Come fill my cup

I really wish that I updated more-maybe I will try to start doing that. I think about things that I would like to post, but then the thoughts either go away or I figure, who really cares about my thoughts?! Blogging is just such an interesting concept, I mean-this is such a window into people's lives-people we may have never even met and yet it brings us together somehow. It is very intriguing to me...

One thing I know is that I truly HUNGER for community-more than I think I ever have. I have been blessed throughout my life to be a part of many special communities, and I am so thankful for each one of them. Oftentimes, this job can become very lonely and I feel like I am on an island trying to meet the needs of so many. I have to admit that is hard, and I know I am not the only one that feels that way. Of course I love these girls, the ministry opportunities that abound, this campus, and all of the wonderful people I am blessed to encounter on a daily basis. I love people and most of the time I love being around them, but I have just been drained this semester. It is still incredibly awesome and interesting to see how God continues to mold and form me into who He really wants me to be as I allow Him to, and the ways He is using me in places I know I don't even know. I thank Him for that. I also thank Him for helping me keep my eyes open for opportunities, and for also helping me see where I need to pull back. That has always been a hard lesson for me to learn, because I am such a people pleaser and love to be so involved in people's lives, but I am also learning that if there is nothing for me to give to others-then I am no good. I must be filled back up.

I am also finding incredible new pockets of community-one that I cherish is that of Jan, Steven & Darby in our "Donut class" that has been meeting every other week at AM Dounts. That has been an answer to my prayer and I think that we all benefit from it in different ways-I look forward to our times together like nothing else, and I absolutely love the relationships that have been formed and strengthened. I am trying so hard to be involved at Highland, and I think that my persistence is finally paying off and things are happening. I was also able to be part of the elders meeting at Highland last week, and every time I am able to gather with them it reminds me why I am there. That is an absolutely incredible group of men who are truly seeking God's will and are shepherding their congregation. They just have hearts of hold and I love them dearly-and that they remember me by name.

I am continuing to search for opportunities to serve my God and to meet the needs of others, but I know that my relationship with Him is lacking. I long for quiet time with Him, and I know that a lot of that is choice. I want to be filled to the full with the Spirit of God so that I don't have to keep running back with my empty tank so often. It has been an incredibly exhausting semester, but I am thankful that God is using me in the midst of it all. I truly pray that He continues to do so and that others will see that light in me despite the exhaustion. I pray that He does the same for you!!