Life's Like A Jump Rope

Well, do I have anything to say today? Let's see. I had a fairly uneventful day which included shopping for school necessities, and going to worship practice, which was a lot of fun. Last night I had the coolest walk out by the canal or creek or whatever it is. The sky was beautiful, a kaleidoscope of hues, purple, pink, blues and golds. I walked around a bend where I first noticed the pink and red color, and the most wonderful FFH song came on my ipod. It was one of those moments where everything is perfect and feels so good. It was a lovely, deep God moment. His favor is so...I just love it. It was wonderful. Anyway, it was a nice walk. I talked to God about the songs I've been writing, and how I felt about them.
Over the last few days, I've been having such crazy mood swings. I'll feel horrible about everything one moment, and then on top of the world the next. I don't really know what to do about it, other than trust God in my inability to control things lol. And even in the midst of that inability to control, He loves me, and has been showing me His favor in it! What kind of Person loves you unconditionally, even when you're in a horrible mood one second and joyful the next? Man, I'd be getting annoyed with me! But God shows me in it that it's not about whether I act nice or mean or do good or bad. He shows me His favor in the midst of those things. It's hard to wrap my mind around. So yeah.

Long Day...

Well, today my parents had Thanksgiving for me and my sister, as we were quite decidedly out of the country last year. It was wonderful. The food was great, and my sister, brother-in-law, niece and nephew came as well. We played with water balloons, in which I got my Dad, Hannah, and Heidi very wet :P There was even a football game at the end of the night! Buffalo vs Denver...lol well its still football. Before that, my sister and I made the drive out to Lima for a CT picnic. It was great to see friends again, and just catch up and have fun with people I know. Dear Lord, thanks.

Enjoy it.

I find this hard to write. I am the kind of person who wants to see results quickly. To pray and hear an answer. To sow and reap the next day. I've learned however, that life doesn't work that way. Waiting well is a key part to enjoying your life here on earth. In fact, life is mostly waiting. So I am going to try and enjoy this day. From right where I am.

Let's (not) make a deal.

What is this speaking of the mind that you speak of?
The natural flow of thought to mouth.
When you can think it, you can say it,
even when it gets you in trouble.

Is this why Jesus set me free?
To form the bond that sets my opinions free.
That allows me to reveal, repent, and grow,
for me to just simply be.

Why don't I like it? O but I do
except when others don't.
Maybe vulnerability isn't fun
but the pay off certainly isn't lacking.

To be myself, regardless of other's dismay
is what makes me authentic, and real.
It makes me feel whole, separate from the world.
No more, 'let's make a deal.'

Back From China

Let's just say I started writing this a little late. I got back from China almost three months ago. It has been a rocky reverse-culture-shock road, but Jesus has proved, once again, how faithful He is. He has walked with me, and carried me through emotional stress, physical exhaustion, and more. Now I am resting, staying with my parents this summer in a season of transition. I'm enjoying catching up with friends, worshipping Jesus at my local fellowship, and experiencing the sights, smells, and tastes of my homeland.

There are things in China I will never forget, such as the amazing people I met there, the food, the sights, and the excitement and adventure of being independent in a foreign country. I've enjoyed processing some of these memories, and I'm sure I'll do so for a long while.

There is also nothing like the welcome received when returning home. I so appreciate everyone who has loved me back into America. It's crazy, I just got home, but will be heading out again in less than a month! I'll be moving to Toronto for 5 months to go to a ministry school there. I guess I just have the traveling bug :P It's an awesome program, focused on developing a deeper, more real relationship with Jesus. I know Jesus is going to deal with a lot of my heart issues. I'm definitely nervous, but I'm so glad I'm going. I know I'm not going to come home the same.

Well, that's todays summary lol. I'll be back later I hope, for more in depth thought.