The Land I Love...

Ten days ago I returned to the beautiful place I call home - Maine. At first I was busy helping with preparations for Christmas and visiting relatives, then once dear family from away did arrive, I tried to devote some time to them - which, as much as I love them, was harder than I expected. We all know we're inherently selfish, but when it's smashed in our faces every day, it can be more than a little disheartening. It made me want to avoid God, honestly, so I would read peripherally in my Bible,  spend little time in prayer - even though I knew I wanted to, and moreover, really, really needed to.  “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41 So I was sad, and angry with myself. How would I find the strength to step out of my hole?
God is merciful, and He shows us happiness and love even when we're too discouraged to look for it ourselves. So He reached through my distress and touched my heart, even though by any human standards I totally didn't deserve it. 

 My adorable parents.

 Me and Joel.

                                                                               :)

                                                                     I love Julie!

I'm very happy now. :) Today I went skiing with my adorable cousins and siblings and parents at Mt. Abrams, which I really enjoyed. In the evening we all went to dear Penners! I've missed my amazing friends, they are my best. We played pictionary and travailed over trying to learn Imaginiff -- we laughed over that. My beautiful friends, how I've missed you!
Thank-you Penners for inviting us over! We are all thankful for each other.

Running Negative Splits

Thursday marked the half-way point of ARISE; I'm determined that God will have more of me to work with on this half than He has even up to this point. More of my attention, more of my conviction, more of me. I've decided to be more particular about my time - adamant, exclusive, faithful - for me that's what it means to be fully set on God. Time is my most valuable asset... and I want God to have it all.

Note: I do love running, so this title is not merely theoretical. Running more is actually a goal of mine to make better use of my time in the next few months.

Family!

This week I had the privilege of spending time with some of the best people. I have been learning so much, it's almost crazy. God is trying to lead me through a wealth of lovely lessons, if I'll only accept them. Between talks in the middle of the night with a beloved uncle, very pleasant car rides with plenty of conversation, cooking and cleaning, holding babies, making plans, going on errands, witnessing... all of it was God's plan and from it I learned so much. For instance: that I feel I am the most blessed and happy and contented person on the face of the planet, that God's grace is always ready for you, whether or not you're ready for it, that new friends are really special (especially when you have a feeling they'll make it to the old category :), that no matter where you are, there is good work to do and precious people to love. I received loved, gave hugs and admiration, prayed, absorbed richness, listened to wisdom, enjoyed everything, and by God's grace built relationships stronger than they were before - my relationship with Him and others. If we aren't blessed to know God, I don't know anything.I held 5-week-old cousin Lilyana through the communion service given by Pastor Kyle. :)

My handsome uncle and adorable sleeping Is...
At the park.

Love these people!








My pretty aunt made some really good things for us to eat, for which I was very thankful!

ARISE, shine; for thy light is come...

...and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.

We have hope in all our days. :)