As always...It feels like/has been a while since I have written on my blog...oops. So with all apologies given and received...Heres the life of "this guy"...Things are good, in a mellow and reflective way. Life at the Cleft has been good and is in a time of reflection of sorts. As staff go on furloughs...come back from furloughs...some are coming on staff...and some are leaving. All these changes are very much bittersweet. I am very much excited to see some of our staff move on to different things, as they hear Gods voice and follow the wisest of Shepard's...But it leaves me sad; knowing that amazing mountains of ministry have been moved and others loom in the distance for us to move by the Grace and leading of God...But I seek to take it all "one day at a time..." So life is good at the Cleft for sure. I am very much trying to hear God's voice on the direction my own ministry will take within the Cleft. I am seeking to spend more time doing evangelism and relationship building on the streets of the Red Light Districts...but very much praying about what that will look like. What does fruit truly look like? Whats in Gods heart? It triggers me to be a workaholic of sorts I guess at times. When I feel those emotions I know that I need to take a big step back and remember that its God who changes hearts and lives, not me.
So... My life outside the Cleft has been good and challenging. I am building more and more friendships outside of YWAM within the city. I am pleased about that. I really want to have strong and real Christian friendships within Amsterdam. Thats important to me. I have been going to some nice party's/get togethers with friends...running and training for up coming races...playing football(soccer) with friends on Sundays...and swimming/bridge jumpin'...Those things have been a real blast and blessing. Its these kinds of things that make me feel whole and normal. They bring pleasure and stability to my life here. I like that. This past Saturday a good friend of mine, Naomi, had her birthday here in Amsterdam so she threw a great party and it was a blast. I even baked her a great cherry pie for her!...I have never baked a pie in all my years and it was blast...I wanted to do somethings fun for her birthday, not just give the normal card or anything...I did have some help with it from some other friends though...It was great...It was funny/weird for her to receive it, but she totally loved and thought it was hilarious...A bright smile was my pleasant reward!...
But this night was very peaceful for me...About 11:30pm I walked down to the bay by my building...I sat on the dock and enjoyed the refreshing night air...This time brought me to reflection...It really made me think of home in Minnesota...A specific place came to my mind...A friend of mine named Jason owns a small farm of sorts there which we call "Sonny's Farm". Its named after the previous owner who's a real character. Anyway...Its a very peaceful place and always brings beautiful memories for me...I even was able to see the Big Dipper glimmering through the haze of bright city lights that illuminate the city of Amsterdam...Thats life these days...oh so busy, but oh so good. I am learning more and more about life...relationships...ministry...and how to truly walk with Jesus through it all...thanks for all your emails and encouragements...keep the coming...Doei!...will
