The winter has past; the rains are over and gone

Hello family! its almost May! isn't that wonderful??? I'm loving watching this city come alive. Tim asked me recently what my favorite season was, and i told him that it wasn't until this year that i'm actually experiencing all 4 seasons--- i love Texas but "summer, HOT summer, mild summer, and 2 weeks of winter" is about all we get.

I love how the Lord is bringing "spring" into my life as well as the city around me. I've experienced more happiness in this city in the last 3 weeks than I have collectively in the time i've been here. (well, maybe thats stretching it a bit, but I have been noticeably happier lately. and i do mean "happy"-- I believe the Lord has given me joy, even in times of 'unhappiness')

I've started working with the Sr High at Winnetka Bible Church. I LOVE these kids. They are so eager to laugh, to grow up, to know Jesus, to please. They're so much fun. and the sr high women are so precious to me. They are a HUGE source of accountability for me-- knowing that i have 15 year old girls listening and watching has shaped my words, actions, dress, and attitude at church. I feel so priviledged to get to know their hearts, and i am (tremblingly) thrilled that Jesus has allowed me the joy of ministering to them. Pray for me as I am Christ to these kids, especially these girls.

I have to say, i'm a solid GCM baby. :) I am convinced that "every member is a minister" and now that i'm back in ministry, i'm astounded that i went for as long as i did without some avenue to pour out into. Its no wonder that my life was bleak. :) My cup was not overflowing, but being muddied as I lingered in indecision concerning the Body and my involvement. And yet i still believe that God seperated me and pulled me out from ministry in Denton. I honestly believe that Hosea 2 is a commentary on my Jesus' sweet actions towards me: He has cut me off and seperated me, he has brought me into a desert and YES, he did speak tenderly to me. and now, without me asking, he has given me vineyards and made this valley a door of hope. and amazingly, for the first time that I can ever remember, I can truly say that I love being loved by Jesus, the Lover of my soul. He is sweeter to me than any other. and he's done it. He has proven faithful what he has promised he would do. I love knowing that he's so trustworthy.

Thank you, family, for loving me and praying me through these last 9 months. Please continue to pray--- I'm seriously considering staying here in the fall. I can't imagine leaving these kids unless God gives me a very definite "GO". The church needs women to work with the kids that have the time and the heart to pour into them--- (i'm also beginning to be so thankful for the excess of time that i have! i'm not quite to the "yay for singleness!!!!!" point, but i have had glimpses so i'm sure its around the bend. :) ) and i'm here and available and eager.

a few requests:

1) closer relationships with the girls and wisdom to know the balance of craziness/seriousness with them
2) wisdom for fall plans; clear guidance on whether to stay or go
3) that the Lord would keep my heart still before him- that i would not strive but trust that "no good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly"


thank you, Beloved! i miss your faces and am eager to see you again. love you much.

3 meals a day x 7 days a week x 52 weeks a year = 1,092 breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.

This afternoon i meandered down Randolph Street and found a chinese restaurant, where i sat by a window and watched the cars, delivery trucks, and one random man doing Tai Chi (?) on the side of the road. I brought my bible and laid my cell phone on the table, and ordered a $9 dollar meal that consisted of an egg roll, egg and chicken soup, chicken and vegetable stir fry, and salad. and of course, two fortune cookies (just in case you didn't like your first prediction, you could choose another) in which i was informed that I am "very expressive and positive in word, act and feeling." expressive is quite true for 90% of the time, however i'm sure the positive isn't. (and hence this note. :) )

I know i chose this, or rather responded to God choosing this for me. I know that at the end of this year, i could quite possibly tally up my meals and realize that i ate 1,000 of them alone. and thats okay, really. but i'll be very happy when I don't sit alone at a chinese restaurant, watching cars and listening to conversations around me.