Contentment

Ok, so for most of you probably know and or agree with what I am about to say. Being content in our American culture can be so hard. I know I often find myself wanting or "needing things" I don't really want or need. Often I feel like I hear my self say "If only I had this, then I would be..." Where does this come from? Certainly not from God. I feel like I get really good at being content with what the Lord has given me. And then other times I feel like I have fallen into the consumerism focus. And it's not just the next technological thing that trips me up. It's wanting to have a girlfriend or wanting to be some where other than Oregon. Or it could even be a friendship. I can be so discontent. This consumerism flows out of wanting material things to forcing my needs into my relationships with others .Something I have learned as of late is that God calls us to steward whatever he has given us. I am not sure who shared this thought with me but it is so true. So many times I take what God has given me and I call it "Mine". Like a good toddler would do. I forget who the giver of the gift is. I forget that the best things come from him. I may not always be able to keep whatever he gives me for forever. But I know he gives the best gifts. I think a lot and come up with a lot of good ideas. But in the end the good ideas turn to ash. Because these thoughts are of the flesh. I am really wanting to get a good hold on this. Lord I want everything I do to reflect you. Help me Lord to do that. These are my thoughts for the week thus far.

Also this last week I was able to speak at the youth group about facing our Giants. Man The Israelites messed up so much. And God did so many miracles in their lives. And yet he has done the same for me. And what another great reminder of how I need to depend on Him. I am so encouraged by their faith and I love developing the gift of speaking in my life.

I find when I am in need of hearing from God I go to the airport. Something that is so much a part of what I do. I feel so comfortable here. I love planes. The smell of jet fuel, the people saying good bye. And the people saying hello. Whenever I go to the airport to just sit and hear His voice I always leave feeling His peace. And His love fills my need for anything. It's a good reminder for me. To depend on him. And just like that picture of that sun set God is faithful to continue to make that sun come again the next day.

Have a good week!

Life

I want to get into the habit of blogging. It's been so long since I have posted any true deep feelings over the internet. I guess now is the time to do it. I have been learning so much about God lately. Sometimes it can be very frustrating and at other times extremely refreshing. Right now I am working part time at a coffee shop, support raising, and helping with the Collide the youth group at my church. It's been so awesome being home. But often I am so antsy to get back to Orlando and to continue what I started a year and a half ago. But I know the Lord is doing something in me and I know that I will get back there eventually.

I love to dream about the future. Often I find myself day dreaming about whats next and then God, so lovingly say's "Nick, finish support raising and then you and I can talk about this." And you know what, He has a great point. This fundraising process can be so frustrating. Especially when things come up and get in the way of it. Also in my lack of support raising I get frustrated with my self. But I know God is good and that I just need to finish what He started. I am going to be speaking to the Youth Group about Joshua and how he and Caleb scouted the land with 10 other men from the 12 tribes of Israel. Joshua and Caleb saw the Giants of the Land but where not afraid. However the 10 other men where extremely afraid and spread fear into the hearts of the other Israelites. And this whole story amazes me. It's in Numbers chapter 13 and 14. But I am like these men struck by fear. My Giant is support raising. I just need to suck it up and get it done. My hope is to have it all done by March 1st. My Goals to reach really isn't that hard and I know I can do it. I just need more self motivation. I need to see at least half of it come in by the end of January and the other half I need in by the end of february. So I will not be paralyzed by fear but walk in complete trust and the confidence of God.

While I have been home however, God has been doing some amazing things. Like helping out with the youth group. I am an Intern and there are 8 of us all together. We work along side Pastor Aaron and help him with whatever he needs. It's been cool to be under his leadership. He is a good leader and leads his flock amazingly. I have gotten the opportunity to preach once and I will again here at the end of January. One of my favorite things about the High Schoolers is there love for the Lord. This group especially loves God and longs for his presence. Last week during worship you could feel God just infiltrating the room with his love. I can't wait for more of that. Also the winter retreat is coming up in February and I will be helping out with that. I am so excited. I love these retreats.

So this is my life. I love it and I love being part of what God has called me to do, even if it means support raising. Also being able to spend time with friends and family has been awesome. Getting too see my nieces and spend time with them. Yeah. God is so good. Any way these are my thoughts for today. Also that picture is from this summer, where I rode a camel in the sahara. That was an amazing summer.