Reflection

A Look Behind :: 2014 ::

Thinking back on this last year, two major things come to mind—the depth of my own sin, and the greatness of God’s goodness in His blessings to His children. And I’m amazed that those two things can be in the same sentence!

The Biblical counseling conference in Lafayette, IN, in February was an awesome time of hanging out with people from my church I don’t normally hang out with as well as spending hours upon hours per day in God’s Word. Of course, you can’t really be in God’s Word 8 hours a day for a whole week and not come home utterly rebuked (that sin problem) and encouraged (the blessing)!

I finished out a grad class in May and long-story-short, was basically told that I now have enough credits to graduate and so all I needed to do was my internship. However, another long-story-short, I actually will be working on a research paper this spring semester to complete my grad school requirements, and I will do my own unofficial internship in Brazil next summer. These details have been in process for most of 2014 and although it’s not really coming out the way I’d planned, I’m glad to have a plan in place. J

I did indeed leave for Israel on June 7^th. Dream of a lifetime, people, believe me. It did not disappoint, and in fact, it far exceeded my expectations (expectations I had built for nearly 20 years, if you must know J). Again—as I sat in front of the symbol of what was one of Israel’s greatest sins and rebellion against God (the altar built by Jeroboam as the kingdom split), I was struck with the realization that this was me. The sin, the idols, the rebellion that was in my heart was just as horrendous as the sin Israel committed. But at the same time I despaired in my sin, the hope of Jesus Christ shone brightly. I am grateful for the cleansing He gives! How much of a blessing Israel was every single day, as we sat on the Mount of Beatitudes, as we sailed on the Sea of Galilee, as we walked the streets of Jerusalem over and over. I was overwhelmed as I stood in Caiaphas’ house, knowing Jesus was here 2000 years ago, suffering deep humility for my sin. I marveled as I stood looking at what could possibly be the Place of the Skull—where Jesus was crucified. I marveled as I looked into an empty tomb and knew that Jesus is alive!

The contrast of my sin to God’s blessings have continued in the months since…as I taught the 5 year olds in VBS, as I have coordinated the Good News Club (after school Bible program at a local elementary school) I began helping with last semester, as I have said more goodbyes than I ever dreamed I would this year, as I have met new friends and built up friendships, as I said goodbye to two dearly loved nanny children and said hello to six (!) new ones, as I have spent hours fundraising for my combined “internship”/church missions trip to Brazil, and as I spent hours in Journey to Judea, my church’s Christmas outreach.

Man is sinful—in ourselves, we are hopeless and lost. But praise God that although He is the Almighty, Holy, Righteous One, He humbled Himself and left the glories of heaven to become our Redeemer. Because of His shed blood on the cross, we have forgiveness! Because of the empty tomb, we have hope! How precious is this salvation…and what do I do with it every day? Am I grateful? Is Jesus my ultimate treasure? Does it affect all my decisions and thoughts and actions? Does it affect yours?

My heart still hurts in many areas. I still have years-old prayer requests that I’m praying. But I am learning to walk through life, radiant with joy that Jesus walks beside me and is working each detail of life for His glory and my good. And how can those two things live together in the same sentence? Praise God that they do!

 

 

A Look Ahead :: 2015 ::

Spring: Research paper writing…fun, fun! Another semester of Good News Club, Bible studies, children’s ministries.

Summer: Brazil! Plans are still in the works, but at this point I plan to spend time with three different families in the north of Brazil, ending with the family supported by my church (and where the missions trip will be). Right now it looks like I will be there all of June and July through August 11.

Fall/Winter: what I have dubbed “the great void.” After 10 years of post-secondary education is finished, and two once-in-a-lifetime trips accomplished (Israel and Brazil), I’m not sure what’s next. But as I said last year (and was right), things always have a way of coming up. J

A phrase that kept coming to mind this past year was “and underneath are the Everlasting Arms” from Deuteronomy 33:27. As I have learned to make God my Dwelling Place, He has indeed revealed that “underneath are the Everlasting Arms.”  I am incredibly grateful and look forward to 2015 in His care!

By the grace of God,
Laura

 

1. Grateful I get to do life with these girls. I’ve known them since they were 1 and can’t believe they just turned 4! 2, Performing at our Dinner Theatre fundraiser just a few weeks ago! 3, Summer selfie! 4. My co-counselors at jr. camp this year—I have always been so blessed! 5. Being a nanny is never dull J 6. Helping guide tours at our own Journey to Judea! 7. My little guy Henry before he moved 8. My youngest charge right now, Baby Brystol 9. Hiking in En Gedi (Dead Sea in the background) 10. I helped two different families paint inside their houses this summer 11. Teaching at Good News Club 12. Zoo with Henry and Annabelle! 13. My little Annabelle playing in her empty house before they moved 14. Oh yes, my broken toe…that was a fun 6 weeks, haha 15. First look at Jerusalem! 16. My friend Alison took a break from teaching in China! 17. I get entertained by many “shows” these days J 18. With a friend at a wedding 19. With Stephanie—exploring our first ruins in Israel! 20. Hello to Twin Set #2! 21. VBS 5-year-olds class 22. In front of a model of Jerusalem 23. In front of a stone similar to the one rolled in front of Jesus’ tomb 24. At the place that is possibly Calvary