A God Blog

Before I left for Italy I had some friends and family who were worried for my spiritual life and relationship with Jesus, that it could become stagnant and meaningless.  I also had others who were extremely optimistic about how studying abroad would grow my relationship with Jesus and my reliance on Him.  I definitely feel like the later of these is true.  Although I have not had as much fellowship with other believers as I would in San Jose, my reliance on Jesus and my trust in him has definitely grown and my relationship is changing from only talking about God to talking with God.  I am being stretched to trust Him more than ever as my protector, my comforter, my friend, my father (knowing what is best for me) and my teacher.

I also have found that I am growing because of the need to rely on myself for spiritual feeding instead of relying on others to spoon feed me...at church, at Campus Crusade for Christ, at Bible study.  I definitely haven't been spending as much designated time with Jesus, but I feel like he has become more a part of my everyday life than only during my quiet time, as it was at home.

Since the day I left the U.S. I have been listening to and pondering the words of the Jon Foreman cd's Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer.  If you are ever at a loss of what to talk to God about, what to praise Him for or simply words of encouragement from Him...listen to these cd's!  They have been my constant companion these past 6 weeks.

I am not saying everything is hunky dory all the time or that I don't need a church or fellowship with other believers, but all in all, I am drawing nearer, not further away from my Savior.

I couldn't leave you without a beautiful picture, now could I?

For those of you who are praying for me while I am away, I do have a prayer request.  Homesickness and loneliness have been knocking at my door this week as the weather begins to change here.  I have not let them in, but they know where I live and are sure to be back.  I have 8 more months here and I cannot begin to feel this way yet.  These next 3 or 4 months will be the hardest for homesickness and I hope you will pray for me!