Four Weddings and a Funeral...

I'm now pretty "weddinged out" and my sister's wedding hasn't even happened yet. I've gone to many weddings this year (not as many as some people) and I could already forsee going to more in the near future. So far this year, it's been Chamie; Pynthia; Lawnnie and Janry. It's pretty cool to see people (especially if you know both people) tying the knot and getting ready to spend their lives together... Very cool... I mention funeral in the blog title, because I found the place to relax, exercise and quiet my wandering brain. There is a cemetary right near our place and it's been such a refuge for me (I know... how morbid!). I remember praying while I was in Indonesia that I would find a place of real solitude (because I can't seem to find a good alone place lately!) and God has really granted me that place and so I'm grateful. Sara introduced it to me and I've been going there to lightly jog and clear my head when I'm feeling overwhelmed...

This past Saturday, I went up to Hyal's parent's prayer house up near Oshawa and I really spent some time in intentional prayer and some alone time with God. I went there with the intent of seeking some clear direction and guidance; but rather than finding an ephinany-like answer, I spent much of my day thanking God on all that He has done, is doing and will continue to do... This is interesting to read as we see in Philippines 4:6 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." I bolded and emphasize "with thanksgiving" for a reason I guess... Funny how the actual holiday is coming up as well... Before requesting to the Lord about the direction for the "next steps," there must first be an attitude of thanksgiving. Pray that I will have this attitude of thanksgiving =)

To be honest, I do get anxious and worried many times. I lie in bed at nights thinking and pondering about all the needs there are in this world (my mom always says that I carry the whole world's burdens on my shoulders!) that I sometimes can't focus and sleep at nights. However, Jesus says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." It's good to share in people's burdens (as Bonhoeffer would agree), but we should never feel so burdened that we take matters into our hands. There is such grace and freedom when we give our burdens unto Jesus. We may need to act (as the Lord convicts us to), but we won't be acting out of our own doing, but out of the Lord's leading.

J