Five Years

Today. Today, five years ago, I started work at The Compass Church (which was then known as EFCN). It has not necessarily been an easy 5 years, but I would say they have been good overall.

In that time I have deepened friendships that were just beginning, as well as made some even in the past 7-8 months that I never saw coming (isn't God good?). I have learned a lot - about myself, about my faith, about my stubbornness (or perhaps diligence), about my job and my abilities. I have some regrets, of course, but often those things I neglected or mistook or screwed up have been the motivation that has pushed me onward and upward.

I have gotten excited too about what I can imagine for the future. Some of these things seem so far out of reach, or out of my "zone of ability" (whatever that is). Others just seem like the type of thing you daydream about but never actually have the time or money to do (travel, film and edit things, etc.). But some of these things seem... within reach. Sort of.

I mean, there are many obstacles no matter what we do in life. When I started my job, I hoped I'd still be there, still like it in 5 years, but I honestly just wasn't sure. Now that I've reached that milestone, I have no idea what the next 5 will hold. I may still be here, doing what I'm doing, making what tiny difference I can with what I've been given. I may live somewhere else. I may not know any of my close friends in the same way anymore (woah, just got a bit depressing, let's move it along quickly, ok?) and I may have a few (or many) new ones I've yet to meet. But I see possibilities, and that's exciting.

While today is a milestone of sorts, and one I haven't crossed before, it is also just another day. Another day in the life God has given me to use my gifts to the best of my ability to glorify Him. And in the end, that's the whole point to anything I ever do. The future, whatever it holds, can come as it may.

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas

Here in the midwest, I swear it is spring. At least, that's what the temperatures tell me. Sheesh. I want cold. I want white. I almost don't even really feel like it's Christmastime!

I know, I know, Christmas isn't about the weather, or any other such insignificant things. But I'm a "winter girl" (as my mom likes to call me), and I really am hoping that by Christmas Eve (or Day at the very least) we have some white on the ground.

Sometimes I feel like Lorelei from Gilmore Girls - I can smell the cold in the air, the snow that should be coming, and it excites me (more than others, it often seems). So when I walk out of a building, my brain telling me that it's December so it will be crisp outside, and I walk out to spring temps and humidity, I feel a bit let down. Come on, Midwest, don't you know it's time to be cold over here?!

Seriously though, my advent calendar is out, my Christmas gifts are being wrapped, and I am excited that in just 20 more days I'll be home with family, celebrating the birth of the greatest Gift I have ever been given.

And for that, I'm thankful, no matter the weather.

Woah.

This has been a rough week for many many reasons. I can't even sort it all out in my head, much less here. There is a lot of (good) change going on, as well as other shifts that are a little more difficult, but necessary.

But, there have been some good things that have been very very uplifting in the process, and that has helped a lot. It doesn't fix everything, but it makes it a little more bearable. I just hope I can sleep a lot tomorrow, and maybe watch some Sherlock to help me take my mind off everything - at least for a little while.

basics

Came across this article yesterday thanks to a former teacher/coach (thanks Walsh). Here are a couple things that really resonated with me:

"... we need to go back to the basics of living as disciples of Christ, living missionally for Christ and demonstrating the Gospel in tangible ways within our schools, workplaces and communities."

"... the fight over symbolic issues is backfiring, alienating people from the truths of the gospel rather than attracting them to it. The kind of Christianity the world responds to is the authentic "love your neighbor" kind. Its appeal can't be legislated through court battles and neither can courts stop its spread."

I'm still stewing on how this comes out and how to make it not just "good thoughts" in my head, but truth, Christ in action.

I read some debate about it where he had posted it and it was really good to get me beyond just thinking it was interesting and moving on with my day. I have some changing to do. Hope it gets you thinking too.

All Quiet on the (Mid)Western Front

It is. Really. Nothing to say.

Which is sort of the problem. I wish I had something to say, but everything rolling around in my mind is either so vague that it's not even possible to put into words, or it's not actually any different or clearer than the last time I tried to say something. In the mean time, I'm just going through each day trying to focus on what needs doing and not getting stressed about too much. At which I fail quite often, but hey - at least I'm trying, right?

For today, I am clinging to this: my God is bigger than anything I could ever dream. And He is the one in control. Of everything. So I can take each moment as it comes and trust Him wholly for the future.

Even the future 5 minutes from now.

strange encouragement

For this week, just read this.

Thanks, Leash, for sharing it.
Thanks to God for loving us the way He does.

a little (lunch) can go a long way

Today, a coworker brought made-me-let-her-get-me lunch.

After a day full of meetings and adding things to my already full to-do list, it was the biggest blessing.

Sometimes the smallest act of caring and kindness is the hugest thing - and just what someone needs.

Don't forget to look for those acts of service you can share with others. God uses you for that purpose, and when He nudges, it's for a bigger reason than you even know.

Today, I was the lucky one to be blessed by someone responding with "yes" instead of just letting the moment slide by. And will carry me through the rest of a day I didn't think I could finish.