I've been in prayer over the past few weeks on the decision I made to take on a missions trip. I would love to say that I've been given a clear, concise answer as to what it is I'll be doing, exactly where I'll be doing it and exactly when that will happen. Unfortunately, I've not been given any answers, but I'm fine with that, because I know that I'll be placed where I'm supposed to be, at the exact moment that I need to be at that place, for a reason I might not recognize until it is
literally right in front of me. That is the beauty of faith.
With everything that's been scheduled for us over the past couple of weeks, it felt like much longer than two Sundays that I'd missed when I walked into SonRise today. Rob was still sick, and opted to stay back, so I ventured out on my own.
I'm glad I did. I walked into church and was immediately greeted by a foyer filled with people, balloons, posterboards and popcorn. It looked a lot like an expo of some sort, because it
was an expo - a Ministry Expo.
 |
| sonrise ministry expo! |
This was perfect.
Since I've moved back to Ohio, I have yet to plant my feet so firmly in a church that I am immersed yet in the ministry projects. That's not a good thing. I've still been experimenting here and there, visiting churches that I've not yet seen, trying to keep an open heart to where I should settle and plant my roots. Honestly, I've never homed myself [in my adult life] in anything other than a Baptist church, so naturally, exploring in and of itself has been something of a new experience as it is.
I have prayed over this often in the last year, especially after visiting a few of the area's Baptist churches and not feeling
that connection that isn't decided my me, but rather by the overall atmosphere. I am sure they are wonderful places, but there's been something telling me that I need to explore what has been under my nose this entire time.
And that is SonRise. Yes, it's a community church; some call that non-denominational. I say that I'm less concerned about choosing a specific Christian division than I am about finding a place that coincides doctrinally with what I believe. I'm pretty simple. Love God, Love People. I borrowed that from my church in Illinois [Shout out, Towerview], but it's true and it's easy. Love God, Love People.
I
see that at SonRise. I see a thirst to educate the kids and youth on reaching out in their worlds with the values that may, especially in today's society, defy the evolving social standards of their peer groups. I see the adults being guided, not forced, to recognize areas in which they can develop, correct or improve themselves in practical ways to have the impact we're designed to have.
Today, I took copious notes as I followed along with Pastor Jeff, on the calling we all have to use what we're given to bless others. I explored the
Ministry Expo set up in the foyer, both before and after the service, and was a little taken back by just how
obvious the opportunities to minister locally are for me. That, and how many!
 |
| just some of the ministry opportunities.. right.. under my nose. |
Call me cliché if you want, but I am a firm believer that I've been the happiest when I'm doing something for the benefit of someone else, and can see the amount of joy that brings them. It didn't always, and still doesn't "come naturally" to me, as some people would suggest of those who love helping other people. No, I'm human. There are days when I want to be selfish, and every so often yes, I indulge those urges and internalize my energy instead of apply that to helping someone else. I'm not gonna pretend that I'm always helpy helperton. I'm human with human nature, and I am proof that dying daily to myself is a PROCESS.
Anyway, back on track, I discovered today that the seemingly murky responses I've felt thus far regarding an all-out missions trip may be due to the fact that I've yet to plant any of my missions efforts here, locally. It only make sense. The more I thought about it today, the more sense it made.I need to be
here before I can be anywhere else. It all starts internally, and emanates from there.
I took lots of notes. I always try to capture any sermon with my own notes, so that I can refer back later and recall what stood out the most. Today, it wasn't one singular thing that made a mark, but just the concept of deflecting the focus off of myself and into the efforts of bettering someone else's life, if even for just a few minutes at a time.
 |
| must... remember! |
And I remembered. I can write. That means that I know how to formulate encouragement to someone who might need it. I can cook. There are people who don't have the time, resources or ability to eat a good meal, let alone create one. I can sing. Music is therapeutic; there's no mood to which some sort of music cannot be paired. I love all those things, and I'm capable of much more that I don't always see. As it stands right now, very few people stand to benefit from any of my talents, mediocre as they may be. I can't share them if I don't apply them.
SO... Here's where I re-direct my prayers of mission. If across the world is where I'm meant to be, then great, that's where I'll be. As of now though, I feel like I need to just open myself to what is
here,
now. It's a matter of plugging myself into a homefront before I can expect to gain traction anywhere else. So, if you wouldn't mind, keep me in mind when you pray for local missions. This is about as local as it gets for me, but I'm starting to believe this is where I'm meant to be, for now. (:
*****
Speaking of blessings, I ran into an old friend a few weekends back when Jesse was in town visiting us. It's been nearly seven years since Justin and I played soccer together, but it seemed only fitting that since that's where we met, that's where we would start hanging out again, reconnecting after so long. So for the first time in over a year, I laced up the boots and hit the field with an indoor team, serving as a starter since their other girl didn't show up.
 |
| a familiar, endearing sight! |
Tonight reminded me how greatly different soccer is than just a standard butt-whooping at a gym. It doesn't matter how much you train at the gym, soccer will find a way to target and destroy a completely different set of muscle groups. Haha. I held my own, but I'm already sore and looking forward to getting back into this on a regular basis. Yay, CINCINNATI and your indoor soccer networks!!
Back at home after the game, Rob and I decided that all of nothing sounded that great for dinner, so we pigged out like a couple of rabbits on what actually is probably healthier than most things we could've chosen to eat...
 |
| yeeeup. healthy hogs. haha.. |
Poor Rob is juuuuuust about back to 100%, although I think our attempt to find Anchorman 2 funny at all may have just caused a setback. Haha. Seriously, NOT... funny :( Oh well.
Tomorrow we're back to the work week; I have a feeling this week is going to be far less hectic than last week [at least I'm hoping for it, anyway].
See ya then!
xo | cmd
