just a few thoughts.

"Love, definition of: It is not an affectionate feeling, but a steady wish for the loved person's ultimate good."

I found this quote in "The C.S. Lewis Index." The idea was taken from his books, "Mere Christianity" and "God in the Dock." For some reason out of all of the quotes about love...ranging from marriage to family...this one stuck out the most to me. What if we all loved each other this way? What if relationships began with this as their foundation? What if we were intentional about every decision to love each other?

This is the way that I want to live. To love the people He has put in my life wholeheartedly, steadfastly, with my ultimate desire to be their well being.

To guard my little heart in this venture will be most important. I will be unable to do it on my own strength. May our God give me that strength to love...as He has loved and continues to love each of us...

running

I am still enjoying every bit of my time here in Bend. So much so that I have accepted a job offer that will continue full time until the end of this year!! It was a really difficult decision to make, but I am confident that I have made the right one. I am so lucky to be in a place where I know with all of my heart that it is where the Lord wants me to be, and I can't say that I have ever felt such clear direction before. For the first time, I feel like my focus is really where it needs to be...and it is with His strength that I feel so sure.

The idea of being part of the growth of such an incredible community here at Anitoch is a delight to me. There is no place I would rather be...chasing after what is most important to me...loving every moment of it along the way...even when it hurts. I am learning so much about trusting our God. Really trusting Him, and giving Him control over the things that I have held onto with all of my might is so hard to do...so against what our culture teaches. I am so contenet in this place. Running hard after my first love and knowing that it warms His heart in a precious way.

Lord, may I never cease to run after you with all of my strength...no matter where I am.