I Used to Write Poetry

In high school I often expressed myself through poetry...I recall several poems about boys I liked (they're pretty cheesy), poems about people I had lost in my life, and some about my relationship with God. Honestly though since high school poetry writing has been very sporadic and often not at all.

I did come across a poem the other day though that I had written in 2007. I was perusing an old journal when I came across it. The main thing I noticed in this journal, is that the things I struggled with then seem to be the same things I still struggle with today. The same things I poured out to God day after day in that journal...still weigh me down. But I also noticed that back then, even like today my comfort comes from Him. My strength is gained by remembering He is greater than all my worries. He is the common thread through every post and daily as I turn my eyes to Him...my vision is clearer. It's a daily (sometimes hourly) choice however to focus on him, because this world so very quickly draws me in, pulls me down, steals my joy. The Lord is my joy and my Salvation.

I'm off to worship Him this morning...but first I thought you might enjoy my quick (rough draft) poem from 2007:

My body is tired
My mind is racing
So much stress
I'm facing

And what Lord,
Can carry me like you?
I'll trust, I'll pray
That's what I'll do

Show me your ways
Cast out my doubt
Show me what following you
Is all about

My body, my job
My family, my life
All cause me stress
All create strife

I'd love some peace
Assurance of where I'm going
But I'll follow your way
Even without knowing

My God, my King
Your Victory is mine
I give the sadness to you
All of me is thine

Where In the World Have I Been?

Summer has been a bit hectic and I took a short hiatus from blogging...but I'm back. My written journal has gotten a bit more of my attention lately, but I'm sure you (my devoted readers) are super curious to know what's been going on. Glad you asked...

June: I was blessed with the opportunity to attend the Annual Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) conference in San Diego with some wonderful co-workers. Due to an earlier injury (to which still confuses me) I 'gimped' around San Diego, iced my feet every night and wore the lovely compression socks every day (best thing ever). Marcus Buckingham spoke at the conference, his accent is great. The breakout session I enjoyed the most was on Leadership for Introverts. Not everyone knows it, but I'm an introvert. I was able to share some stuff from the session with my boss and I think we understand each other's work styles a little better...I even presented about the topic at our monthly manager meeting.

July: Jungle bound, in Peru that is. After months of planning, raising support, team meetings, immunizations, prayer and not enough Spanish practice...my team of 14 embarked on a mission trip to Peru. We spent a week in the jungle partnering with a Compassion International implementing church partner. My church here in the Springs happens to sponsor 9 children at this project. I was able to meet my little Jhedyi and her mom. She's the sweetest ever, just this past week I found out that in her 8 years as a sponsored child she has had 3 sponsors before me and only one letter written to her before me. I'm even more enthused to write her and pray for her now. After the mission trip portion of our trip...1/2 of us went on to see Machupicchu. It was an incredible experience! I'll try to post more details about this trip later on.

August: Willow Creek Leadership Summit...by far the most encouraging leadership conference I ever go to. Highlights were Andy Stanley talking about tensions to manage vs. problems to solve and hearing Blake Mycoskie talk about his vision for TOMS shoes. My coworkers think I should email Blake because he has so many qualities I'm hoping for in a husband. NEVER would I be able to do that (hello introvert). I was prompted to buy a pair of TOMS shoes though. I love them.

Also in August we had a sort of kick-off for the high school youth group. Crud Wars. A few organized 'food' games that basically ends up in a large food fight. It was disgusting but the students loved it. We had 29 students show up for the event. We were blown away...I pray that is an indication of how the year will go for Inside Out. I'm really looking forward to getting to know the young ladies in this group and investing in their lives.

September: Looking forward to a vacation to see my family in Iowa and going to the zoo with my nephews.

Well...that gets you updated on a few of my life happenings. Where did the summer go?