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!

a little bit of everything

this weeks tour...a little bit of this and a little bit of that
Sometimes I know exactly what to write.
Sometimes I am not so sure, but end up figuring something out.
Today I have no idea! (nothing has been laid on my heart to share)
So...this was my week
1. Received the best gift. (my good friend B gave me all his worship music so I could add it to my iPod, so I would have plenty to listen to while I am away)
2. I was sick in bed for two days. (literally did not move and slept almost the entire time!)
3. When I went back to work, the kiddos were SO excited to see me! Made me happy and sad. (they do not know that I will not be back next year)
4. My great-grandma turned 92! (she planned her own surprise party! and still surprised herself-I guess that will happen when your that age!)

5. Dinner with the girls. (man oh man am I going to miss them!)
Well...that is all I have to say.
Thank you Jesus for free music, rest, being missed by the kiddos, birthdays, and amazing friends! oh and for loving me just as I am!

warm weather makes me happy

this weeks tour...beautiful outdoors (I am going to miss Colorado!)
The spring weather has been wonderful, it is making me even more excited for summer weather! (which I will soon enjoy 365 days a year!)
I love hiking.
I went on my first hike of the season, to my all time favorite place in Colorado: Chautauqua Park.

going to miss this awesome place!

hmm...thinking of what to write on my blog 

me and my mommy! 

Hiking is when I feel closest to Jesus. Spending time in His creation helps me to be so thankful for everything He has given me.
I will miss hiking with my mom.
I will miss hiking with friends.
But...
I will now have the chance to hike a volcano! (super exciting new adventure to add to my long list of hikes I would like to accomplish)
I am enjoying every day to the fullest up to the time I leave. (I have started a countdown, but I will not officially begin one until I get my travel info which should be arriving any day now-ahh!)
Thank you Jesus for a beautiful place to live!
*pictures courtesy of my dear friend B* (Thanks B!)

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.