Hello all you awesome passionate people who take the time to read my blog, and other blogs for that matter. I appreciate you!! I hope you are having a wonderful fourth of July weekend full of family, friends, and explosions!:)
I wanted to let you know how my summer is rolling along. I have been having a great summer here in hot and humid Eau Claire, Wisconsin. I am working part time for a tree care business as well as volunteering and doing other random odd jobs here and there to take care of expenses as I try to focus on fundraising. Last Friday night I returned from a high school youth group road trip to Colorado that I helped lead. What an amazing time of fellowship, service, and adventure we all had. The Lord worked big time in the hearts and minds of the 11 high school students who stepped out of their comfort zones and came. It was trips like this one that I remember being monumental in my life when I was a young kid trying to figure out what it meant to live a life for God – a life of passion, adventure, risk, relationship, holiness, and service.
That has been the highlight of my summer. Other highlights so far have been seeing God come through in big ways through the generous giving of those who have jumped on board to support me! God is so good!! He has surprised me with random people I meet for the first time who want to support me! As a result I have met my first deadline of $3,500! On to the next giant! The cool thing is that I know it’s nothing I do. I am by no means an eloquent speaker or savvy salesperson. Far from it! No, the Lord is good and it is by His grace alone that I receive anything. Thank you God.
Despite this, I still am tempted to despair. This morning as I was frying up a flapjack, my thoughts went down the road of discouragement, a road that they too often tend towards in the mornings, for some reason or another. It was hot and muggy and I didn’t feel rested. I could feel myself becoming negative – discontent. And then it changed. I cannot explain why but sometimes certain seemingly insignificant things bring me joy and hope. On this morning it was a gust of soothingly cool air slipping inside the kitchen window. I thought of God’s grace, His goodness to me, and the Holy Spirit whom He sent to help me. Without Him leading, guiding , encouraging, and empowering me I would absolutely be freaking out.
All thanks to God! The Author, Perfector, and Finisher of my faith.
And thanks also for this delicious free smoothie the barista at Caribou Coffee just handed me!!!
Love you all,
James
