Memories Precipitate Gratitude

Gratitude is when memories move from your head to your heart.


The birth of something new precipitates the death of something old. For me, it's hard to hold onto the past when things just keep moving forward. However, when I take a moment to ruminate over where I've been, I'm more likely to thank God for his provision in the future. A flood of memories cause me to well up and overflow with thankfulness.

Thank you Lord for your continued faithfulness and
provision in my life.

Today, I'm thankful for the way God has answered so many prayers over the years. This past summer (2008) was an especially big answer to prayer. The summer before (2007) was a miserable time for me. I was working at the same job I returned to for four years. Half way through the summer (2007) I decided that it was time for me to do something different with my life. I wanted my work to be meaningful, purpose-filled, uplifting, and worthwhile. Sometimes a job is just a job, but I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to choose a different job. I discovered that taking the risk was worth it's weight in gold.

Thank you Lord for helping me to trust you. Thank you for always being there for me, no matter the season, location, or circumstances.

I was nervous about living in Seattle this summer (2008). I didn't have a place to live until the very last minute, despite searching for houses months in advance. My roommates and I lived without furniture for over a month. Crazy, I know. Looking back now, I would have never have have guessed my life would end up the way it is now. I live with some of the most incredible women I have ever met. I'm working at the most delightfully wonderful job I have ever had. I'm in love with the God of the universe! He knows me by name. He knows my hearts desires for life, love, and ministry. He is ever drawing me near to him. It is far better than anything I would have ever dared to asked for. I seems to me that God likes surprises.

Lord, I love the way you care for me. Your love is better than life.
DELIGHT YOURSELF IN THE LORD and
He will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4

Today I finally changed my church calender to November. The calender was placed there by the Children's Ministry Director before me. It's filled with scripture verses and inspirational landscapes from all over the world. Lo and behold, what did I find? A quiet memory from my past. There was a picture of the mountains from my hometown. They are so picturesque! Where is home? Home is anywhere, it comes along and finds you. For now, I've found a new home here, but I am thankful for the memories of my past. They make me thankful for the provisions God has made to bring me here.

Heavenly Father, for now, I have no more words to adequately express my gratitude. It wells up in my heart and spills over in joy and thankfulness. How can I stop from praising you for all you are and all you have done?

In His love and grace, Amen

Why I Love Children's Ministry . . .

God must have hand-picked this job for me.


Really.
I could not ask for a better way to spend the next season of my life. If someone had told me a year ago that I would be the Children's Ministry Associate Director at Quest Church, I wouldn't have believed it. A year ago I was looking for psychology internships at Children's Hospital. I had never before taught a Sunday school class for elementary kids. Now, I can't think of a better way to spend my time than serving families and creatively showing kids God's love.

My favorite part about my job is the fact that kids are filled with so much energy, curiosity and joy. It doesn't take much to get a smile out of even the saddest little one who misses their parents. Kids' energy and enthusiasm for life is infectious. I can't help but throw my arms open wide and praise God for their smiles and laughter.

This week, I've been thinking back on my summer internship with the Children's Ministry. I'd love to share with you one memory that I will never forget. . .

At the beginning of the summer, I discovered that part of my Children's Ministry internship meant I was the assumed worship leader on Sunday mornings. This came as a shock at first. Once it became a realization, it made me shake in my little boots. Did I mention that I have ZERO musical talent? I can't sing or play an instrument to save my life. Just ask Tim, he didn't believe me at first. But he does now. It only took one solo appearance to convince him. I confessed that I usually just mouth the words. Basically, he said that would be alright as long as I knew all of them.


You think I'm kidding don't you?


Apparently, musical talent is one of those prerequisites for Children's Ministry Leaders. A prerequisite that interns, in the absence of a Children's Director, are roped into as well. However, there was HOPE for me. I make one darn good karaoke singer. You would have laughed if you had seen me. The kids sure did! But that's alright with me. In fact, it kinda made me feel good.
I love to make kids laugh.
Anything that encourages them to worship their creator with every fiber of their being, including their funny bone,
well . . . sign me up!

There's always hope.
Laughing children can attest.

Father, thank you for giving me the chance to care for your children. What a blessing it has been.