Rest

Can you believe we were iced in at the beginning of this month? Looking back on my photos, I was reminded of my slow start to February. I am thankful for those moments of forced stillness. I had covid during those days too. It felt like God knew I needed ice and an illness to be slow. 

Being still and seeking rest is not something I am good at. I love running to my next appointment. I typically listen to a podcast or music in my car; I am constantly taking in information. I imagine many of us see this in our lives. We live in a world that never stops. We have access to everything all twenty-four hours of our day. We can shop, connect with people and entertain ourselves at any given moment. There is an insatiable need to be doing something, or at least, that's how I feel. Ministry never stops. There will always be people to talk to or pray for. Don't even get me started on the pressure I can put on myself because I want people to know Jesus. 

As I reflect on this past month, I can see moments where I trusted myself more than God. I trusted my ability to say the right thing or perfectly plan out someone can fix their problems. I am a very good problem-solver. But when I look at myself, I see the stress and anxiety over people's lives. I am praying this month I will seek times of stillness with God. That I will remember the source of life we have in God. Of course, Mary and Martha come to mind. 

Here's what Jesus said to her: “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42

So here's to a month of focusing on God and resting in him. My prayer for myself is that  Psalm 46:10 will be true in my life: Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. 

In other news, with heavy hearts, Ram is going back to India. Our sweet friend who was baptized last week is heading back home. His testimony is wild. He met Jesus while coming to visit his brother in Arlington. Because of this, his family has rejected him for his new faith. Pray God will provide for him. Pray that God will give him community and encouragement. Pray God will use him for his purposes back home. 

Here's our church praying over him. 

A glimpse of my month in photos:

Here's a funny picture of us "teaching" Waldo the Bible. 

We had a ton of fun with Waldo during the ice. He was so spoiled. 

Our TCC ladies core. 

The guys came to visit!

TCC Galentines! 

A glimpse of our TCC leader meeting. Waldo was obviously helping. 

Here's me and my friend Sarah. She is awesome. 

We hosted a "What is Love?" worship event. It was chilly! 

A photo from another outreach event. Graham made signs of the different greek loves like eros or agape. They invited people into conversations by asking which love was the most important. We met a lot of students from this. 

Thank you for supporting me! Thank you for making this life possible. Pray for me and UTA.