A Glimpse of My Life: 2014

As I write this blog post, the sky is thick in the valley that many title "Jackson Hole". Another snowstorm is rolling in, and you can hardly see the small buttes that lie about a mile away (let alone the large Teton Range in the distance). The winter here is very cold, but it is not without numerous exciting moments. Relationships with the Children, Youth, their families, and Young Adults here continue to deepen - providing me with much joy. In January, we had the privilege of serving those around us - highlighted by a "Great Lasagna Mission" where we made nearly 100 lasagnas to give to those in need! We are also preparing for and looking forward to leading our Youth Group through World Vision's 30 Hour Famine this month and on an international Mission Trip to Guatemala this June. Similar to last winter, I have much enjoyed the skiing that Jackson has to offer. The joys of skiing are enhanced by sharing them with students, friends and students' parents!

While there are many events and experiences to highlight this winter, there are also many unknowns and changes looming on my mind. These unknowns and changes are similar to the thick clouds currently gathering in Jackson. Whether it is the unknown of what I will be doing in 6 months (after the conclusion of my time here), the impending pastoral transition at our church, or questioning what I have learned while here in Jackson; I realize that these are the devil's tricks to pull me off of the course that God has for me. Division, malice and hatred result when we listen to these lies that the devil tempts us with. This is not the result I desire.

There are many things reminding me that service to the LORD is of great value (all of these coming only with God's help): relationships with people here, constant encouragement from family and friends back home, and a renewed excitement at church/around Jackson for pursuing the LORD. All that being said, my deepest assurance has been (and will continue to be) found in scripture. I am truly SO THANKFUL for God's Word, and the daily sustenance that it provides me (and can provide all of us)! What a gift to have God's Word to read (with the help of the Holy Spirit), learn about Him, and draw closer to Him! Allow me to share some of the verses that have aided in the above journey.

"How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path.

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."

Psalm 119:103-105

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full!"

John 10:10

"Taste and see that the LORD is good, blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.

Fear the LORD, you His holy people, for those who fear Him lack nothing.

The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing."
Psalm 34:8-10

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

Matthew 6:33-34

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33

These verses definitely put this life in perspective for me. My prayer for all of us is that we can draw closer to our loving, everlasting God, and to follow His Son Jesus with the whole of each of our lives. The gift of new life in Christ is free! After accepting this gift, let us put behind our old, sinful selves, and follow Him wholeheartedly, learning from His Word the whole way! Some of the "clouds" in our lives just might lift as a result of doing this.