Thy Will be Done: Finding Peace on Earth as it is in Heaven
The holidays are officially over meaning support raising is back in full swing. There are people to contact, appointments to make, relationships to grow, and (hopefully) funding to raise. With my late January deadline looming in the not-so-distant future, it feels like the final lap in Mario Kart. Will I cross the finish line in first place and meet my deadline for a March departure? Or will I leave in a later month? Despite the stressful season that’s began, I’m grateful for the reflection time Christmas and New Years provided. One thought which has consistently entered my head is first... Read more
God's Never Late
There’s something beautiful about abandoned, forgotten structures. Maybe it’s because they’ve withstood the test of time. They’re brandished with scars, but persevere. Each broken window, stripped piece of paint, and missing floor board another layer to their story. Sometimes I wonder if God admires us in a similar way. Life might bruise us, but we’re still standing. We’re not perfect, but with each time life gets tough there’s another lesson learned and another tale to tell. Unfortunately, sometimes in the midst of hardship we forget something very important: God’s with us every step of the... Read more
A Written Letter
Freshman Year Dear Diamond, Welcome to college! I know you wish that you were at a 4-year University AWAY from Carbondale, but trust me, it’s better if you attend community college first for free before you decide to go into student debt (AH!). You can survive a couple more years in Carbondale. Besides, it’s almost like a whole different world on campus. You won’t even remember that you’re only 15 minutes from home (well of course until you go outside to get in your car, or look out the window). Speaking of your car: Yes, I know you’re having troubles with your old car that your stepdad has... Read moreAn Open Letter To My High School Self
Dear Falecia, I know that the last few years haven’t been easy. You’ve been hurt by those closest to you, and the places you once considered to be safe are no longer a sanctuary. You’ve been struggling with depression for quite some time now, and the habitual suffering in your life has jaded you. Although you tell yourself that God is good, that there’s a purpose for it all and that you’ll eventually understand it when you get to heaven, you’re actually living tragically in the infinite resignation stage. Not to fear, my dear. Once you acknowledge your losses and truly let them go, you’ll... Read more
Details
Just a few days ago, I reached my goal of losing 100 pounds. It took 11 months for me to be consistent with my eating habits, exercising, and drinking plenty of water. Some people believe that they can lose weight in a week or two, but that is not the reality of it. Losing weight is a task that takes patience, effort, and encouragement. I remember the first day that I started this journey, I wanted to absolutely quit. My roommates were eating the foods that I was craving and all I ate were vegetables. At that point, I thought I was going to die or starve. Thankfully, God helped me develop a... Read moreWinter on the Way
Update: Hello again amazing home team! I am so grateful for the faithfulness of God this month! He is so true and so good. I have officially started my language courses and by the grace of God I am able to be progressing quite rapidly. I am really enjoying the process! I have also been able to continue making connections and learning more about Hungarian Culture. I am particularly excited about a friendship with a Hungarian man named Gábor. He is an incredible jazz keyboard player who is VERY interested in becoming more fluent in English. I was responsible for running sound at... Read more
Alles Gute zum Geburtstag (Happy Birthday!)
WHOA! Thank God for another year! As my 23rd birthday comes to a close and with Thanksgiving right around the corner, a thought comes to mind: By this time next year, I’ll be 9 months into a new life in Berlin, Germany -- celebrating my 24th birthday away from the people I love and have known for years. Does that scare me? Surprisingly, no. It actually excites me! It excites me to know that I have the honor of celebrating a birthday in the midst of doing a work that God has called me to. Now what about Thanksgiving? Well, Germans don’t really celebrate Thanksgiving - at least in the American... Read more
Did you ever imagine this?
Dear high-school freshman Christina, Did you ever imagine this? You are going overseas for two years. Going to Ireland to do youth ministry and community outreach. Let’s rewind. After you started going to youth group again your sophomore year of high school, you truly made your faith your own. You decided that you were going to be obedient to the Lord’s voice, no matter where He may call you. You graduated college with a Biology degree, and you may never use it directly. You graduated with no intention of going to medical school anymore. But the Lord has given you peace about having a... Read more