Leaving

The bible says to be in debt in love...I have a huge debt I can never pay off to Amadeo.

I still can't wrap my mind around how I got the privilege of taking off a semester of school to bombard the Amadeo community and live in the love that they never run out of. My prayer for all churches is to grasp this kind of Kingdom love in their own communities. I'll never forget experiencing it the way I have. 

I'm in debt to so many but here are a few

Katelyn, for always driving and giving up her Monday to spend time with me. Your friendship made  my time here so rich.

Cheryl and Gary, my wonderful host parents who also drove me whenever needed, cooked delicious meals, taught me how to cook, prayed for me and helped me understand the reality and depth of an intimate relationship with God

Ben and Mandy, who were constant encouragements, reminding me my labor was not in vain, listening and guiding me toward right choices... For seeing through my "I'm good!" Facade and letting me be real and break down

Shelly who drove me every day to the coffee shop, knew how to make me cry (in a good way) in a second, who laughed with me, became one of my greatest role models, friend, and support. 

Geneva and Louise, with a laugh so contagious it was hard to frown around them

Lindsey and Lesilee Ozmon for being the best older sisters and letting me invade their home. I learned so much from these girls and am forever grateful for their patience when I came home tired and they listened to me think aloud and tell stupid stories and eat their food...

Sherri, for also giving me rides and being such a great example of a godly woman who discerns truth, constantly finds ways to love those who need it most, and is so present in every conversation although we all know she holds a lot on her plate...

Doni, Debby, and Michael who always encouraged me and believed in me. Seeing their love for Jesus in all circumstances left me in tears

The prayer warriors who spent hours praying over me, helped me find healing I didn't know was possible, and showed me a new way to seek God

This is just to name a few. You all touched me in special ways that I'll never forget. Thank you for hosting me, letting me rediscover who I am in Christ and refresh my broken spirit. I'm sure I'll find a way back to you guys somehow, but until then know I am incredible grateful for the love you have for each other, which is a true testimony of God's love. Thank you Amadeo, for fighting the good fight and changing people's lives by showing them Jesus in all you do.

Be Thankful Always!

This week (and every week) I have so much to be thankful for. This week, being thanksgiving and all, sticks out to me in particular. I'll start from the beginning.

Last Monday I had the privilege of going 4-wheeling in the desert with Katelyn and Eddie. It was a beautiful day and we had a great time. Being the young and reckless teenager I am, I got a little carried away and was going too fast on an unfamiliar road. I ended up approaching a rocky path that intimidated me. I pulled the breaks and I went flying! But there were so many miracles in that experience. For one, the 4 wheeler I was driving had ropes and a box cutter and heavy things in the front of it that kept falling out earlier in my ride. So prior to the fall i took all of those out, which would have fallen on me. I also only hit my ankle on a rock rather than my head or any other place that would have been a major injury. Yet another blessing was having 3 people and 2 4 wheelers so I was able to ride on the back and we didn't have to abandon an ATV. Not only that, but Katelyn and Eddie took such good care of me...thankful for these friends!! The timing also couldn't have been better, because I didn't have to work at the coffee shop and I was going to see my dad who could help me take care of it. I'm still a little sore, but I'm walking great and still look back on that day as one of my favorites from my time in Arizona. 

Tuesday for reasons I cannot explain, I rode a public bus from Phoenix to LA, a 7 hour bus ride that probably wasn't the safest option. Nevertheless it was a great ride and I met the sweetest lady. We talked most of the way. God definitely had his hand in that because both of us were nervous and prayed for good company. I arrived in Long Beach Tuesday night to be greeted by my dad I miss dearly and haven't seen since August. That alone was a blessing, but his hug was followed by embraces from my grandparents who are in their early 90s, and my uncle. I had a great thanksgiving with them and ate way more than necessary! I woke up to a beautiful sunrise every day on my trip, which I praise God for making. 

My favorite part of my visit was being able to record my grandparents life story, including a 70 year marriage, to save forever in an archive through StoryCorps. Hearing their accomplishments, their undying love, and their incredible strength brought me to tears. I've never felt so proud of where I've come from. It was such a privilege to be the one to record their legacy. I cannot wait for the future generations to hear their story.

I also stayed at my aunts house Saturday and she willingly drove me to the bus stop this morning. I'm so thankful for family, that even when the visits are short and infrequent, they are still filled with so much love and good times. 

Now I'm heading back to Arizona, where I've been referring to as home, for the final two weeks of these incredibly short 4 months. Posts to come on my thankfulness for Arizona and my new found family there!

God gives everyone things to be thankful for. Do you acknowledge them? He's put on my heart to see Him in even the littlest of circumstances. His blessings are always awesome, but for some reason they feel better and mean more when you acknowledge him for it. Thank Him.

"Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!" - Psalm 95:2

Love is in the air!

I don't want this post to be boastful or conceited or anything, but recently I really came to terms with the fact I love myself!

In fact, we (I) shouldn't be scared to claim that we love ourselves, because that's really what God intended. 

The fruit of loving oneself is a healthier lifestyle, understanding you are loved by God, being able to love your neighbor (as yourself). I don't really think you can learn to love another human being if you don't in fact love yourself. And I've known for a while God loves me, people care about me, and that I matter. But to truly love yourself you allow yourself to experience grace, to encourage yourself toward growth, and if you are caring for yourself you can care for others. A sick soul cannot make another well. The remedy for sickness is love! I love in the psalms when David is like "why are you downcast, o my soul?" He's encouraging himself! 

I've noticed loving myself lets me live in the moment, and I don't really think you can experience His presence except in the present. Because we aren't to worry about tomorrow, and he's freed us from past shame so focus on him is in the moment, because he gives you just the right amount of grace for each moment, you don't get tomorrow's grace until tomorrow. When you are secure in yourself, you are then comfortable to exist in the moment.

Tell yourself you love yourself! Care for yourself, it is not selfish, it is essential to do the work God has placed before you. If we want to be on the same team as God (thank you Lord for making that possible) you have to come into agreement with him on who you are in him. I think saying "I love myself" is telling God I accept how you've made me and protects you from the enemy trying to beat you down. 

So pray that: people love themselves, and make time to refresh their own souls. Encourage each other toward love for others but within as well. Let's scream "I love myself!" Because any thoughts that oppose that are not what God intended. Healthy people see their worth and don't seek it in anyone else. Healthy people who know their worth let others know of their worth too. We should know that God works in and then out. He works within the church and they (hopefully) outpour into their city. God works in you and you can outpour into others.

"Whoever has sense loves his own soul; he who keeps understanding will discover good." - Proverbs 19:8

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God has prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." - Ephesians 2:10

"For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body." - Ephesians 5:29-30