Rejoicing in Christ

Today was one of those Sunday mornings-where any doubt that I ever had of God NOT being alive or moving-ceased to exists!  It was a morning of amazing worship (beyound the 'musical' worship sense-but that too-was great!), fellowship, celebration and rejoicing.  It was a morning of hearing testimony to God's greatness-of answered prayer and strength when there seemed to be nothing left.  Angels rejoiced as stories were told of youth picking one another up, encouraging and blessing each other, of hearing a story of another sinner repenting and the endless praise and party that must have taken place in Heaven.

Our youth team got back yesterday (but they shared today) about how God worked/moved in their lives and in the lives of the people and kids they were ministering to this last week on their missions trip.  It is a trip that our church has been doing for almost 30 years to a native/metis community just past Winnipeg.  it is a trip, that I believe, truly began MY outlook-and later-passion- with missions.  I spent a week there, each summer throughout my high school years.  In those 4 years of going back for just one week a summer-taught me, blessed me, shaped me and molded  me, into a major part of who I am today-both as a person and who I am in Christ.  It was and remains, a major Faith step in my life and for that-I am SO incredibly thankful!

It was a morning for me, that re-affirmed my choice to live/work here in town for another year.  All week, I was looking forward to seeing the youth who went again, and hearing their stories.  I was not disappointed this morning!  It started right off the hop walking in to church sanctuary. Hugs, hugs and more hugs!!  Then, of course, there was that "attack of hugs' from a couple of the girls (thanks ladies! made my morning!)..  I am truly blessed!

What a great morning.  God you are SO awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

God is great...all the time God is great!

This last week, was super encouraging.  Work was/is going good (despite the fact of working now 10 hr days-but hey I need to bank time for Africa as well! So that too-is a blessing!)
But each evening this past week- was such an encouragement and blessing as well!  Seriously God is so good and I LOVE hearing how God moves and IS moving through the lives of young people-there is nothing better or more exciting then that.  To hear their stories of struggles and victories, of overcoming obstacles and trials.  Seriously amazing!  It is such a testimony to God and His greatness.
I Love hearing Testimonies from other believers-no matter what age, race or gender.  I love it how our stories are all similar, yet totally different and unique.  I love how God uses our stories to reach and teach others, to show others and to realize ourselves that we are NOT alone in this world, that yes although our struggles maybe different, we can relate most times in one way or another.  This week alone, I heard it a few times "I didnt know you went through that! I did too!", or something similar to that. 

The idea of wrestling with God, of wondering if He is there and what His plan is for my life-is a daily, constant struggle for youth, young adults and adults alike.  We need to know we are not alone in theese struggles.  We need to know that we got a community of believers who love and care for us.  Who lift each other up when needed.  THAT is Power through God.

Thank you God for loving us.  For caring for us, for lifting us up when we need it.  Thank you for sending Your Son to die for us.