just what i needed

as you may know by now, i've been through lots of discouragement and frustration as i've tried to prepare for costa rica. may i proclaim god's glory in his deep, deep, loving provision for my needs. this week i've spent most of my time packing, meeting with people and studying spanish like crazy. even though my trip to costa rica is nearing, i've still felt apprehensive and nervious.
today i received letters from two friends at CIU- peach taylor and david blanchard. these letters could have empowered me to face the devil himself today. honestly... i was so blown away by this simple act of provision that i wept. i didn't know what else to do. i'm sure that these two friends didn't realize they were meeting such deep needs in my life. but their words seemed to speak affirmation and encouragement so loudly that any sounds of discouragement were instantly drown out. they both shared specific ways that i had encouraged them- what a great reminder that god does work through broken people (i'm referring to myself). blanchard also gave me this encouraging verse: psalm 103:13-14 says,

13 as a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;

14 for he knows how we are formed,
he remembers that we are dust.

how valuable a reminder that the lord knows that i am only human. perhaps i also needed to hear these words and remember that yes- i am just human.

since i have graduated, my dear friends from ciu- the m2 justice boys, have not treated me like a friend from the past. i've had phone calls, facebook messages, letters. how gracious and good the lord is to have blessed me with such an empowering, encouraging group of men with whom i have shared three years of my life! truly, whatever happens in costa rica will most certainly be a result of god's gracious empowerment and the faithful prayers of those that will never receive due credit for their labor. what humility is demonstrated by these friends of mine who faithfully pray for my life and for my ministry?! may i always remember the responsibilities i have as a steward of these blessings.

i want to briefly mention that my mom and dad pray for me like crazy, grayson and wendell have both been reading my blog and leaving comments (which mean a lot!), hodges has called me on numerous occasions and there are countless more people that remain unrecognized with such faithful prayer and labor on my behalf. thank you so much. tears of joy were shed on your behalf today.