A calming

So, today was the first Sunday in a few weeks that I was around to go to my own church.  The past few weeks I've either been out of town, or at another church for one reason or another.  It was so nice to be in my own church today.

This weekend was the weekend of Passion::Atlanta. (I know the guy in the black and white photo-crouched over his bible!)  I had quite a few friends who went--and I so wanted to be there!  But, it just wasn't meant for me to go, which is okay.  I was meant to be in my church service this morning.  I'm not sure if it is the reason why I didn't go to Atlanta, but I was definitely meant to hear this message today.

The past 24 hours I have been feeling unsettled about something in my life.  Something that I wasn't feeling unsettled about before.  So it has been a bit of a shock to my system.  Going to my church today was just the calming I needed.

Separately, I believe I received a confirmation on moving to Austin--and pursuing ministry.  (This is not what I was feeling unsettled about)  But the sermon was about the calling of Moses to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt.  And my Pastor said something that caught my attention.  He was talking about how Moses was not sure about going, and kept questioning God, when God just said go.  And Pastor Scott made a statement, which I don't remember exactly.  But the general idea was, "If you are being called to go, you go, you don't ask questions"  That isn't what he said specifically...but it is what I heard loud and clear.

And it isn't that I was questioning moving.  I haven't at all.  I have been praying for confirmation that I am to go--I am planning a visit back to Austin in July--and figured the confirmation might come while I'm down there.  But I think I might have received it today instead.  

So now, when am I going to go?  That I am not sure of yet.  Maybe after Christmas sometime?  I'm unsure of the timing.  But I am going to move forward with this, and see if The Lord opens doors, or closes them.  It's the only way I know how to do things.

On a side note--I found out last week that a high school classmate of mine, who currently lives here in Freeport, is also moving to Austin.  But he's going in September.  So...it will be nice to have someone down there already that I know pretty well.  I have to admit, it is a safe feeling to have someone you already know in a strange place.  Yes, I met others while I was there in February...who have since become friends (I'm staying with the couple that I met when I go down in July!).  But I'm still getting to know them.  I know I can trust them--but this guy I have known for like 13 or so years.  So, it's a little different and comforting in a way.

But anyway, I'm excited about this!

Teen Missions on TV!!

Teen Missions is going to have a 1 hour documentary on CBS on Saturday night (April 12). It is at 8pm EST. If you aren't on Eastern time, then check your local listings. But I hope everyone can watch this! And tell your friends!!

If you don't know, I spent 5 summers in a row with this organization, and I would love to go back. It changed my life.

It's coming together!

So, this ministry at church, with the 20-somethings, is coming together. Last week we had a dinner, and this week we met normally again, working with the video's that we've been working with. It is really fun to see it coming all together, especially as we get to know each other better and better.

Last night we outlined our "Ground Rules" and I think they're pretty great.

• Begin and end on time
• Confidentiality
• Call when you can't come
• Bring up issues or dissatisfaction right away
• No interrupting, or carrying on separate conversations
• Do any confrontations individually, not in front of the group
• No gossiping in prayer
• No grudges, come with a pure heart, and clean spirit towards everyone else
• start and end with prayer
• get prayer requests and foster an environment where people feel comfortable sharing

I am in charge of communications. I wasn't appointed there, but naturally fell into that position. It's a good place for me.

There are a lot of things on my heart right now regarding 'ministry' and my place in it. I'm not sure how to verbalize it all right now. But I know that God is working it out, and is placing me right where He wants me. I feel like I am right where I am supposed to be at this moment.

I am still feeling called to move to another place, Austin is still at the top of the list. The timing is uncertain, nothing is set in stone, but that desire has not gone away. But it is nice to know, that for now, right where I am in Maine, I am still being used.

I feel like this is all in preparation of the top being blown off. Do you know what I mean? Like this is a glimpse into a much larger picture which I am to be a part of. Obviously I'm not sure exactly what that is, but that is how I view this. Like, this is my training in a way.