back from hiatus

I haven't written anything here in so long. It hasn't been because I haven't wanted to write, but with so many thoughts, it's more like where to begin. I'll try my best to piece together something coherent, and possibly even interesting...but no promises...you may just have to read mundane thoughts as the bright white screen glares back at you.

I could write about my time at RockRidge this summer, but that in and of itself is a big topic. The highlights...I had a great summer. It was very cool to see how God orchestrated the entire deal from before I applied until the present time. I was looking at my journal entries from around this time last year. It was even before that time that I had begun to pray about being an intern. Really I had aspired to be one long before RockRidge...in the days of Malibu. But I never really thought that this minute seed of a dream would actually come to fruition. But it did. It seemed like there were a few obstacles. In the end God showed me how much bigger He was compared to them. Among other things, He used so many different people in my life to confirm what was stirring in my heart...other Christians, unbelievers, friends, acquaintances, wise individuals, and those who know me well. In the past two and a half years I've come to realize and truly understand the incomprehensible value of seeking God with such matters. I live a faith that includes sharing my dreams and aspirations with my Father...kind of like when a child holds out a treasure in their hands that they have discovered, and wanting their parent to assess their find.

Anyhow to fast forward, it has been interesting to see life unfold over the past few months. Of course with any experience you can expect a gamut of situations and learning experiences. I met some wonderful people, made a few great friendships, struggled with many situations, and had a few rough edges revealed and smoothed out. It's one of those experiences that's bound to be somewhat imperfect, but really that's the reality and beauty of it all. Let's think about it....myself and others were at camp in order to serve and facilitate through our service, the proclamation of the Gospel. It only makes sense that Satan would do anything in his power to inhibit and disrupt this proclamation. So there were some rough patches, for everyone, to some degree. But far outweighing those encounters were ones of joy, blessing and fruitfulness. There were MANY of those. Ahhh the memories of laughing fits, dance sessions, star gazing, sport nights, intern dinners, prayer & worship, intimate encounters with the Lord...hmm, warm memories, a true slice of Heaven.

I've had much to think about and ponder over the past month and a half. In fact I'm still thinking about certain experiences, people, situations. It's all part of the journey, and I am satisfied that that is the case. Of course there are stories to share, but they'll come out between us at the right time and place. I've prayed that God would orchestrate them in his timing.

Life right now is in transition. My heart knows what it wants, where it wants to go, what type of community it desires to be a part of. I am amazed at how He is meeting me in my transition, in my confusion, in my aspirations and dreams. I would never pretend to have my life in order fully. I would never pretend that I have a long term plan up my sleeve. But that is more than alright, I am so excited for the adventure God has in store for me. I am excited for who he wants me to share my life with.

I'll leave you with this quote from an inspiring book I read last month by Elisabeth Elliot called "Through Gates of Splendor",

"For I have known my heart is speaking to me for God!. . .No visions, no voices, but the counsel of a heart which desires God."~ Jim Elliot

Goodnight readers :-)

Leah <><