exciting!

Those of you who have been keeping up with my posts know that this hasn't been the easiest summer.  I LOVE it here, I LOVE our team, and I really don't want this summer to end.... but at the same time, there have certainly been frustrations and insecurities along the way.  Well, I wanted to write an especially positive entry tonight because the Lord has been so gracious to me lately.  Of course he always is gracious, but I've just been so excited/encouraged to have some very clear answers to prayer recently!  Mostly, this has come in the form of having lots of youth-related stuff going on!!  I often wonder if I'm contributing anything worthwhile here, and of course God doesn't have to give me any assurance about that... BUT, graciously, he has been giving me a lot of encouragement in that area!  Also, I've been struggling with being convinced of his goodness... but I am so blessed... I've been able to have some meaningful conversations with Alan, Kathy, and some team members about it, and I know the scripture I've been reading has made a huge difference too.  My heart's really been worked on lately.  This is a vague post, and I don't know if it makes any sense.... but basically, I am so thankful.