Oozing Out Joy

Quite a few years ago I was really involved in my youth group at Mt. View Wesleyan Church in Oregon. I had a great core group of friends there and still look back on the many memories made and thank God I had those friends in my life at a time where friends are everything. One of the memories came up in my time with God this morning. I was listening to God is Able by Hillsong, and was overwhelmed by the reality that everything I was believing God for last year, has been fulfilled in ways I could not have even prayed a year ago. I was journaling about all of the specific things that God has done and just could not write fast enough. I was OOZING with joy.

I remember a message Erik Timmons spoke about oozing. His desire was the get us to realize that as Christian's, we are to live out our faith, to live out all that we believe. The work of the Lord is so amazing which means that we should be oozing with absolute joy. I remember him speaking about how he desired for our youth group to be different, to be just bursting with the love of the Lord. Then, the Oozer Times was born. A few of us came up with this "brilliant" idea to call ourselves oozers, and put out a monthly newsletter to the youth group. It's a blast looking back at how God's work spilled out in my life at 14-15-16-17.

Once again I'm overwhelmed with where God has taken me throughout the last few years. Thank you Erik Timmons for having patience with me and the rest of the crew. We were sure crazy, and I am still reminded of the love and joy you and Mary poured into my life. You truly were brought at such a time ordained by God. I want you to never forget what you did in my life, and in Zach's, Jon's, Becky's, Mandee's, Amye's, oh man the list could go on and on. Really though, I'm taking this moment to thank you for EVERY SINGLE THING you did for us. Thank you for being obedient to the calling on your life to lead us for those years. You both directed me towards the cross multiple times. I will be forever thankful. I love you.

Chris Swarty and Rach, you both were like family to me and even though I wasn't involved in youth quite yet, thank you for loving me and allowing me to be apart of your lives. I look at the way you did youth ministry and am still in awe. Being that Jason and I are leading the youth ministry at our church at this time, I find myself looking back at what blessed me at that age. You both demonstrated such open arms it's unbelievable. God has used you to bless more teens than most youth pastors could ever imagine. Thank you for being who you are. I love you.

Jeremy and Wanda, you both came at a time where I was moving out of the youth group, but I want you to know I adored the two of you and saw the gift you both brought to our church. You created an atmosphere of just crazy fun. Yet, you knew how to dig into the word and speak into our hearts. I look forward to listening to you preach again someday, or reading the book you will write. You are brilliant Jeremy, and Wanda, your spirit of peace and joy is contagious. I believe that you are the most incredible Mother to your four girls, and your precious boy that is dancing with Jesus to the curious George theme song. All of us that were touched by your precious boy, will never forget. It brought me such joy to see Carter's smile on your Christmas card. He is still in our hearts as much as he was when he was at our church every Sunday. I miss you guys and pray for you! I still adore you guys!

The last few years have been filled with up's and down's and alllllll around's. Yet each time I take a moment to thank God for all he has done, I am overwhelmed.

Thank you God for all you have done, all I can do is praise you.

He has:
Lead us both to move back to the states and fall in love with an incredible church.
Given us so many opportunities to use our gifts at City Bible Church
Allowed us to mentor and lead the youth ministry that is just beginning
Provided jobs we both just love
The perfect home for us at this time
Brought my soldier back to the states safe and sound
Given me so many wonderful memories with my family
Given a wonderful new family
Provided above and beyond my basic needs
Filled me with hope when I was filled with fear
Protected
Loved


I'm just thankful and in awe that God has held onto me so strongly. He truly is my love.