You Give BEAUTY For Our Ashes

Something I have been praying about for what seems like years, is that God will make his love REAL to me. That I won't just say the words and go through the motions, but that I will genuinely FEEL God's perfect love moving in and through me. My prayers have definitely been answered these past few days, and in perfect timing too. My time at training camp has been unlike any other experience.  I had no idea what to expect coming here, and honestly I thought it would be just like any other seminar type event.  I was wrong.  We jumped right into worship on friday night and it was awesome.  We are encouraged to voice our prayers to the Lord instead of only meditating on someone else's prepared words, so that is something new in itself. Worship is also so free. We sing songs with powerful messages and repeat them until they are true in our hearts as well. I feel like God has taught me so much about his spirit already.  I've been reassured that God's love for me is UNCONDITIONAL and not selfish or worldly.  The simplest of prayers have been prayed over me, reminding me who I am to the Lord.  Simple words like " You are good" were so powerful and broke down the walls that were keeping me from experiencing God. I've been trying to wake up everyday and ask the Lord to renew my spirit and to give me energy and strength for whatever the day may hold. I'm learning to trust him in all circumstances and to pray without ceasing.

Another awesome characteristic of the Lord is his love for ADVENTURE. Following the holy spirit will always be an adventure no matter where you are in life. The leaders here threw a curveball at us when they told us we would be camping outside with only three items.  We prepared a shelter in advance, then set up our camp right away. It was really fun to get to know the team a little better, but we didn't get much sleep! We've also had some really fun dance parties to break the ice =]. 

Tomorrow is the big day when we will leave for Ometepe Island, Nicaragua.  My team of 15 from around the United States will begin our journey at an orphanage. We are all bursting with excitement at the thought of it! The Lord has been working in me and I feel my heart breaking for the needy in Nicaragua.  I am so ready to see what God has in store for us this summer.  God does not send those who are equipped, he equips those he sends. We are an army rising up to break every chain!!