"Wherever you are, be all there.
Live to the hilt in every situation you believe to be the will of God."
--Jim Elliot

This quote has been racing through my mind the past week. As "big and important" decisions start looming closer, the temptation presents itself to be distracted by the future, and forget the present. Questions are never far from my mind...

[  "But what about college? What about the summer? What about ..."  ]

"But for You, oh Lord, do I wait; it is You, O Lord my God, who will answer." [Ps. 38:15]

"...you who seek God, let your hearts revive." [Ps. 69:32]

Wait. Thats it. Prayerfully wait. And as I wait, my heart can be alive. By no means does God want me to ignore the future, but by no means should my time and focus be removed from what God has called me to here and now. By waiting I am free to live to the hilt in every God-given situation. Being undistracted by future possibilities and plans means that I can dedicate all my energy and attention to God's work at-hand.

"Live in the present, and enjoy it thoroughly;
present pleasures are God's good gifts."
--J.I. Packer

"Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." [Ps. 37:4]

Oh to live in a state of contentment. May I live faithfully (doing what He has called me to do), earnestly (pressing forward, and seeking after His will), and contentedly (resting in the reality that He holds my future in the palm of His hand).

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"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD,
"plans toprosper you and not to harm you,"
 "plans to give you hope and a future."
[Jer. 29:11]

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[note: these thoughts are completely the result of my personal
musings and ongoing internal dialogue over the past week or so. but
apparently i'm not the only one who's been articulating these thoughts as of late.]

[for a post complete with pictures, see Xanga]

Sundries!, "d-i-e-[f]", Germane Chichester, the boxen, Oreos, peanut butter, Converse, chocolate milk, Wicked, Avril Lavigne, Coldplay, chocolate cake and a knife in the face, "yeehaw!", punishment (and punatory), Thing A and Thing B, saying goodbye in freezing cold weather, "Passwords are like..." ;), the "Its Hip To Be Round" sign =P, Richard Simmons, powerwalking, "all violators will be fined $50 per leg", "the last time I sang falsetto for a camera, it ended up on Google Video", Brian Regan ("a flock of moosen!")

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Thanks to...

Bryn...for being so darn sweet (even though you never figured out what actress I look like) =). You were such a blessing the entire week. Thanks for being so thoughtful!

Tori...for being enthusiastic, helpful, and alot of fun to be around. Thanks to both you and Bryn for making the rest of the staff feel appreciated, and encouraging us. I'm glad you're not leaving too soon. ;)

Kerrissa...for chatting late into the night and singing incessantly ;). I love you dear, and I'm so grateful for this amazing week.

Stephanie...for being another familiar face, for encouraging me, and for providing a great example of trusting in the Lord, and achieving spectacular results. =)

Kristen...for providing a shoulder to lean on (both literally and figuratively ;)). I had an amazing time with you, dear. Lets make sure we see each other again =).

Elijah...for being an outstanding staff partner. Thanks for giving me opportunities to lead, despite the fact that I'm pretty sure you could've managed it all single handedly [I hope I didn't step on your toes too much!] =). It was great to work with you. [Oh yeah, and thanks for introducing me to the Old Courts building, walking fast, and doing excellent Homestar impressions. =P]

Micah...for being another staffer in a similar situation (never attended NC, first time staffing, only staffing one class, etc etc). Believe it or not, its kinda comforting to know someone else in the same position =). It was really amazing to get to work with you (though briefly). [Oh yeah, and I finally watched some Brian Regan..."I call it, 'cup of dirt'"]

Brent...for providing a great sense of humor [and perfect taste when it comes to Coldplay songs ;)]. Thanks, also, for leading worship (both with and without a guitar); it was a blessing! =)

DavidA...for being yet another familiar face. It was lots of fun getting to know you better (though a tad scary at times ;)).

DavidB...for excelling in everything you did. I enjoyed getting to know you. I hope this class has kick-started a love for the Commonweath of Virgina ;).

Jonathan...for being a program director that exceeded my expectations in every respect, and was so easy to serve beneath. Thanks for working tirelessly. After three weeks of classes doing twice the amount of work as the rest of us, your energy and attitude were a great example to us all. (Oh yeah...and thanks for the Oreos =)).

All the staff, and TeenPact in general...for:

• the high-heeled workout of a lifetime
• more chocolate than I'll ever know what to do with
• hugs
• teaching me to sacrifice my lazy body and mind and persevere without complaint
• stretching. Sometimes its uncomfortable, but it makes room for growth.
• outstanding examples of leadership and the opportunity to be one of those leaders

God...for sustaining me through times of weakness, sadness, joy, and much more. From helping me form relationships, learn to teach the technicalities of the House and Senate, laugh and sing on long car trips, and say goodbye...You were there through it all.

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To-do list

1. Watch Brian Regan [check]
   
2. Wicked
3. Brown Converse
4. Google Elijah Ammen on Google Video [check =P]
   
5. Get my hands on "Goodbye" by Skillet [check]

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Well, I just finished the last guys-gift-to-the-girls Reeses...I slept in 'till almost noon...I have a heap of laundry on my bed waiting to be folded...I have homework waiting to be done before Tuesday...yes, I'm back.

Jonathan, Bryn, Tori, Elijah, Brent, and DavidB...you're all in my prayers as you go on to lead more classes.

For the rest of us...as we transition back into reality, lets remember to lean on Him just as much as we've needed to this week (perhaps more).

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Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come
'Tis grace that brought me safe thus far
And grace will lead me home

Do hard things.

...and that is what I fully intend to do next week.

TeenPact has given me the amazing opportunity to humbly serve the students I encounter next week, the interns I support, TeenPact itself, and ultimately, God.

How often is one challenged...
...to know their state capitol inside out?
...to live at a boyscout camp for a week, while helping lead a group of 30+ teenagers?
...to step outside their comfort zone and learn to introduce speakers and lead devotionals?
...to set an example that is above reproach while students and senators alike look on?
...to maintain, and share, a zeal for God and His work in the government?
[...to have a joyful attitude before the Lord, even when they're missing a debate tournament?]

Well, those are my challenges. Reality is setting in already. I am utterly incabable of meeting these challenges on my own. This will be an exercise in humility.