Where will you go?

perhaps, I should give an update on my thoughts.

Since last August, I started working at Christ Victorious Lutheran Church in Chaska, MN. Never in my life did I want to work at a church, especially in a place where there are sidewalks. Strange, I know... I could spend a few minutes laughing. But the Suburban family lifestyle is not for me, until... God said it was.


The past few years, I have fallen in love with Gods people.
I can be more specific. Since 2009, God has given me a passion for cross cultural ministry. I worked with people from other religions, cultures, life styles, etc..  I learned to communicate, and I learned to listen.  Not only did I learn things, but I saw God use my gifts and talents. I saw Him work through his gifts of baptism and the Word to those who had never heard his Name before. From there, he put a passion in me to learn, experience, and teach.

   I am challenged by people who find it selfish to serve as a missionary or to even serve cross culturally. I was challenged this past week, and I just became very saddened. Jesus Christ is Lord of Lords, King of Kings, and our Everlasting Savior. He has created his people to serve. We have been given spiritual gifts of all kinds, and God knows exactly where to place us to do His work. However, I definitely have ideas where I want to serve, but it may not be where God wants me.

Lets get real, I am in Chaska. It is not Asia or Peru.  Chaska, is a culture of its own. From a fast paced life to a family vacation, back to school and sports practice, there are joys and challenges.  It is time oriented, not people oriented.  This is my daily question : What are the needs here? 

The answer: For this community to receive forgiveness, and to be made heirs of his Kingdom in Jesus' name.

It is a long process that cant be accomplished in a week, but God can do all things.

For the past 9 months, I have been getting to know my congregation, I have been spending time with the youth, elderly, preschoolers, and of course the congregation members dogs (I dog sit a a lot).

From here on out, In everything I do, I must point to Christ.  I will fail, and I will fail miserably at times.  The reminder I need, and the reminder we all need is that his forgiveness is the daily strength we need. His forgiveness has led us to be Gods people with a purpose, a purpose to proclaim with boldness and no hindrances. Let our Everlasting King be praised.

There are a lot of you who are praying, and I ask that you keep praying for me. As my passion for cultures and missions is put on hold and a new passion for outreach is being stirred, I ask that the Lord do His will in all things.



 

I will take Joy.

In the midst of trials, our faith is put to the test.

"My heart pounded,  my lips quivered at the sound, and my legs trembled." Habakkuk, one of my favorite Prophets of the Old Testament understood fear and doubt. He understood the need to have it removed. And he understood what effect it had on a person.

This week fear and doubt  have trickled in, it stays and it seems that it wont leave. If I could use detailed words to explain exact situations I would... but I cant. There is a verse I have memorized, and repeating it over and over gives me comfort.  I can imagine my lips saying these words as I was slowly falling asleep last night...

Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer's; he makes me tread on my high places. Habakkuk 3:17-19

I can think back to a time when I was hiking. I was night backpacking up to Sawtooth Lake, in Idaho... It was my first time going, I had no idea what to expect... AT ALL. We had to go up 4, 000 feet pretty fast, starting at the base. The Sun was setting I didn't have a headlamp, so I had a person behind me and in front with one. I constantly needed the light to guide my way. When a switchback would come, I desperately needed a glimpse of light, just so I could be confident in my steps.  It brought a lot of stress on my body, especially knowing I had 2,000 more feet to go.
  If only I could of caught glimpses of my surroundings.... to the left was a mystery... to the right was a mystery... in front of me was a mystery...and behind me, well that was a mystery too.

The light was my comfort, I can imagine the stress right now and my physical need to see it. Its like my body drenched all the daily comforts I had, and I became dry and in need. I was vulnerable to the darkness and lack of light. I cant explain quite in words.

When we got to the top, it was flat... and we continued on. We set up a 2 person tent and pushed 5 people in it. We were pretty warm and had a few laughs, but was I ever grateful knowing I was finally somewhere to stay. 
When I woke the next morning.... I was amazed.



I opened the tent and I was in awe.

I pulled out my journal and sketched....

I didn't take  a picture.

It was beautiful.





After a few minutes, I got up... followed the trail a little bit more...

and there it was...

the prime spotlight of Gods creation in this beautiful place...

WE call upon the Lord when we are desperate. We cling to what we can for comfort of any kind...  Habakkuk, too was desperate. He was desperate for the Salvation of the people... He himself prayed this prayer to the Lord. He needed comfort, the people needed comfort, and the Lord told him to wait.  Christ the Lord was coming.
 In my perspective, when only glimpses of light show...I can say with my knowledge and with my heart, from the faith he has given to me...that my Lord is faithful. He  sure does have something beautiful for me to see.