Doors Fling Wide: July 2012

I've always heard it said, "Go big or go home." But I am defying that expression. Yes, ladies and gents, I am having my cake and eating it too. I've been in Baton Rouge about a month now, and it is finally becoming reality that this is my home again. I've gone real big, and I've gone home. This is the biggest, riskiest, and craziest decision I've ever made, and everyday I'm more and more convinced that it was the right one. Sure I've had my "wait, why did I move here?" moments. But then He pulls my wandering eyes back into his gaze, and I remember. I remember that nothing is more worth it than following Jesus. I remember that He is good and fills my cup to overflowing. I remember that He has invited me to change the world, starting here. My life in Waco was so rich with relationship. And instead of thinking of that as something I've left behind, I have realized it is what I'm so thankful for and also what I get to reproduce. In these short three years, I have experienced the depth of community that some people search for their entire lifetime. I am thankful, and I know that it only gets better from here.

Most of all, I am so honored that Jesus chose me for this journey. To think that his eyes scanned a room and landed on my heart blows me away. I am humbled, because I feel like I have nothing to give except a yes. I guess that is all it takes. He isn't looking for the trained or the qualified, he's looking for the abandoned. A few years ago, I met with the person of Jesus. His love transformed me. So I drew a line in the sand - there would never be something he could ask of me that would be too much. I would go anywhere he wanted to take me. There would always be a yes in my heart to Jesus. And here I am.

So far, my days in Baton Rouge have been marked with rest. Resting in the arms of Jesus and being renewed in His presence. He is refreshing me and preparing me for the crazy adventure ahead. I am so expectant! I love living here again. I've been helping the team get settled in their new houses, spending a lot of quality time with them, meeting some new people and reconnecting with old friends. It is a blast!