A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to get a fresh breath of air in Minnesota as the temperature had just started to drop and the leaves had just started to change color. I saw the trees hanging over the Mississippi River and quickly took a picture with my mind as traffic moved me along the river of I-94.
My time was full of rich experiences:
Reconnecting with precious friends,
drinking good coffee (thanks Common Roots),
eating a most delicious beet salad! (thanks Birchwood Cafe),
celebrating new seasons of life with very special people (Congratulations Cora and Jake),
and much reflection time for me… on where I had been and where I am going, and all that’s happened in between.
There was a lot of time to “just be” in the very familiar setting of Minneapolis, and there came a sensation I wasn’t sure I’d have…I didn’t long to return. I appreciated it for all the things I’ve always loved about it, and I remembered all that I went through and learned and all the passages of life I walked through while I lived there, and yet it didn’t need to be NOW. I was okay with it being THEN. It was like re-reading one of your favorite chapters in a beloved book. And it left me ready to dive into the next chapter.
While I was there I had the privilege to lead a time of worship in music at The Salvage Yard Church of Jesus Christ, the community I was a part of for some of the time I lived in Minneapolis. A friend accompanied me on accordian and drums (it takes some serious talent to play both at the same time!). It was a beautiful time and I am excited about what God is doing in that amazing group of people who are serious about walking out the gospel right where they are. And their hospitality in putting me up for the 2 weeks I was there left me so grateful for the Body of Christ, The Church, when we function the way God intended us to.
On Sunday morning I made my way out to the suburbs as I got to play a song at Bethany Church in Bloomington, a church that was a huge part of making me feel welcome to the Midwest when I first moved to Minnesota. I shared my song, I’m Coming Back, a picture of Christ’s longing for His Church who He is soon returning for. This message seemed to be an echo of what the heart of this congregation already is focused on. It was so encouraging to worship with a group of people who are truly hungry for Jesus and are doing their part in ushering in His return with prayer and worship.
There were so many things about this trip that made me feel extravagantly loved and cared for. And there were so many encouragements along the way of His guidance. I really feel that God is moving me around to use me in whatever way He sees fit. And I am absolutely up for it.
Hopefully more churches to share with soon, and more adventures to report…..
It is amazing how when the call of God becomes clear (or at least a the beginnings of it) that all that seemed to be the heartbeat of life grows a little dimmer. I am not surprised that I love what I do, but I am surprised about what I do not miss. Good word.
PS You can link your post directly to facebook using the notes application. If you have trouble let me know, but it is pretty straight forward. I got a lot more hits when I did that.
Hey Kirty~
Bless you!
I Love you! Thanks for sharing your beautiful heart. I love your writing, your songs, and your openness. I am so excited for you and where God is going to take you on this amazing sojourn you are in. I would love you to come to Waipuna, lol, but I guess that is for Dale to decide. It is really strange, but your words are like a balm to the soul, I can feel it.
Hi Kirdy! It’s so good to read this, like I get to step into your life for a moment again.
It’s like I can hear your voice when I read it. I’m so glad you’ve been having some beautiful times of hearing from God. That’s always wonderful. I get worried when I get so caught up with life that I don’t hear Him. That’s always bad. I love you!