lessons on the mountain

Today a friend and i went up to Forest Home to visit the summers staff. Official Summer Camp starts on Sunday, so we wanted a chance to see everyone, and meet the new staffers before the families started arriving.

Now, to add a little background, I have attended Forest Home as a family camper since i was 5 years old. It's the place where i first accepted the Lord, and like i've said before the Lord has broken me, built me, changed me there. I went there every summer up until last year. And i was heartbroken that i couldnt go back. I made some poor decisions and didnt return as a summer staffer. I was pretty bitter for a while. But now i can see how the Lord blocked me from returning because he wanted to show me that He isn't JUST AT Forest Home. That he can use me and break me and restore me ANYWHERE! Forest Home was becoming my "Summer God Fix" and i definitly wasn't growing. And now i am in one of the best places that i have ever been, especially with the Lord. But still, driving up the mountain, past the same trees, the same broken down cars, the same houses... my stomache starts to turn... I always get just a little anxious. But then, on the way home, i could just burst with Joy. Its always so mixed up and crazy. And i LOVE it.

So back to the real reason i am writing this blog. Wow. The Lord showed me some AMAZING things, just in the few hours that i visited today. But i will choose one... my favorite... and here it is.

Working at Forest Home, i have met MANY great Christian guys. And up until today i never thought anything of it. But as i was looking around at the new staff, and talking about old times with others, i realized what a BLESSING it was to come into contact with so many great men. Each one of them has something that i know the Lord wants me to look for in the man i am going to marry. One is extremely caring. Another more wise than anyone ive ever met. One loves kids with all his heart, another is super adventurous. One, a hopeless romantic; another listens intently to what you have to say... i mean, the list goes on! And what a great way for God to say, "Here child, THIS is what i want for you! Look what i have waiting for you! Don't settle again! Trust me with this... give it over... it is going to be AMAZING!"

Thank You Father! Thank You for the sunrise the other morning at work, and for the great conversation over coffee last night. Thank You for the breeze, and thank You for my MOM. Thank You for these lessons, and thank You for allowing me to see what it is You are teaching me. ♥