love & friendship

Being home has been so sweet. It's only been 4 days, but as I was journaling about it, the words I kept writing were "love" and "friendship." I have so missed my sweet APU friends, and getting to spend time with them has blessed me so much!

I spent time at APU Thursday and Friday, and then Saturday was Katie Hahn's Bridal shower (obviously I cried...what's new). But for those three days, all I could think about was how much love there was. Seeing all those beautiful friends, laughing with them, having them ask such purposeful questions...it was wonderful. This morning, I found myself so thankful for their kind hearts and sweet spirits.

So, so blessed by these beautiful women, and by so many others as well.

Isaiah 30:18

"Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you;

he rises to show you compassion.

For the Lord is a God of justice.

Blessed are all who wait for him."

-Isaiah 30:18

My journal this morning:

This verse overwhelms me. I am a lowly sinner. I have walked away, rejected you, cursed at you, been ashamed and embarrassed of you, put other idols before you...and yet, you long to be gracious to me. Not only that, but you rise to show me compassion. You come off your throne to come find me, to show me compassion for all my sin. Lord, help me understand the enormity of this. Even knowing I can't completely comprehend it, it overwhelms me. I am your servant. You are the King of the universe. And yet, you are the one who rises.

Thank you Jesus.

For God so loved the world

A year ago today was only my second day at Ethembeni. This was the day that I started to learn names, and the day that God answered prayers in the most obvious way. We prayed for an overhead projector and transparent maps to make a mural...and He fully delivered.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life." -John 3:16

Take me back.

My Utmost for His Highest

"Many people today are pouring their lives out and working for Jesus Christ, but are not really walking with Him. One thing God constantly requires of us is a oneness with Jesus Christ. After being set apart through sanctification, we should discipline our lives spiritually to maintain this intimate oneness. When God gives you a clear determination of His will for you, all your striving to maintain that relationship by some particular method is completely unnecessary.

All that is required is to live a natural life of absolute dependance on Jesus Christ. Never try to live your life with God in any other way that His way. And His way means absolute devotion to Him. Showing no concern for the uncertainties that lie ahead is the secret of walking with Jesus."

amazing grace.

When Satan tempts me to despair

And tells me of the guilt within

Upward I look and see Him there

Who made an end to all my sin

Because the sinless Savior died

My sinful soul is counted free

For God the just is satisfied

To look on Him and pardon me.