News & Views

Aha, DNA! A few words immediately spring to mind from the last few weeks…manic, overwhelming, crazy, fun, nerves, laughter, tiredness, challenge…provoking. If you asked me what God has done, I think I’d reply- what hasn’t He done?! Even though this year has just begun, I have felt God take me out of my comfort box as regular practice.

I think what I was most apprehensive yet at the same time excited about was the prospect of meeting everyone else on the course, and I can honestly say I have never met so many hilarious, honest, open, and approachable people! It’s such a welcoming and safe environment to be vulnerable. I’m learning more and more of what it is to be the person God created me to be, and that she is acceptable and pleasing. I’m already feeling some of those head-knowledge truths fall deep into my heart, and when that happens it can do nothing else but change everything.

 

It is not comfortable; I am facing challenges such as money management, moving out of home for the first time, having to confront issues in my own heart and head and also within relationships around me, making sure my relationship with God is just that, and not ‘my job’, and finding in my self-centredness a heart of servant hood (it’s in there somewhere!).

What I have learnt in my core more than ever is the simple truth that God is good. I’m seeing grace at every turn and His love and provision with every step. I love being His daughter. It’s like we’ve gone back to basics, and I’m finding it ever so refreshing. In a time when I’m finding it hard to read my bible, have ‘quiet time’, find motivation and energy, find the love and compassion for people around me, He is filling in my gaps and being love for me and putting strength in me and giving me a bit of His heart. It’s as if the messier I feel on the surface, the more I know He’s there and loves me and will use me regardless on the inside.

I am working in my home church, Three Counties in Haslemere, and am realising just how blessed I am to be here. I have people around me who hunger after God, who are real and honest, who are willing to share and invest their lives with mine, and have a deep vision to see more of the Kingdom around and in us. This year I really do have my feet in manure, and even though it’s sometimes a little smelly and messy, I’m growing exponentially!