Fearfully Excited

So, it's been about a month and I want to try and upate this blog at least once a month before I leave for England next summer.  Here's a little update...
Today after church they had a membership vote as to whether or not I would be hired as p/t interim youth director.  And, the vote was affirmative!  I start on Tuesday morning. 
This is the way I had felt God was leading, but it is still somewhat overwhelming now that it has actually been approved.  I'm quite excited for this opportunity to be involved at my home church, which hasn't been able to happen very much the past years due to school, working Sundays, living overseas, etc.  But at the same time, I would say that I have a healthy dose of fear.  I've said numerous times that it was easy to get an A+ in the classroom, but it's impossible to get an A+ in real life.  Can I actually do what I've studied hard to be able to do?  Can I overcome my struggles with unhealthy perfectionism and give & accept the grace I need to do this?  There are many different questions like that.  It's in times like these that I'm all too aware of my need to depend on God for everything!  I know that if I try and do this on my own it will be quite miserable.  And so this new journey begins....Your prayers are more than appreciated, they are absolutely essential!!

Alas, this week I start at my church, and then next week school starts!  I am a f/t Educational Assistant in the Self Directed Learning class at the high school.  So with both jobs then, I'll be working more than 50 hours a week.  I'll be busy :)

Besides work, one really exciting thing (at least to me!) is that I have found a place where I 'take' seminary-level courses for free.  Well, really I only get the lectures, but still. http://www.worldwide-classroom.com/courses/ is the website.  It is through Covenant Theological Seminary.  I'd really been missing school and sad that I couldn't go back in the fall.  I love listening to lectures and soaking up knowledge.  So I've downloaded a couple courses and can listen to all the lectures I want for free, whenever I want!  I think God really provided this at the right time.  He's pretty good like that.

Anyway, this has gotten pretty long and I need not write more.  I don't know how many people actually read this, but at least I am doing my part to keep everyone updated.  It'd be nice to hear from some of you how things are and if you have prayer requests.  Oh, here are some of mine!
PRAYER REQUESTS
1) Prioritizing - I will be busy and want to keep the main things, the main things.  Pray I'd keep God at the centre and be able to prioritize the rest of things.
2) Time management - Pray that I'd manage my time well, as I will have more than enough things to fill it with!  Also that I'd make sure to set aside time for my own relationship with God, as well as family and friends.
3) Prep for OM - In the midst of the busyness of the upcoming year, I still need to prepare to go back to England.  There's lots to do yet, so I'd appreciate your prayers for God's provision.  If you're reading this now, have you prayed about becoming a part of my support team?  You can through prayer and financial support.  Consider $10, $20, or $50 / month, because your heart matters more than the amount.  Let me know if you want more info!

Thanks for persevering through this long blog post and many blessings to you
Tami

God is Laughing!

Thank you to everyone who could make it out to my presentation in church on Sunday, July 11.  It was very encouraging to see you all there, and especially to talk to some of you before & after the service.  I am excited to partner with you in this mission, and I know that God will do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine.  Of course there is still a long way to go before my departure, so I look forward to see how God will provide for our needs!

I've been experiencing some divine humour lately.  It seems that every time I think I know what's going to happen, or what is going on, God laughs and says, "Oh, you think you know do you?  You don't.  I've got something else in mind.  Trust me, it's going to be good."  It throws some interesting twists into life, but definitely makes things more interesting - and challenging!  I'd appreciate your prayers for wisdom, guidance, contentment, and a true reliance on God for all things.  As always, I want to hear how I can pray for you too.

In Christ,
Tami

Hey everyone :)

I just wanted to let you know that I'll be presenting about going to England in my home church (Winkler EMMC) on JULY 11 at 10am.  I would love to see you there if you can make it!!  It is located at 600 Southview Drive, just East of Jr Walkof School.

Have a wonderful day :)

Tami

Prayer Letters

Hi everyone!

I hope you are all well and learning lots - I know I have been learning perhaps more than I think is possible, and I sure hope I remember everything.  I'm starting this blog with the intent to keep it updated with news of my time leading up to England, and also while I am there.  I would write more here explaining why I'm hoping to go to England, but rather I've attached my first prayer letter, and prayer card, which explain everything.  I hope it works to read it.  I'll be sending them out by email/mail soon, but I wanted to make it available here if possible.  Please read it and pray for this process.  There are prayer requests on the second page of the prayer letter.  Of course, if I can pray for you about something, please let me know.  Contact info is also on the second page of the prayer letter.

God Bless
Tami