Kind words

Kind words from a stranger, i think, make you feel more complimented then from a friend... at least, thats how it felt when the nice lady in the library (whose name i admittedly always have to check) makes note of an outfit you threw together at last moments. not thinking about how you look, they notice and makes you feel special!

1 Peter 3:14-15

Crossroads

Monetary success or struggling to eek out a living? If I stay, I feel that my wealth will not be in earthly treasures, but that family, friends and the Lord are who will make me richer then Solomon himself. 

How do I choose? Even if I do suffer for what is right, and I am blessed, how do I know the right place-- how do I fight, and how do I pray?

Fear takes root in indecision. but when you look, you see the roots aren't so strong; they indeed are the objects of weakness, and we are the strong ones- Beloved of the King.

So do not fear, dear one, for your decision is before you, but I am with you to be there to catch you, to be there to guide you, to be there to lead you. Emotions are a gift but can also lead you away from my eyes and heart. Lead with nothing. 

Follow.

Follow me and I will make your paths straighter. Not easier, because life is hard. But, as a child, I will be your Father. Wanting the best and loving you. Regardless. ALWAYS.

So decided. 

I AM.

Tough choices

Its something that has crossed my mind more than once... and here it comes again... it might be time to move on from my job... the politics and attitudes have made me wonder if i still belong there... so i will wait on God and see how things pan out.

Update!

update- FIVE chinese girls came over for tacos! not to brag- but they LOVED them!! i invited them to the Art in me, and they want to come!! Yay God! we talked about america and china for hours last night-- what a perspective change i got! they also found housing-- in a safe apartment where we know some of their neighbors!! so i'm just figuring out how to balance participating in the art in me festival and hanging out with them-- thats where i figure the family will just naturally help :D... you all are so friendly, that i'm not going to or be worried about them!!

to be continued!...

-A

The Library

So friday i was working at the library right before my shift was over, and a girl came in looking for some help. she obviously wasnt from around here, so i offered to help her.
i got a nudge to give her my phone and email address, so i did. which for me is rare. her name is claire and she's from china. (outskirts beijing)
i also invited her to the movies in the park that night. she's also looking for housing-- umd doesnt help! awesome huh? not much... 
so i also found her jumpdrive and held on to it so i could see her again.
so that night she called me and i went up to campus to give her the drive and she asked if her friend could come to the movie too. so of course i said yes. so Lin is the next girl i've met. she's from beijing and got to see the olympics!! so then we go to the movie, have fun etc. then we are driving back and amanda tells them we know all the other people we met that night from church (IV is hard to explain). they ask if we are christians and claire tells us she's interested in learning about it. whoa right?! but theres more.
so sunday night i called her to see how things were going and to invite her to dinner tonight (tuesday). so now three chinese girls are coming over tonight. yay! she then told me that i knew a katie. (well, YES but which one??) and her husband brand and baby maddie... i realize she means some people @ anchorpoint.
so i call katie to figure out this connection. 
claire's boyfriend goes to school in phenix. he just became a believer. his mentor knew claire was going to duluth and knew of the Navs (katie and brandon work with the navigators on campus) and wanted katie to look her up. so she did and they hung out on saturday and claire ASKED to go to church on sunday. so they went! i had to go to early church b/c of other stuff, so i couldnt invite them, but it was already covered!!! is that insane or what?! so God is moving in huge ways.... and this story still has lots left too...we'll see where it goes!

God is moving

In some parts of my life, i am either content or just ignorant of the things God has been doing. sometimes i crave to know and realize that i wont. 

sometimes, like today, he is waving a huge sign saying "here I AM"

at work at the library, i help a new exchange student. she's from china, and has been in duluth for 3 days, america for 12. so she is very new. we got to talking and i gave her my # if she needed anything. she and her new friend (also from china) came to a movie with us. the thing is, she's interested in church. so of all the people to meet in UMD, for me to be willing to give out my number (which isnt normal) and for her to want to find out about God (we're assuming) is incredible. but i'm most humbled that i'm on of the ones who has a chance to stand up for myself.

also an interesting factor... lately i've been questioned wether or not i'm a christian, or i like to say christ-follower... and i hesitate too much but at least i say YES ... i AM a Christ-follower. and will be. forever.

fame to claim?

so on saturday i got to meet and give a short tour to the president of finland... very nice lady, too bad i dont really agree with their politics (social democracy) but she was nice and let me take a picture! also our secret service gave us little pins... pretty cool all in all!