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. :)

Only a World Away...

What can I say? I don't know how He does it, but God has this way of knowing exactly where we should be at any given time. We can always take comfort in the fact that, even if we do not, God DOES know the end from the beginning, and He's only too willing to put us exactly where we should be in order that we might be the best we can be.

So, even though part of my heart seems to be elsewhere, I have been able to be very HAPPY. 

I miss all of you. I think of you often. But I just have that feeling... that I'm EXACTLY WHERE I'M SUPPOSED TO BE.  

p.s The picture is of a spinning light-up globe we found in the basement of the Ulsrud church in Norway. Ulsrud, by the way, is shamefully close to Sweden. sigh.