wobbly knees and heavenward faces.

the good news: emmaus07 (the name of our area's annual winter conference) was a success. over 150 interVarsity students from the eastern carolinas made their way to myrtle beach for a weekend focused on the Lord...the theme? media: through the lens of jesus. as is always the case with the Lord, i found that i walked away humbled, convicted and ready to change the way i think about my media consumption. it's amazing how, even when we as staff work so hard to produce something good, true and noble for our students, we end up receiving a gentle reminder that we needed the same tap on the shoulder from God.

so the weekend consisted of talks concerning how to thoughtfully engage with the media of our culture, when to "unplug" and listen to only the Lord's voice and how to find the "sweet spot" in the middle -- neither thoughtlessly consuming everything nor running away and isolating ourselves from our world. students participated in seminars, small groups, prayer sessions, open mic opportunities and (for our Carolina students) lunch while watching a little college basketball. [go Heels!]

my favorite moment of the weekend surprisingly had nothing to do with students or the content of the conference...i had a free moment to walk on the beach. i didn't realize how much i needed to see the ocean. i didn't know how much i needed to be reminded that i am small...that He is big...and that He is in control of everything. listening to the waves and crunching seashells under my feet while my face stayed turned towards the sun provided those comforting reminders.

and it hit me...

why is it so hard for us to remember the incredible Truths upon which we base our life? why do our knees get wobbly when our faith is tested? why is it so easy to forget all of the ways He has taken care of us up until this very moment? why do we believe that our blessings are going to run out...that there won't be enough grace for us...or that our worth or future is dependent upon this moment of "failure" or that...

so i came back from the weekend with quite a few thoughts running through my head...

and i am praying that i can give over those thought patterns that deny glory to God...

and that i can stop the "what if" game....that i can rest in the Promises He has spoken over my life...that i can remember His goodness and the proof of His presence...

You alone are Worthy...