Peace

Peace...

I feel as thought it is a constant battle to have peace in my life. I honestly believe it is something we are supposed to strive for and by having peace we are able to let go of the little details like control, pride and selfishness that tend to creep their way in. It's like you're swimming along in the ocean - enjoying the sun and the water and a wave comes crashing over you sucking you into a salty spin. Suddenly you're disorientated, survival instincts kick in and the only thing you want is fresh air. How do you keep from getting rattled by the waves? I know there are seasons in life, but I don't believe Jesus intends for us to be on a constant roller coaster either.

The only thing I keep coming back to, is knowing there is stability in the cross. All of my burdens can be laid at the feet of Jesus. There is so much more to life than being stuck in the cycle of restlessness. The sleepless nights - If you've ever seen the movie Ice Age, there's a scene where Sid the Sloth is attempting to get comfortable and sleep on a rock. He flips and flops, trying every position possible to find comfort. Let's be honest, I pretty much looked like Sid last night. You make plans and an unexpected twist falls smack-dab in the middle of them. You try something new and fail or you try something old and it just doesn't pick you up like it used too.

These are the words Jesus says to obtain peace:

Fix your thoughts on what is TRUE, and HONORABLE, and RIGHT, and PURE, and LOVELY, and ADMIRABLE.

Think about things that are EXCELLENT and PRAISE WORTHY.

Keep putting into practice all you LEARNED and RECEIVED from me—everything you HEARD from me and SAW me doing.

THEN the God of PEACE will be with you.

Looking Back and Jumping Forward

Welcome 2012!!! It is a NEW year. I am so excited to see what this coming year brings:)

I always like to take some time to reflect on the past year; it's amazing how much happens and how much you can forget over a few months. Things that were once a huge deal are now lost in the memory bank and we're on to the next big thing. The one word I feel describes 2011 for me would be OVERWHELMING. There were a lot of big things and even more little things that made this year seem so incredibly full.

Spiritually and emotionally it has been extremely challenging but filled with so many moments of blessing. I wrestled with God, asking if Brian was the person I was supposed to marry. Was he the person that would bring out the best in me (and probably the worst at times) as we try to figure out this blessing called life? Could we "do ministry" together? And what would that look like? What does it mean to be a wife?!?! I was so scared of becoming someone who "settled" once they said "I do". Would I become too content, let life become routine and wake spiritually dead? I cried out to God asking for answers. The answers didn't come exactly how I wanted/expected them, but God gave me clarity and assurance. From dating to engagement to being married, I have seen the faith Brian and I have grow so much. We have had some rough patches where Satan wanted nothing better than for us to go down the path of anger, worry and frustration. Lots of tear were cried (pretty much all on my part) but we were able to dig deeper and draw on strength from the Holy Spirit.

Work has been an experience too. Rocky Mountain High was my "biggy" and it was truly amazing to watch unfold. I know with all my heart that the youth events Bob and I plan could not happen without the teams of people who surround and help us. I was pushed to the max, was tired and stressed but know without a doubt that God has called me to a time and place such as this. Despite the pure exhaustion at times, I am using my God given gifts and love what I do. Sometime I wonder, like when I found out I had to reenter a 1,000 rooming assignments the night before registration started. But then I see nights where the building floor shakes because people can't contain their excitement for what Jesus is doing in their lives, friend are crawling over rows of people to stand next to each other and commit their live to Jesus. Moments like that make all the late nights worth it. I was able to walk away from the summer saying " I survived Rocky"!!!! Brian and I were able to go together and both experienced the renewing of the Spirit surrounded by mountains.

Through the highs and the lows of 2011 my cup has been filled and overflows. So now its on to 2012... guess we'll have to wait and see where this years adventures decide to take us!!!!

Never The Same

I was recently inspired to start writing again. Not sure if it's the onset of winter and not wanting to go outside (seriously... it was -18F/-27C last week), hitting the "slow" season at work or the recent inspiration of a few other blogs I've read. So here I am, attempting to share a little of me again.
A lot has happened over the last year. A lot of change in the last few months especially. Labour Day weekend Brian proposed... I said yes:) And we were married in Montana 1 month ago today. Our wedding was small and intimate. We piled about 30 people in a cabin in the mountains and gave our lives to each other before God and witness. There was so much love and blessing in that place; it was a humbling moment.
The journey to our wedding and after has been filled with memories. A few unexpected road bumps, but overall, things we can look back on and laugh as we remember. Everything from forgotten birth certificates, to being snowed out of our honeymoon destination and making emergency room runs. In all honestly, despite the craziness of it all, our lives have been an adventure so far and I hope it never stops. Taking the time to reflect we've seen God's hand on all of it.
A question that came up while Brian and I were doing devotions the other morning was: What is the most spiritually significant moment of your life? The older I've become the more important reflection has become. I don't want to "stay reliving" the past--rather I want to see where I've come, were I am today and believe even greater thing for the future because of what I see. As both of us pondered the above question I came up with 2 answers.
The first being my baptism. Easter Sunday 2008. I remember it so well...it is a day I hold close to my heart. The peace and joy that flowed over me was amazing. I know the gates of heaven opened that day and poured out the Holy Spirit over my life in a new way. My life hasn't been the same since. The second moment would be standing at the alter with my beloved husband. God was whispering to me that I didn't have to fight alone any more. Brian and I clasped hands, raised our arms and let God's Spirit pour over us as we worshiped. A little bit of heaven came down and met us that day. Again, my life hasn't been the same since. Marriage is truly a gift from above.

Tears of Joy

Summer has been a whirlwind to say the least!!! This has been my second go-round of events with the Synod of the Heartland. Last weekend we finished out Power Connection--our last major event of 2010--with a bang:) When I see people stand up saying they want Jesus to be apart of their life, I know every extra hour, late night (or sleepless night for that matter) was worth it. I spent a precious moment with a fellow team member (also a dear friend) rejoicing with the angels in heaven. We cried tears of joy for the lives that were touched and prayed for the floodgates of heaven to pour down over their open hearts. Jesus knocked and they said YES!!!!!!!!!
I continually thank God for the opportunity he has given me. After I graduated from university, I really didn't have a clue what I would end up doing. The road hasn't always been easy but the journey leading me up to this point has made me who I am. I have finally found a job that "fits". My gifts and passions are being used and developed. I waited on the Lord and he answered me! My life is FULL.

Colorado

I was in Estes Park, CO this past week for Rocky Mountain High Organizing Team meetings. In just over a year we will have between 2000-3000 youth up there for an event!!! All the stuff I have to learn to help make this happen was a little overwhelming but it was exciting at the same time! It is a beautiful location and at one of the largest YMCA camps in the country. You can't see it in this picture... but we are smack dab in the middle of the mountains. It is a gorgeous sight. I always feel so small when I'm in the mountains. It always reminds me how big God really is. The night before we left it started snowing. When we woke up there was a foot of snow on the ground!!!! It reminded me a lot of home (Smithers that is).

May I Have This Dance?

I just finished reading (well technically re-reading) a book that has challenged me in many ways. I love the closing scene the author chooses. It's a description of a couple at an eloquent ball. The host chooses an unexpected woman to be his partner for the opening dance. He makes eye contact and holds it with her the whole way out to the dance floor. Just as the music is about to start the woman hesitates. He senses her hesitation and overrides her fear with confidence by taking her hand and telling her to follow him--he will lead. All she has to do is gather up the courage to trust his lead.

It can be a scary move sometimes. I know I fight the battle of wanting to lead but when I let go and follow things flow like they're supposed too. How often do I try to take the lead from Jesus... or for that matter can't work up the courage to even begin dancing. I let fear, inadequacy or the thought of being a disappointment take over. This paragraph hit home when I read it:

"Jesus is extending His hand to you. He is inviting you to dance with Him. He asks, 'May I have the dance... everyday of your life?' His gaze is fixed on you. He is captivated by your beauty. He is smiling. He cares nothing of the opinion of others. He is standing. He will Lead. He waits for your response." --Eldredge

May you always feel His gaze, soak it in and dance like He's the only one watching!

One Year In Iowa

One year ago today I started my first day of work here in Orange City, IA! This past year has held a lot of memories... some make me laugh... others make me want to cry. In many aspects, this has been a hard year but a good year. I still feel as thought I am in transition--a part of me wonders if that feeling will ever go away out here. Here is a small recap of the GOOD year I have had:)

Hannah and I playing with the bears in South Dakota on our road trip

Girls weekend in Vancouver... my first encounter with the ocean after the big move!

April and I spending some quality time together in Winnipeg

Halloween... we know how to dress in STYLE

The onething conference in Kansas City (once again... chipotle was STILL worth the wait)

Bob and I making snow angels... another regular day at work!!!

Thanks for enjoying this little walk down memory lane with me!!! Time sure does fly when you're having fun:)