Dumbfounded!

So much has happened and it has all been a whirlwind. I'm sure it has been for all of you as well. Life keeps moving and what a good thing that is!

Since I last wrote, I had the pleasure of finally getting to visit my Aunt and Uncle in France. I've been wanting to visit them for the past 10-12 years (kinda before they even moved). The food, the conversation, the time of rest (for me); it's all summed up in fabulous fellowship. Getting to see a brief glimpse into a slow week of theirs - quite a time! :)

I've now made it to Austria. I look out the window and wonder how I can wake up in such a beautiful place. I look in front and behind me and see the Alps! I feel so privileged to go hiking in the mountains and enjoy their beauty and grandeur.

I think that wherever we are, different things about God stand out to us. Recently I've been listen to songs about Jesus coming back or even just how Awesome He is. And in the two songs I'm thinking of, they both say that "the mountains bow in reverence". I know mountains. I live with them at home and this home. But here, I am completely surrounded by them, and, being a visual person, imaging these beautiful and majestic mountains melting before the presence of the God who I can call, "Daddy" and have no fear of, this leaves me a bit awestruck and floored.

I hope you all are doing well. Remember that God created everything - it all points to Him. What reminds you the most of our Creator God today? Remember to enjoy this day, it is good, and God gave this one to you!

Overview of Sweden

My time in Sweden was "Fantastisc and Amazing"!

Two weeks ago I was talking with a friend and we were both trying to look back over the summer and see what we learned. Neither of us could think of much, and so we just accepted thankfully that God had given us two months to be built up by the group we served with.

A couple days later though, it hit me. I could kinda sense that something was changing or that God was starting to show me something, but nothing had really sunk in. I almost finished the book, No Compromise by Melody Green. It felt kinda weird to be reading the biography about Keith and to become convicted of things - and at times I felt more convicted than when reading the Bible*. The biggest thing that stood out to me was the question of motivation. Why am I cleaning bathrooms and doing a good job? Why am I always trying to make people happy and remind them of their joy? Why do I enjoy playing music and singing harmonies? It was at the moment a strong thought, and then it was placed on the back burner - it came up every once and a while but not extremely.

It is a tradition at Holsby to have a campfire for the interns who are leaving. It is a  specific time set up to encourage those leaving in godliness, to tell them what they see God doing, and just to reminiscence off all the fun had. My friend Jazz and I were both leaving and one of the girls spoke up and said, "The Lord wants me to say something. I don't know which one of you it is for, but here it is. You are joyful and love others and serve so well, but make sure you are doing it for the right reasons. When you love people, love them because God loves them. When you serve, do it for Jesus." As she was speaking, I knew it was for me. This was the first time something like that has ever happened for me. 

So here I am: 2 months and 4 roommates later; visiting my aunt and uncle in Lyon, France for a week before heading off to Austria; and with some time to think about my motivations for doing what I do and how I do it. 

Things I will take with me from Sweden:

1. Write down or share 3 things you are thankful to God for

2. Ice cream time is at 11:00 - don't be late!

3. Memories, notes, and lessons

4. "Don't get so caught up in the work of the Lord that you froget the Lord of the work." No Compromise

Hope Church Camp was amazing! Did it rain? ;) I prayed for perfect weather and that y'all could have a campfire.

"TTFN! Ta-ta for now!"

*"All truth is from God" - this is a Quaker quote, but since God speaks truth, it makes sense. Plus, God uses other people, lyrics from songs, and I don't know, nature? to convict us of things too.