Currently Reading...

Reclaiming our Prodigal Sons & Daughters: A Practical Approach for Connecting with Youth in Conflict.  By Scott Larson & Larry Brendtro who dedicated their book "to the children we have parented & to the children we have re-parented".

My Pastor gave me this book to read, and said that it is one of the best books he's read on working with today's youth.  Wow!  I'm so pumped to get reading!
Thanks, Pastor B!

Wholeheartedness

Two things that I've read about recently: the endemic contagiaty of the Lukewarm versus Wholeheartedness.  For me, I've recently wrestled through a lot of living wholeheartedly in the present, and instead, looking to the future, too far.  Certainly, there is a time & place for planning in order to see a good work carried out, but it also must not rob the beauty of the present.  "Cancer is a bad day", a man by the name of Bob Goff once said.  It's almost scary at how quickly little naggings can rob the presence of grace in living in the moment, a walk which I think Jesus meant, in part, when he said that his yoke is easy & his burden is light.  Have you ever woken up on the wrong side of the bed?  The taste in your mouth is extra bitter, & you're just hit with a ton of life-bricks.  I once heard a devotional led by one of my mentors & camp director, Scott Steltzer.  He taught me how to do "Heart Checks" in the morning, where you confront & call out the little torpedoes, waiting to destroy your day, in writing them down and casting them down.  They have no place in my day.  Oftentimes, my heart checks are met with Scripture in my morning devotionals specifically & directly.  To live & rest easy, knowing that the Lord knows the BEST ways for me, can shape life out of lukewarm complacancy or unwarranted worry.  He renews us day by day!

But He knows the way that I take;
when He has tested me,
I will come forth as gold.
-Job 23:10 (NIV)

The Glory of Sabbath

I loved every second of my Spring Break last week.  I realized how important rest coupled, not simply with doing things that I enjoy, like shopping and watching movies and getting icecream, but also the need and delight in spending time with God.  I'll be taking a Sabbath from Blog-Writing for a week.  Can't wait to share with you when I get back!
Peace.

A Poem by Amy Carmichael

When stormy winds against us break
Establiksh & reinforce our will;
O hear us for Thine own name's sake;
Hold us in strength & hold us still.

Still as the faithful mountains stand
Through the long silent years of stress,
So would we wait at Thy right hand,
In quietness & steadfastness.

But not of us this strength, O Lord,
& not of us this constancy;
Our trust is Thine eternal Word,
Thy presence our security.

You Can Heal My Heart



"You Can Heal My Heart" by Kassi Hemerka!

You can buy my sweet mentor & friend's beautiful album on iTunes for $9.90!

She has the voice of an angel who blesses so many through leading worship at North Way's Oakland campus! Go K! (:

Strawberry Banana Overnight Oats

I love oatmeal.  I eat it for breakfast practically every day.  This healthy snack will stick to your bones and keep you fueled up for a long day!  Labor, especially in the Lord, can be hard without the proper equipping, both physically and spiritually.  But take heart at this verse God showed me today:

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. -1Corinthians 15:58

These words are sweeter than any baked good out there. (:  Be encouraged by how near God is with you in your work for Him!

For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. -Hebrews 10:36

Ingredients you will need:

½ cup rolled oats (not quick cooking)

½ cup plain Greek yogurt

2/3 cup milk

1 tablespoon chia seeds

2 to 2 ½ tablespoons strawberry jam

1 small banana, mashed

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl or jar, cover with a lid or plastic wrap, and allow the mixture to sit in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, stir in the mix-ins of your choosing.

I found this recipe at www.pepperlynn.com Her recipes are fabulous! Check them out for sure.

Thinking of Tanzania

About one year ago today, my sister, Meg, spent 6 months in Arusha, Tanzania!  To celebrate all that the Lord did in and through her, here's a link to her Arusha blog.  She has such a gift of words and wisdom, and God's hand was upon her words and experiences!  Praise God.

http://megancarey.tumblr.com/