1 to give a different position, course, or direction to 2 to replace with another; to make a shift from one to another; to undergo a modification; to become different; to pass from one phase to another; to undergo transformation, transition, or substitution Fall is my favorite time of year. The wind stars blowing through the parks and streets of Bellingham, the sun breaks through the clouds (that have yet to come but they're on their way!) every now and then, causing the changing leaves of red, orange, brown, and gold to glow like fire. In the fall there is change in the air - and my life is full of change right now. Relationships are changing. While some friends grow closer and claim more of my life and heart other friends begin to fade into my past. As some relationships fade a part of me is sad to see them go. But more than anything I am grateful for the role those people have played in my life and the role they will continue to play even when they are gone. Because the reality is that even if someone is gone they are still a part of who we are; for a moment in time our lives were connected and that connection will always linger, it will always "be" somehow. And as I say goodbye to pieces of my past I say hello to pieces of my future. Friends I did not expect to stick around still call or write, still show up at my front door or take the time to sit on the street and drink coffee with me. Some friendships caught me by surprise and have become a driving force in how I live day to day. These relationships are precious and stronger than I ever anticipated them being. These are the people who will celebrate, mourn, dance, laugh, and live with me to the end (you know who you are). Professionally my life is changing. For years I have been following what I thought was the calling to outdoor ministry at camp - SURPRISE! Ministry is my calling for sure, and outdoor ministry will always play a role in what I do with my life, but for now it is not where all my time, energy, passion, and talents are being called. Instead I am working in a church - Birchwood Presbyterian Church in Bellingham! This is not where I thought I would be, or where I wanted to be. But God is good and he is faithful and he is moving in my heart as I meet new people, get to know some really unique and exciting kids, and learn the challenges that come with working in the church and the "Church". As my time as an intern at the INN came to an end last year I thought I knew exactly where God was calling me, exactly where I was supposed to be and what I would be doing and for the most part I was right. But he's got something better in mind. Something that is challenging me and strengthening me in ways I don't think I even understand. And I love it! The way I live day to day has changed. After a couple years of living in an apartment I now get to live in a beautiful house with two friends I never thought I'd have. Christine has become like a sister to me over the course of the last year, and Susie brings spunk and enthusiasm for life to our home. The three of us have busy lives that pull us different directions, but when the moment comes for us to sit and talk it is wonderful. Christine and Susie are two women who strengthen my life and I am SO thankful for them! Along with fun roommates comes the desire to simplify my life and strengthen it in ways it has been weak. I'm trying to get excited about running, I'm working on being disciplined in faith and life responsibilities. And I'm getting stronger, I'm getting better, but there is still a lot of growing to do and I am grateful for those who hold me accountable in love. All this to say that life is good and it is changing and it is becoming more beautiful than I ever thought it could be. I have learned to claim my past, the good and the bad, and to carry those experiences with me. I have also learned to look forward and take in where I am now. God is good - all the time! Thanks for reading this long post. You're pretty great. Really! Peace.
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