last few days at home

this tour...it is not good-bye, it is see you later 
*13 hours until departure...
I do not like good-byes, who does? So I am thinking of it as see you later! (it just so happens that my see you later is 27 months long!)
So this is how I spent my last few days at home.
Monday...
-Coffee with my great friend Michelle (you are awesome and I am so glad that God crossed our paths!)
-Pool time with my mom and sister (this is our home away from home during the summer)

cheese fries! our favorite snack at the pool

-Prayer walk with my dear friends Beth and Dawn (I will miss you so much!)
-Church, so this is how amazing God is...He always is in the moment! I know that this journey has been planned out by God for me. The theme in Jesus Calling for the month of June is that God is with you. (this also happens to be my theme/verse for my adventure! if you remember from my previous post this verse is inscribed in a ring my parents gave me) 

"For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:13

During worship time I was thinking of a song that I like and I knew it had to do with seeking Jesus but I just could not think of the words...guess what the next song was! That is right it was the song! (Thank you Jesus! I posted about this song before and you can check it out here.)
Our teaching was from Matthew 8, the story of when Jesus calms the storm. (everything happens for a reason, and I do not think that me hearing this before I leave was a coincidence) I know that I will have storms on my adventure, but I need to remember to have faith and that Jesus is always with me.
-Early birthday! My dear friend B gave me flowers and cheesecake (my favorite!!) 

-Dinner, homemade chicken pot pie (yummy!)

(this is our family plate, usually the plate is given to someone for a special reason, like awesome work in school or moving to another country)
Tuesday...
-Pedicure and lunch with my mom (I love you!)

veggies and hummus!

-I am all packed! So this is what my room has looked like for the past 4 or 5 months! (and anyone who knows me, knows I am a clean freak so it has been kind of driving me nuts! but packing has been such a large task!)

I was stressing over it for awhile...but it all worked out and God was in every detail! (I need to remember to have faith and He will always be with me-even when I am packing!)
So my life has been stuffed into 3 bags, that is right 3!

(I was under the weight limit (48 pounds!) and I even stuffed in a few extras that I was not sure would fit!) God is awesome!
-Dinner, my all time favorite! Enchiladas!! (best last meal ever!)

-My dear friend Carol, who I met on my Haiti trip, gave me this awesome book (Thank you! and I will miss you Carol, I am so glad that I got to know you on our trip to Haiti)

-Church, amazing! Everyone from my church got together and got me a bunch of books and wrote random messages in them! (so I will have surprise messages all along my journey)

It is so amazing to me to see God in all the little things...
-He has allowed me to pack all that I need plus a few comfort items and still be under the weight limit! 
-My last two nights at home just so happened to be church nights! His timing is so perfect! (so thankful to have such an amazing support system and church family)
-That I have been able to enjoy all my favorite things with family and friends
-To be constantly reminded that He is holding my hand (in everything I do that verse pops up!)
-That I have peace about my journey
Who knew all this? GOD DID!
and with that...
See you all later! 

to bring or not to bring...that is the question

this weeks tour...packing
*first...a shout out to my wonderful mommy! thanks for everything you do, you are the best! Happy Mother's Day*
I hate packing...I always wait until the night before I leave to do it. (sometimes I even wait until the morning!)
I know this trip is different and that waiting is probably not the best idea. (the truth is I have kind of been packing since December, my suit cases-only allowed to bring two-have been open on my floor and every time I got something for my trip I threw it in them)
So...
I 'packed' my things this weekend. (with the help of my mommy-thanks!)
I made a checklist and made sure I had everything I needed or wanted.
I now have a little list with some last minute shopping. (good thing I 'packed'!)
I am a planner, organizer, and have been described by my family as a little OCD.
What can I say I like things a certain way...my way.
I have decided to try and let myself give that over to God. (it is SO hard!)
God is teaching me on this journey to release my control of things to Him. To trust Him and know with all my heart that He knows what He is doing.

May 13

"Thank Me in the midst of the crucible. When things seem all wrong, look for growth opportunities. Especially, look for areas where you need to let go, leaving your cares in My able hands. Do you trust Me to orchestrate your life events as I choose, or are you still trying to make things go according to your will? If you keep trying to carry out your intentions while I am leading you in another direction, you deify your desires. Be on the lookout for what I am doing in your life. Worship Me by living close to Me, thanking Me in all circumstances."

by Sarah Young

(I love this devotional...everyday speaks to me so personally...Jesus knows just what I need to hear!)

This journey will be full of unknowns, and I am ready to trust and embrace each one He puts on my path! With Jesus by my side every step of the way!

Micronesia here I come!

this weeks tour...good lucks and good-byes (island party style)
I have had a pretty busy weekend.
But...
I am so glad (and blessed) to have the opportunity to do all of these things before I leave!
1. Dinner and a movie with the other half of my brain. (I share a brain with a co-worker...so much so that when we had dinner we ordered the exact same thing!)
2. Peace Corps send-off brunch. Awesome! I was able to meet Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, people who have just started the application process, and people in the same boat as me-getting ready to leave. (great conversations, and valuable packing advice)
Then...this morning I woke up feeling so unprepared! (more than ever during this whole process) I think because the reality is starting to set in.
Then I read this...

May 6

"Do not search for security in the world you inhabit. You tend to make mental checklists of things you need to do in order to gain control of your life. If only you could check everything off your list, you could relax and be at peace. But the more you work to accomplish that goal, the more things crop up on your list. The harder you try, the more frustrated you become. There is a better way to find security in this life. Instead of scrutinizing your checklist, focus your attention on My Presence with you. This continual contact with Me will keep you in My Peace. Moreover, I will help you sort out what is important and what is not, what needs to be done now and what does not. Fix your eyes not on what is seen (your circumstances), but on what is unseen (My Presence)"

by Sarah Young

Jesus always has the right words at the right time! I still have a checklist (and I always will! that is just the way I am) but I am asking for His guiding hand in what is important and what needs to be put on the back burner.
3. Party! My parents put together a going away party for me. It was so great to see everyone and say good-bye before I go. (I did not even cry!) I was so happy to see family and friends that I have not seen in years!
I was not expecting gifts, but I received some awesome (and very useful) things! (Thank You everyone!)
  ~journals/stationary
  ~books/devotionals
  ~Swiss army knife
  ~collapsible water bottle
  ~travel laundry line (would have never thought of that!)
and this

He will hold your hand Isiah 41:13

I have a thing for stars...this is from my parents with the verse inscribed in the inside. (Thanks mom and dad! I Love You!)
and we took a family photo

Thank you everyone, it means so much to me that I have a HUGE support system! Thank You! Thank You!
God has blessed me!

island time

this weeks tour...trust
I like when my life is predictable.
But that is not how things usually work when you give your life to the Lord.
I am learning to go with the flow, or as they will say in FSM 'island time.'

April 15

"Trust Me, and don't be afraid. Many things feel out of control. Your routines are not running smoothly. You tend to feel more secure when your life is predictable. Let Me lead you to the rock that is higher than you and your circumstances. Take refuge in the shelter of My wings, where you are absolutely secure. When you are shaken out of your comfortable routines, grip My hand tightly and look for growth opportunities. Instead of bemoaning the loss of your comfort, accept the challenge of something new. I lead you on from glory to glory, making you fit for My kingdom. Say yes to the ways I work in your life. Trust Me, and don't be afraid.

by Sarah Young

I am gripping His hand tighter than you could imagine.
I am saying yes to the things He is asking me to do.
I am trusting Him.
and...
I am filled with the love of Jesus in my heart. 
I am ready.

couch potato

This weeks tour...???? laziness (I do not really want to call it that but I do not have a better name for it)
I have been avoiding and/or being lazy about doing a few things. (sometimes I feel like a couch potato)
They are not super important, just a few things to finish up before I leave.
But I do not want to do them....
Why?
Because then I know that I am that much closer to leaving...
(do not get me wrong I am super excited about leaving! just sometimes doing a few things makes it that much more real)
The only thing I have to say about it is this...

March 18

"Trust Me one day at a time. This keeps you close to Me, responsive to My will. Trust is not a natural response, especially for those who have been deeply wounded. My Spirit within you is your resident Tutor, helping you in this supernatural endeavor. Yield to His gentle touch; be sensitive to His prompting. Exert your will to trust Me in all circumstances. Don't let your need to understand distract you from My Presence. I will equip you to get through this day victoriously, as you live in deep dependence on Me. Tomorrow is busy worrying about itself; don't get tangled up in its worry-webs. Trust Me one day at a time."

by Sarah Young

who would you want to meet?

this weeks tour...people
you know the random question, "if you could meet anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?"
i have never had an answer to that question, there are plenty of interesting people i would like to meet (inventors, artists, etc.), but no one that sticks out in my mind.
i now have an answer!
i just finished reading the book, Bonhoeffer, and all i can say is "wow!" (if you want to know about all those who were against Hitler, and what they did to try to end his reign, you should read this book)
in case you do not know who he is...Dietrich Bonhoeffer...was an amazing man of faith. he is best known for his involvement in the Valkyrie plot to assassinate Hitler. (which later he was arrested and killed for)
i am most impressed with his faith during the time in history in which he lived.
he never let his faith fade away, even during the most difficult of times. (he was imprisoned for 18 months)
from a very early age he knew he wanted to study theology and become a pastor. (i wish i knew what i wanted to do)
the thing that sticks out to me most at this particular moment in my life...is his work and study of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew. 
that is what we are currently studying in church. (God has a sense of humor)
i find it interesting that he understood and lived his life the way Jesus wanted us to live, and he preached that through this particular section of Scripture. (he wrote several books, that i am so excited to read!) i am now learning about and gaining a better understanding of what it means to live your life fully for God and His calling for you.
Bonhoeffer knew what God was calling him to do would be dangerous, but he knew he needed to listen and follow God's plan for his life.
as hard as it seems at times...i know what God is asking me to do will not always be easy...but i know that is what He has planned for me.
when i think of leaving for 27 months, i get a little scared/nervous. i know i will never be alone, God will always be with me! 
i know that my time in FSM will bring me closer to God and my relationship with Him will be that much stronger.
i look up to Bonhoeffer as a great example of living out faith in this world.
i am blessed to have this opportunity, and i can not even begin to thank God enough for it, He wants to know me more just like i want to know Him more!
as always He knows just what to say to me...

march 11

"walk by faith, not by sight. as you take steps of faith, depending on Me, I will show you how much I can do for you. if you live your life too safely, you will never know the thrill of seeing Me work through you. when I gave you My Spirit, I empowered you to live beyond your natural ability and strength. that's why it is so wrong to measure you energy level against the challenges ahead of you. the issue is not your strength but Mine, which is limitless. by walking close to Me, you can accomplish My purposes in My strength."

by sarah young

i am so speechless at how God has worked in my life in the past year! and i am so excited for my new journey in life in which He will be my focus.

what would you bring?

this weeks tour...random thoughts (well maybe not so random)
my mind is in constant thought...about what to bring or not bring, what things will be like, what i am supposed to learn from this experience...(the list grows everyday)
you know the question:
'if you were stranded on an island and could only bring one thing, what would it be?'
it popped into my mind the other day (among a million other things.) 
while i may not be stranded and can bring more than one thing...i will be on an island and will be limited in what i can bring.
without a doubt in my mind i am bringing this...

my favorite item i will be packing

i am so thankful to my dear friends, beth and dawn, for sharing it on our trip to Haiti last year (this daily devotional has been the best and most important addition to my life this past year.)
it is so amazing how each day Jesus is speaking into my life in such a dramatic and particular way. after reading it i usually say to myself 'that is so true, how did You know!?' (His whispers can be really quiet sometimes, but you have to learn to listen)
the truth is that Jesus always knows! He knows what i need at that moment and how to speak to me through this devotional.
just like maybe this weeks tour was not really random, but that Jesus was using the Holy Spirit to lay on my heart (or whisper to me) that He will always be with me.
i know with all my heart that i will never be alone in my new home...my Best Friend will always be with me!
ans so with all that being said...
devotion theme for february
"look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always." Psalm 105:4 
everyday i am being gently reminded that i only need to look to the Lord for the answers to all my questions. when i read todays devotional i had a rather large duh moment!

february 5

"seek My face, and you will find not only My Presence but also My Peace. to receive My Peace, you must change your grasping, controlling stance to one of openness and trust. the only thing you can grasp without damaging your soul is My hand. ask My Spirit within you to order your day and control your thoughts. for the mind controlled by the Spirit is Life and Peace.

you can have as much of Me and My Peace as you want, through thousands of correct choices each day. the most persistent choice you face is whether to trust Me or to worry. you will never run out of things to worry about, but you can choose to trust Me no matter what. I am an ever-present help in trouble. trust Me, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea."

by sarah young

who knew all this? GOD DID! 

the more i seek You

this weeks tour...ME!
preparing for a huge life change...means i have a million things on my 'to do' list!
i have many things to take care of to prepare and get ready to move half way around the world. a majority of those involve things of the physical human nature-saying goodbye to family/friends, deciding what to pack (call me crazy, but yes i have started a pile of things to take), getting my finances in order, and the list goes on for about another mile!
last week in church, i was reminded that i must also be preparing myself spiritually. it was on my 'to do' list just not at the top. 
being a highly organized person, i always have a plan. it is my plan, and set up just the way i like it (or at least the way i think it should be). as always God's plan is different...
so this is how my week began. 
devotion theme for january
"for I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
wow! okay You have my attention.
the rest of the week is as follows: "come to Me with a teachable spirit, eager to be changed." "relax in My healing Presence." "refresh yourself in the Peace of My Presence." "I want you to learn a new habit." "you can achieve the victorious life through living in deep dependence on Me." "I am able to do far beyond all that you ask or imagine." "it is impossible to praise or thank Me too much." "softly I announce My Presence." (i read a daily devotional by Sarah Young. Jesus Calling-enjoying peace in His Presence, it is amazing!)
double wow! okay i can no longer ignore this theme.
so everyday i began with a whisper from God, telling me to let go, of my stubborn earthly ways-that is the hardest thing (for me) to do! but i will try.
my new plan...is to first prepare myself spiritually. how should i go about doing this?
"but if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find Him if you look for Him with all your heart and with all you soul." Deuteronomy 4:29

i first heard this song last week at church...another whisper
my new breath prayer (a breath prayer is saying phrases while you breath in and out to focus and is also symbolic of filling and emptying our lives) breath in...the more i seek you, breath out...the more i find You.
plans change all the time. the top of my 'to do' list now says JESUS. seeking Him in everything i do to prepare for my journey, will make it that much more special and amazing!
before i continue window shopping the world, i need to focus on my own spiritual relationship with Jesus. these months before i leave are a time for Jesus to prepare me. so that when the time comes i will be ready for all the things He shows me.