Testimony...

So... 10 DAYS BEFORE I LEAVE FOR CHI-TOWN!!!!!!! Ahhh!!! That is crazy! I can't believe how time flies! Where did May go??

So, I was working on my testimony tonight. I've had it done, ready, familiarized for a long time, but wanted to go over it, revamp, revise, add on to make sure it was updated for my experience in Chicago. Because our big focus while in Chi-town is evangelism - in many different facets.

Who knew that working on your testimony could be such a healing, reflective time with God??!!?? Everyone knows their story, right?? That's what I thought. And I do know my story, but I'm at a place in my life (praise God!!) where I can see/reflect on where He's taken me and where He is taking me. Does that make sense?? It's the coolest thing when God allows you to see growth in your spiritual life!! I look at my journey thus far... all I can say is "That is so God!" What a patient, persistent, unconditionally loving Father we have the blessing of serving!

So, in taking a break from packing to work on my testimony - God gave me a beautiful gift tonight! I love it that we serve a God who does all of the hard work for us - all we have to do is say "yes" and follow in obedience! Not always that easy, I know! But truly that simple! And what incredible beauty comes from that (not comfort necessarily - but who wants a "normal", comfortable life, anyways!!)!

I reflected again tonight on my favorite verse. Zephaniah 3:17 - "The Lord your God is with you - He is mighty to save - He takes great delight in you - He quiets you with His love - He rejoices over you with singing." And what brought me to tears after reflecting on that at the end of my testimony, is the fact that the God who created EVERYTHING and so much more that we are unaware of - that same God delights in me! Not because He has has to, but because He wants to! He rejoices over me with singing! Not because He has to, but because He wants to! And when my heart becomes anxious, heavy, burdened, overwhelmed..., He quiets me with His love!! Not because He has to, but because He loves me that much! That makes me cry!! That overwhelms me (joyfully) with such extravagant love!! Oh what a beautiful God!!

Couple more things...

One more pic... this is me sitting next to the flowers from my motherland! :)



Ok, on a more serious note...
As Chi-town quickly approaches, I am at a point of mixed emotion - super excited and super nervous! I know that God is continuing to prepare me for this experience He has placed on my journey. But with that, unfortunately, comes a lot of feelings of inadequacy and insecurity. And Satan knows I struggle with this and is taking every opportunity to dig the knife in a little deeper. I continue to ask God to turn my heart and mind to the truth that He is preparing me, and I am not the one doing the work this summer - He is!! I simply need to be an open, willing vessel and He will do the rest. That is something I am reminding myself of on a daily basis - sometimes many times a day!

In addition, God is continuing to deepen my trust and faith in Him and His promises! On Thursday, I found out I am getting laid off from my teaching position - no job next year. And with that news comes a lot of sadness because of the deep love I have for what I do and for the girls in my classroom who I am privileged to teach, know, love, and learn from every day!

That being said, as I have continually said along this journey over the last 6 months, what would faith and trust be without uncertainty?? It's working, God! You are definitely strengthening my trust and faith! However, I would love my job back! :)

But we serve a BIG God!!!! A God much bigger than my job or anything I could imagine to be the "perfect" place for me to work/minister! So, although I am sad, overwhelmed a lot of the time, and at times heavy-hearted, I trust God has bigger, better things in store on the journey He has me on!

My approach at this point is like it says in Isaiah 41:13, " For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand, and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you."
So, I am holding on to His right hand, looking forward to the ride, knowing I am never alone, and trusting that my God holds me tight and won't let go as we continue to journey together!!

Much love!!

Local Cultural Experience :)

Ok, so I have to make a funny here! :)

On Friday night, my friend and I went to Holland, MI for dinner and Tulip Time! Totally didn't plan on watching all of the dancers, but ended up seeing the oldies and youngies (is that a word??) perform!

So, I said to my friend, "Friend, I am going to post these pictures on my blog. And I am going to write about how I experienced a cultural evening in preparation for Chicago!!" LOL Not only did I enjoy this lovely cultural evening, I also got in touch with my heritage! That being my dad came from the Netherlands when he was 7! There you go Dad! I did you proud!! :)

Such a vast cultural experience, after that how could I not be more prepared for Chicago! I'm sure it will mirror this experience remarkably!! lol :)