This past week has once again been a week of growth and learning in the Lord. There have definitely been some star moments, and others in moments in weakness. I will try my best to cover all that I wanted to say since I have forgotten what I wanted to say ;)
This summer has just been incredible! God is so big and really puts us where we need to be, at the right time-and even at the right place. I continually look back on my life and see that if I had not lived my life the way it has already happened, I for sure would not be the same person, and not have experienced life in the same way. I praise God that He has placed me in Santa Cruz for the summer,and brought me the Christian community that I have here. I cannot believe that I am 20 years old, serving the Lord in a place that many would dream about living. I can say that I have not felt that I have reached out to the community of Santa Cruz as I should have, but I have let this city leave a mark on me as I grow in my Spiritual walk with the Lord. I have learned how to thirst for quiet time with the Lord-and still have to fight away all the distractions that I may have in trying to achieve that. I am pushing myself to rise early (that is hard for me!) and give myself time to rest in the Word before heading to my daily routine. The internal conversations in my head have changed from thinking that I am rejected-to taking the initiative in relationships. I desire to follow the Lord and illustrate what 1 Thessalonians 2:4-8 states:
4 but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.5 For we never came with words of flattery,[b] as you know, nor with a pretext for greed— God is witness. 6 Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ. 7 But we were gentle[c] among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. 8 So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.
So, we have to live life together-among each other and really become one body in Christ. A difficult thing that I have been learning is how to share my brokenness when I come across others. I am so good at hiding what is hurting or burdening me that I don't grow deeper in relationships. As living here for 10 weeks with 55 other students, all I want is to leave with close friends, an impact on my own life and with others. I am resisting the Devil's words to me that state I am not going to gain friendships this summer, and I will leave an outsider. Yet, I fight that with being intentional with others and hold tight to the words that I have to choose to pursue a friendship, and not necessarily wait for that person to come along to me.
Another way that God has been working on in my life is how I see myself. This is a difficult one to explain, but I will try my best. I guess you could say that I put a front on and stand "on the outside" looking in, as I just don't see others seeing me for who I may imagine me for who I am. I can easily think that everyone sees me as a project mom, a cook, and a willing heart. We have what we call "Encouragrams" and have envelopes where we can write notes to each other and encourage each other in any words that we want. Even though I have not gotten many, I have found myself in shock sometimes in what others see in me. One card that I received recently stated how they saw me being a great example of a quiet and gentle spirit. Even though I think I do not receive attention-I do. And my lack of being actively involved has received a view of a humble spirit. That is convicting to me because even when I think that I don't have a place-others see characteristics in me where I would not find myself. This is why encouragement and uplifting in others is so important from the body so that each other can find what they may not realize themselves. It is not a pride thing, but rather a humble realization that you have an impact on others that you yourself can never see radiating. It also pushes community as encouragement puts a desire for further love and uplifting from one another! That is the amazing part of the body :)
To close, I can go over what has happened in the past week!!
This week, I returned to work on the Boardwalk. I was fortunate to receive two days off, Wednesday-as my grandparents came down to visit for the day and Friday. We had a busy week, and certainly a busy weekend as we had Praise and Worship night on Thursday and several upcoming outreaches. On Saturday (or today for those that are on the East coast!) we are hosting a "Coffee House" with couches, pastries, and candles :) Everyone loves that, and it is a great way to invite co-workers to a non-threatening environment to hang out. On Sunday, we are once again having a beach outreach from 3 to 5pm with Tug of War, volleyball, free watermelon and water, and of course-Spiritual conversations. The previous Sunday brought several conversations and interactions with locals and internationals on the beach-so we are doing this again. Following this at 5:30pm, we are hosting an ice cream social for those internationals staying at "La Hacienda", which is a hostel that internationals come and work the summer to September on the Boardwalk. They come from all over Europe such as Germany, Poland, and several from China and Asian countries. These are great opportunities to love on them and bring them the Gospel that they would have otherwise may never hear!
Our big outreach for the summer, following our Barn Party in June is-Christmas in July! On Saturday July 21st, the Peter Pan will be converted into a Christmas atmosphere with Santa, Christmas trees, tacky Christmas sweaters and possibly fake snow! Of course we cannot forget food-and that is where I come in. Yes, I will indeed be cooking all the holiday fixin's (but the meat is taken care of-not by me!). From green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, homemade mashed potatoes, stuffing, pumpkin and pecan pie-it will all be made. We as a project consist of 60 people, and since we have started advertising so early-we anticipate MANY guests. I may have to cook for at least 120 people...please be in prayer as I do my part in feeding many people and using that to a gateway to the Gospel. I will definitely keep an update on this :)
It brings me close to tears to think that this summer is coming to a close so very soon! Time has gone by so quickly and God has been a huge part of it. I am blessed to be here, and will continue to make the most of my time here. On July 29-31, we will be traveling to Yosemite National Park for a fun trip, and a last hoorah before we embark home. And yes-I will be hiking Half Dome! If you are unaware of what that entails- 17 Miles roundtrip. 12 hours. So worth it (I hope!)
Thank you SO much for all your prayers and support this summer-I cannot thank you enough what it means to be here and growing with a team of supporters right behind me! Excited to update you next time!
<3 Mel
No comments:
Post a Comment