A New Wind Blowing

So, I was reviewing my said "GOALS" for the summer that I posted a few months ago. I had to shake my head in disappointment to see that 85% of them were not well kept.
YES, I saved money... but was unable to save enough since my lack of available overtime at work changed my financial situation
YES, I was preparing for Scotland... but realized that now is not the right timing for such an endeavour.

but.
 NO, I did not get very involved in Church ministries... except in joining that small group I mentioned earlier.
NO, I did not keep this thing updated.
and though I have met a couple new families, I have not been able to really make time to spend investing.

HOWEVER...

    These goals unfinished are not failures on my record. The beautiful thing is, I am able to re-coop and revitalize the opportunities. Now that I am no longer going across the pond, I find more time to get involved with ministries, dig into new acquaintances, and continue to save for school and Scotland next time.

It took me a while to decide to step out of the ministry team that was head east, but right away I had a quiet confidence and peace that it was the right decision. Of course there was an influx of encouraging words from friends and family. What's in store for the next few months is still a mystery and... that's okay.
This morning's service at church spoke of Abraham's faith.. how incredible it was that he was able to have such trust and confidence in the LORD's promises, that his son of laughter was on the sacrificial altar the very next day that Jehovah required him.
What is amazing to think about is that Abraham had seen God prove Himself over and over and over again, that the man really had no reason NOT to trust His promises.
I hope this can be a thread that characterizes my life from now on.
Somehow I know that this year is going to bring things I need to grow in and adventures that are going to make me into a greater man of God than I would have away in Scotland.

Reflections of a "Hebrews" Life

Where to begin. I know the last time I posted seems like ages ago and so much has happened since. For starters, I’m back up at my new home (again) in the North East with family, though living with friends that might as well be my blood anyway. I am now the proud Uncle of a BIG BOY.. 9lb!! I don’t know how my sister carried that kid. Praise the Lord for bringing the little(ish) one into the world. I have a job at a furniture manufacturing company… pretty exciting.
Let’s see… after having packed my parents up for Africa over Spring Break, they headed up all over the place to visit different supporters and churches. They’re still on the road and probably will be until their departure in June sometime. For sure and pray that things come together financially, but more so that the Lord would grant them peace about moving forward in Faith… believing God for what He said would happen, not basing belief off of what the present circumstance is telling them.
That’s been the theme of my life this past semester: FAITH
I’m realizing how short sighted and caught up in the here and now I really am. God has truly been growing my faith seemingly exponentially. More so, He’s been allowing me to endure rather heavy times, which in turn allows me opportunity to look to Him and live the life I actually have: secure.
I was challenged by a message on the radio speaking of hard times and wondering if God really was caring at all while “the every-day sinner” was doing just fine; cruising down easy street. But refiners fire came back to mind, “You’ve asked Me for a lot, do you want it or not?”
Going through the book of Hebrews was super encouraging, looking at the lives of what we call the ‘Heroes of Faith’ showing us as a cloud of witnesses; this life is doable. Not only is it doable, but crazy amazing if only we allow the Lord to work. Patient endurance is the key.

In Chaos and Pain

The Long journey has come to an end, and yet it is only beginning.
Coming up to the school at a quarter past ten Friday night was a fulfilling moment. Having many miles behind, along with a blown tire, gas money, and a "Pay it forward" opportunity, the trip and all the happenings before it were just one big post-it note from God saying

I'm STILL here.

It took me two days to get everything in its proper place, but I finally got fully moved in. I have plenty of brothers in the room with me (six to be exact)so I was trying hard to keep everything condensed in my desk and under my bed. I'm likin' the roomies so far. We're all very different, but it is awesome to know that we are all family in Him.
Did a lot of errands and orientation meetings today, so I'm pretty peopled out. But I'm seriously considering a good run on the treadmill before bed. That way I can still be "with" people... er.. watching them from above as they play soccer... Just not so surrounded. I wish I still had my Tenth Avenue North music. They were always my favorite running companions.
Then it's off to the showers that I cleaned earlier this afternoon. 7:15 comes earlier than you expect it.


..."I'm still here"...