Wishin' and Hopin' and Thinkin' and Prayin'

And waiting...

Yes, waiting is how I've been spending the majority of my time this last week. But as Dionne Warwick pointed out, you won't get Him thinkin' and a-hopin'. I have to show Him that I care just for Him. I need to do the things He likes to do and love Him. Wearing my hair just for Him probably wouldn't hurt my odds, either. But hours worth of hoping He's going to speak to me isn't going to be very effective if I want something to actually take place - besides me falling asleep with that same longing. Showing him I care by reading His word, praising Him and singing my heart out for Him, not caring how others perceive me,  and diligently waiting on Him to come around are the key ways He's going to show up.

Of course, I still have to put all this into practice or I will still be sitting here wondering how long I'm going to wrestle with the Angel of God before He blesses me. I'm sure in the weeks to come I'll look back on this entry and laugh at the ways He's made himself known since then. As for now though, I'm anticipating that.

Still, Small Voices

My Discipleship Training School has officially been in session for 3 days, and within that amazingly small frame of time God has been showing up in the largest possible way. Although our small group of people have only known each other for less than five days, we immediately had the strangest sensation of being long time friends. Not just that, but every staff member has commented on the fast progression of our group's worship and communication style with one another. Testimony day was revealing and emotional, and we've all been brought to deeper levels of understanding with the other.

On a personal level, God has really been speaking to my heart regarding my past. Just today He spoke through someone else regarding Isaiah 54. Read it - it will blow your mind. Or...at least it did for me! Ultimately it says that even though I was forsaken as a young married woman, God raised me up and fashioned me into a weapon for his use through those experiences. Interestingly enough, yesterday it was revealed to me that Mandi actually means Warrior Maiden.

So many stories such as these have happened only within the last 24 hours. He's spoken through other people regarding my future husband, and has revealed to me the qualities that man will possess. I cannot wait to spend my life with this person, but at the same time am in such a wonderful growing and learning period with the Lord that I know He's making me into the woman of God that this man will need so that we can be in ministry together - Like Priscilla and Aquila of the bible.

Rocky Mountain High

I arrived in Colorado late Wednesday night and since then have been doing nothing but sightseeing. It's been great, but I can't help but wonder what happened to the frigid temperatures I was told to prepare for. Not that I'm complaining; I can't stand for the temps to even dip below the 70 degree mark, let alone be so cold you need snow chains to pull you and your vehicle down the road. Luckily I think God is slowly getting me used to the weather, so we've had two beautiful days!

I'm so excited and nervous to be traveling to Colorado Springs on Saturday. My brother made the very long drive to Denver with me from Nashville, but he'll be staying at our friends while I move to my new home with YWAM. Excited because of what I know God is getting me ready to learn, see and do. Nervous because I'll be surrounded by many people I've never met, and a few I only know slightly. Never one to willingly give up my comfortable, familiar set of friends, I'm definitely stepping out of my comfort zone. But as I realize, and everyone keeps confirming, this group of people I'll be spending each day with for at least the next six months is exactly who God has chosen for His work. That's amazing when you stop to think about it. He spoke to each of us individually for this common goal that we aren't even aware of yet. We will each be bringing something to the mix that is unique and yet similar to accomplish whatever the end goal is going to be! Needless to say, that tips the scale heavily in excited's favor!