This morning, I am longing...
...for one day back at our beautiful, familiar, Summit Church ...for one trip to the beach with all of our long-time, comfortable friends ...for one relaxing afternoon at the park with our family (without looking around for potential dangers) ...one simple laundry day ...a long fellowship and prayer time with a close friend...
...for a moment back in my comfort zone...
The tears feel close to the surface - normal just isn’t “normal”!
I’m encouraged this morning by these words from Ann Voskamp.
“When God moves us out of our comfort zone —- into places that are way bigger than us, places that are difficult, hard, painful —- that even hurt — this is a gift.
We are being given a gift.
These hard places give us the gift of intimately knowing God — in ways that would never be possible in our comfort zones.”
...for one day back at our beautiful, familiar, Summit Church ...for one trip to the beach with all of our long-time, comfortable friends ...for one relaxing afternoon at the park with our family (without looking around for potential dangers) ...one simple laundry day ...a long fellowship and prayer time with a close friend...
...for a moment back in my comfort zone...
The tears feel close to the surface - normal just isn’t “normal”!
I’m encouraged this morning by these words from Ann Voskamp.
“When God moves us out of our comfort zone —- into places that are way bigger than us, places that are difficult, hard, painful —- that even hurt — this is a gift.
We are being given a gift.
These hard places give us the gift of intimately knowing God — in ways that would never be possible in our comfort zones.”
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to comment and say that I found your blog and am reading it, and enjoying it greatly. :)
(quote)These hard places give us the gift of intimately knowing God — in ways that would never be possible in our comfort zones.(quote)
this is hugely true, and encouraging.thanks for the quote.
keep up your great work!
God bless.
Kevin Barkman (I am Cynthia Barkman's son, if you cant place me. )
Thanks so much, Kevin! Of course I know who you are! It's been great to catch up a little with your family!
DeletePain and suffering are the way to know God best. Wish it weren't so and wishing I could relieve your pain. Praying for you through it and loving you. God comes in the darkeness. I love you.
ReplyDeleteThinking of your family- Just know God is with you all every step of the way. What a blessing and encouragement you are to all those around you! Praying for you.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your heart... Praying God will fulfill one of those longings today! Or something better :) Leah
ReplyDeleteThank you for allowing God to take you and your family to such an uncomfortable place. Your heart for the people there is amazing. Praying that God leads you to "beaches" sometimes too - we all need rest and comfort at times and I pray that you find both in the middle of this difficult place. Hugs, Leecy
ReplyDeleteThank you for your honesty, so that we can pray and stand in the gap for you- our precious friends. I pray that today your yoke is light and your energy, purpose, and tenderness is renewed. Being this weary is a sign you are doing many things right. We love you!
ReplyDeleteCamie, The way Jesus is working in these hardships will endure for generations. In your own way, you and your family are changing life in a global perspective. Not sure if Summitt's Pastor Hunter says the same thing as Northland's Pastor Hunter, but let me try to say it in my own words. Every single thing is affected by another including the smallest particles of life (atoms and smaller). The effect we notice in one place in the world began with a change potentially across the other side of the globe. The saying "Think Globally, Act Locally" comes about in part because of the effect people have noticed that when they do even a small thing somewhere, it reaches many more people. You may long occasionally for the 'comforts" of your other "home" and there's to be no guilt in that. The longing is actually for Jesus to come and bring His Heaven here as quickly as possible. I love what you are doing over there. My heart is touched and as our family serves here in CR I am reminded of just how small this world is. Love you!
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