Picture this. You are on top of 4 foot high, 4 inch wide balance beam. You have been asked to complete a new challenging gymnastics skill. You are scared. Fearful. Afraid. You worry that if you attempt this skill you may fall. This is the picture that the Holy Spirit gave me recently. 

As I re-lived this past memory of attempting a new gymnastics skill, I encountered the Lord in a special way. As I stood on top of the balance beam, the Lord became my coach. He came to stand next to me. He whispered that he would not let me fall. He placed his hand on my back in preparation to spot me. And I began to feel comforted by the Lord’s presence. The Lord is our biggest encourager. Our helper. How sweet it is to know that the Lord is with us, guiding us. But wait, it gets even sweeter. 

A set of steps appeared next to the balance beam. The Lord was now on the ground, but I was still on the balance beam. The Lord then reached his hand toward mine. Hand-in-hand, he led me down the steps and off of the balance beam. The Lord embraced me with a hug. You see – the Lord wasn’t concerned with whether or not I could complete the skill. He was more concerned with loving me. You see, the Lord doesn’t require us to do anything. He desires for us simply to be with him. And what a beautiful illustration he gave me of this concept. As a natural achiever, I have always struggled with being still with the Lord. My instinct is to do - to check items off my list. But the Lord is working in my heart to bring me to greater understanding of his true love for each of us. Friend if you feel the need to achieve God’s love through doing the right things or acting a certain way - I encourage you to remember this imagery. God wants to take you by the hand, lead you off of the balance beam, and overwhelm you with his love. Just be in his presence today. Sit with him. He is with you.  

Ministry Update: We made it to Wisconsin Dells! This month we are partnering with Beyond Blessed, a local food pantry. We help unload trucks with food, pack bags full of dairy, meats, and produce for easy pickup, and help pass out food to 300+ families weekly. We are also volunteering with Bella Goose Coffee Company. We are working at their holiday pop up stand serving hot chocolate, coffee, and hot apple cider on the weekends. Please be in prayer for both of these ministries. Pray that the Lord would continue to bless their service and ministry.  

Route Update: We will officially be launching internationally in January! YAY! We will be flying to Guatemala on January 12. Thank you for your prayers concerning the decision to travel internationally.  Please continue to pray for our leadership team as they determine the remainder of our route and for our safety abroad.