On my way back to Kansas City from my 9 day visit to my homeland of California to see my family and very cherished cousin Chris get married. I must agree with Meredith (another leadtime young lady), that of all the airports I’ve been to (twelve total) the Minneapolis/St.Paul is a winner! Very homey, clean, fresh, lots of eateries, and the bathrooms are right next to the gate! Anyway, for those of you who would like to know how the break was..
The wedding was the kickoff for the break, it was an outdoor event at a lovely golf course/country club amidst what looked like the seirra mountains, but was really Auburn, CA. For November they were blessed with clear skies and bright sunshine. The ceremony was not too long, not too short, and air was filled with excitement, anticipation, and a mixture of emotions from family and friends. It was really good to see him looking so happy, not only to get married to Kellie, whom he’s dated for seven years, but to see all of his friends and family together. He’s one of the nicest, funniest, people I know and it seems like yesterday we were pushing the make-shift go-cart up our grandfather’s hill so we could ride it down, over and over again. I wish I had those thighs I had then!
The rest of the week was filled with catching up with as many friends as possible, including those at Mount Hermon, Gavilan College, South County Animal Hospital (former employer) and San Luis Obispo. P.S. If you were in those places and I didn’t see you please forgive me...
One of the things, of many, that stuck out the most to me during my time...was the beauty of where I’m from. Especially, the hills! I love hills surrounding the south valley! They were a rich green color due to the recent rains and what’s great about hills is that they really give you a sense of God’s amazing artistry. Having not seen them for two months I found myself stopping in my tracks and just staring in awe and the rolling hills. It makes me wonder why people don’t realize the reason why nature is so powerful and beautfiul to us is because God created us and the earth for us to care for and to enjoy. That’s my little schpeel on that topic.
I felt really loved this break. The time I spent with my friends was a testament in God’s faithfullness and goodness. He knows our needs, He knows our heart’s desire and what fills us with joy...and praise Him because He provides. This last summer was a rough summer for me. I felt spiritually dry and at a point where all I could depend on was the grace and strength of God to keep me going. And being in a leadership position where others depended on ME to encourage them spiritually made it even more difficult. The verse that I clung to was 2 Cor 12:9 My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. After I made the decision to take a step of faith and come to Missouri I experienced the fruit of being obedient. The moment I arrived I knew that God wanted me here. A crowd of young women greeted me with excited, beautiful, fresh smiling faces and they proceeded to usher me into their lives, accepting me as a sister despite how overwhelmed I probably looked. A dear friend that I visited at Mount Hermon this past Tuesday pullled me aside and said, “Jenn, you’re burden has been lifted. You are much lighter, I can see it, you are doing very well.” Hearing these words was so incredible! Oh what God has done in a matter of months! As a Christian, I truely believe that we are happiest when we are seeking to please and serve Jesus Christ and we act in accordance to His will. I have the experience to prove it.
David Crowder Band sings a song that has been speaking to my heart that, these are the lyrics:
He is jealous for me, loves like a hurricane, I am a tree bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy, when all of a sudden I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory and I realize just how beautiful you are and how great your affections are for me
Oh how He loves us Oh , oh how He loves us, how he loves us oh....yea he loves us oh how he loves us oh how he loves us oh how he loves
I didn’t understand the part in the song where he sings about being a tree bending beneath the weight and wind of mercy until now. Any feelings of fear, of uncertainty, of worthlessness that I may have had in the months prior to this experience have been overshadowed but the goodness that is overflowing from a God that gives a peace that transcends understanding.
I’m looking forward to creating more memories and seeing God continue to do mighty things in my Shelterwood/Leadtime family.
Thank you to my loving parents who provided a the means to come home and have such a great time with them and my friends. I feel so rich!!
Thank you to all who continue to pray for me and the lives of the girls here in Missouri, your prayers are being answered :)
