Listen

    Just a warning to my parents and any of my adopted parents who care just as much about me, this may not be the easiest thing to read. I need you to understand that I have come to terms with a lot more than I ever thought possible and I fully trust in God's ability to take care of me. I pray if anything comes out of this experience is that others will read this and start to truly believe God is capable of all He says He is! 
    This week took a lot out of me, I haven't had this challenging of a time in a while. I returned to a few new faces at the daycare, and by a few I mean we had about 15-20 more than normal! During the summer months we have previous daycare kids return and then an in home daycare down the street joins us for the morning. Let's just say that the noise level is raised a couple hundred notches, there are more arguments, more tears, and a few more deep breaths taken throughout the day. Along with the madness also comes more smiles, more hugs, and more random stories, so after some time to process everything, it all sort of evens out. In an effort to not go crazy, I spent a lot of this week quietly listening and taking it all in, and I thought I would share some of what I heard. 
     I worked with about five middle school aged children in the afternoons in order to keep boredom from creeping up on them. I don't know if you have had any experience in this area, but there is a lot going on in an average preteen's mind. Don't worry the normal comments about how they hate the teacher or think everything I say, do, or tell them to do is stupid were a huge part of our time together. However, I also heard multiple stories about how cousins, uncles, or friends had been involved in or were victims of shootings or violence and questions about how God could love the people that hurt them arose. I could hear a desperate need to be noticed because they have had to grow up as the parent to their siblings in their homes. Just like my preschoolers, they crave the feeling that they matter and are loved. I think I worked the most in the afternoons just having conversations with those kids than I have in the past few months. However, as I look back, I wouldn't have traded that time to be with anyone else, because for those couple of hours, I allowed them to be their silly selves and learned so much about what it means to be in their world and how they are trying to figure out how God fits in all of it. 
    I was reminded of where I live this week. I had come home to a couple of new faces, previous volunteers of Ms. Pearl's, that were staying with us because of her two small children while the rest of their group stayed at a different facility. As we were getting acquainted, my roommate came home from her month long summer trip; I can't tell you how much it meant to me to hear her voice and know that my friend was back. We were catching up and introducing ourselves and planning how the evening was going to play out. My roommate was going to leave to visit a friend who was in town and come back so we all could leave to go to dinner. As the rest of us were talking in the front room, the dreaded booms deafened the street. The next words I heard were from outside, "Get down, get inside!" Thankfully we were already inside, and there was no harm done, but my roommate had just left. I made sure our guests were taken care of and called my roommate. As soon as I dialed the number, I heard the front door open and there she was, yet again, no words can describe how wonderful it was to see that girl and hear her voice! I wish I could tell you I have been thinking of it a lot since it happened like a normal person would, but I honestly haven't. God has brought a peace that I cannot explain. I understand the dangers around me, I know I have to be safe, but I have never been more secure in the fact that God is with me. I trust Him to protect me, which He has done more than you will ever know. And I trust Him to surround those I love, for He cares for you just as much as He does myself. I pray for your trust in Him to be strengthened and for His peace to enter your heart instead of worry or fear after reading that. I know it's not always easy, but it is easier with Him!
    The next day we took a field trip to the zoo. There was the added stress of the extra children, there were about forty children hyped up and ready for this adventure. After the mad dash to get lunch ready, and making sure everyone had a name tag and a buddy, we all piled on the bus. The anticipation was killing the kids, they get so excited about things I took for granted growing up. It is always humbling to work with these kids, they truly touch my heart in the most unexpected ways. As we traveled, the radio came on, they would dance and sing some of the words to songs I could hardly understand, and I just shook my head thinking I was just that crazy growing up. But then, "Take Me To The King" came on the radio, and you want to talk about a children's choir!?! It was the most beautiful sound I had heard all week, they knew every word, they lifted their hands in praise and everyone of those kids sang that song from their heart. I can't help but praise God for such blessings in the midst of chaos, when everything around you is a hot mess, but then He shares pure joy and adoration right in the middle of everything! 
    There were more random things I heard this week such as, "Right here, in these next few blocks, is the murder capitol of Chicago," "Ms. Wendy, if I didn't know you were from three hours south, I would think you were from Roseland," "Ms. Wendy, Ms. Wendy, Ms. Wendy!!!! Yes? Can I have a hug?" "Ms. Wendy, I'm gonna call you my auntie from now on," "Your hair is gorgeous Ms. Wendy," "Heaven is going to be the coolest thing you've ever seen boys and girls," or "Let's go to Chipotle!" Like I said before, it was a difficult week, however, I heard God speaking through so many people. He brought me to a place where I am surrounded by noises of all sorts, but His voice speaks the loudest in the quietest way. It is remarkable to hear what He has to say in conversations with children, with friends, or situations. I encourage you to take the time and truly listen to what He has to say to you!

He Changes Everything

   My eyes fill with tears as I sit here thinking of all I can write about. God has shown me so much about who He is and all He is capable of. He has revealed to me so much about myself that it has taken me a while to process it all. And His glory has been shone brilliantly through people of all ages that I can not help but praise His name! 

     Two weeks ago I went to a Christ In Youth conference with my church's high school youth group in Holland, Michigan. Before the trip, I was thinking how this would be an easy week compared to what I have been dealing with in Chicago. It would be familiar and with people I knew, so I thought it would be easier mentally as well. But on a Monday morning, 82 of us all piled in a bus, vans, and cars and headed north, not really knowing what was in store for us. My heart was at ease to be with so many people I knew and loved, kids that I have seen grow and shared stories with. We played a couple of bus games like always, and as always, I was impressed by the kids' random knowledge and personalities. We even shared in a chorus of the overplayed "Frozen" tunes! By the time we arrived, I think even some of the newcomers felt a little more a part of the group. The theme for the week was "This Changes Everything." Now I know that most people assume that since it's a high school conference that adults won't get much out of it, however there are moments that speak straight to our hearts as well. I watched flames being ignited within our students' hearts and was reminded of how even in the middle of our big messes, God can meet us where we're at and start a fire that will never die. Oh how I pray for those kids to remain faithful, to stay connected, and to allow God to change everything for them. For He is far more than capable and so eager to jump in and get them to where they need to be. God even spoke to my heart in areas that I thought I had built high enough walls that no one could reach. He pierced through a darkness that had been lingering for years and for the first time in forever (Sorry if that brings a "Frozen" tune to mind), I finally believed there was some hope. Now I'm far from where I need to be, but God showed up and assured me that He was there, even in the mess I had made. He isn't going anywhere, He is still working on me, and He will change even our most hopeless circumstances. By the end of the week, our group had been on one wild ride; from sand dunes, worship services, ice cream, late nights, surprise engagements, convicting messages, to the witnessing of two students giving their lives to Christ. I praised God for the quiet bus ride home as the kids gave into the exhaustion, and for the change that He had made in such a short amount of time. It wasn't the easiest week as I thought it would be, but every moment, every conversation, and every prayer was beyond worth it! 

      It wasn't but a day and half later that I found myself back in Chicago, still processing the week before, yet trying to be of most help to Ms. Pearl. I came back to a house full of kids and volunteers and the energy was bubbling. I was swarmed with hugs and the blessed reminder of why I am here. God has used those kids to truly change my heart, I would do absolutely anything for them; not something I could have said a couple of years ago. Our volunteers reminded me a lot of my first visit to Roseland, they were excited to help and be a part of the ministry, but by the time nap time came around, they felt in over their heads and needed a nap themselves! This lifestyle has become almost second nature to me that I hadn't realized how much I had changed since I had first arrived. I honestly have no idea how I have made it this long, I can only give glory to God for making it happen. When I first started out on this adventure, I just knew that I would be back home three months into it, and now here I am almost six months in and I don't see God stopping there. He is truly the God of the impossible, He is more powerful than any thing formed against us, and He is completely and utterly faithful to those He calls His own. 

      I may not have everything figured out at the moment, life always seems to be up in the air, but I am certain of this: God is the only one in whom we can fully trust, completely rely, always depend, and forever hold on to. We may be led through uncertain circumstances, scary situations, heart breaking moments, terrifying nightmares, uncharted territory, challenging tests, or unexpected battles, but God remains. He is in the deepest depth of the valley, the highest peak of the mountaintop, and He is in this very moment wherever you may be. My prayer is that you take even just a second to acknowledge His presence, because even in that short time, He could change everything! 

A Forever Student

     I know that I am considered a teacher at the day care now, however, I learn something new every day. I never pictured myself being so blown away by the amount of information I learn about the environment, the people, myself, and God every single day. I am really starting to enjoy this lifestyle, which comes as a shock, because I never dreamed that there would be things about this area that I would like.
      Every day I learn something new about the people I meet, it is so interesting to see the unique ways that God has designed each of us. He has opened doors into hearts that have been closed off, broken beyond repair, that I never thought would be opened up to me. I have always thought I had a purpose, but it wasn't for anything important, like it didn't make much of a difference. However, God has been using me in one girl's life in more ways than I realized. We have been meeting once a week for a couple of months now, and this time it was different. She came looking for advice, seeking encouragement, of all people, she came to me for this. I hadn't seen it before now, the discipleship process that I had studied and read about was actually being lived out in my life. I guess what got to me the most was that He has used me in spite of myself. I have felt unqualified and somewhat ashamed that I have put in the position that I'm in because I didn't feel like I was good enough or ready for the responsibility. I praise God for His faithfulness because that afternoon I believe He used someone completely unexpected to show me that I have purpose and value to Him.
    He has also opened my eyes to how He works in even the smallest parts of life. We have been on a rollercoaster of craziness with the construction project. There have been so many times of discouragement, hope, frustration, and excitement. Despite the obstacles faced, God has shown up in multiple different ways to let us know He is still involved and this project will come together with or without the help of man. Whether it be by an unexpected check in the mail, a group of volunteers that want to help in areas that we haven't even shared yet, or even by having a nice day full of decent weather so the men can work on the building, God has not left us to do this project alone. He reassures us daily that this ministry will prosper and that He still has great purpose for it.
    Now I told you that I have been learning a lot about myself as well, this is always the hard part for me, so bear with me. I have seen a change in me that I wasn't expecting. In the beginning of this journey, I took on the role that I was going to have to figure everything out. I had to figure out how to live this lifestyle, figure out how to survive without an income, learn the ins and outs of the neighborhood in order to remain safe, and figure out how in the world God was going to use someone like me in His plan. Since then, I have had to learn a whole new element of trust, and I have probably discussed this before and it's not a new concept, but the extent that I have to trust God is so much deeper than before. In order to experience this, I have had to let go of so much. I feel like I have lost complete control, which isn't a bad thing, but it is extremely scary at times. But every time fear tries to consume my heart, God has been right there. (I don't know why I always second guess Him!) Every time I worry about the bills I have, He brings about unexpected blessings from the most unexpected people. It is such an honor to see Him work through others in order to further His work in Chicago. There have been numerous incidents in our neighborhood where people have been hurt, the police have invaded our street and shots and cries fill the air. Despite the close proximity to our house, the property has not been damaged, no one has been hurt on our grounds, and God has protected me from seeing it live. I can't help but think that He knows me so well, that if I were to see it in real life that I may not be able to handle it anymore, so He keeps me from it even though I live in the middle of it. If we really stop to look at our lives, we will start to see just how much He loves us and the lengths He will go for us if we would let go of even the smallest amount of control we think we have.
    I could tell you so many scenarios about how He reaches down and meets me in the most precious ways. I love how He will pour out His love for me through the warmth of a tight hug from one of the kids, His peace in situations that don't always seem like they will end well, His guidance when I feel utterly lost, His encouragement through a phone call or letter in the mail, or His hope when I would rather give up, but He assures me that there is so much more than what I can see. There are days when I can think of doing nothing else with my life but working for Him, because who better to be employed by than the one who provides in such unfailing ways. I could spend the rest of time being amazed at His ability to reach the unreachable and His ability to change the hearts that didn't even realize needed changing. I felt the need to share some of this as a reminder to myself and anyone who needed it, that there is so much more to God than we will ever realize and there is no greater adventure than learning new aspects to Him. I would gladly spend the rest of my days studying and experiencing all He is capable of and all He will do if I allow Him! We serve an incredible God, one who is great enough to move mountains, yet chooses to meet us in the most unexpected places to change our whole perspective of who He truly is.

 


Can't imagine spending my time with anyone else!

 


I just can't get enough of these kiddos!



Taking the Time

    I don't think life will ever slow down. I kept telling myself after April things would come to a hault, and then I found myself saying after May, and now I'm thinking I will never reach the end! There is always something to do and always someone to visit with. I know this isn't anything new or earth shattering; I can almost bet that everyone who reads this can add their own busyness to what I wrote. But how many times do we over schedule ourselves, stretch ourselves too thin, or make it almost impossible to make time for what we want to do? I find myself being so busy at times, that I don't have anything to show for it. How often do we ever stop, give ourselves a break, and take our time with a project or person? One thing I have noticed with Ms. Pearl is that she takes her time. She is an extremely busy person, but she doesn't rush through things like I find myself doing. She is an example of patience, endurance, and trusting in God with every minute of her day. I have learned from her to take the time to listen to those around me, to go out of my way for someone else, to make that extra effort to share life with others. I am understanding the importance of taking time for yourself, letting go of unnecessary burdens, and meeting God in the middle of your storm so He can bring about peace.
    Over the past couple of weeks, I have been able to take a step back and focus on what I am putting my time and energy into. This is what I have to show for it:


The kids getting to enjoy the sunshine!

 

 
 

The heating and air conditioning is getting ready to be installed!

 

 

 

I absolutely love these kids!!!!!



 

 

I got to see my best friend get married!

 

 

 
                                  

 

School supplies for the after school program!!!

 

Yes, this is a Cher concert!!!! Merry Christmas to me!!

      It has taken me going through these pictures to realize how much God continues to do for me. My love for those children grows every day, they have stolen my heart. Watching the new building come together is a constant reminder of how God will always provide. He asks us to trust Him with all we have, and to see Him work with all that we are is inspiring! The joy that comes from being around friends and family has encouraged me to take my time with those people and love them right where they are at. I miss how things used to be, but God is helping me understand that He is changing my circumstances to shape me into the person He created me to be. I don't know what that entails, but I do know I wouldn't want to be anything less than all He has designed me to be. And I have to accept the fact that He will take His time to complete His work in me.

Everything Is Different

    I am starting to feel like a nomad, no place to really call my home. I was reminded of what Jesus said about His life and how He had no place to rest His head at night. (Matthew 8:20) But He also mentioned that this was part of what it means to follow Him. Now don't get me wrong, I am not sleeping on the streets or desperate for shelter. What I mean is that no matter where I am at, I get the feeling that I don't belong. It's not anything that anyone does or says to me, it's just how I feel in each environment, nothing is like it used to be. I keep telling myself this is a good thing, but I'm trying to figure out the good in it.
    For example, I spent a morning at the hospital this past week to attend a meeting and help out in areas they needed an extra hand. My heart was grateful to see familiar faces that I know and have grown to love. However, that was all that I had to say about my visit. I found myself no longer desiring to be involved with the ins and outs of the department, I just wanted to know how the people were doing, to try to be an encouragement in some way. My heart has been redirected from the busyness of a full time job and the burdens it brings, to focusing on the ones I am working with. I feel somewhat guilty that it took me leaving to realize that I have missed so many opportunities with so many people. I feel embarrassed for not taking the steps or seizing each moment to just love the people I was with. I spent so much time trying to hear all sides of every story or taking part in things that I had no business getting involved with, that I missed out on hearing the heartache, worry, or struggle behind their words or offering opportunities for their faith to grow as well. I have always been taught to focus on the people around you wherever you are, meet them where they are at, and love them despite the flaws they may throw at you. Notice its a call for action, we are called to actually step out, get uncomfortable and share with those we spend our time with, and that is an extremely challenging task.
   That may not be a mind blowing concept to most however, I currently live in an environment where reaching out to others is our main priority, it is my full time job now. Something that I am not necessarily comfortable with, which brings me to another place that I don't quite feel like I fit in. I am not used to taking that first step, to becoming uncomfortable or vulnerable in order to let someone know that there is something more and someone greater than themselves in whom they could believe in, that will never fail them. I find myself going back over scenarios and thinking how dumb I sounded, or how crazy they must have thought I seemed. However, I think about Jesus in His ministry and how people thought He sounded crazy, how they mocked Him for his words, and disagreed with His beliefs. He never let them stop Him, He pushed forward knowing that everyone needed to hear the news He had to share. As I think of His example and then look at my walk, I have so much room for improvement. People have told me they admire what I'm doing, and I do my best not to shake my head, for I need to be doing so much more. I have let self-doubt and discouraging words fill my mind which has caused a very confused and nonproductive heart. I agree with them that stepping out and following Jesus is something pretty remarkable (because in reality it usually always seems like the craziest thing to do), but it's the moments, days, months, or years after that step where things get messy and confusing that people don't see. It's made me feel like I'm not equipped for this, that I have made a mistake, and that I won't make it to the end of this year. I have read a couple books written by missionaries, longing to find out how they made it through the struggles, questions, and doubts. Each shared how that no matter where they found themselves, God was always with them, reminding them of the love that He has for them. It is greater than themselves, capable to breakthrough any barrier that keeps us from sharing with others, and able to reach the most lost, tattered, and worn hearts we come across. In the most trying times, He asks us to stop trying and let Him step in. In the most hopeless circumstances, He asks us to give up control and allow His hope to fill us. In the most broken moments, He asks us for honest hearts in order for Him to love us back together.
    It seems strange, but I feel as if I am learning a whole new side to the God I thought I knew before I started this endeavor. The more I learn, the more that changes. And I'm learning the more changes that I experience, the more differences I will see in myself. Something different I have recently noticed about myself is how much I miss it when I'm not there. At first I was excited to just be a part of the ministry and spend time with those children. The difference now is, I know the amount of effort it takes to work with them, I understand the chaos that is always possible there, and I know some of the emotional and mental struggles I will face, but on some level I miss it when I'm away. I find myself wondering how my kids are doing, if everyone on my street is still alive after the weekend, and looking forward to being able to keep the kids safe throughout the day and to share even a simple hello with someone on the street. I long to break out of my shell in order to be used for what God desires me to do. I thought that's where I was before I started, but even that thought is something completely different now.



Why wouldn't I want to come back!?!
When was the last time you got to play musical chairs?

 

    

Searching for Peace

      This week has been a spiritual challenge for me. I'm trying to see the bigger picture on a few things, but of course I cannot because I am not gifted like my Father. I'm trying not to get overwhelmed by all the little details that are trying to wear me down, however I feel like I'm failing miserably at that task. I wholeheartedly believe that God is going to see everything through, but the time in between His current involvement until His final touch is somewhat exhausting. Despite the difficulties I have had, I praise God for the way He can bless us so unexpectedly in the midst of our struggles, we just have to be paying attention! I praise God for the people He has placed in my life and for revealing their purpose in such thoughtful ways. And I will be forever grateful for the grace and love He so willingly shares with me to encourage me along the way!
      My cousin shared with me a piece of my great grandmother that touched my heart and inspired me to keep going. These are words from over twenty years ago that I'm sure she had no idea would impact others today. I send out a big thank you to Becky for sharing something so precious at just the right time!

 

"A Prayer"



Dear master, as I seek Thy face

For power and light to run the race

Of life, that Thou hast planned for me-

To receive the reward in Eternity.

 

May I find grace in time of need

Upon Thy Word, my soul to feed.

Thy Spirit guide and comfort me

From Satan's power to be kept free.

 

Use me Lord, in Your own precious way,

To help someone along life's way-

To see, to hear, to understand

The hurts and cries of fallen man.

 

To reach out in love, to lift the load,

Of some weary traveler on life's rugged road,

And point them to Jesus, the Savior of men-

Who lived, loved, and died to redeem them from sin.

 

He arose from the grave, ascended on high,

And is coming again in the sweet by and by-

To gather us home, forever to bless-

With peace, joy, and love in the Heavenly bliss.

Helen Taylor

5-11-1990

 

    Her words didn't solve any of my problems, but brought a comfort that words fail to describe. As I read, tears fell so easily as my heart longed to be able to see her and be able to share this journey with her. So often I find myself longing to just talk with her, or anyone who has given all they have to live out a life of service for God. To ask her questions of how she kept going for so long, what was the hardest part for her, what was her favorite part about being a missionary, or what encouraged her the most?

      And as He always does, God has pulled through. I may not be able to talk with my great grandmother any longer, but I live with a woman who has an incredible heart for God and is a prime example of what it means to live every moment for Him. Ms. Pearl lives a life that is a true example of finding joy in the midst of challenges. It seems almost every day there is something unexpected that changes her whole schedule, someone adds to her to do list, or God asks her to give just a little more of her time than she originally planned. She lives out what we are called to do, she is the person we are told to be, and she does it in such a way that only God can get the credit. She was on the phone one night this week and I was out on the stairs waiting to leave with her. (We are firm believers in the buddy system around here.) I don't remember the details of the conversation, but there was a point that I had to look up and make sure she wasn't talking to me because it resonated so much with what I have been feeling. This is all Ms. Pearl talking, "'I asked her that even though all this is going on, do you have any peace at all in your heart about anything?' And she told me, 'Yea, yea I do.' And then I told her, 'Take that peace, and hold onto it girl! You may have to search for it for a bit, but once you got it, don't let go of it!'" You know those moments when you just know that God is talking to you? That was one for me.

     I share this with you to encourage you to keep going, God will reveal His plan, just be patient. Remember that you're not alone in any way that you are feeling. Yes, we are all different, but we have all been created in His likeness and can have similarities even with the most unlikely people. I praise God for the people He brings about along our journey, each one serves such purpose and brings about great blessings. And I urge you to find His peace and never let go; it will see you through till the end of the storm and into His glorious light!

Not By Our Ability, But His

     I'm sure this will come as no surprise to some of you, but it has been on the mildly crazy side here in Roseland. I am not for sure if I will ever get used to this lifestyle; the constant changes or the random events that just seem to happen out of nowhere. However in the middle of all the commotion, we can now say that there are four beautiful, brick walls surrounding what was once just a concrete slab. It is a true testament that God works through the trials of our lives to bring about something quite wonderful.

      Words cannot describe the emotion that comes with this part of the project being completed. What was once just a vision in a prayerful heart, brick by brick has become even more of a reality. Every row joined together not only added height to the wall, but added to the hope that God had originally placed in our hearts. It is surreal standing in the middle of it; thinking of all the children that will pass through those doorways, the lives that God could not reach without this building coming together, or the hearts that will be forever changed by the love that will be shared. It is such a blessing to see the excitement in Ms. Pearl's face, however I was taken aback by the great anticipation that came from the kids. Sherman melted my heart when he said, "Ms. Wendy, are we going to see my new school today?" To watch their jaws drop as they look through the fence and hear them say that they were going to play in it first made my heart smile. I realized in that moment how much I take for granted. I come from a life where new buildings, stores, restaurants, etc. are built all the time. But in this community they do not have as many opportunities to receive something brand new that they can call their own. They have taken such pride in this project, everyone involved or that hears about it is encouraged and hopeful for what it can do for the community. It is inspiring to see what God has brought to such a destitute neighborhood, a safe haven to those who so desperately need a place to turn to. How can we not praise the Lord for how good He is?!?
       We've had a couple of adventures with the kids, one including a trip to the zoo. I know right, why would you take animals to a zoo? I'm only kidding, the children thoroughly enjoy getting out and seeing the things they can only hear about in books; so I'm glad we have the chance to share a different part of the world with them. To keep up with the adventure theme, our trip was planned for one of the colder days we had... Oh yeah, and it rained all day! Nothing would stop us from going. I had forgotten how excited children get over even the smallest things, their energy filled the bus as we headed downtown. Davier kept asking me at every stop light, "Is it time to get up yet? Are we here now? Are we getting closer?" They were more than ready! As adults, we think about the details that can hinder a trip, such as rain, where we will eat, who is in charge of who, where we will meet, what time we have to get back to the bus, etc. However, from our children's perspective, the main focus was, "Where are the tigers? It smells nasty in here. Look at that gorilla, one day I'm going to as big as that gorilla. Ew, it's a spider, I don't like spiders! What's in here, let me find it first! Oh look, I see another seal coming, I see it, I see it!" Or I love how they seize every opportunity to jump in every puddle, climb every fence, touch every plant, walk on every ledge, run to every exhibit, or everyone's favorite "I'm hungry, I'm tired, or I don't want to walk anymore." As the day ended, we were all soaked to the core, everyone was ready for a nap so we headed for the bus. We pile in, buckle up and lo and behold, the bus breaks down. Keep in mind that it is middle of the afternoon and the bus company is sending in reinforcements at just the time that traffic will come to a stand still! We were on the bus with wet, tired children who refused to believe us when we said the bus was broken for almost two hours before help arrived! Don't worry, we let them get off and play in the rain some more, took a trek back to the bathroom, sang a few bus songs, and then the whining started, a few tears were shed and eyes started to droop. We survived rush hour traffic and arrived back at the daycare almost three hours later than we originally planned. This picture kind of explains how everyone felt by the end of this field trip.

Cracks me up!
 

      As summer draws closer and closer, I feel more pressure or responsibility I guess, weighing on my shoulders. It just seems like so much needs to be taken care of and there never seems to be enough time. However, I'm also learning that with God-sized problems comes God-sized solutions. He is moving, His hand is upon each person involved whether they realize it or not. He may be working on their hearts, encouraging their steps, or comforting their spirits, but no one can deny that He is at work. I am learning that the concept of trusting God with everything is the way of life He wants for us. We all get worked up over the little things, hurt by someone's words or actions, distance can make us feel isolated and lonely, or we can feel defeated when our efforts seem to be in vain. But God asks us to place them in His hands. He knows this is not easy for us. He understands that we want things to happen now or our own way, but His way has our best interest at heart. He realizes that some experiences won't make sense to us, but He will bring about understanding in His own time. He asks us to wait on Him, for He sees the outcome, His bigger picture is more than we can fathom. He challenges us to trust in His ability to care for us. He has brought you this far and He promises to take you even farther if you allow Him the privilege of showing you all He is capable of doing for you. Let Him share with you the benefits of not relying on your own abilities, not leaning on your own understanding and experience the freedom that comes with letting go and letting God take control.