Blunder.

blunder.

My defenses fly;

all the truths I knew

and denied

thrown up into my face.

I really am that person—

but I’m not.

My past eradicated

a new life claimed

so why continue with the old?

What now?

Perseverance

needed.

Apathy

wanted.

I forfeit my right

to a perfect façade.

This is the starting point

for something better.

Though I Would Like to Complain....

I am sitting here on a dreary Sunday afternoon with a long list of things to accomplish before the day's end, and I am writing thank you notes to my faithful supporters who have donated to my Global Internship. Because of the long list that still awaits me after these notes are written and safely in the mail, I am tempted to complain that I need to write these cards at all... The stress of the coming weeks is already building and I want nothing more than to relieve all unnecessary pressure and do what I really need to do.

That is my flesh talking.

But really, though my flesh wants to complain right now, I can do nothing more than smile out of the deep appreciation in my heart that the Lord is stirring people's hearts to give to me, to join me in ministry, to bring His Gospel where He has not been named before. Who am I that God would entrust me with such a commission, and bring people alongside me, trusting the Lord to use me? I am humbled, and blessed, and so, so grateful.

Thank you, all, who have given... Thank you for listening to the Spirit's quiet voice and responding in faithfulness to Him. May He bless you generously all the days of your life!

Rejoicing always, and smiling in thankfulness for you,

Jules

Running Water

Finally, I can hear running water. That only means one thing: spring.

It seems like it has been years since I smelled the rain and felt the sun, picked flowers and walked with soft grass beneath my feet. I know spring in all its fullness is still a ways off, but at least the signs are becoming more frequent. I can't wait for the day when I can cut through the courtyard of campus again--without snow boots on. I can't wait till I can sit outside and read, listening to the birds singing their love songs and feeling the warm breeze on my skin. Already I've started wearing my spring clothes--beckoning it to come faster--as if I had some say in the change of seasons.

I'm ready for spring in my heart to come too. The winter has been long, and the wilderness has been rough on my heart. I need light, I need a new view, I need more Son! God, in His gentle way has spoken to me that He has me in the wilderness to learn how to sing and hope in the valley (Hosea 2:14-15), not only when He has brought me into a peaceful place. It is a difficult lesson, but one I am willing to learn if it means new growth in my heart. He is pruning away everything that is not of Him (Jeremiah 5:10) in order to bring new life. I am eager for that new life, because I need some growth in my life. How good He is to never be content with our unholy state--but to do whatever is necessary to make us perfect.

I am looking forward to the day when I hear water running through the desert.

Until then, I will keep rejoicing.

Jules

Spring Break 2011

Hey friends, I thought I would tell you about my spring break my documenting it through photos--cuz I thought you might appreciate seeing nine photos instead of reading 9,000 words! ;) So here goes....

Friday afternoon found me free and eager to play--party time!

Dinner with some friends @ Applebees after a fun day of kickball and... shopping at Walmart :)

My friends Katie (pictured above in a Mexican candy shop), Vic, and Matt explored the Global Market in downtown Minneapolis on Sunday afternoon

Monday morning--kinda freakin' out!

Me and Halle @ the Life Center on Tuesday night!!

Wednesday afternoon found me doing homework for about 7 hours. See that book I'm reading? 224 pages conquered in one afternoon. Holla back.

I decided to have some fun on Thursday to make up for the studying I did the day before. Not only did I go ice skating--I also went sledding! woohoo!

My broski Jay and I went shopping on Friday afternoon @ at MOA. Lots of fun :D

Soooo.... I got a little adventurous toward the end of break and here's what happened--a new haircut! How do you like my new look??

Hope you all enjoyed my spring break! Haha. It was blessed and relaxing--not quite as productive as I had hoped.... but sometimes you just gotta let yourself have a little fun. :) Those five page papers can wait a couple weeks....

Rejoicing... because I'm loved,

Jules