His Death Has Paid My Ransom

I love when God sends us something to encourage us. Something we needed at that very moment. Big or small, it's encouraging. I've had an encouraging weekend. Even with one or two small setbacks I feel like I'm finally Carrie again. Sunday proved to be another great day. For an extrovert and christian like myself Sunday is key for a few reasons. One, I need and desire fellowship with other believers. Not just socializing, but actual fellowship and encouragement. Two, I love the youth group. I love being in their lives, and desire to push them to truly trust and desire a real and genuine relationship with Jesus Christ. I want to challenge them to not just float through high school. Three, I love Kristen Pichura. I am encouraged by her on numerous levels. Being apart of her life, and her families lives is a joy, an honor. I'm thankful that God brought the Pichura clan here to Yakima. I'm thankful that we all got to come alongside of them during the adoption of their two precious boys, and I'm thankful for their faithfulness to obeying His direction for their lives. It was an incredible Sunday.
Today I happened across some old emails. Emails that I actually wrote to all of you last summer while I was in Europe. I started reading them, and couldn't stop until I had gotten through the last one. I have read through my journals many times since last summer, but reading the emails was a lot of fun. Remembering how God was using me, and how He was working in the children. It was an amazing trip, and one I'll never forget for quite a few reasons. :) I'm so glad that God sent me, and also that I obeyed His calling and went. I can think of so many things I learned while being away last summer. My relationship with the Lord really grew deeper as I met and talked with my brothers and sisters in Eastern European countries. I still pray for the churches there that God would continue to strengthen their leadership and that truth would be taught. The churches are so young, and oppression is so recent. It was an incredible thing to hear stories first hand. Those stories weren't from the History books, they were from these peoples lives. Incredible.
I've been singing my favorite song in my head all day today. A song all of you know, or should know. So, to finish this blog I'll post the lyrics to "How Deep the Father's Love for Us"
May God bless you and encourage you this week.

How deep the Father's love for us,

How vast beyond all measure

That He should give His only Son

To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,

The Father turns His face away

As wounds which mar the chosen One,

Bring many sons to glory

...

Behold the Man upon a cross,

My sin upon His shoulders

Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,

Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there

Until it was accomplished

His dying breath has brought me life

I know that it is finished

...

I will not boast in anything

No gifts, no power, no wisdom

But I will boast in Jesus Christ

His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?

I cannot give an answer

But this I know with all my heart

His death has paid my ransom

Changes

Well, I don't have much time to write currently. Here are a few pics from the last few weeks. Some are of the bachelorette party, a few of the babies, and some just random. I thank God for a very busy, but great end to my summer. It has been a challenging year, but I would say that I've been learning a lot. God is amazing, and in the midst of my struggles I see his reign in my life more and more. Praise God.

I apologize for the lack of attention to this blog. Saying I've been busy would be both an understatement and a lame excuse so I wont. I've had some interesting past few months which explains why I haven't posted. One of these days I'll post some pictures from my Europe trip. Also, Jane got married which was very exciting and beautiful.
Although I haven't kept up my blogging I hope to be doing more of it in the near future.
My life has been one of change. I moved out of my dear apartment, and now am indefinitely house sitting at my Grandma Doornink's house. It is incredibly beautiful here. Jane's wedding was held here on the lawn and it was a great experience. It was the first wedding held here at the "Hilltop Haus" as we call it. I enjoy being able to watch the sunrise and sunset everyday. When I look out over the Yakima Valley I'm just amazed at how beautiful it looks. I'm astounded by the view of Mt. Adams, intricate clouds, and infinite sky.
I think of God's promise to us that His mercies are new every morning and I'm thankful that God continues to poor His mercy on me even when I feel I don't deserve it.