The SIMPLE things

I am a thinker. For those who know me really well, that is the understatement of the century. My mind runs in circles and I tire myself out often. I once told my best friend, "I am thinking so much that I am getting on my own nerves."

What I realized, YET AGAIN, today is that God knows, because He sort of made me that way...not the running in circles part, but the able-to-analyze-the-details part...and when I am thinking TOO much and "getting on my own nerves", He sends someone along to tell me in two SIMPLE sentences that it is TRULY going to be okay:

"The favor of the Lord is upon you."

"I love you."

Thanks, God, for breaking through to this over-analytical thinker today reminding me that the important things that make life worthwhile truly are just that SIMPLE.

The Character of the Shepherd

I started re-reading Hinds Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard this past week, and the words have been challenging and encouraging.

Here is an excerpt that gives the foundation of the heart of this book:

"We feel we would give anything if only we could , in actual experience, live on the High Places of love and victory here on this earth and during this life -- able always to react to evil, tribulation, sorrow, pain, and every wrong thing in such a way that they would be overcome and transformed into something to the praise and glory of God forever. As Christians we know, in theory at least, that in the life of a child of God there are no second causes, that even the most unjust and cruel things, as well as all seemingly pointless and undeserved sufferings, have been permitted by God as a glorious opportunity for us to react to them in such a way that our Lord and Savior is able to produce in us, little by little, his own lovely character."

The cry of our heart, the longing in our soul to be like Him...willingly....Father, Shepherd...help me when I falter!

The World of Blogging

So growing up as a missionary kid with a mom who is an English teacher and a writer, there were conversations that would go something like this:

My mom after I started teaching Sunday School with her at 16 because she "needed" my help:
"Lindsey, you are good with people; you are good with the kids. Remember how you always wanted to teach your sister Sunday School lessons when you were about 9 (oh yeah, I really did)."

Me:
"Mom, the kids hate me. They don't listen to me. Just because you are a good teacher doesn't mean I am or that I want to be."

And some other conversations, something like this.....

My mom:
"You are a good writer, Lindsey. Stop worrying about your report. You always do a good job."

Me:
"Mom, just because you are a good writer doesn't mean I am going to be one..."

Yes, like any typical kid, I wanted to mark my uniqueness and differentness as boldy and loudly as I could......but now....here I am 15 years later.....the Sunday School coordinator of about 350 kids in grades 4-7 at 3C Ministries here in South Africa (more about that another time)

And I am....yes....wait for it....BLOGGING!!!

So yes, I have officially become my mother.....and I have to say from my grown up point of view....wouldn't have it any other way.

Blog #1 - Dedicated to my mother :) :) :)

A Quick Glimpse of MY Big Picture

Hi, there!

I'm Lindsey, the little missionary girl...now all grown up.


Well, trying to be anyway.

I grew up in Haiti for the first 16 years of my life {my parents are still there, by the way - for almost 40 years - Yeah, I know...they deserve a medal, right?}

So, I went to college, got my bachelor's degree in psychology as well as in interpersonal & organizational communications {Shew! That's a mouthful!}

I spent the next 10 years after that working as missions director, children's pastor, youth pastor, & associate pastor.

I married the love of my life and my best friend {I know, I know...but it's a cliche for a reason} almost 6 years ago, and we have lived in on the East Coast of the U.S. as well as the great province of Gauteng in South Africa {he's from there, by the way}.

Now taking a little "time out" during this season and finding out what the next steps of God's plans are for us.

In the mean time....I am enjoying the exploration of the right side of my brain {what can I say, I studied psychology} - writing, photography, creative thinking, and of course, BLOGGING!

I love traveling and have been able to see a "tiny" piece of 5 of the 7 continents. What I love most about traveling is meeting new people, but since I am currently fairly stationary in the US, I am so happy to meet YOU here!

Won't you leave me your e-mail and/or blog details so I can come and visit you?

But while you are here feel free to be nosy and check things out! I blog about my journey in becoming a mom, things God is teaching me, a bit about my travels, love, my day-to-day life, and memories with lessons learned.

Nice to meet you....

.....friend!

If you would like to know a bit more about me & my little life, here are a few posts you can check out:

My 100 Things

Haiti Earthquake, Part 1

Haiti Earthquake, Part 2

My Dreams, Part 1

My Dreams, Part 2

Celebrating 5 Years of a Dream Come True {on marriage}

Another Chapter Ends {on leaving South Africa}

The Love Bandit {on my favorite Valentine's story}

When God Writes Your Story {on trusting God}

You are NOT Abandoned {on writing}

Seeing From the Inside Out {on encouragement}

The Day a Letter Set Me Free {on forgiveness}

Going Home {on life & death}

The Legacy She Gave Me {on motherhood}

From Good to Graced {on grace}

Pregnant with Hope {on hope for the future}