Relationships and the Opposite Gender

One of the biggest things I'm learning about here is relationships. Between myself and other women, between myself and men, between myself and other missionaries. It's all just...tough. Navigating boundaries, and letting yourself be vulnerable so God can work in you and through you. Opening yourself up to be more effective for the team, rather than setting up walls and closing down.

I recently had to have a conversation with a guy I'll be working alongside in the near future (we'll call him, Josh). And yes he's single (I know what you're all thinking, so STOP). I think as a single guy out in missions, you feel like a piece of meat being thrown out to dogs, or chicken feed being thrown to a bunch of single, female, rooster-seeking hens. It's a scary world for these single men! So many women to so few men. I think they're aware that you have to be ultra careful when interacting with single women. Who knows: one small question and you could end up engaged. But I definitely understand this carefulness, and applaud the men that seek to protect and honor the single women they interact with. But, sometimes, throughout the previous mission trips I've gone on, this carefulness leads to a less than satisfactory team effort. In fact, I've felt oceans apart from many of the single men that I would have liked to have counted as friends because they worried I might jump them at any second.

So with Josh, I wanted this to be different. I may be working alongside him for up to 3 months, and I didn't want those 3 months to be filled with us avoiding and ignoring each other because we felt too uncomfortable to interact. So I prayed about it, and had some close friends/family back home pray about it as well. And I sought the Lord to provide an opportunity to talk with Josh about this. And God so faithfully provided that opportunity. Just because God provided, doesn't mean I wasn't shaking in my flip flops about it. I was so nervous, and had no idea where to start. I mean, how awkward is a conversation that's started with the words, "So you're a guy, and I'm a girl..." I don't think Josh knew what he was in for, but he handled it well.

I was fully aware before talking with him that he could shut down at any moment, and say, "let's just try to get through the next few months," meaning, I don't really want to make any effort to be friends with you because it's just too uncomfortable and awkward. And honestly, I probably wouldn't have blamed him for it- relationships, specifically girl-guy friendships, are crazy, hard work. But Josh didn't say this at all. It was God's grace. In fact, Josh was relieved, just like me, to know that we laid all our insecurities out on the table beforehand, and both realized what we were getting into. And despite that, we wanted to work on a team as friends, to glorify God and serve Him here in Thailand (communication really is key!). I can't tell you how thankful I felt to the Lord after that conversation. Is it still "awkward" around him? Sure! I'm a girl, and he's a guy, and there's bound to be many awkward moments- especially because we come from the opposite gender, different backgrounds, and different cultures in America. But I'm fighter, and I'm going to keep fighting for this friendship, and trusting and surrendering it daily to the Lord. Because I think this is something Satan has stripped the Body of Christ of, these healthy male-female friendships.

It's interesting, I don't think I ever heard about how to develop good friendships with guys as a teen. It's just not a topic discussed in the Christian community. I think immediately when you turn 14 or 15, the whole topic of dating unravels, and the whole purity, true love waits, and don't-have-sex-period spiel begins. That's great and all, but what about the rest of us that weren't ready to date, that felt left hanging, and wanted to be friends with the guys they played hide-and-seek with in elementary school. It's like all the guys became completely aware that I was a girl, and might be interested in them just because they were a guy.

I wish so badly for the teens of today to know how to protect each other's hearts and honor each other while also being able to remain friends. But the problem is, we don't really know how to protect our own hearts in the first place. If we don't know how to protect our own, then we won't know how to protect others, will we?

I won't give you a sermon on this, but I do request your prayers. Not only is this a problem in the States, but around the world, and in Thailand as well- this "protecting hearts" and "being friends with the opposite gender" type topics. I really think the answer is PRAYER. So, I ask for your prayers in regards to my friendship with Josh, and in regards to modeling a healthy girl-guy friendship to the Thai people. It's a definite issue, but our God is all about relationships because He's a relational God. Our number one relationship starts with Him, and when we ask Him, He is faithful to provide and gracious to supply us with all we need in our relationships with other humans. So please, as you pray, pray for healthy friendships, among the Thais, as well as among the missionaries.

Prayer Requests:
1. For the friendships among university students (I'll be working with these students in a month!)- for healthy girl/guy friendships
2. For my friendship with Josh and other single men I come in contact with- that we would model healthy, girl-guy friendships to the Thai's. I really think this is SO important in any culture.
3. For the youth in our own cultures- that we would educate them in Biblical friendships, and that they would learn to guard their hearts, protect each other's hearts, and honor one another in their friendships.

A Prayer Request

After talking with several people while here- it was recommended that I ask for prayer as I continue to seek the Lord and His plans, not only for Thailand, but for my life as well. I'll be honest that I feeling a little selfish by asking for prayer for my life, but I'm beginning to see the importance of this and ask out of humility. Please be praying that God would show me a ministry that He's created me for and that I have a passion for serving in.

Initially I came to Thailand wanting to do children and family camps, but there's not exactly a need for that here. So the search begins again for what I should look into doing.

Please pray that God would give me a solid sense of His plan and a future ministry He has created me to participate in. That He would make it clear and that things would begin to take shape (even if it's just very premature). And lastly, that He would give me a peace about it all. I'm really trying to make the most of my time here in Thailand. After I come back to the States, it'll be a little while until I make it back. While I'm here, I'd like to get a realistic picture of what ministry I could be a part of in the future, as well as know if there's something I need to get further training for back in the States, in order to serve better the people of Asia.

Many thanks for your continued prayers and support in this as we serve the Thai people together. You all have been such an encouragement to me! Blessings and love, Faith

French Fries and Inadequacies

Group of students at the Youth House in Lopburi

August to September I'll be helping with a ministry in Lopburi that works with youth/university age students. Some of those who come to this "youth house" are Christian, and some are not, but all are there to have a good time and build relationships. Recently, the students' new school term began (the schedule works a little different here than in the West), so there was a youth party at the youth house here in Lopburi, and a bunch of us were invited to come. I came praying, asking the Lord if this was really what I should be doing (youth ministry!?!), or if it was just an unrealistic thought I had a month ago.

When I first came in, I doubted. My thoughts were, "How little Thai I know! Maybe I shouldn't be doing this kind of ministry while I'm here? I'm going to fall flat on my face! And what on earth could I contribute?"

So I go and sit down with another Serve Asia short termer, and we smile with guarded confusion. As I sit there, I'm overwhelmed by my own inadequacies and by a desire to want to know the Thai students sitting around me, but not really being sure where to start, or if there's even a chance to start. So I sit, taking it all in, admittedly a little overwhelmed, while being thankful for the chance to be there and observe.

And then, it happens. An open door. One of the Thai girls, calls out across the room, "Faith!" and motions me to come over. So I do, with a courage not my own, but with the heart of someone who wants more than just to sit overwhelmed in the corner. So I come over, and she explains, "Some of these girls want to speak English with you. They're learning at University and would like to talk. They're just too shy to speak." I understand, so am I. But God just opened a door, and I'd be a fool to go back and sit down from where I just came from. So I squeeze myself into their little circle and eat a french fry off the plate they're sharing. And so begins our talk...for most of the night. We talked about everything from our university studies to the infamous topic of "boyfriends." And we laughed a LOT! Most of it at the confusion of my barely knowing any Thai, and their choppy English, but God knit together hearts right there on that floor between bites of french fry.

At one point during the night, one of the girls asks me, "So what are you good at?" And it got me thinking. Wow. Good question. I'm really good at being inadequate. At making a fool of myself. At being slower than most, and goofy when I shouldn't be. At being quiet when I should be talking, and at talking when I should be quiet. At not trusting God enough to know that He would answer my prayer to be sitting and chatting right there with all of them, like we had known each other for years. But I've learned that despite everything, I'm really good at being willing. I'm willing to be goofy, if it brings people in, makes them feel comfortable and lets them trust me even a little. I'm willing to try new things, and to walk across the room when I'm called. And I'm willing to follow God...especially because I know how inadequate I am.

So there was my answer for the night. Despite being really good at being inadequate, God wanted me there. Despite my doubts about being involved in this ministry in August and September, I'm willing to try new things, and God was willing to make up for my inadequacies. And I'm willing to stop doubting and give it all to the God who holds all of it in His hands. At the end of the night, one of the gals asks me, "Do you know how to bake?" "Yes! Sort of. I know how to bake chocolate chip cookies." But just mostly cookies (Does this ring a bell for those of you who have read the blog post about homeschooling? I like my cookies! haha). And she says, "Well, you'll teach the girls how to bake chocolate chip cookies then!" Alright! My first assignment in August. I'll let you know how it goes...it should be interesting and definitely blog-post worthy :)

Youth House and Ministry Prayer Requests:
1. Workers- Noon, Au, and Phil- continued prayer for each of them as they continue to reach out to students on campus; for open hearts and open doors
2. For the students that come to the "youth house"- that they would see a difference in Noon, Au, and Phil, and want the Jesus that shines through in their lives
3. My inadequacies- I would continue to seek God and rely on Him for the many things I'm just inadequate at doing; for my Thai that it would increase during the month of July, and that God would prepare me for this ministry in August

Catching Up: A Recap of June

June has been a crazy month. One of constant transitions. The last time I posted was in late May, and now it's already beginning of July. I wanted to give you all a recap of what took place this last month.

End of May, I took part in childcare at a missionary conference up in Chiang Mai, Thailand. It was wonderful, and exhausting at the same time. The kid's were exhausting. But I got some diaper practice in, and feel completely ready in case a baby army comes and needs their diapers changed (I just need lots of wipes!). The amazing part was serving on the childcare team with people from 9 other countries. I loved it! I think it's wonderful discovering the fact that I'm such a small part of the body of Christ, and I have so many brothers/sisters from around the world. Exciting! Their are pictures below of the team's of time together (I apologize, we aren't allowed to post any pictures from the actual conference because most of the missionaries at the conference are from Communist countries in Asia and the missionaries would be at risk if I showed pictures of themselves or their children).

After the conference, I headed back to Lopburi in Central Thailand to finish up homeschooling. There is a separate blog about this ("The Funny Moments of a Homeschool Teacher"). I'll definitely miss my time in Lopburi, but I'm also ready to move on and see more ministry in Thailand as I pray about coming back long term.  Please pray for the Mayer family as they eagerly await their next homeschool teacher, who will come from Canada in August. Pray for this new teacher, and that God would give her smooth transition to Lopburi life, and Thai culture. 

Then, end of June, I participated in a second missionary conference for missionaries specifically in Thailand. Again it was a wonderful time of serving, and again many dirty diapers (I wish there was a University degree out there called "Diaper Duty"- I would totally pass it!). Unfortunately I got sick at the end of this conference, but I think it's God way of slowing me down, and refocusing this time on Him again. Thankful for that reminder, and the ability to rest and refresh.

Currently, I'm in Nakhon Sawan, another city in Central Thailand, with two missionaries who are involved in student ministry. I'll get a chance to see some student ministry here, while also getting some time to just rest and get over my head-cold. I'll be here just a few days before heading back to Bangkok (the capital city of Thailand) to meet up with another short termer, L. L and I will then head to the northeast part of Thailand, called Isaan, to be involved in church-planting there. 

Prayer Requests:

1. For the missionaries at both conferences- that the Lord would continue to fill and refresh them as they go back to life in their respective countries; pray for strength and endurance as they love on the people around them

2. For the children of the missionaries as they head back "home" as well- for smooth transition, and for lasting friendships from the conferences

3. For the new homeschool teacher that's coming to the Mayer family in August.

4. Pray for the student ministry missionaries here in Thailand. For M and J as they serve in Nakhon Sawan and love the Thai students here.

5. For L and myself as we head to northeast Thailand to the "Isaan" area- I'm really excited to see all that the Lord is doing in this area; please pray we would be a huge help to the missionaries there

Part of our childcare team for the Chiang Mai Conference- Over 9 nationalities were represented! God is so good :)

Elephant Kisses- we got to explore an Elephant park while up in  Chiang Mai!

The Isaan area- in Northeast Thailand (a beautiful, rural part of Thailand!)

The Funny Moments of a Homeschool Teacher

I love the family I homeschool for. They're awesome (and I'm not just saying that because they might be reading this- I mean it!). The husband is German and the wife is Canadian, and their kids are just SO cool. Noah is 8 years old, Luke is 6 years old, and their little girl, Selah, is 1 year old.

I really think the Lord had complete grace on me when He sent me to this family. They've all become like my own family. We have similar senses of humor, goofiness, and a love to see the Thai people come to know Jesus.

When I first me Noah and Luke, they were painfully shy. It's just part of their personality, but when you get to know them, they're full of craziness and fun. Early on, I didn't really know how they felt, but they're mom really encouraged me and said it was a good fit for me to be with her boys. So in the beginning, while the boys were shy, I went ahead and just acted like my crazy self, saying crazy things, and doing crazy things to win them over. And the Lord worked it out- the boys took a liking to me...most likely because they probably thought this crazy person needed a friend!! :)

In the early weeks of homeschooling, each day (during the hot season- April and some of May) I would come to their house with a fully loaded water gun- as a homeschool teacher, you never know what you'll need- and I allowed them to drench me once or twice. I think that's a kid's dream- to drench their teacher (especially after all the schoolwork they're given). Not only have we had water fights, but we've created something we call the "sneak attack." Early on when I was trying to win them over, I told them that I was really good at sneak attacks (surprising them when they least expect it). And I've proven it. I even climbed over their gate once to surprise them with the water gun. I can only say that for the first month, their Thai neighbors must have thought I was a crazy foreigner.

Something awesome I found out about my boys is that they're totally into school (most of the time). Once, when the MK's (missionary kids) ate lunch together, my boys were telling the other kids why they should do extra work in school. That's right- perfect posterchildren for homeschooling. I was so proud! As they explained that after doing extra work you could do things outside, such as have water fights, all the rest of the boys' eyes began to glaze over- they weren't buying it. Finally, one of the other boys piped up, "Extra work? That doesn't even make any sense. Extra is just extra." (I laughed so hard!) But my boys didn't seem to mind. I told them they were still the coolest to me because we got to do so many "sneak attacks" and water fights after we did our "extra work".


Not only do my boys do extra work, but they're pretty healthy. They LOVE their fruits and veggies. We have snack time each day around 10:30am, and every day I offer the selection of fruits/veggies, crackers, or cookies. And every day they pick tomatoes with salt or chips, rather than cookies (who wouldn't pick cookies?!? Come on!). Finally, one day Noah (the 8 year old) says, "Why do you always offer cookies as a snack? That's not really a snack food." So, I said, "Well, I offer cookies because I know you guys like them." At which point, Luke (the 6 year old) turns to me and says, "Umm...no. You're the one addicted to cookies, not us!" I totally burst out laughing, and threw my hands in the air, acting as innocent as I could, but I knew I had been properly chastised for my cookie addiction. They're so healthy- their parents have raised them right. :)

I definitely have been blessed with the family I homeschool. They're wonderful, and there are so many other stories and beautiful memories I have from spending time with them. But as wonderful as it has been getting to know them, I also have never felt more inadequate. Every day, I have had to ask the Lord for grace when it comes to helping the boys. I'm not an amazing, do-it-all type of teacher. In fact, I saw several ways that I failed. But every time, the Lord has protected these boys, and kept me going for the next day. God's been so faithful to us all. I will miss them as I leave for the next part of my time in Thailand- churchplanting.

Prayer Requests:
1. For the parents language study in Lopburi- that the Lord would continue to provide smooth language acquisition (they will continue to study until next February)
2. For the Mayer family health- the wife has suffered several times from sickness; please pray for good health for all of them
3. For their next homeschool teacher that is set to come in August- please pray that she would come as soon as possible and that it would be a smooth transition for her and the boys
4. For the Mayers as they will eventually leave Lopburi and head on up to Chiang Mai- that the Lord will bless their obedience and guide them as they serve Him in north Thailand

MAYER FAMILY PHOTO COLLECTION

Oliver and Noah

Noah and Luke having a cool fruit drink.

Lounging Mayers' (Noah and Deborah)

This is why I love this family- they can cut a watermelon with a large cleaver, no questions asked! :)

Ninja Mayer (aka Luke)

Selah, Deborah, and Luke

Another reason I love this family- looking for bed sheets is a family affair and requires the careful consideration of every color (even the leopard print)- we're definitely related somehow!

Noah (I often found the boys holding one of these, filled with water, and joyfully waiting to drench me)

Selah Mayer, happy as can be! :)

A Reunion of Sorts

I feel blessed to be in Chiang Mai (north Thailand). I'm at a reunion of sorts. One where missionaries learn how to love and serve the people back in their respective countries. I'm not allowed to give out a ton of information about it. But I can tell you that many of these missionaries come from countries that are considered "closed" to the Gospel- countries that you could be imprisoned for your faith, where you can't get into without having a business or educational purpose.

And I just feel so blessed to be around so many amazing brothers and sisters in Christ. Who struggle but who also find worth in daily living for the Lord in these countries. And here I am, serving their kids through childcare on a team with 30 other people from around the world (countries such as Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Philippines, Germany, Switzerland, Canada, South Korea, and the US). And I'm humbled and loving it. 

My roommate is from Hong Kong, and it's interesting each day learning how to be sensitive to her and her culture. You wouldn't think it would be hard, but it is. As an American, we have such individualistic, strong opinions on everything- and most of the time we're wrong (we're so focused on ourselves and our country). I'm realizing my opinion doesn't really matter, because she's not American, nor does she think the same way I do. But it's strange- we've formed this bond. Like a sister-ship. We talk about what God is doing in our lives, the future and the past, and also things/ways we can share Christ with those around us. Though we have our ways that we're not alike, there are also ways that we are similar. And before I knew it, I realized how thankful I was for her, not only as a roommate, but as a friend, and sister in Christ.

That's what's so amazing about this missionary reunion. Meeting people from all around the world, all with the common passion and calling to serve the people of Asia and to bring the Gospel to these people. All together, God has called each of us (and their churches and supporters back home) to serve here. Amazing!

I'm reminded of this picture in Heaven:

"I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands. And they were shouting with a mighty shout, 'Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb (Rev. 7:9-10).'"

And I'm so thankful for this picture and for the hope of worshiping alongside these people from many nations, tribes, and languages, who are my brothers and sisters, and with whom I will stand next to in Heaven, worshiping our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. And my God moves my heart, and it wants to see more people, such as the Thai staff here at the conference center, who serve us each day in cleaning our rooms and making us food. I want to see these beautiful, smiling faces come to know the Jesus that loves them, and to find freedom in Him. And I know that when we come together in prayer, God answers in ways that we never thought were possible.

Prayer Requests: 

- For the missionaries at this reunion- that this would be a time of rest and being refreshed in God's Word; as they travel back to their ministry countries- that they would be refreshed to start back into sharing Him with their neighbors and the people they interact with on a daily basis
- For the MK's (Missionary kids) here- that they would have a good time; one where they make friends that would last a life time.
- For our Childcare Team- that God would give us strength for each day; some of our team members have been having bad dreams (please pray for restful nights of sleep); that we would love the children where they're at
- For the Thai staff at this Conference center (where we're staying)- that our actions would speak only of Jesus and that His love would shine through our actions and hearts (and that they would want to know more)

Thank you to each of you for praying and walking alongside me here in Thailand. We can rejoice in the peace of Christ and His continual workings around the world. Blessings and love, Faith

Changing Plans to Stay Longer in Thailand

I'm really excited to tell you all that plans have changed. I will be staying in Thailand a little longer than originally scheduled. A lot of prayer has gone into this, as well as a lot of asking questions and seeking after God. Rather than going to Taiwan as originally planned, I asked to stay longer in Thailand (therefore not going to Taiwan) in order to see more of the ministries here. So far, I've been homeschooling, and have gotten the chance to see two camps, but I'd like to see more. Because I'd like to go into missions long term, and I feel like I've only skimmed the surface of my time here, I can see that staying longer would help in deciding about long term missions.

So after I finish homeschooling in late June, I will participate in another missionary conference at the end of June and help with childcare. Then I will move on to Isaan (the Northeast part of Thailand- a more rural area) in July to see some pioneer-type church planting (starting from scratch in areas that have little to no churches). In August I will go to Lopburi, where I will have the opportunity to participate in student ministry until end of September. I'm excited about this part because I enjoy working with the youth back home, and would like to see how this joy might overlap with the youth here.

With this change, I am now learning Thai, and taking classes. This is an additional prayer request- that the Lord would give me a clear mind to learn Thai so that I can better glorify God here in Thailand, and form deeper relationships with the Thai's.

Please continue to be praying as we love on the Thai people together... now for a longer period of time :)

The Honest Reflections of a Struggling Missionary (Part 2)

Since coming to Thailand, it's become apparent that I just don't know that much about myself. I continue to be amazed about the things that I struggle with and my own character that I seem to fight against on a daily basis. I'm learning about the boundaries I need and the type of missionaries I "click" with, and the ones that I don't, and how to develop relationships with both.

I think mission trips have a way of revealing the hidden, ugly things we like to keep buried in our hearts. Like selfishness for instance. I'm always amazed at the way that ugly quality continues to show it's face at the most opportune moments.

I've struggled with transition here. I'm struggling with my unmet expectations here as far as doing what I thought I would come here to do, and doing what the Lord's assigned me for this short while. Homeschooling was never what I had in mind for 3 months, but it was what the Lord had in mind. Though I accept it, I still wrestle with it and the challenges it brings. And the fact that it brings out the scariest part of me- my selfishness.

Learning to working as a team, and accepting the things that I didn't plan for really turns my character inside-out so that all the smiles and masks wear away, and below you can see me, sitting there, shaking my fist, and wanting my way and being unsure of it all. And trying my best to roll with the punches, but being ready to give up at any second. Because truthfully, I'm frail and weak...and not as confident as I look. And I need something...someone greater to lean on and to trust in. Jesus.

"This isn't about you." I can't tell you how many times God has whispered that to my heart. And it hits me a like a ton of bricks. This never was about me. And I'm humbled. "Caring for other believers (Heb. 6:10)," and humbly obeying God and serving others are what I'm called to do right here, right now.

It always kicks me in the gut when I read in Philippians 2:3-4, "Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others too." And it goes on to talk about the attitude Christ took while on earth, He "took the humble position of a servant" and "humbled himself in obedience to God." And what did God do? God lifted Him up (verse 9).

So here I am, re-learning that selfishness doesn't bring anything but more selfishness. And it's the seeking of humility and love for others on a daily basis that brings me more joy than I can ever imagine. And the often oh-so-hard part for an independent American such as myself. Learning to lean on Christ and trust Him for the strength and love when I don't feel I have anymore to give- that's the best part. He's the only well deep enough to withstand the droughts of life, while continuing to overflow. And I pray that His love would continue to overflow in my life and relationships with others.

The Honest Reflections of a Struggling Missionary (Part 1)

Two weeks ago, I caught a ride on a "Songtaew" (a pickup truck type transportation here in Thailand- include picture) and headed to the grocery store. It was only half full inside, but I wanted to hang on the back and just look up at the sky (don't worry Mom, there are bars that hold you in! haha). It was a beautiful day with a gorgeous, robin-egg colored sky and white wispy clouds floating over. As an older Thai woman beckoned me to come in I politely said thank you but pointed up (trying to show her I just wanted to look up and be there). I just needed to take it in and remember it. I needed to be and to do something unroutine and whimsical. I wanted to enjoy that 15 minute ride and thank the Lord for the little things, such as the older Thai woman inside or the wispy clouds over head. And to just breathe...slowly, taking it all in and turning it into praise.

Do you ever feel that way? You just need time to take a breath and just breathe in and out, and soak it all in. Because before you know it the little beautiful moments that make up life pass us by, and I look back and I can't remember. I'm a collector, a collector of all the stress and rush, but I forget to lay that "stress mess" at the feet of Jesus, to release those moments to Him.  And I forget to collect the beauty around me, and the moments with people. I forget to turn those beautiful moments into thankfulness and praise back to God. I remember the stress and the rush, but not the little things, those moments that make living for God and loving others so worthwhile, and breathtakingly satisfying.

So I looked up at the sky, and felt consumed with the craziness of my schedule here, and just wanting a peace to fill me and relief from being a collector of my busyness. Missions and ministry can be overwhelming at times, or most of the time...if you forget Who it all belongs to. If you forget Who you belong to.

So after coming back to my apartment, I sat down and just read the Word. And there it was. Waiting for me, the same thing King David went through in the Old Testament. And I can feel it wrapping itself around me.

"Praise the Lord; praise God our Savior! For each day he carries us in His arms." Wow. All it took was a Psalm (68:19) to remind me who carries me. Who is behind my strength for the day. And who keeps me going when I can not. Praise the Lord :)

I hope and pray this encourages you as well, to take moments to breathe, and just sit and be still before God. And to remember Who it is that carries you. And to be okay with being carried on the days that you don't have the strength, and even on the days that you do.