Numero Uno

So, I've always had the desire to start a blog but I just never got around to it...until now! Bekah inspired me when she started hers yesterday (go follow it at twokindsofwisdom.blogspot.com). I could honestly care less whether or not anyone reads this but I just feel like writing sometimes. It is good for the mind and for the soul.

My first blog post of all time is being written in a place that I never would have seen myself at the beginning of the summer: Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It is a city that's smaller than Aurora but it is the biggest city in South Dakota. Next to living in Colorado, I would rate this place as the best place to live. It's just big enough to have everything (stores, fast food, golf courses, etc.) but there is still a small town atmosphere. If I don't end up in Colorado, I think that I want to live here.

This all came about because of a unique series of events that took place to start off my summer. Because of the quality managers at Jimmy John's, I was hired, said no to another job offer, and fired all within a few days (I lasted 45 minutes on my first day). I was left without a job until God opened a door. My friend Ariel from Bethel texted me a few days later saying that their church was looking for worship interns for summer, and seeing as I had nothing better to do, I called and eventually got the job. I'm not getting paid much and I'm putting in a lot of hours but I feel that this is much better than a "real job". I'm staying with a host-family that is the epitome of generosity and I can tell you that God will bless them tremendously for the lifestyle they live. They have two really cool little kids too! I've only played music a little so far, but I've gotten to help with youth group, help with main services, and all kinds of other odd-jobs. Working at a church has been fun because it hasn't felt like going to work. I just come here and hang out with other people on the church staff or play guitar; super awesome!

I'm still deciding how long I'll be here though. Upon coming out to Sioux Falls, I told the pastor that I would stay for a week and a half and then reassess and decide whether or not I wanted to stay. If I do decide to stay, I'll be here about four more weeks (until August 16th or so). I'm not sure yet what I'll do but we'll see!
I definitely miss Colorado and all my friends and family. Even though I go to college in another state I was still counting on hanging around there all summer so this sucks a little bit. I have a lot of down-time that makes me wish I was back home to hang out with everyone, but I feel that God has a reason for my being here. I will be back for two or so weeks, however.

So that's my Sioux Falls journey in a nut-shell. I'll write more about it but in the mean time, prayers would be very appreciated! Regarding my blog, I decided to name it 'Sweetest Rain' because it is the title of a song I recently wrote. As I look back over this last year, I see how God has provided, and I can't help but be astounded. In a sense, God's love and provision has been like rain, the sweetest rain, for many reasons.

-The ground cannot survive without it

-The ground must be renewed and watered consistently, unable to store up for longer periods of time, and is completely dependent on the rain

-As the rain falls, its impact is cool and refreshing, reminding the ground of how sweet the rain is in the first place

It is in that moment, when the ground is overwhelmed by the soothing, calming rain that it realizes everything will be okay. Though during the dry day when the wind blows it may be skeptical, but in that moment, it remembers all the love and provision it has been given and it can't help but rejoice.

Now I know that the ground can't actually think but in this scenario, who cares. So here are the lyrics to this song I wrote about a neat way to see God.

Sweetest Rain

Thank you for your faithfulness oh God

Through trying times and lightning storms you’ve brought

Me safely on, me safely on

Thank you for your providence oh God

Your mercies every day to keep me strong

You keep me strong, you keep me strong

Your love is like the sweetest rain

Ever healing, You sustain

Though the ground is dry and wind it blows

A cloud sweeps over the plain

And pours out the sweetest rain

Thank you for your calling voice oh God

You’ve made straight my path and guided me along

Thank you for your love abounding God

You’re always faithful