When you've become content in the desert, and suddenly are thrown into the garden, it can be a bit overwhelming.
After nearly a year with no home, it is shocking to suddenly have an apartment that I can settle into. A bed to sleep in, that I am not sharing. A room to myself (there were only a few occasions on the race that I slept in a room to myself, maybe 6 times). A kitchen with a refridgerater AND freezer! A gas stove. Kitchenware. The sink instead of being filled with dishes from 14 people, is only filled with dishes from three people! Instead of having to air dry dishes, I can dry them with a towel and not worry about having to kill off anything in the water.
(Before the trip)
I have access to running water… IN MY HOUSE! Ha. I don't have to worry about using too much water (though I still try to conserve), I don't have to worry about the power going out (unless I fail to pay the bills). Hot showers! I like to turn the water on and pull the shower lever right away so cold water rushes down, just as a reminder to thank God for the hot water that is on its way! The water I drink is cold and refreshing.
I have access to food. Fresh fruits. Fresh vegetables. Variety. I am so thankful for every meal. I'm excited to create meals that are delicious but also really flippin' cheap. I don't have much right now but I haven't missed a meal! God is soooo good!
(getting back to the states, definitely got rid of some stuff)
I am surrounded with a community of people who love God radically and give their lives over to the King of Kings everyday. I am so blessed with everyone I get to reunite with. I understand what a treasure each relationship is and I don't want to forget that. I know that seasons come and go, and you never know how much time you have with people, so I want to thank God for every moment I have with the people I love.
I have access to so much music! I love it! God has blessed me by surrounding me with soo many talented musicians, and I can't wait to develop myself musically, especially on the drums! The worship bands in Milwaukee are soo talented and worship is incredible. At my home church, there is freedom in worship. Everyone expresses themselves in different ways, and at my church you are free to express yourself in worship, whether by singing or dancing or shouting or laughing or crying or jumping or sitting still or writing or whatever! It's great! God encounters everyone differently in worship and it's important to create an environment where people are able to meet with God.
Dude. I have a ton of clothes. I need to give some away. It feels sooo flippin' awesome to wear jeans and shoes. I have been in flip flops and shorts for far too long. I love fall, and to get to return to this weather is incredible! Especially after being in perpetual summer for over a year. The other night, I opened up my windows and cool wind came rushing through, dancing through the room and over me. It was like God was breathing on me, and I had an incredible time talking with God that night. Here is what He had to say:
"So will I save you, and you shall be a blessing, but let your hands be strong. I have purposed in these days to bring good, fear not! Seasons of joy and gladness and cheerful feasts ar coming. Love truth and peace. Ask rain from the Lord, and He will give you showers of rain. I will strengthen you and I will save you. I will bring you back because I have compassion on you. I am the LORD your God and I will answer you. You shall become like a mighty warrior, and your heart will be glad. Your children will be glad and rejoice in the Lord. I have redeemed you! I will make you strong in the Lord, and you shall walk in my name!"
Boom.
So I am in a season of being overwhelmed by His goodness.
I pray that if you are in the desert you would have hope, knowing the garden is coming. If you are in the garden I pray you wouldn't fear, but embrace the days of goodness that God is giving you. And wherever you are I pray that you would be thankful for everything God gives.
Thank you soo much for your donations and prayers!!! Praise God, only $450 more to raise. Please continue to lift this up in prayer, and if you feel led to give you can do so by clicking here.
Some sports ministry at the dorms on the University of Cape Coast campus in Ghana.
Doing my best to make Kelsey Sage have a laughing fit.
Playing some piano for a game of musical chairs we played with our students in Ukraine.
L-Squad !!!
