Great and marvelous are Your deeds

Lord, God Almighty

Just and true are Your ways King of the ages

Who will not fear You, Oh Lord and bring glory to Your name

For You alone are holy
All nations will bow and worship

You alone are Holy

All nations will bow down in worship before You

I sought the Lord and He answered me

And delivered me from all of my fears

Those who look to Him are radiant with joy

And their faces will never be ashamed

With his love,

Anna

YEA GOD!

Another week passes and leaves my mind in a whirlwind. More youth and adult leaders arrive this afternoon in anticipation of a spirit filled week, or maybe just a vacation from the mundane work or summer schedules they come from.
One week ago was father's day, I struggled through not being able to spend it with my "#1 dad" and family. As the youth began to arrive, most of my sadness left me and was replaced with joy and I once again remembered the reason why I am here. We greeted youth from Texas, Nebraska, and Oregon with name tags and smiles and by the end of the day had concluded the importance of not comparing one week to another. Drew, in all his wisdom stressed taking each group as it is and each day as it will be. "Give us today our daily bread", God is so faithful in doing that for me, and for the rest of the staff this summer. He gives us what we need to get through a day, whether that be strength, energy, or food, he provides it for us. Yea God!!

The stories that come out of one week of YouthWorks are endless, and there are a couple that I would enjoy sharing :) On Sunday, I experienced one of the most touching moments of my Christian walk. A group of about 12 had just arrived from Texas; shortly after their arrival a woman pulled up in a nice SUV. I approached the woman, and shook her fragile hands as she spoke through a very timid voice, inquiring about directions to a town just outside of Cortez. Anyone who knows me well, knows that my since of direction is a bit lacking to say the least. For that reason, I made sure to check my directions with Tony before sending the woman on her way. After confirming the route which she should take, I pointed her on her way and she very graciously thanked me for my time. Before loading back into her vehicle, I asked if she needed a hug. It proved to be the perfect cure to her overwhelmed being as she embraced me through crocodile tears. I felt as if she returned to her car relieved and ready to continue her travels. I PRAISED God for using me to bless her through a simple hug, and it was that experience which is teaching the ministry of presence. The simpliciy of being available for those that God places in our path, is one of the most powerful things we can do as children of the King.

Another expereince which touched me in a powerful way was the interaction which I had with adult leaders this week. Dave-LeeRoy-Danielle-Joel-Dani-Julie-Lindsey-Brian-Kristy-Vicki-and Bruce-blessed me more than I can really place words to. Their passion for the Lord was so energizing and their devotion to their youth was so very encouraging. They encourgaed me specifically through their praise of the way Kids Club was running. God is so strong, when we are weak! Amen? Amen!!

Thursday evenings are such a bittersweet time for me as I reflect upon how God has worked in and through every participant and staff member in the matter of four days. The tears would not stop as I thought about what a blessing it was to cross paths with the participants of last week. Yea God!!
I hope this post finds you all doing well. Six more weeks until I can see your smiling faces once again. Rest in knowing that God is doing some incredible things here is Cortez, I can't wait to share them with all of you over a cup of coffee or game of ultimate frisbee~GOD BLESS YOU!!

"I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving kindness"

Jeremiah 31:3

Rest

Sweet, sweet, rest. That is the theme of my next two days. The wonderful staff and myself are enjoying our first day off since training, which was nearly a month ago. The rest is much, much, needed for a host of different reasons. It would be safe to say that the four of us, Amanda-Drew-Tony-and myself, are completely drained. It is by the grace of God that we have had the strength to lead youth with joy and energy over the last weeks....which brings me to the most important reason for this day of rest, which is reflection. A sea of emotions wave over me as I sit still and think about how God has worked through the YouthWorks staff to CHANGE lives. I can barely comprehend the ways in which God has worked in us and through us to grant his people the peace and joy that comes from calling on the name of Christ and serving him with every ounce of themselves.
On an even more personal note, I am learning that God will grant us the strength and energy it takes to give our best for his honor and glory. As was mentioned before, this trip has shed light on God's beautiful creation, but this mission has even more so revealed to me the many blessing of which I am so fortunate to be a part. The best of those being my family and friends. (Uncle Bill, I am so glad you found me :) now i can brag about you) The local pastor that is hosting the youth this summer asked the question, "how does God speak to you?" and in response, I couldn't help but agree with the idea that he speaks to us through the encouragement and experiences that we share with our closest loved ones. God is good, ALL the time, and does indeed work for the good of those who love him. I feel so blessed to have God speak to me through your continual love and encouragement. Continue to be the hands and feet of Christ in all you say and do. I miss you all more than words can express, and I can honestly say that amongst the beautiful nature which surrounds me, I sit back and say: "Michigan, as flat as it is, really is incredible! " I hope you also can enjoy real genuine rest in the days to come. Take in the beauty that surrounds you and appreciate it for all it is worth!

With lots of love and a GIANT hug <3