Overwhelmed

Long time no see!

The past month has been essentially a blur for me, as I briefly mentioned in my last post which was about 3 sentences in between the chaos of life.  I took a trip to Texas at the end of July to see my lovely family, and to spend some time in the heat playing beach volleyball and getting snowcones with my sibs, and hugging the necks of all the lovely people in the Lone Star State.  Also did a lot to regain some Texas twang in my accent. Can't let it go.

There is something beautiful about Texas hidden beneath the sweat and heat and incredible vastness, and it's found in the faces of everyone I love there.  I enjoyed a full weekend with Becca, making dinner together and catching up like it seems we always are.  I always leave unbelievably encouraged after spending time with her.  Cara, my long lost high school buddy, even made a quick appearance to say hello.  A quick trip to The Village Church set us home bound with tears in our eyes and full hearts, tender to the unwavering mercy and grace of God the Father. 

The next week was spend mostly at the pool or at the sand volleyball courts watching Carson shine at the King of the Beach tournament.  I got a lot of sun, and a lot of good quality time with my family that I love so dearly.  The whole vacation was capped off with a trip to the lake with frister, Megan Templin, wakeboarding and reminiscing the days when we saw each other more than once a year. 

It felt good to be home, and it was a nice transition into the whirlwind of emotions and blessing that the next week would bring.


You should know that I have moved South!!  (Closer to Texas, but still in Colorado)  I am living with the most amazing, unbelievable family, the Haskins.  They have graciously provided me a home here in Colorado, treating me like I am part of their family.  And oh, there isn't a better family, aside from my own, that I would want to be a part of.  This precious and beautiful family is my new definition of God's magnificent grace.  I am blown away at their generosity of welcoming me into their home, and sometimes feel like crying at how lucky I feel to be a part of such a God-centered, grace-drenched household.  It is the most evident of the blessings and provision that God has showered down on me this month.  I am so unbelievably and undeservedly blessed by them on an hourly basis.

I am working full time and full days at Valor Christian High School.  There aren't enough words in the English language to correctly emphasize the miracle that is this "full time job."  People, if you know me at all, you know that full time jobs aren't my thing.  I tell this to you in COMPLETE HONESTY:  I wake up excited to go to work!!  That's right, my (usually 12 hour day) job is the best thing ever.  I am obsessed with my co-workers, and completely at peace with putting my authority under the leadership at Valor and the men and women who serve on the Board of Directors there.  I am blown away at how Christ-centered my work environment is.  We spend time in worship and prayer, and had a staff and faculty retreat in the mountains to spend time with our Lord Jesus and to really make authentic relationships with co-workers.

Have I mentioned how much I love the people I work with?  I respect them and admire them and they shine so brightly the light of Jesus.  It makes me want to dance.  And dance, I did. (Last night in front of the entire Senior class.) 

On top of everything thus far, I get to work with high school kids. All day.  Every day.  I get to plan fun events for them, and just hangout with them and talk about Jesus.  I get to love on them, laugh with them, cry with them, and be a part of showing them the majesty of the God we serve during some extremely transformative years of their lives.  I get to point them towards Jesus.  However, I can guarantee, though, that God is transforming me just as much.

Last night we had the Senior Olympiad Lock-in.  We had 18 teams of Seniors who competed in Olympic events (spit-put, egg toss, 3 leg races, etc.) We made up skits, and acted them out in front of everyone. We played games, and kicked soccer balls, and set up volleyball nets on the grassy knoll.  We ate dinner and roasted s'mores over campfires on campus.  We sang worship songs around the fire, and gave honor to the glory of God.  We watched movies, and highlight reels, and slept in sleeping bags under the stars.  And woke up to the leaders of the school, serving kids pancakes as an act of service.  AND IT WAS MY JOB!!  UNREAL.

All of this to say, I don't know how to physically take in all the joy that I am experiencing.  I am being radiantly lavished upon by Christ, and I don't know what to do besides laugh.  And cry.  And worship in every way possible.  I am overwhelmed, and whatever word is more powerful than that.

I know that it won't always be this way.  I know that happiness can be stolen in one instant, but this deeply seeded joy is set deep in my heart and for this season, I am so unrealistically overjoyed to be serving the God that I love in this capacity.

Thank you Jesus, for loving someone so undeserving and lowly as me.  Thank you for wanting me despite my consistent and constant failures.  Oh God you are so good.  Let me life reflect my love and passion for you.  All glory and honor and praise to you, my King.  Please help me to love others as you have so perfectly loved me.