Roadtrip to Tacoma

I am sitting in one of the many coffee shops in Tacoma next to a friend I just met last night, listening to Coldplay and relishing the fact that I'm in a city full of culture, interesting people, and more than one coffee shop! :) I had promised to write from the road, but I was tired and, honestly, it just wasn't all that interesting to write about. Don't get me wrong... I had a great time on my trip, especially as my wonderful Jackson friends sent me off with multiple cds and cut-out dolls of themselves that I had way too much fun with on the ride. :) I left Sunday morning and made my way to Omaha, NE for the night. I sang along to music and thought over what I was leaving behind... family, friends, familiarity. On Monday, I drove into Idaho and Wyoming. I think this was my prettiest day. At a few points along the way, I would look up and see the sky filled with these silvery birds all flying along in the most delicate, fluid lines. Their underbellies were black, and the ever-flowing contrast with the silver looked like ocean waves rolling and breaking across the sky. It was exquisite! The day went on, and I saw snowy hills turn into icy mountains. As the sun waned, brilliant purples, blues, and yellows outlined the ever-growing mountain ranges all around me, and I pulled over to take some pictures. I stayed the night in Rawlins, WY, and awoke the next day to drive through Utah and into Oregon. 

On this third day, I listened to Paul Washer's sermon on being poor in spirit (Mth 5). God spoke to me and answered questions I had been asking Him. I had been struggling with sin that I just could not shake. I would sincerely try as hard as I could to resist temptation, but I would fall and give in over and over. I had cried out to God that I am a Christian and, therefore, no longer a slave to sin. How was it that I felt enslaved, and that I could not take hold of my desires? Paul Washer defined poverty of spirit as recognizing one's absolute helplessness in even taking a breath apart from God, much less not sinning. He said that praying for this great virtue was a dangerous and serious prayer as God commands our dependency on Him by knocking out every crutch we lean on... family, friends, wealth... whatever. As I prayed through this, I realized that, though I brought my confusion to the Lord, I had not earnestly sought His help in dealing with this sin through time in prayer and scripture. I had been trying my hardest to break away from sin, but that was the problem. I was failing because I am helpless to achieve even the smallest measure of righteousness apart from God. I did not realize I was not leaning on God, but when I look back, I see that I really was only relying on my own strength. Oh, God! I am incapable of not sinning... why is this such a revelation to me! Oh.. because I'm a self-righteous sinner! :) Praise God for His abundant mercy!

I drove on into Oregon where I got a $242 ticket...yikes! I spoke with friends and God and listened to great music. I arrived in Tacoma where my beautiful roommate Brenna welcomed me so sweetly with daffodils in my room and a seafood dinner with her family on the water. I also got to see Craig who I stayed with in Capetown. It was wonderful to see a familiar face. Since I arrived, I've just been settling in, meeting people, and thinking about what it looks like to be poor in spirit. God has been conversing with me and teaching me through His Word as well as the words of others. I am so excited to be here in Tacoma and among this community at Newsong, the church I'll be going to, that passionately loves God and welcomes me as a sister and friend. People have been friendly and helpful, and I'm happy. I know God has brought me here..  I feel secure in His will and so eager to grow into whatever He wants me to be here. He is growing my love for Him and sparking my mind with questions I trust Him to answer. If you're reading this, I'm sure I'll talk to you soon. Love, me. :)