Busyness

So here I am - a little over 4 weeks into my re-adjustment to life back in California - with 3 months left on my home-tour, and I feel like I am finally now getting used to being an American - all over again.

Have you ever felt so busy that there wasn't enough time in the day to get everything done? Overwhelmed by so many things to do and places to be? Or maybe your schedule has been keeping you from really going deep in life, and relationships - even your relationship with God. Have you ever been so busy, that it was actually hard to see God in the midst of everything? Maybe feeling like there just isn't enough time in the day, isn't how it is supposed to be. Did God intend for our lives as Americans to be this way (most other cultures don't seem to struggle with this)?

My first two weeks were a crucible of sorts - re-learning to juggle people, places, things, work, and events left me feeling almost breathless and reaching for direction. Ministry in El Salvador was never easy - but it was straight-forward. Study the Bible - Teach the Bible. Invest in relationships - Make disciples. Each day organized itself into the most important priorities - God, people, and work.
Anything else that didn't fit into the day, was just left out.

Fast forward and fast track back to the US of A, and the daily equation of time management- and the needs behind it - become very big indeed. With too much to do, and not enough time - almost everything finds its way onto the chopping block at one point or another. But what should we cut out, and what do we keep?

Jesus' ministry obligations were so demanding that He found Himself skipping meals at times (Mark 3:20, John 4:31, Matthew 12:1)- though we know that some of the best time that He spent with His disciples and followers was also during meals (Luke 10:38-41, Luke 22:14-23). We may live in one of the only countries in the wolrd that has plenty of food, but still skips meals, and has to be reminded by our national media to eat breakfast, all because we are too busy.

So with all of this busyness surrounding me, is it surprising that I've often felt overwhelmed?This last week has been a mix for me of working some construction jobs, and preparing materials to share with the different congregations and groups I will be visiting and hosting- to raise awareness, and prayer and financial support. This Sunday I will be sharing with Calvary Chapel Santa Cruz (my home church) - and having two different El Salvador themed dinner parties over the course of the next two weeks to raise awareness as well. I have missed a few meals trying to juggle everything during this time, but am still encouraged. God, People, and work for His kingdom are my priorities. And I know that if I seek Him first, I can't go wrong.

Prayer Points:
Please continue to pray for me as I take the time to share my heart for El Salvador - and fir God's work there with my home congregation (and others in the weeks to come).Please pray for

1. The encouragement of the Body of Christ as I share. Please pray that God would stir up hearts and minds, encouraging everyone that is present to desire a deeper relationship with God, and to walk in faith.

2. That those in the body who may be praying about becoming missionaries would be encouraged, equipped and challenged to walk in the calling.

3. That God would raise up from the Body men and women to be a part of the ministry in El Salvador - through a commitment to prayer, and regular financial giving. (If you are interested in supporting me, you can do so by clicking the paypal button on the right hand side of this page, or by giving through Calvary Chapel Santa Cruz online by clicking here, selecting 'special missions', and writing 'El Salvador' in the space below)