City Love
street art. #lavillita #littlevillage #nofilter (at Little Village)
Just cookin some lunch! (at Gyu-Kaku Chicago)
The other night, I was at a birthday party for a guy I’ve literally met three times. Needless to say, there were about 5 people there that I knew. Kristi (my roommate and best friend of 10 years), her boyfriend, and I arrived at the party together and naturally shuffled off to a corner to sit and talk. We eventually struck up a familiar conversation about relationships, and not just the romantic kind. I found myself, from being in an unfamiliar surrounding and a long week of work, yet again being introspective (which honestly I can’t say if i love or hate this side of myself). If there’s one thing I’ve discovered over the years, it’s that I’m irrationally sensitive and insecure about my friendships.
The thing is… I love my friends.I am so blessed to have incredible people in my life- hilarious, considerate, compassionate, and kind. (Seriously, read any previous blog post and it’s probably about one of my friends. I’m obsessed.) But, I’m learning that growing up means that I can’t connect in the same way with everyone in my life.
I have married friends, engaged friends and single friends. I have friends in big cities and friends in small towns. There are friends who live overseas and friends who live in the next bedroom. Some friends are constant and others come and go. Friends who call me everyday, some who text incessantly and then those who call once a year.
Okay I know it sounds like a Dr. Seuss book, but I think you get where I’m going with this….I love love love my friends.
But, I also have high expectations.
It was so easy when we were all in high school/college/argentina together. We shared the same circles, the same struggles, and the same stories. Now, as I begin life in the “Real World”, friendships are tough.
Amidst the crowd of people and loud noises from the bar, our conversation continued until Kristi, in her way of being so honest and direct which I respect so much, spoke out: “It’s normal to think that you’re not going to be friends with everyone forever. There are some people that you will drift away from. Some people that just won’t and can’t be a part of your life anymore. Or maybe they will be, but not in the same way. Sometimes you just have to move on.”
For some reason, my mouth spoke something before I even realized how bad it was hurting my heart. I blurted out: “But the truth is… other people are moving on without me. I’m not moving on without them. It’s not ME drifting away. It’s them moving away from me. And it sucks.”
The harsh reality is that as much as I know that all the wonderful friends I have care about me so deeply, we just aren’t the same people anymore. I feel like writing this blog is making it sound like I’m trying to end something… but truthfully, I’m not. I’m not saying that I need to act differently, or make less effort, or that I’m upset with someone. All I’m saying is that inwardly, I need to accept that I am very different now than I was four years ago at FSU or even a year and a half ago in Argentina. I need to accept that an era has come and gone, and learn how to make friends (and keep the old!) as a 25 year-old single female with a 9-5 in one of the largest cities in America and who will spend the majority of her time traveling and working. Ya feel me??
Growing up is freeing, but it also just royally sucks sometimes.
“I sought the Lord and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears…. Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack! The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.” - Psalm 34:4, 9-10
I’ll be honest as I sit down to write this post, I don’t even really know where to begin. The only words that I can really speak right now are: “God is good.”
If you’re reading this blog chances are you know how hard it’s been for me this past year. Almost one year ago exactly I was grieving my departure from Argentina and stepping into a new chapter of my life. This last year has been one of the hardest for me spiritually because I came home to Florida only to realize I had never felt further away from “home”. (see previous blog post) I suffered to find community and had no idea what steps to take to fulfill God’s plan for my life. The biggest ? of them all, though, was what job I should pursue. I knew that I didn’t want to be in Niceville, and didn’t think it was healthy for me spiritually, but I didn’t know how to leave or where to go or what I’d even do there.
So, after a serious of events, I spent my year in Niceville waiting tables, helping my family as my mom underwent two surgeries, worked as a bilingual data-collector, and then eventually planned to move in with my best friend Kristi to Chicago- still direction-less, but anxious to make a change.
Although It’d be easy to look back and say that this past year was a waste, I know that each and every moment has been part of an incredible journey God purposed for me. I just recently (on Friday!!) was offered a job as an Event Manager for a company here in Chicago called Marcus Evans. They are an international company and my job will be to plan 2-3 day events for leading executives where we provide networking and expertise in their particular industry. My first event will be in February in Panama!!! I’m so blessed to have been offered this position, and so humbled at seeing how God has answered my prayer. As I accept this position and reflect back, I see how so many of the puzzle pieces are coming together- my job as a data collector helped me improve my Spanish in a professional setting, my time waiting tables increased my salesmanship and gave me confidence in speaking with people I don’t know, my love of the big city led me to Chicago, where Kristi just so happened to need a new roommate…. and the list goes on.
A few days ago I came across this commentary from Matthew Henry on Psalm 30. Here’s what He says: “When things are well with us, we are very apt to think that they will always be so. When we see our mistake, it becomes us to think with shame upon our carnal security as our folly. If God hide his face, a good man is troubled, though no other calamity befal him. But if God, in wisdom and justice, turn from us, it will be the greatest folly if we turn from him. No; let us learn to pray in the dark.“ This last statement really struck me because I think for the first time I realized I was in dark. My type A personality doesn’t favor the unknown, and my prayer life had been reflecting that.
Though I may not be as “in the dark” about my job situation now, I want to incorporate this revelation in the future, or in current circumstances that are uncertain. My faith has been tested and refined so much in this last year, and as I processed out loud with my roommate yesterday, I shared with her how I always stress and agonize over these various uncertainties, but in the end come out believing stronger and with more certainty that my God is who He says He is. What an incredible God who uses these situations to draw us closer to Him.
“I sought the Lord and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears…”
“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions”
I ran across this psalm of David’s this morning and was reminded again of how abundant God’s grace really is. David wrote this psalm after his infamous night with Bathsheba. It’s easy to read that story or to read this psalm and not understand David’s pain. We get so jaded by our own sin in our lives sometimes. This morning as I read through this psalm, the Lord revealed to me my own sin and shame and the beauty of his grace. I needed that reminder today.
“Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment.”
Just because our sin isn’t harmful to other people, or we don’t feel the consequences or guilt, doesn’t mean it isn’t sinful. The only person who often feels the weight of our sin is the Lord, but how much more should that drive us to repentance? I don’t mean to say that we should wallow in our shamefulness, but repentance is much more than that. It means a desire to change- to turn away from our behavior that so often grieves the Lord.
“Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.”
“Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice.
Hide your face from my sins, and blot out my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.”
Only when we are honest with ourselves and with the Lord can he repair what has been broken. And in that reparation comes a fresh joy as we revel in the Lord’s forgiveness and unfailing mercies.
“Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, O God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness.
O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.
For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.”
I love this part of the psalm and how David describes his desire to please the Lord. He knows that this is only possible through God’s saving grace. By asking the Lord to open his lips, he shows his true dependance on Him, even to declare His praises.
“Do good to Zion in your good pleasure; build up the walls of Jerusalem; then you will delight in right sacrifices, in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings; then bulls will be offered on your altar.”
David ends his psalm with a prayer for his people- that the Lord would be praised not only in His life, but all over the earth.
I’m praying for a clean heart today, trusting in the Lord’s strength to heal, to forgive, and to change. Chicago is about a fresh start for me, but I know that none of that is possible without the Holy Spirit. I don’t want to lose sight of that in the midst of these changes. I hope this serves as a reminder of His love and faithfulness to you today, just as it has for me.
It finally happened! Currently I’m sitting in my new apartment listening to the sounds of heavy traffic outside my window and writing this blog before beginning another full day of errands. I must say, for an unemployed woman, I’ve been pretty busy upon my arrival here in Chicago. Today, though, I decided that before doing anything I wanted to take time to reflect. Reflect on where I’m at now and where I want to be- spiritually, emotionally, physically, etc.
I found this verse tucked away in a book of God’s promises, handmade by a great friend of mine. “You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in your providence watched over my spirit.” - Job 10:12.
In this verse, the reference is quite possibly as important as the content. Chances are you are familiar with the biblical character of Job, but just in case, let me brief you. Job was a godly man who lived a life of abundance. He had a great family, a successful job, and a healthy, thriving relationship with the Lord. Naturally, Satan saw this as an opportunity for destruction. The book of Job begins with a dialogue between the Lord and Satan that results in God allowing Job to be tested through many different trials. His family, wealth, and health are all taken away in an attempt to get Job to curse the name of the Lord.
So let’s review that verse again: ”You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in your providence watched over my spirit.” - Job 10:12
Among all the biblical examples we’re given, I so admire and respect the man of faith we find in Job. To have everything taken away from you and still praise the name of the Lord- that is some serious trust. Take that, Satan! Mission not accomplished. Job’s faith was untainted by his loss because he knew that the only thing he ever needed could never be taken away.
This verse finds me in a place of confusion and expectancy. Without a job, I’m having to trust in God’s provision. Without a community, I’m having to trust in God’s sovereignty. I know he has such a great plan and purpose for my life: not because I’m so great, but because He is. I’m humbled by the Lord’s mercy this morning. The way that He orchestrates each of our lives is so beautiful, but often so hard to see. I’m excited about the adventure He has for me and I only hope and pray that I am able to trust him with the same faith as his servant Job.
“In his providence, he watches over my spirit…”
Nomad
a member of a people having no permanent abode, and who travel from place to place to find fresh pasture for their livestock.
• a person who does not stay long in the same place; a wanderer.
ORIGIN late 16th cent.: from French nomade, via Latin from Greek nomas, nomad- ‘roaming in search of pasture,’ from the base of nemein ‘to pasture.’
I find it interesting that the more industrialized our society has become, the less nomadic it has become. If we search through history, and even more specifically, biblical history, nomadic cultures are more of the norm rather than the exception. I love the stories of the Israelites as they spend 40 years wandering the desert. While it doesn’t exactly sound like a walk in the park, I can’t help but respect their necessity to depend on the Lord and nothing else as they moved from place to place, oftentimes with nowhere to lay their head. I long for that dependence on my Savior.
Here’s where I’m coming from…
Life without Argentina has left me feeling, for lack of a better word, empty. I find myself longing to be back in Buenos Aires: in my apartment preparing for my discipleship appointments, in the park with friends, or dancing salsa until all hours of the morning. Then I force myself back into the reality that even if I did live there again, I’d miss home: my nieces and nephews who are constantly growing and changing, the endless variety of food at my fingertips, my loyal, irreplaceable, and steadfast friendships that help me keep my heart fixed on Jesus, but then again, Argentina has been such a huge part of my spiritual process… but the United States is where I grew up… it’s what I know.
So where do I belong?
Maybe that’s the whole point. I don’t belong here.
“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.” {Philippians 3:20}
Over the years as we’ve developed socially, industrially and otherwise, we’ve decided it’s time to make our beds… and lie in them. The American Dream is all about reaching the top and parking your $90,000 car there alongside your million-dollar home without even a thought of what’s being sacrificed. As our culture settles, we really are settling for something far less than what we were created for.
There’s no need for God when I make enough money to feed 100 families. There’s no need for God when people respect me because of my reputation. There’s no need for God when I have a significant other who makes me feel good about myself. There’s no need for God when I do what I want, when I want, and how I want.
Is that reality? I don’t think so.
The more attached I become to a particular place, the more out of place I really feel. My citizenship is in heaven.
The more attached I become to my stuff, the more empty it leaves me. Every good and perfect thing comes from above.
This song puts into better words than I could ever muster to describe how I’m feeling.
It was a beautiful let down
When I crashed and burned
When I found myself alone unknown and hurt
It was a beautiful let down
The day I knew
That all the riches this world had to offer me
Would never do
In a world full of bitter pain and bitter doubt
I was trying so hard to fit in, fit in,
Until I found out
I don’t belong here
I don’t belong here
I will carry a cross and a song where I don’t belong
But I don’t belong
It was a beautiful let down
When you found me here
Yeah for once in a rare blue moon I see everything clear
I’ll be a beautiful let down
That’s what I’ll forever be
And though it may cost my soul
I’ll sing for free
We’re still chasin our tails and the rising sun
And our dark water planet’s
Still spinning in a race
Where no one wins and no one’s one
I don’t belong here
I don’t belong here
I’m gonna set sight and set sail for the kingdom come
I will carry a cross and a song where I don’t belong
But I don’t belong
I don’t belong here
I don’t belong here
Kingdom come
Your kingdom come
{Switchfoot- Beautiful Letdown}
From processed foods to spray tans to Laguna Beach to colored contacts to hair extensions to social networks to advertising to…well, you get the point… our culture is starved for authenticity. In our products, in our relationships, and especially in our spiritual lives, we’ve glossed over the real and injected, morphed, and disguised some of the most valuable things in our lives.
Let me start by saying, I’ve been so blessed by each and every incredible person I’ve met along this exciting, intense, and challenging journey (read: life). Most people I know don’t have the database of loyal, encouraging, and exhorting friends who consistently breathe authenticity into their lives as I do. Please note: without them, I’m a MESS. And while I’m so enjoying all my *free time* in Niceville these days, I find myself craving the depth and significance of these relationships. Remember when all I had to do was knock on a neighbor’s door or drive a half mile down the road? College is too short!
Just recently I had the privilege of making a short appearance at a women’s retreat for FSU’s Campus Crusade ministry. The night that I arrived, to hone in on their previous talk, the girls asked all of us to participate in a survey. Each girl was presented with a list of common struggles or sins and was asked to check off any they had committed in the past anonymously. Now, stay with me… After checking off each item (examples: I’ve cheated on my boyfriend, I’ve gossiped, I’ve looked at pornography, etc…), the anonymous surveys were then collected, shuffled, and passed back at random until each girl was holding the survey of another girl. Then, someone read through the list and asked each person to stand if that particular item was checked. What a way to build authenticity in a group of college women!!!! I was FLOORED by the responses and the maturity of these women and longed to share my heart with each of them.
And what a way to debunk our culture! “When people stop being polite… and start getting real…” What MTV tried to do, but failed to do…these girls BROUGHT IT. Let’s be authentic people of Christ- not for the sole purpose of “Being Real”, but so that the TRUTH of who Christ is can shine in our weaknesses. THAT’s true authenticity. And I LOVE it.
Memories.
Here’s some questions I’ve responded to reflecting on my year here in Argentina. As I live up these last two weeks, I’ve been spending lots of time journaling on all the Lord has done and just some great times I’ve had. Here’s a few of my thoughts…
8. Describe a funny moment you shared with your team.
There are so many and so many ridiculous ones. I think one of the funnest and funniest times I’ve had with my team was September 11th, when we ran the half marathon. JM had the American flag painted across his chest, Cari was the statue of liberty, Ben was Abraham Lincoln and Jessica had an American flag shirt on. Whenever Tiffany was getting ready to finish, we all ran across the finish line with her in our crazy costumes. It was so fun to be able to share that moment together and to cheer Tiff on in such a crazy fashion!
9. What new things have you discovered about yourself?
I think over this past year I’ve realized how comfortable I can really be in America. I rarely share my faith. I always have food on the table and plenty of clothes to wear. I got to see my friends and family pretty much whenever I wanted. There are just so many blessings that I had in my life in the States and I think I’ve realized how 1. I took so many of those things for granted and 2. Many of them are luxuries not necessities. I’m hoping that on my return to the States I learn to appreciate my many blessings and even strip my life of the thousand luxuries I possess.
10. Is there anything that has surprised you within the South American culture?
If there is one thing I admire about the culture here in Argentina it’s their emphasis on sacrifice. All the people I have the privilege of working alongside here in Buenos Aires are men and women of great faith. Many of them sacrifice daily for the ministry here and ultimately, for the sake of the Gospel and the Kingdom. They choose to live in smaller homes in often dangerous neighborhoods to share Christ with the University students instead of taking high-paying jobs as architects, engineers, or whatever else where they could afford other means. Their obedience to God’s call challenges me to check my faith everyday.
11. How have you seen God moving in Argentina?
I think one of the coolest things I can look back and see is how He’s raised up movements on the campuses here in BA. When I first arrived in Argentina, Vida was only on the Agronomy and Ciudad campuses, with a few contacts on Law and Econ. Well, the first semester we moved to Econ full time. Through moving to Econ we met students in Medicine who formed their own movement on the campus there. Then, the next semester, Tiff and Garrett moved to Law full time. We’ve gone from two campus movements to 5!! Not to mention the movements being raised up in UNLAM and the UNQUI.
12. What has God revealed to you through His Word?
See previous blog post. I’ve learned SO much about the Holy Spirit this year!
13. Have you identified any idols in your life?
Every. Single. Day. I think everyday the Lord reveals to me how many things I put before him. But the greatest idol I’ve discovered in my life is myself. My own selfishness gets in the Lord’s way so often. Through prayers, time in the Word, and great community, however, I see the Lord destroying this idol in my life and causing me to yield to His control and His will.
14. Share your favorite memory.
This is probably one of the toughest questions. I’ll share one of my favorite memories from a more recent time. I really love to dance and thankfully, so do two of my best guy friends here in Argentina. They’ve taught me salsa, merengue, bachata, and more dances over the last year and I’ve learned to love them! One night a couple weekends ago, we went out to this bar in San Telmo and danced for hours. I didn’t get home until 5 or so in the morning! It was such a fun night and made discover how far the Lord has brought me in my time here in Argentina. It wasn’t a super-spiritual moment, but still meaningful because I was able to see how the Lord has truly formed a life for me here in Buenos Aires.
15. What attribute of God are you finding most difficult to grasp? Why?
I think I’ve struggled a lot to understand God’s grace. I’m really hard on myself and I struggle a lot with accepting who I am in light of who God is. It’s hard to believe that someone so perfect can love me so much. As a result, it’s hard for me to give grace to others. This is one area I really hope the Lord will start transforming in my life.
16. Describe an embarrassing moment.
German: Che, mira tu brazo! (putting his hand around my arm to demonstrate how small it is)
Me: Tengo huevos chiquitos….
….
No!!! Huesos! Huesos chiquitos!!!!
For those of you who don’t speak Spanish…. I’m sorry, but some things are just better left unsaid.
17. Has there been a book of the Bible or verses that have encouraged and/or challenged your faith?
“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their good with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” Acts 2:42-47
18. Describe a time (or times) where you shared your faith and saw God working through you.
Well God has definitely been faithful this year and I have been able to see him moving in such incredible ways. I think the coolest thing has been seeing him work through me to reach Sofia. I had just begun doing surveys on my own, and each time was a struggle for me- not only with the language, but in taking risks and stepping out in faith. So, whenever I met Sofia on Economics I was doubtful that the Lord would move so powerfully! During our conversation, It was so incredible to see that light go off for her in understanding God’s grace. Since that one conversation, we’ve become such good friends, and as I walk with her, this continuous journey has been so fun! I’m constantly encouraged by how God is drawing her into a relationship with Him. Just recently she went on a retreat with us and expressed how the Lord just made everything “click”. Now, she has returned to BA with a heart to not only seek the Lord each and everyday, but to also share Christ with those around her. She recently said at our Vida meeting, “I want to belong to the generation that makes a change in the world.” God is POWERFUL.
Unfulfilled.
Frustrated.
Struggling.
These 3 words are an accurate description of my journey over the last decade in my relationship with the Lord. I’m a perfectionist by nature and my walk with the Lord is no exception. In high school, I was arrogant, trying to prove myself to others, to myself, and even to the Lord by making sure I didn’t “screw up” in front of others, especially non-believers. I was legalistic, judgmental and secretly frustrated in my inability to achieve perfection. In college, I went through my own version of rebellion- abandoning many of my previous standards out of exasperation and desperation for change. I was no longer the pedantic Christian, but had instead transformed into an apathetic bystander in my relationship with the Lord. It wasn’t until this past year on STINT that the Lord started to reveal to me the cause of my malaise.
Naturally, Argentina has cultivated my spiritual growth in a lot of ways, but probably the most valuable thing I will take away from my experience is how the Lord has revealed his very nature to me in such a fresh way. Over the past year, I’ve become more acquainted with the person of the Holy Spirit and as a result have been able to experience more intimacy in my relationship with the Lord.
I just recently finished reading Forgotten God by Francis Chan, which deals with this third identity of God, whom is often neglected. As Chan describes his sin struggles and the disconnect they caused between himself and the Lord, it was easy to connectwith his sentiments: “I wanted to prove that I was sorry for what I did by being faithful for a period of time… I wanted God to see that I could be a good servant… But God didn’t want a good slave that tried really hard. He wanted me to see that He was a good Father. He wants intimacy” (emphasis mine).
So many times I think that the end I’m striving for is this state of perfection: never sinning, always doing the “right thing”, and with total and complete humility. Easy enough, right??
As I read this book and as the Lord began to reveal to me the power of the Holy Spirit, I was reminded that this is not the goal. The greatest error I was committing was not the fight against the sins in my life, but it was that in trying to overcome these sins, I was taking complete control of everything. I was trying to work things out in my own strength to prove that I was a “good servant”. Christ’s mission, however, in going to the cross was not because He wanted us to lead these perfect lives in response. Christ went to the cross because He loves us and desires intimacy with us that was only possible through His sacrifice.
“Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.” (John 16:7)
And now, God, by giving us the Holy Spirit, desires for us to experience that intimacy daily by surrendering complete control to Him and allowing Him to transform us. The frustration I was experiencing in my life wasn’t caused by my failures, but by my control.
I wish I could say this was an easy learning process, but it wasn’t. Giving up control can be painful and scary, but there is nothing greater than seeing the Lord work through our lives in the ways that He desires. When I think about the fact that the same God I serve is the creator of the Universe, who understands the complexities and intricacies of the Human body, who is the same God who called the galaxies into being, and is the same God who controls the storms, I’m suddenly left with a different perspective. If God left His Holy Spirit to live and dwell in me, WHY would I not claim that gift?! Romans 8:9 states “You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.” So then, the question for those of us who believe is not: “Do I have the Holy Spirit?” but rather, “Am I allowing the Holy Spirit to work powerfully in my life?”.
As we read through scripture, there is great evidence of God moving because of how the Church was relying on the power of the Holy Spirit to heal and to save the lost. These famous verses in Acts 2, just shortly after the Pentecost, are just one example of this:
“And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together, and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:43-47)
Francis Chan concludes his book describing how different the Church would look if we were consistently guided by the Holy Spirit in this same way. As Chan reflects on his own story, he states, “I don’t want my life to be explainable without the Holy Spirit.”
How would you explain your life if someone asked? Is it even possible to tell your story without mentioning the Lord or is there a necessity for supernatural power? As we reflect on these challenges, my prayer is that we would surrender all things to the Lord and allow Him to work mightily in our lives for the sake of His glory and His Kingdom.
