ireland

I never meant for so many weeks to pass without writing. We've been squeezing every last ounce out of summer that we can and I just haven't known when to stop that to sit down and write. So, I hope you haven't minded too much :)

Before weeks turn into months, I just have to share about a little trip we took this summer to meet up with a dear sister of ours. We were there just 4 days, with 2 years to discuss, plenty of beauty to explore, laughs to be had, and much to soak in.

Dublin, Ireland

Wicklow Mountains National Park, Glendalough

Howth, overlooking the Irish Sea

Since this is a "gluten-free blog," I have to give big kudos to Ireland for their wonderful selection of GF foods! Our B&B baked GF bread every morning and scones for afternoon tea just for me. I am overwhelmingly thankful for these pleasant surprises, such as the below restaurant. (GF lemon crepe recipe to come...we're officially addicted :)

So many memories...like who would have thought Irish black and white pudding is so very different than it sounds? I am so thankful for this time, for face-to-face conversation with her. But I realize to journey with someone doesn't mean to walk side-by-side for a few days then send them back off into darkness as I return to my cooshy little life. But to labor with them, in the same calling that they have received. For how can we not share the hope we have, if He truly is our only Hope? To labor for them, begging the Light of the world to make His light shine bright in the dark. 

Just 4 days. But things have changed.
I used to feel a little let-down after times like these, after looking forward to it for so long then returning to normal. But something happened on that plane trip home. I was reading Bob Goff's thoughts on the bigger/better game. You know, the game where you start with a small object such as a penny and knock on doors, asking if they have something "bigger" or "better" to trade for your penny. I can't possibly do his thoughts justice to try to explain it all, so here you go... 
Jesus is asking us to play Bigger and Better, where we give up ourselves and end up with Him...He's asking us "Will you take what you think defines you, leave it behind, and let Me define who you are instead?" The cool thing about taking Jesus up on His offer is that whatever controls you doesn't anymore. People who used to be obsessed about becoming famous no longer care whether anybody knows their name. People who used to want power are willing to serve. People who used to chase money freely give it away. People who used to beg others for acceptance are now strong enough to give love. When we get our security from Christ, we no longer have to look for it in the world, and that's a pretty good trade. ~Bob Goff, Love Does

I used to think we had to go somewhere exotic or different for the bigger and better, but now I see He has brilliant and beautiful things right in front of us, if we are willing to do some knocking.

You make known to me the path of life; 
in Your presence there is fullness of joy; 
at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. 
~ psalm 16.11