one big stretch

this week has been one of the most emotionally and spiritually challenging weeks in my life in a long time. but as one speaker i heard recently said, when God speaks and shares a new part of Himself it might feel like a long painful stretch...it hurts and is uncomfortable, but the end result is so good, often a good we can't describe. God is stretching my perception of Him, challenging my knowledge of who He is, and reminding me that He is so much more infinitely grand than I could ever imagine. i don't want a God i can aptly describe or even begin to understand. He would no longer be God to me. i know i'm failing to let you know what exactly He is doing in my heart in these days - that's probably because i don't even know. i just know, i am so desperate to know Him and experience Him in all His glorious fullness and richness. so, God, go ahead and stretch me out...show me more of Yourself and empty me out till i overflow with Your Spirit.

this weekend john and i had the privilege of leading a seminar together at the Stepping Stone retreat. Stepping Stone meets on Hopkins campus and is the sister ministry in our network of 3 churches (the Gracelife network). it is an incredible, growing ministry of some of the sweetest people you'll ever meet. the retreat was from Friday night thru Sunday morning and John and i had the opportunity to do a seminar on dating and relationships. We only had a few days to pull it together, but had a good time doing so and were even able to dig a little deeper in our own conversation as we gained a better perspective from each other on this whole theme of Christ-centered relationships. the seminar went well and we got some good feedback from the students who attended it. great growing experience for us as a couple. the retreat itself was an incredible time of worship and fellowship and God showed up in a powerful way. 6 students committed their lives to Christ in first time professions of faith and about 13 more came forward when Pastor Roger gave an invitation for those feeling called to ministry. i'm thrilled to see what God is doing and will do in and through this ministry and the lives of these students.

the photos i posted today are from a couple different events. the bottom one is from the Progressive Dinner we hosted with the Light (taken in my apt). it was a fantastic success. even with the weather being rainy and cold we had around 30 people fill my apartment and two other apartments as we had appetizers and a main course and dessert together. those who came represented all kinds of backgrounds ranging from Peabody students to Hopkins residents, to MICA students, interns, and young working professionals. and everyone had a blast hanging out, enjoying the good food, and getting to know each other. for a church that had been running less than 30 on a regular basis for the last year, this was an incredible sight. God has been so good to grow our church and bring in the most beautiful array of unique individuals. praise the LORD for new growth.

the first few photos are all from the Stepping Stone retreat. so enjoy those. :)

please keep praying for john and i as we plan for January and the life ahead of us and more specifically as we pray about and work towards raising financial support to continue in this ministry God has given us. we are confident in His faithful provision and have no doubt He will make a way, but we also know the next year is going to be an enormous period of growth as we learn to do life as husband and wife and ultimately trust God entirely for everything we need. i'm eager and nervous and so excited all at once to know how hugely my faith will be challenged and strengthened in this new season.

lastly, 6 other girlfriends and i will be heading out tonight to see the last of John's old roomies married off to my wonderful friend Sarah. it's going to be a LONG drive down to Jekyll Island, GA, but i know its going to be a wonderful time of sweet fellowship with friends, celebration of new life adventures, and a wedding ceremony that will be beautifully dedicated to our LORD. not to mention, it'll be the last of the weddings John and i attend before our own in January! have i mentioned how tremendously, wonderfully blessed i am by that precious gift of God? he is absolutely the man of dreams and a man furiously chasing after God's heart and already has been encouraging me, leading me, and challenging me to run into a deeper relationship with our LORD. i can't express well enough how blessed i feel to be preparing to share life with him. just thought you should know. ;)









thank you for your continued prayers. if you read the last post...keep them coming for issues we're working through on MICA campus and for issues of space for our churches. again, we know God is sovereign and is already working these details out, but we are seeking His face for the wisdom to know how to move forward and surrendering each step to Him. love to you! -m