I have learned nothing else it is to not take any opportunity for granted. God gives us many, and I want to take each one He gives.
I cannot wait to see what the future holds.
Here are some pictures of the beautiful and precious babies that they are.
Love you guys,
Em
Who would have known that 5 months later I would still have the same passion and burden for that city. It's amazing the rush of emotion I felt as the skyline came into view. I had had time to reflect on everything the summer had taught and now, about 70 degrees cooler, I was back.
My first thoughts were my kids. Would they remember me? Would they want to see me? Had I had nearly the impact on them as they had on me? What would it be like to walk the streets of club Guernsey once more? All these thoughts bombarded my mind as I began my drive to meet my dear friend Erica who lives in a suburb really close to Memphis.
The next day I got the opportunity to go back to the church that I had worked with all summer. It was amazing to be greeted with so many hugs and smiles on the faces of the people of the congregation. To be there felt completely like home and like it was exactly where I belonged.
That afternoon I began the trek to see my kids. Emotions were high, and I could not help but be completely anxious. It had been 5 months. 5 months since the last time I had held them in my arms and looked at their beautiful faces and heard their precious laughter. 5 months. And 5 months in which I learned a whole lot.
As I saw the first group of kids came pouring out of the house I realized that this is exactly where I belong. In this moment in time, being on those streets and at those houses could not have felt more right. I was greeted by, "you're really here! You came back! Miss Emily is here, Miss Emily is here!!" Their excitement and looks of shock were enough to make you want to cry. They thought I had made their day. They had made mine.
My babies. I got to hug and hold my babies one more time. God granted my wish to let me see them again. When I left Memphis, I told God that I would trust Him to keep and protect them. And He has. In more ways than I could ever comprehend.
The next day, we went back to see more of the kids that weren't home. One of my little ones informed me of how much he has missed me, and his sister asked if she could come with me to the church to do Bible Club. How I longed for the chance to take them all with me. However, I just feel blessed that I got the chance to see them once more.
I don't know what all the future holds for me. I know that my life is an open book, and I am ready for God to write my story page-by-page. I am ready to free-fall into the unknown because He has a plan and purpose for me. I will continue to surrender my wants and desires to be His wants and His desires. I want to be back in Memphis, TN, and if God opens the door, I will happily take it. However, wherever He leads I will follow. If I have learned nothing else it is to not take any opportunity for granted. God gives us many, and I want to take each one He gives.
I cannot wait to see what the future holds.
Here are some pictures of the beautiful and precious babies that they are.
Love you guys,
Em
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)