third's a charm.

The Summer Beach Project 2k6 literally just ended. Craziness, I know. Although I've been a part of SBP for three summers now, the third was absolutely the best. Having a little more responsibility stretched me. Did you ever pull your Stretch Armstrong doll so far apart that the little beans inside of him all came out? I felt like I was going to rip at the seams sometimes, but quickly learned that the Lord was just stretching me really well. In Spain, Renee and I would stretch almost every night, and each day I got more flexible. In the same way, I feel that's what God does... He continues to stretch me a little more each day, in order that He could teach me more, and to realize my need for Him. Reminds me of a verse we studied, found in Colossians 1:17: "He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together." I'm not going to rip ever, even if it seems that way. Christ holds me together, and for that I am thankful. Col. 1:29 has also been a pivotal verse in my life, speaking of Christ's power working mightily through me.... so not only does He hold me together, He is going to work within me to achieve His purpose for my life.

Another reason this summer has been the best was that God chose this season of my life to break down walls of spiritual pride. It took a few weeks into the summer for me to comply with this destruction of the walls I've been building my whole life, but I am so grateful for it. He's been preparing for a transforming summer all year, beginning with the end of last summer beach project, and His timing has once again proven to be perfect. I've learned that I, too, can be changed by His Word, by people, by His voice, and I actually want to be changed this summer. It was hard for me to admit at first that I needed Him, people, and to acknowledge that I don't know everything and to see my sin clearly. Thank you, Jesus.

God has also chosen this summer to show me a great example of a godly man. There have been godly men in and out of my life, but not as closely as a few guys this summer. He has increased my trust in men, as well as showing me the Biblical role of a godly woman. With the right leadership, ladies, you will love your role in the kingdom as a woman of God.... I didn't think so before this summer, but I do now. I am joyfully reminiscing all the little moments I saw God showing me what a gentle and quiet spirit really looked like. This is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

There is so much more from this summer. I came out with more friendships, and better yet, deeper friendships. I am so thankful for all of those who pushed me more towards Christ this summer, and I will not cease to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in ann respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light (Colossians 1: 9-12).