Care Free...What Does That Mean?

"When was the last time you were care free?" As I was enjoying some sunshine on Monday afternoon this question interrupted my thoughts. As a trio of birds flew over head I pondered the question. Every day, from the moment we awake till our heads hit the pillow, we are faced with questions, concerns and challenges.
"What will I wear?"
"What kind of weather will there be today?"
"What will I eat today?"
"How will I get to work/school?"
"How will I pay the bills? Where is the money coming from?"
"What does that person think of me?"
"Where will I find the time do get x, y and z finished?"
"Did ____ remember to do ___?"

These and many more are questions we face every day. How can we possibly keep up? I have often heard little children used as an example to portray a lifestyle that seems care free. But, even children have concerns though some may seem trivial in comparison with what we worry over as young people and adults. However, in a sense isn't most worry just trivial?

"Look at the birds. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren't you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?" Matthew 6:26-27 (emphasis mine)
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take." Proverbs 3:5-6

God tells us over and over again throughout the Bible that we have no need to worry. He promises that if we turn to Him for help and guidance that an answer/solution will come. From the beginning of time He has never failed to keep a promise. Yet, often times I need a daily reminder of His faithfulness. He is God. He knows what is taking place. He knows the desires of my heart. He cares. And He has it all under control.

How many times must I be reminded to trust? How many times must I surrender control? When can I stop asking questions and worrying? When time is no longer valid, I will still need to be reminded to trust and to surrender. I can keep asking questions, He's given me permission but under a specific guideline. The guideline involves quitting worry. For when I trust and let God handle the situation, before I even reach the end of my rope, I can stop worrying. He's got it. God is God. And my God is good!

So breathe, trust and let go. Learn what it means to be care free.

"What Are You Afraid Of?"

Jon's question is one that I have been wrestling with for the past few weeks. You see, since I arrived here in Perth back in October one of my desires for my time here was to be able to take part in staffing a six month Discipleship Training School run on base. I wasn't sure if it would ever take place, because I knew that God had called me to serve the base during my two year commitment. Was staffing a school meant to be part of this time of service?

Within two weeks of being on base I was discovering that there were a lot more schools running year round than what I was previously aware of. As a matter of fact we have about seventeen DTSs, over twenty second-level schools, and over twenty ministries running around base as well. On top of that we have new schools starting up seemingly every other month so we just keep growing, haha! All of the training programs are divided into four different quarters, but one that caught my attention from the start was the Four-Wheel Drive Adventure (4WD) DTS.
The 4WD DTS runs in both the January and the July quarters. As you may have guessed they use four-wheel drive vehicles to go out where others are not able to travel. One of the areas we travel too frequently is the Kimberly region in northern Western Australia where many aboriginal people live. For more information you can check out the website here!

I have been praying about being a part of staffing this July 4WD school since November, but was not able to meet with the leader of the school till a few weeks ago. He told me of the challenges awaiting me if I said yes, but also welcomed me to join the team. My mind was reeling. I went to God questioning if this opportunity could truly be mine. His sole response was, "what are you afraid of? Go for it!"

I can so easily look ahead with expectancy, yet when the time finally arrives to make a decision I begin to doubt and question. God is so good and so faithful in His guidance. I am so thankful for a Father that I can turn to without fear knowing that He will ease my doubt. I still have many questions, but the answers will come I just need to keep trusting.

I am staffing a six month school that begins in roughly five weeks. At the moment there are four staff and I am the only girl. We have twenty students, twelve girls and eight guys. Oh, and since this is a four-wheel drive DTS that means I need to learn to drive on the wrong side of the road! Many challenges and adventures lie ahead. I don't feel prepared whatsoever, but I am excited!

Will you join me in this upcoming journey? It's going to be a wild and crazy ride!

"My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast! I will sing and make melody!" Psalms 57:7 ESV

"Be strong and courageous! D not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9