the sweetest summer

this is what the Lord gave me: the sweetest summer.

in all honesty, i didn’t really feel like coming back to oregon. yes - this is where my family, home church, and some of my best friends are! but i was afraid.

then the Lord gave me this verse for this summer.: “build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce.” (jer. 29:5)

this was a command to the Israelites, God’s chosen people. the verse before says that it was God carried who them into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. and like the Israelites, i felt led out of my new home and into a place where i wouldn’t have chosen to be. this verse welcomed me into the waiting season. a season where i would live by the daily bread He provided and live by radical obedience.

& before i even recognized it, this place became so special to me. 💛 the Lord led me back to Oregon. for the Lord brings us to the places that will bring Him the most glory.

praying over my summer, i desperately wanted to taste and see the goodness of God in the most unexpected places - seeking Him in prayer, desiring to serve Him and His people wherever i was. i took that verse He gave me as a command to build community. to bear a fruitful life in this new garden.

then the Lord placed amazing friends in my life and refined me in many ways! He is so faithful!! the Lord knows what we need and when. when we seek Him wholeheartedly, we will find Him. (jer 29:13)

here are some (of my many) memories of my summer in Oregon:

- hosting a Bible study on my 20th birthday

- listening to my kids at the daycare spontaneously sing “way maker” together

- passing away in a class 3 rapid while solo kayaking on mission trip AHAHA

- finding a community of young adults

- watching youth boys become Kingdom men (!!!!!)

- line dancing in empty ice cream parking lots

- watching yth friends fall into a fountain

- witnessing young women delight themselves in the living Word of God

- washing feet of houseless guests in portland

- celebrating many many summer birthdays !

- having conversations where forgiveness seeped through each word

- sweet time with the fam & sibs

- monday nights watching sunsets with the Creator of it all

- sharing testimonies till 1 am + beach retreat

- & simply seeing the Lord in everything :)

i encourage you to seek Him in everything because He is every good thing. truly, this was the sweetest summer.