Solitude, Silence, and Prayer

Disciplines worth exploring! This is a picture I took at the Cathedral here in Madrid. It makes me think of these things. May you find the time to be in His presence!

Changes

Sometimes I really like changes. New seasons, new clothes, living in a different place, rearranging my room or house, meeting new people. Right now I am in the midst of too many changes to really appreciate them or even want them.

-Everyone on my team is in transition, therefore, I am in transition.
-Lots of friends have left Spain and lots of new people have arrived.
-I'm attempting to get into a new Spanish class.
-My community group is different.
-My schedule has changed.
-The economy is changing, thus so is my support.
-One roommate moved out, another is here for just one more month, and hopefully one will be returning soon.
-My visa process.

Last month I was in the US for a few weeks and I think the fact that I am facing all of these changes really hit me because it felt so comfortable there. I was able to meet up with friends like I used to. I knew how everything worked and could understand everything around me. I realized how crazy my life in Spain really is. When it was time for me to return to Madrid, I was excited, but also not ready to jump back onto the moving train that is my life here. I miss the normalcy of the US and my life there. But, I'm choosing to trust that God has me here for a reason and all of these constant changes will only draw me closer to Him and mature me more.

Amidst my changes I follow the One who never changes! Thank you Lord!

1 Thessalonians 5:24 "The one who calls you is faithful..."
Malachi 3:6 "I the LORD do not change..."
James 1:17 "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."

Psalm 23

Yesterday I went to a half day silent prayer retreat. It was wonderful and refreshing!!! Thank you Daphne for leading that. During the morning, there were three different times of silence and each time there was a different question or idea to meditate on and pray about. The theme for the day was Psalm 23. During one of the times of solitude and silence a suggestion was to write out Psalm 23 in our own words and make it personal. For David, it made sense to write about God as a shepherd, for me it makes more sense to write about God as a backpacking guide. Here is my version of Psalm 23:

The Lord is my guide.
I don't have to worry about anything.
He's in charge.
He finds the soft grass and tells me to rest.
He leads me to the springs of pure water.
He gives me comfort.
He takes me down paths that only He can see.
How great He is!
Even though He leads me along the side of a narrow cliff,
I am not afraid because He is always beside me on the outside edge.
His walking stick is used to protect me and keep me safe.
I'm comforted.
He has prepared a feast for me
but allowed all the lies, which are my enemies, to attend.
He sits beside me and annoints me with the truth.
My heart overflows.
As we (He and I) continue on this journey;
Goodness
Joy
Love
Mercy
Chase after me forever.
I will never stray from His side.
And I will always find my home in Him.

Photo found on flickr by: buckforester

August What???

How on earth did it already become 20 August? I left almost a month ago for Connect, our annual staff conference for Christian Associates (CA). Since then I was at the conference until the 2nd of August, helped Kelly move out on the 3rd, cleaned the house from the 4th until the 6th (it's hard to move fast when it is over 100 degrees), then I have had guests staying with me since then. From the 7th until the 13th my friend Kerri from France was here (so were Adam and Tasha but they didn't stay with me - shout out "Buster Brown") and then someone checking out CA came on the 13th and she leaves tomorrow. Then on Friday my roommate Shani returns. So needless to say, I haven't had a ton of time to write on here. I'm actually getting ready for a trip back to the US as well. Unfortunately when I applied for my residency this past year, it did not go through because of a huge miscommunication, so now I have to start all over and reapply for my visa again. I will be returning the US on Thursday 28 August until Thursday 18 September. While I'm not looking forward to having to pay for the plane ticket and reapplying for my visa and then residency, I am looking forward to some down time and time with family and friends. There is a lot that God has been teaching me lately about himself and myself. I need time to process it. Hopefully I'll be able to share some of that with you all soon. I'm not sure if I'll be able to write again before I head to the US (in a week), but I'll try, and if not, I'll see you on the other side of the ocean.

Washed in the River

Sunday was a day of beauty. It was a day of going under old, and coming up new. Congratulations Vanessa and Christine. I am so happy for you both and so proud of you. May God give you strength and courage to live as those who are forgiven and set free!!!

Vacation and Reading

Last week I went to England! It was amazing!!! I visited my roommate Shani and got to hang out in with her in her town. I have always wanted to visit England and what better way than with a friend who lives there. We did a lot of relaxing and visited Manchester, Black Pool, and Bolton. I had a spectacular time and wish I could have stayed longer. I haven't posted any pictures yet on flickr, but hopefully that will happen soon.

When I returned from England I read Heather's blog and noticed that she tagged me to post the same blog as her about books and reading. So, because I am trying to do a better job at writing on this blog, here are my responses to all the questions.

1. Do you remember how you developed a love for reading? No, but I'm guessing it stems from my mom always reading to me and my brothers. I loved going on road trips and mom reading from the front seat. Thanks Mom for such special memories.
2. What are some books you read as a child? Pilgrim's Progress, Chronicles of Narnia (both with Mom and Brothers), the Christy Miller series, and anything that had anything to do with dance
3. What is your favorite genre? I like fiction a lot but I also enjoy a good biography and also Christian non-fiction. Fiction is good for relaxing and non is good for learning and character development.
   
4. Do you have a favorite novel? That's really hard, but the first book that came to my mind is "Redeeming Love" by Francine Rivers.
5. Where do you usually read? Either on the couch or in bed. If I'm traveling alone on public transport then I'll often read a fiction there as well.
   
6. When do you usually read? Before bed, on vacation, my day off, or on the bus or metro.
7. Do you usually have more than one book you are reading at a time? Always (just like my dad!)
   
8. Do you read nonfiction in a different way or place than you read fiction? When I read non-fiction, I need to be much more alert so that I can really take in what I am reading. I often either write in my book or take notes when I am reading non-fiction so that I can remember what I've read. I usually don't read non-fiction on the metro or bus or in bed, but I will curl up on the couch with it.
   
9. Do you buy most of the books you read, or borrow them, or check them out of the library? I borrow as many as I can buy the used books (because they're cheaper), but I will buy books that I really love new. I miss the library!!!
10. Do you keep most of the books you buy? If not, what do you do with them? I do keep most of the books that I buy, even if I don't like them. There are always people coming into my house so I hang on to them in case they catch someone else's fancy and then they can either borrow them or have them.
    
11. If you have children, what are some of the favorite books you have shared with them? I don't have children yet, but when I do, I will definitely read the Chronicles of Narnia and Pilgrim's Progress to them!
12. What are you reading now? Non-fiction: "The Ragamuffin Gospel", "The Way of the Heart" Fiction: "The Pact"
13. Do you keep a TBR (to be read) list? Not really, but I should. I think that I don't because it would be too overwhelming. There are just too many good books that I want to read.
14. What’s next? I really want to read "The Forgotten Ways" and I'll need a new fiction soon. I'll be done with "The Pact" in a day or two. Any recommendations?
15. What books would you like to reread? I would like to reread different series of books. Narnia, LOTR, Harry Potter. I do want to read some new ones first though.
    
16. Who are your favorite authors? C.S. Lewis, Donald Miller, Francine Rivers, Karen Kingsbury, Randy Alcorn, Eugene Peterson to name a very few.

I don't like tagging other people to do blogs, but if you'd like to answer these questions too, have at it. I think I should go read now.

Campeones de España

One week ago today Spain won the Euro Cup. It was quite the feat and quite the day. I wouldn't be surprised at all if that day becomes a national holiday, that is if they can fit it in the year will all the other holidays we celebrate here. I'm pretty sure that everyday this week I have seen news and highlights from the game. Europeans sure know how to embrace a sport and make it a way of life. I think I made my brothers proud by following most of the tournament and especially the final games. It was so exciting! I think Spain is still feeling the high of the win. Spanish flags and jerseys can still be seen everywhere. I've enjoyed feeling a part of this country and this culture just by cheering for Spain. "A Por Ellos Oye!"

If it wasn't enough for Spain to win the Euro Cup, today Rafa Nadal won the men's singles in Wimbledon. Yet another reason for celebration. The support for Rafa isn't anything like what it was for the futbol team, but once again Spain raises to the top. One frustrating thing about TV here though is that you will see everything that Spain is involved in, but basically the only thing you'll see is Spain. There were hardly any other games from Wimbledon on TV. Maybe I just need to get more than 5 channels. Oh well. "Podemos!"

4th of July

As basically all of you know, today is the 4th of July. That means a lot more to Americans in America than to most other people in the world. I'm actually really good friends with quite a few Brits, so this holiday can actually be a bit awkward. Anyway, I did celebrate today in a small way by going with 15 other Americans to the Hard Rock Cafe for lunch. It was a good time with friends eating way too much food. Here are a couple of things that I do miss from celebrating this holiday in the U.S.

• Going to the Nes-L-Inn with Ross, Heidi, Nate, Lindsay, and Andy. I miss you guys!!!
• Going to Antietam Battlefield with my parents to watch the fireworks and hanging out with Laura. Miss you Laura!!!
• Going downtown GR early making a picnic, playing games with Rach (and beating her of course) and then watching the fireworks over the Grand River with her and Joe. I miss you guys too!!!
• Eating wonderful American picnic food such as Italian sausage on the grill, potato salad, fruit salad, corn on the cob, and other great stuff.

There are certainly some wonderful traditions and friends that I miss during this time of year, but it is kind of fun to start new traditions and experience new holidays! For all you Americans, Happy 4th!

Why I suck at blogging

So, if you haven't noticed, I go through phases on my blog. Every so often I do a good job at keeping up with my blog, but lots of times, I don't keep up at all. I think there are a few reasons why I often don't keep up with my blog.

1) I often spend most of my day working on my computer so when I'm done working, I get sick of being on my computer.

2) I don't think I'm very creative, so I have a hard time thinking of things to write about.

3) I forget that I have a blog.

4) I would rather relax in another way than writing.

5) I'm not very disciplined.

I'm sure I could come up with more reasons as to why I suck at blogging, but that's probably enough for now. I just wanted to put all that out there to let you know I am aware of my suckiness and I want to change. Isn't that how it works, first you admit you have a problem, then you start taking steps to make the change. Anyway, I really do want to do better. I think blogging is a good way for me to share my thoughts with those who I don't see often and I could use more discipline in my life. So, because the summer is a little more relaxed here in Madrid, I am going to attempt to blog once a week. I've put myself out there now and give you all permission to hold me accountable. Hopefully you'll hear from me soon!!!

Photos

I have finally updated all of my photos on my flickr page. Make sure you go check them out here to see more.

My absence

I apologize for my absence. I have no excuses. I'm just sorry. I promise to try harder, but I can't make any promises beyond that. I am sending out an email update this week. I will try to also post it here. Here's hoping you will hear from me again soon!!!

In My Bible

Today I found this on a single sheet of paper in my Bible:

Lord, I am seeking you.
I seek your beauty.
I seek in silence.
The words of my silence are praise.
When silence is returned with silence,
I wait.
You seek me.
In your glory and power, you seek me.
As I wait, you seek.
Patience.
Silence.
Grace that leads to faith.
I trust.
I trust you.
I trust your beauty.
O Lord you're beautiful.
Your face is all I seek.

28

So this past Monday I turned 28. It was a good day. I went to work, went to ballet, and went to dinner with good friends. Birthdays are weird. It seems like your birthday is supposed to feel different than every other day, but in reality it just doesn't. It did get me thinking though, about how blessed I am. God is just way too good. So in honor of the gift I received from Him, my 28th year, here is evidence of how blessed I am and how good God is.

1. I have the most incredible godly parents!
2. I have 2 brothers that actually love me and look out for me.
3. I have friends all over the world who care about me.
4. I live in Spain on financial support from over 75 people.
5. I go to ballet class twice a week.
6. I am learning a new language.
7. I have been given the privilege of worshiping my maker.
8. I am able to travel.
9. I have clean clothes to put on every morning.
10. I have skype and can talk to family and friends for really cheap.
11. I have a wonderful place to live in Madrid.
12. I have enough to be able to give to others.
13. I received birthday presents.
14. I am writing this on my own computer.
15. God died to save me.
16. The Lord's mercies are new every morning.
17. Have you been outside in a warm breeze on a sunny day? Enough said!
18. God loves us no matter what.
19. God forgives.
20. Jesus knows what it's like to live this thing we call life.
21. God has given us the Holy Spirit to guide us.
22. We are able to come into the presence of God. (No mediators needed. Thank you!)
23. God provides all of our needs.
24. We are called to live in community. How cool is that. He doesn't want us to be alone!
25. God has gifted each person in a unique way.
26. He still works miracles!
27. My father comforts me and cries with me.
28. God wants only the best for me in this new year of life.

Don't forget, that He wants the best for you too. God is good!!!

One Word

If God had one word for you, what would it be?

If God had one word for me, it would be...

COME