Sunny San Francisco

READ ME!

If you haven't read Atom 3 yet, check it out!
This is the magazine that was put together by the Jan Marriage of the Arts school in YWAM Germany.
It tells our stories of what God did during the last six months.

Praying for an Eagerness to Change

Being back home has brought up the guilt again that comes with the luxury of driving a car (a midst other luxuries). Living in a society that functions off oil and inevitably contributes to carbon emissions, it's easy to be overwhelmed by the whole climate change issue. Of course it's something we have been aware of for years now, but how has my lifestyle really changed? We all know that the polar bears are struggling and the glaciers are melting. But we'll cross that bridge when we get there, right? I think it's time to cross that bridge. 

As a Christian, I feel a responsibility to cherish God's creation. I think it's easy for us to limit that to mean solely people, but does that not include the nature that surrounds us? The resources and ecosystems that sustain us? 

I recently read this article from ethical ocean and was encouraged. (This article also talks about Planetair flights, for all you travelers out there.) "Being a vegetarian saves me about 0.55 tonnes per year, about equivalent to one round trip flight to Saskatoon from Toronto," Hancock stated. I know being a vegetarian is only one of the many things I can do to reduce my "carbon footprint." (Don't get me wrong, I"m not saying you have to be vegetarian.) During the upcoming weeks, I plan to seek more ways I can give value to God's creation. 

With the crisis of climate change looming over our heads, will we turn to earthly things to ease the fear? I do wonder if one reason we desire comfort and stability is because of this fear. Somehow we think a well paying job and a big house will secure our lives. 

Or can we instead turn to God who gives us a peace that surpasses all understanding? Yesterday during a time of prayer I felt the call to look at myself and how I handle the current issues around me. I pray that God will give me grace and a piece of His heart for the world around me. 

With God, I can proactively live in opposition to a culture which is destroying His creation without anger and bitterness in my heart. Instead, I can be filled with a love that only comes from Him. 

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Hebrews 12:1

feelin' artsy

"Imagining is an act of hope, a challenge to fate, an effort to take matters in hand and to accept our unique role as human beings, 'in the world but not of it'." -Janine Langan

"The Christian is one whose imagination should fly beyond the stars." -Francis Schaeffe

Miracles in the Mundane

Home, sweet, home.

This week has been filled with blessings. I keep hearing God say, "Don't worry, I got your back." 

My trip home to California was incredibly grace-filled. Despite my awkward, anxious way of running around airports to find my flights, everything went surprisingly smooth. When arriving hours early to my gate I was reminded to chill out. Jesus definitely had it under control. I tend to forget that... 

Being bumped up to first class was unreal. I sat down in my original seat, getting comfy, when the flight attendant said there was a booking mistake and asked me to follow her. I was then led to seat 3C in "comfort class". Talk about luxury. (I don't think the business man in 3B was too stoked though with a  disheveled youngster was sitting next to him for free.) 

About half way through the plane ride, the reality of getting home began setting in. Suddenly, I felt anxious again. The last hours of the ride I was about ready to jump out of my seat. Then I finally got off the plane and 
saw my family, the nervousness dissipating. I made it home.
I've definitely been experiencing a bit of "reverse culture shock". Fast internet, an abundance of food, and thousands of movies On Demand, quite literally. However, God is so good.

Being a little worried about money, I have been praying about finances. Today I checked my bank account before heading to fill up my gas tank, only to find the amount had doubled from this morning. Confused, I checked my bank statement. No deposits. I called my Dad to see if he put money in my account; he said no. I couldn't believe my eyes. 

God is clearly providing for me. Each day he amazes me again with His unfailing love. Miracles can happen everyday because we have a miraculous Father in heaven. Miracles in the mundane routines.

The opposite of mundane is supernatural, extraordinary, heavenly, wonderful. That is God.

In Africa, He was there in the struggles. When we were sick, lost, hungry, and tired He led the way with His light. Some how I feared that being home I would lose Him, that maybe He would forget about me. Nope, He's reminding me that He is right here. I've only been home for three days and doors of opportunity are opening. 

No matter where we are in the world, He has our back. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. 

Home, sweet, home is dwelling in His presence. Wherever we may be.  

    I can't believe I will be heading home tomorrow morning. Saying goodbyes has been hard but I know better things are to come for everyone. All we have to do is listen to God.
I'm so grateful for all the amazing people I have met these last six month, and for all the experiences God given me, all the things He revealed to me. It's been a journey, but it's only the beginning.
California, here I come!

First day in Germany

 Middle of outreach, Kenya 

JAN Mota DTS Graduation!

Pictures from our time with the Jaja community at All For Christ Ministries. 

Back in Germany!

Being back in Germany has been lovely. Herrnhut has an unreal beauty in the summer, like something out of a movie. Our school has been digesting the last few months, working on a magazine, and focusing on artwork for our upcoming exhibition. 

Time seems to be slipping through my fingers, but I'm trying to enjoy every last moment. We are graduating next Friday and soon I will be home back in the states! 

The last three months has brought me through three countries of Africa and to a deeper point in my relationship with God. Looking back, it all seems kind of crazy. 

Most importantly though, I'm so anxious for whatever God has next...