Rewarding

     Towards the beginning of my journey here in Liverpool I remember talking to my supervisor, telling her I feel as though I'm not able to fully serve the Lord with the current ministry we were doing at that time. She reminded me of the scriptures that discuss those who plow the land, plant the seeds, and then reap the harvest. Some plow the land and may never get a chance to see the harvest. She told me that in a sense our team may be like that... we may only do the "dirty work," and the next team will be the ones to see the work that we have all put in. That was a huge reminder for me and the Lord was definitely calming me down and showing me how to be patient. 

      So... Why do I tell you all this? Well, I was able to see the "harvest" yesterday. Our team did an "OM" service at church. The topic was community and being a strong body of Christ. We had a few illustrations and a main message. I also had the opportunity to lead worship! Absolutely shaking and more than nervous I survived... actually it turned out really good! I sang and played guitar while another guy played the guitar with me. It was such an amazing experience and I totally felt the Lords presence The whole service was completely Spirit led and we had the chance to use each of our gifts and talents for God's glory! Afterwards many people complemented each one of us saying what an amazing service it was and how well we all work together. 

     Later that night we took the youth in the church- 4 young ladies -to an evening church service at Frontline. The service was much different than Christ Church (the church we serve in)... It is not nearly as traditional as the girls are used to. They all really enjoyed it and worshiping together was amazing. I had the chance to talk to one of the girls about giving everything to God. She explained how that has been hard for her to grasp... "If I give everything to God it seems like I wouldn't be myself." She explained. I was able to then share my story of coming here and how incredibly difficult it was. I then told her "I understand how you feel, but it is more than rewarding when you do give everything to the Lord because then He can use you in ways you never thought possible." With tears in her eyes and avoiding my own she asked "But what am I supposed to do on Friday's when you guys leave? We won't have our youth group any more." I told her she could skype me any time and I'll always be there for her. I then asked if I can pray for her. Her response was short and cold. "No. Then I'll cry." Talking her into it I prayed for her. Honestly, I do not even remember what I said... It was absolutely the Holy Spirit. By the time I said Amen she was completely crying. I hugged her for a while and tried to encourage her. Later that night she messaged me saying how inspiring and uplifting I was and what a blessing I have been to her in the past 4 months. This encouraged me more than she will ever know.

     Laying in bed last night I then thought of what my supervisor explained to me. Thanking the Lord, I realized that I have been able to see the reward of our service here at Christ Church. Both with seeing how much they will miss us all and hearing how much we have encouraged everyone. It's an incredible feeling when God show's us things in His own timing- even when we get impatient!

Joy Comes in the Morning

     Earlier today a pastor from another church visited our own church and asked me how I am doing. I, of course, gave the typical "I'm good, How are you?" answer. He gave a blank stare... "How are you really? I can tell... I don't know how to explain it, but you have this deep sadness in you." Keep in mind I have only seen him about three times in my whole life. He went on, "I can just tell you're really home sick." My eyes got all welled up. Uhhh! I hate being vulnerable. I don't want to show my emotions... Don't cry. I don't want anyone to know how homesick I truly am. I gave a shrug and looked to the ceiling trying my hardest not to display how difficult this experience has truly been. "I'm sure it's really hard.. but you also have this air about you of pure joy. A sort of happiness that only comes from the Lord." This led my brain to thinking two things. Well, I wish I wasn't that easy to read... But that's super encouraging. I know God has a reason for everything, but through all the muck and mud honestly, it is so hard to see.
     Trust me. Two short, plain words that the Lord has laid on my heart and in my head. Trust God.... Such a simple yet powerful statement. God is doing amazing things, things that I can't even see myself. I had the privilege of skyping with my church at home and afterward with my family who had Easter dinner at our friends (the Pecks). I can not put into words what a "God thing" that was. He knew... Oh He knew how tremendously much I needed that. It was the push I needed to know that I can do this - Only through the Lord's power. Also, not only to endure these last three weeks but strive for them. Make the most of every single opportunity that comes my way.
     Often I hear the rain and think of how depressed it makes me feel. Living in England with rain poring down 304 days a year, well let's just say it gets fairly aggravating. I'm a summer girl - Give me a beach on a bright sunny day and I'll feel as though I'm floating on clouds. Tonight however I feel something different. As I sit on the window ledge, close my eyes and listen to drops of water splash on the earth I'm reminded of God's promise... The promise He made after the flood. Pondering this my thoughts are then led to yet another vow we have from the Lord Jesus Christ. There will be joy in the morning. How replenishing is that?! So, through listening to the calming sound of the rain on the roof along with encouraging conversations I have a sense of refreshment. As though I have been working in the hot, dry fields all day and then I sit down in the shade with a glass of ice cold lemonade. Thank you Lord for those sweet, replenishing moments in life!

God's Glorious Creation

Be Grateful.

     Until now, I never realized how important friendships are. Just when I thought that everything, literally everything, was crashing down around me and I had no one to talk to, God sent me a gift. Three of my best friends from the base were able to mosey on up here to Liverpool and visit us last weekend. We had an amazing day at the beach, running in the rain, sand below your bare feet, singing The Sound of Music, and tremendous amounts of laughter. The next day we had another adventure walking along trails admiring Gods delightful creation and ended up having tangible conversations. It wasn't a discussion that was meaningless, yet it was deep and sincere. Questioning what is the right thing to do in certain situations and what would bring the most glory to God while sticking up for the truth were some of the things that were talked about. These things made me think. I'm not talking about letting the thought cross my mind for three minutes... But I mean really pondering.

     Not only was I blessed with each one of my friends, but especially Sarah who has become one of my nearest and dearest friends. She has been an incredible Christ like example to me, and kindly reminds me to be more gentle, simply by her loving personality. Her encouraging words were like sweet lemonade on a summers day -- God knew how much I needed it. Simply being around her makes me feel more joyful because of how engaged with God she is. All this said, it was a refreshing and rejuvenating weekend to be sure. Which leads me to something God has been teaching me... Thankfulness.
     I want to challenge you all with this. Be thankful. I don't say this casually... I mean it in a deep sense of being thankful. I don't know how frustrated I would be at this point if the Lord hadn't sent my friends here for the weekend and  I am so incredibly thankful for that. The sun (something you don't get much of in England). My community. Dill pickles... YES dill pickles- another thing we don't have here! My amazing home church... the fellowship and genuine friendships that I have there. Real coffee. People who talk the same way I do and don't have accents. Driving on the correct side of the road. The "American Culture". My marvelous family. Living on a farm... These are things I have have taken for granted and I would have never thought I'd miss so much. Don't take things for granted. Look around you... smell the amazing food you have... Give a hug to one of your family members or kindred spirits... Take a walk in the gorgeous nature God has created... And last but not least, thank Jesus for these things.