Time...

With each day, I get closer to the time where I will begin my journey with YWAM. Technically speaking, I am about 5 months out from my trip; however, once June hits, I will be at church camp for several weeks, a pastoral retreat, and a mission trip with the youth group in July. I will leave about 3-5 days after all of that wraps up. So I really have about 3 months to cover a lot of details before I leave the country. I'm starting to feel the crunch! Times are busy, and I don't see anything slowing down in the near future.


Some things that God is teaching me lately are the following...

• Take one day at a time. 
• "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34
• Make time for yourself to stay connected with God. . 
• "But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed." -Luke 5:16
• Quiet time is much sought after lately, and I have a hunger to know more from the Bible, to be in the Lord's presence, and also to be in prayer for so many things going on all around me. As I am growing  closer to the Lord through worship and reading of scripture, my heart has been even more burdened to be constantly in prayer. One of the things that I long for during my prayer time is explained well through this song: Pure Bride- By: Leeland
• Don't get discouraged. 
• "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." -Hebrews 12:1-3
• A prayer partner of mine was praying for me on the phone the other day, and a portion of this verse popped into my head. She looked up the rest of it, since I was in my truck. The words spoke right to my heart in that moment and I was completely shocked especially since I couldn't remember what the entire verse said. But it was just what I needed to hear at that time. It's amazing how when we cry out to God for his help, that he never fails to show up. I had a long day, and felt drained, but then God provided a portion of his word to encourage me. My weariness almost instantly turned to joy. What a wonderful God...always faithful.
• Here's a song that always helps if I feel discouraged: You are For Me: Kari Jobe
• Don't let the efforts of the enemy detour or distract you from your purpose. 
• Let your eyes look straight ahead;
     fix your gaze directly before you.
  ²⁶ Give careful thought to the paths for your feet
     and be steadfast in all your ways.
  ²⁷ Do not turn to the right or the left;
     keep your foot from evil. -Proverbs 4:25-27
• Just as God has been increasing in so many ways in my life, I feel like the distractions have increased just as much. I'm convinced that the enemy hates when we are on fire for Christ. He'd rather keep us lukewarm, stuck, in a standstill...I am determined to stay focused on Christ and to not let distractions hinder me from growing closer to God and continuing to serve him.
• And ask for help if needed. 
• Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. -Galatians 6:2
• I think sometimes it's easy for me to think that I can handle things on my own, but I am finding that the more connected I am with those around me, the lighter the burdens may seem. It's a beautiful thing to see the body of Christ coming to life as we help each other out. And it not only benefits me, but the body of Christ as a whole will become healthier. It's a win win situation!
• Shelter- By: Jars of Clay is a song that explains why community is so important as we follow Christ. Check it out!

That's all for today...

Estoy Enamorado, 

Abby