Bring it on God!

Darn blogger... no pictures again. Oh well... I have enough to share so to add lots of pics on top would make this post even longer. LOL

I have SO enjoyed my time with Mom and Dad Rose. I have learned so much and have been so blessed by their visit. They are two of the godliest people I know and have wisdom I only dream about. They have been incredible listeners but have also challenged us in our own personal walks with Jesus.

Last night was just amazing. They always pray with us before they leave and we always do it a few days before hand so the emotions aren't running wild. LOL So last night was the night.... it started with, 'How can I pray for you?' and ended a few hours later in sweet fellowship of praying for each other. We have done some amazing things while here, there are a lot of memories to treasure, but nothing will stick out more than last night. I have never felt so confident in the presence of the Lord, never so encouraged about motherhood, ministry and life in general, never challenged so much to press on and serve the Lord with all I've got. It was so amazing that at one point I pulled out my notebook and starting taking notes on all that everyone shared. How many times can I say it was AMAZING before I annoy you? LOL They have been such an example to me about what it means to be godly parents and ministers in Christ. They have been through difficult times but they have always sought the Lord and have been so graceful in how they handle those situations. I only pray that I can have their discernment, patience, love, and wisdom. Dover Alliance is a blessed church.

They gave us a fun question to consider... 'If we were looking for a church (as in lay-people not ministry) what would we look for in that church?' We haven't had that option since college and it was really fun to think about. We shared our ideas but I would love to hear what draws you to your church?

Although our conversation ended, my brain didn't stop thinking and God showed me how negative I can be sometimes. I'm rarely (or at least I certainly try to be) negative about life with other people but I do tend to vent to Mike everything that frustrates me, or that I don't understand or whatever. And I realized how I don't want to be that kind of person. I want to be able to see the positive and get excited about the challenges I may face. Mike's message for youthgroup was about 'serving others' and before that he asked for volunteers for our children's VBS in a few weeks. I could sense the 'oh do I have too?' in our students and it made me think. First, I realize that no teen wants their summer sleep disturbed and like teens anywhere, their world revolves around them. But secondly, do I have that kind of attitude? Do I gripe, even if it's to Mike, about being asked to serve others? And if I do, why? Why do I feel I have the right to complain about anything? And I realized that my complaining is due to the perspective I take on life. I may not be happy about what has been asked of or told to me, I may have a million other things to do, I may... I may... I may... but how am I looking at the situation? Am I grateful to serve someone? Am I grateful to serve God? Can I get excited about something that causes me to step way beyond my comfort zone? It's all a choice I make. So I made a vow today with God and with Mike that I will be more positive, not complain so much and make the choice to look at life in the right perspective.

I am so excited right now! Excited about what God is going to do in my life because He has really been working hard and chiseling away at the negatives in my life. Excited about what God has planned for our ministry here in HK. Just excited to dig deeper into His word and learn more. It's been awhile since I've had this much passion and desire... the last few months before moving and first few after moving were such a challenge for me that I was basically surviving... but now I'm a bit more confident, a bit more trusting and I have a ton more faith and I owe that all to God and His working in my heart.

So bring it on! I'm enjoying (ok well not always but I know it's necessary) the chiseling and excited about the new Me that's developing.

I have a lot to share about what we've done for the past few days but tomorrow's another busy day and I want to get some sleep! LOL

I hope everyone has a wonderful, God-filled Sunday!