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!!!!