Monday nights are the women's Night Of Reflection (lovingly called NOR). We are given resources to help us have a good two hours of reflecting on Scripture and things going on here. Both NOR's have been equally fruitful and mind-changing. I have been very distracted by multiple problems in my life currently, and I couldn't figure out why. After listening to John Piper's sermon "Called to Suffer and Rejoice: For an Eternal Weight of Glory" I realized how much I have been focusing on my momentary afflictions. The longest these problem can last is only a lifetime. How great is that?! I would greatly encourage you to listen to this sermon. After I was finished listening to it and writing about it, I felt weak because of the relief and healing I found. I haven't felt this free in a while! So... listen to this sermon! It might just change your life.
Today is a short post because I need to get ready to look for a job. Please pray that I would find a job if you think about it. Also pray that I would trust God in the search. Job hunting is definitely tiring and discouraging after two weeks. Thank you!
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Friday, June 8, 2012
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Possibly Addicted to Coffee and Longboards
It's been 9 days! I feel like I've been here for much longer. Doing laundry and learning street names certainly makes a place feel more like home.
Ministry has been great and challenging. I was put on the Training Team, which means I will eventually be in charge of the small group I am currently a part of. It is a humbling position for me because I have recently stepped out of my comfort zone by trying to learn how to be a leader. I do not feel qualified, but is anyone really qualified? Being in this position will also help me to be deeper in the Word. I'm eager to see God change me and challenge me.
Side note: I REALLY WANT MORE COFFEE. I drank that cup way too quickly...
Tuesday night, we all went to Mt. Soledad to have a time of prayer and singing. I was one of the drivers shuttling people to and from the mountain. Not many people can get lost 3 times in a row, but I did. Every time I drove back to the condos, I got somewhat lost. It's a talent of mine. Mt. Soledad overlooks all of San Diego and the ocean. On the top, there is a towering white cross surrounded by marble stones with inscriptions and pictures honoring veterans of past wars. I read many of the inscriptions reflecting on each brave individual who fought in places I could never go. I love these types of monuments because they put a lot of things in perspective. We spent the next hour or so praying for different things and just praising our Father. We were able to see the sunset, which was beautiful (as always, actually). Over all, it was a much needed time of reflection. It could have been twenty or thirty degrees warmer, but whatever. It builds character, right? Right.
If only coffee refills weren't a dollar...
It's amazing how much it takes to finally discover a sin issue that has been hiding for months- maybe years. I do not want to expound on it here, but a few nights ago, God led me gently to my knees as I discovered a sin issue that was expertly hidden from my view. I told a few of my close friends here and "abroad" (Arkansas- I consider that abroad), and they rejoiced with me. I have not felt peace like this in a while!
I still have not found a job, which is something you could be praying for me. I'm not really worried about it, but it's discouraging and tiring to spend everyday turning in applications and hoping for an interview. I haven't gotten an interview yet, but I'm hopeful about a couple places.
I believe this is all for today! The theme for me this week is that God is gracious and always ready to receive me back when I humbly come to him.
Ministry has been great and challenging. I was put on the Training Team, which means I will eventually be in charge of the small group I am currently a part of. It is a humbling position for me because I have recently stepped out of my comfort zone by trying to learn how to be a leader. I do not feel qualified, but is anyone really qualified? Being in this position will also help me to be deeper in the Word. I'm eager to see God change me and challenge me.
Side note: I REALLY WANT MORE COFFEE. I drank that cup way too quickly...
Tuesday night, we all went to Mt. Soledad to have a time of prayer and singing. I was one of the drivers shuttling people to and from the mountain. Not many people can get lost 3 times in a row, but I did. Every time I drove back to the condos, I got somewhat lost. It's a talent of mine. Mt. Soledad overlooks all of San Diego and the ocean. On the top, there is a towering white cross surrounded by marble stones with inscriptions and pictures honoring veterans of past wars. I read many of the inscriptions reflecting on each brave individual who fought in places I could never go. I love these types of monuments because they put a lot of things in perspective. We spent the next hour or so praying for different things and just praising our Father. We were able to see the sunset, which was beautiful (as always, actually). Over all, it was a much needed time of reflection. It could have been twenty or thirty degrees warmer, but whatever. It builds character, right? Right.
If only coffee refills weren't a dollar...
It's amazing how much it takes to finally discover a sin issue that has been hiding for months- maybe years. I do not want to expound on it here, but a few nights ago, God led me gently to my knees as I discovered a sin issue that was expertly hidden from my view. I told a few of my close friends here and "abroad" (Arkansas- I consider that abroad), and they rejoiced with me. I have not felt peace like this in a while!
I still have not found a job, which is something you could be praying for me. I'm not really worried about it, but it's discouraging and tiring to spend everyday turning in applications and hoping for an interview. I haven't gotten an interview yet, but I'm hopeful about a couple places.
I believe this is all for today! The theme for me this week is that God is gracious and always ready to receive me back when I humbly come to him.
Friday, June 1, 2012
Sand In My Sheets
I have been going nonstop since Tuesday, which is when we finally arrived. The drive was quite eventful but equally enjoyable. Being so close to the boarder of Mexico reminded me of when I spent a week in Jerez (near Mexico City) on a mission trip with my church. I didn't realize how much of my heart I left there! No, we did not venture over there, but we sure did think of it.
Since landing on San Diego soil, I have gotten a sunburn, surfed (I like to call it half-surfing considering I never actually stood up. Hey, I didn't have lessons, so I feel accomplished), long-boarded (in LOVE), random coffee shop searched, job searched, witnessed a hit and run accident (immediately after discovering I had a parking ticket from the night before), and evangelized on the beach. I realize that the last activity is the only one that matches up with why I'm here. I only had one conversation on the beach, but it was incredibly enjoyable to just talk about our "spiritual journeys". I was with someone walking along the beach looking for someone to talk to when I saw this guy and girl sitting and not doing anything. I do not remember thinking that I should talk to them, which is why I believe the Holy Spirit started speaking through me. I just introduced myself without even thinking about it. They did not accept Christ or anything, but I think I got them to think about Who is in charge of the universe and our moral standards. They are both about to go to college, so they will be experiencing many different belief systems. I hope God opens their eyes to the truth!
Currently, I am sitting at a coffee shop drinking coffee and eating some acai berry smoothie soup granola stuff with my roadtrip/coffee/long-board friend, Brenna. Today we will be job searching some more. Tonight is Friday Night Live which will include music and a Gospel presentation. Hopefully lots of people from the beach will be here. I think this is all for today! Enjoy the long, rambling posts while you can because this will be a busy (but wonderful) summer.
Emily
Since landing on San Diego soil, I have gotten a sunburn, surfed (I like to call it half-surfing considering I never actually stood up. Hey, I didn't have lessons, so I feel accomplished), long-boarded (in LOVE), random coffee shop searched, job searched, witnessed a hit and run accident (immediately after discovering I had a parking ticket from the night before), and evangelized on the beach. I realize that the last activity is the only one that matches up with why I'm here. I only had one conversation on the beach, but it was incredibly enjoyable to just talk about our "spiritual journeys". I was with someone walking along the beach looking for someone to talk to when I saw this guy and girl sitting and not doing anything. I do not remember thinking that I should talk to them, which is why I believe the Holy Spirit started speaking through me. I just introduced myself without even thinking about it. They did not accept Christ or anything, but I think I got them to think about Who is in charge of the universe and our moral standards. They are both about to go to college, so they will be experiencing many different belief systems. I hope God opens their eyes to the truth!
Currently, I am sitting at a coffee shop drinking coffee and eating some acai berry smoothie soup granola stuff with my roadtrip/coffee/long-board friend, Brenna. Today we will be job searching some more. Tonight is Friday Night Live which will include music and a Gospel presentation. Hopefully lots of people from the beach will be here. I think this is all for today! Enjoy the long, rambling posts while you can because this will be a busy (but wonderful) summer.
Emily
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