In Struggle...

It's no secret at this point that I have dealt with anxiety for a good portion of my life.  This morning, for reasons I couldn't quite understand, my anxiety level was quite high.  It was painful to not feel in control of my emotions.  All I could do at one point was pace around my office, worrying... worrying... worrying... about unimportant things.  But in those moments of weakness, God's strength and provision shines through.  It shines through in moments where I am brought to my knees (or under my desk, as it were) to pray.  It shines through in moments where friends allow me to be me in all of my "craziness" and struggles.  I would like to see God in more enjoyable things, but the pain reminds me of my need for God.

In My Summer Church Family...

Last night, the church that I'm serving this summer (Bethany United Methodist Church, Wanchese, NC) held a potluck in my honor and allowed me to preach one last sermon this summer.  They have been such a blessing and so welcoming this summer.  I will miss the people here quite a bit.

In Caregiving...

It's been a while since I last updated.  I have seen God in many places in the past week or so, but no place more, perhaps, than in the life of one of the members here.  She is taking care of both her husband and her father who are both very sick.  She is exhausted and just drained, but yet she still carries on and holds strong in her faith in God.

In, well, I'm not quite sure...

Some days I don't know exactly where I've seen God, or if I've even seen God at all.  I suppose that's ok sometimes?  Maybe not.  I'm not really sure.  Regardless, for today, a pinpoint response is hard to give.

In a New Dining Experience...

So this one requires a little background.  I'm weird and always feel self-conscious trying new, local restaurants in towns that are not my home (don't ask me to explain at this time).  But I decided today to try this small pizza place that I pass on the way to work everyday.  I was greeted warmly and treated so nicely, and the pizza was quite good too.  I saw God in this, showing that you can see God in even seemingly everyday things.

In Leading Bible Study...

I lead my first Bible study tonight.  I think it went well.  It was neat to see kids grasp the concepts you're trying to teach.

In the Blessing of Friendship...

I am blessed with some incredible friendships, and I always enjoy the moments when I most fully realize and appreciate this fact.

In the Movement of the Holy Spirit...

It is always a cool thing when you are a part of things in which you can clearly see the hand of the Holy Spirit. Worship this morning was one of those occasions.

In Hopeful Anticipation...

I returned to Durham this weekend, and realized how much I've missed it there, and also how excited I am about next year.  When juxtaposing this sentiment with how I felt at times last year, I can really see the hand of God at work.

In Spiritual Practices...

I have always struggled with consistently incorporating spiritual practices of any kind into my daily routine.  Over the past few weeks, however, I have made a conscious effort to read a Psalm a day and to write about where I see God each day. I can feel that these practices are not only beginning to become more and more routine, but they are also beginning to feed my spiritual appetite.

In Opportunities...

As I was standing on a beautiful beach this afternoon, I became extremely aware of how blessed I am with the opportunities I have been given in life.

In Boldness...

The faith and conviction of some of my friends is inspiring.

In Preparation...

I suppose that you should see God in sermon preparation if it's going right, but nonetheless, it still sometimes surprises me how fulfilling it can be.