Thankful for the seasons

November flew by. December seems to follow suit. This week I decided to rest. I tried listening to Christmas tunes, but every song seems rushed. Maybe it represents the perfect tune any pregnant woman would be humming. As she breathes before each contraction, the time goes faster and faster, each breath and contraction quicker and quicker until…at last, the baby is born and she can finally rest. But first, she will muster enough energy to hold her new child and look into the eyes of a new wonderful human being, created in her likeness and yet vastly different.

I spoke to a respected mentor recently and they said, “When God gives you an assignment, call, or destiny, it’s comparable to a new child. You, as the parent, have the responsibility to either nurture, the opportunity to neglect, or the option to abort”. A decision must be made.

God has asked much of me in one of the fastest paced seasons known to mankind, in America at least. He has asked me to give much away, sell many things, throw and burn things, and keep only what is necessary for my upcoming season. It has been a practice of dying to self, in order to make room for the “baby”. Abortion is not an option, and I would hate to neglect this privilege. Since the Lord has been faithfully nurturing me, so will I nurture the dreams He has given me.

The cost is small really, in comparison to the Kingdom of Heaven and what Christ has done for me. Yet, I find this season difficult to grapple with, verses like “store up treasures in heaven” (Matt 6:19-20), “and everyone who has given up houses, or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or property, for my sake will inherit eternal life” (Matt. 19:29) are championing me onwards. “Go, sell your possessions and give to the poor…then come follow me” (Matt 19:21) is challenging me to the core. I feel like I am so outrageously in love with God that anything He asks me, I am game for. Yet, other days, I feel completely scared to talk to God thinking He has something else He wants me to “lose” in order to gain. I am scared to leave, yet excited to seek Him out. 

I truly am experiencing faith with works. I am doing things now in order to enter into a season that I have no grid for. I have no clue what God has for me and yet I have an inkling of hope and wonder. Like on a wedding day, it takes faith from both parties, the bride and the groom. They make these outrageous vows of undying love and devotion to one another through sickness and in health, etc. They commit before they even know the half of it. Life takes many different turns and yet, before these turns even present themselves, the in love couple commits to going the distance with their new spouse.

I AM LEAPING INTO THE UNKNOWN WITH PAPA.

I am ready and yet still have much to do before I can leave. I am praying that God helps me stay as well as go. Each decision is equally important and seasonally beneficial. I am staying in Louisiana for one more month, less than. I am going on January 4 th . I am pioneering at the beginning of 2018 and yet am settling in community life with YWAM throughout the upcoming year. I'll be on land and sea, in islands and metropolitan towns.

I love United Pursuit’s lyrics that state, “Though the seasons change, your love remains.” I know now that as I continue to prepare, the best place for me is in God’s love. That was what drew me to His presence in the first place, kept me there to hear Him out, and is propelling me forward to taking the greatest leap of faith I have ever taken thus far. 

PS. Again, like a new mom or a newlywed couple, they are only where they are with what they have because of God and His hands and feet around them. I have many people to thank. I also have much news. Stay tuned. 

PSS. Above photo taken Dec 8, 2018 in southeastern Louisiana. This was me and my mom's little creation.  A couple of neighbor kids saw it, and became inspired to make their own near ours. The last time it snowed in LA I was in French class with Madame Miller in the 4th grade. The last time I saw snow I was living in British Columbia in 2012/13. This day is one for the books. I was able to experience this snow day with family. These small miracles were just what I needed to remind myself that I serve a God full of surprises and so into the sentimentals, as well as that I need to show up and embrace the seasons, the people, the adventure; because someone right next door may need to see just that lifestyle of faith lived out in such a way to inspire them to join in and build their own. 

Below, more SNOW DAY photos 

#pioneer #sellall #settle #stay #go