PRAISE THE LORD : )
Wow : ) God is so good! He is full of surprises. When I least deserve it, when i don't ask for it,.....He comes and does something like this. PTL : )

I was invited to someone's house for a birthday today.....and I expected....some games and talking....but I didn't expect the Lord to move in such a powerful way. While playing an old game called (i forget now O_O but it's not important..), we started talking. And somehow....(looking back, I know it was the Holy Spirit)....it caused them to be open to one another...they began sharing about their past & current struggles, their weakness, pains ....and being transparent with one another, not letting pride nor fear of judgement......stop them. And they found that in the body of Christ, they could be themselves = ) And it stirred something, perhaps a desire in their hearts....and they wanted more....they didn't want the night to stop... And in my heart, I was full of a mix of excitement/joy/praise....and just wanted to pray. But before I could suggest such a thing, one of the them spoke up and ASKED to sing the song "Give Thanks". HE spoke up. and then another girl...asked if she could pray. Then asked if others would also like to pray. We ended up doing a popcorn prayer.

The Holy Spirit was moving...and it was a true popcorn prayer...Everyone ended up praying....something from the heart. Lord THANK YOU. It reminded me.....of Western....of ACF.... a glimpse... a reminder... that God is working here in waterloo. He is working here. And wow, I get to be a part of it! I prayed for this when i first came back to Waterloo....that's what I've been looking for. Somehow during this year, i had stopped praying for it. And yet...the Lord surprises me when i least expect it...

Stir it up in our hearts Lord...a passion for your name! I pray that this is only the beginning. = )
I hope that by reading...you too will be blessed by how good and faithful our God is....even when we fall short. Give Him the Glory! : )

Two thousand and Eight

A new year has just begun.

I must say I like starting fresh. And a new year....at least has the illusion of being fresh. :P
Reflecting on 2007, I realize it's been a year of change. With graduation, moving back home, working with Praylude/Junior, selling Williams, PT leaving... all these things are challenging, hard, and most of all...different from life as I've known it. I haven't dealt with most of these things well.

Having started reading a book by Elizabeth Elliot, one thing that struck me was how she looked at everything as a gift. She's one of those authors that you can understand because she's very real and tells you things as they are, the good AND the bad. Her feelings. etc. And her life wasn't easy. This reminded me of what Eric shared awhile ago. God has placed me here in Waterloo for a reason. Sometimes when I'm leading the teens, I wish....that someone else will come and take my place. The "i'm not good enough" thought runs through my mind a lot. But I was reminded that this is God's gift to me...for now...to work with them, to get to know them. This is my field whether i like it or not. As Joanna tells me....your circumstances don't dictate all of your life.....most of it...is the attitude you take (how you look at it).

I've been asking "Why" a lot. Maybe his answer is "Trust me".

The words of Roger come back... we cannot outgive God. When we give a little, he will give a lot more. God's promises are true. "The Lord himself goes at your head; he will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. do not be discouraged or afraid" (Deut 31:8)

I must learn to hold onto these promises. I guess I'm hoping that this year will be a new start...to learn to hold on. God isn't finished with me yet. Praise Him for that = )