No. 166 - Rewind

Today, I saw a picture of a friend of mine who did a DTS at YWAM Montana. Her comment on the picture was "Sigh . . . Montana." This comment prompted me to think about my time in Montana, which lead me to this blog post.

I think I fall into the trap of thinking I've had the the best moments of my life already or had my closest relationship with God in the past. (Don't laugh. I know I'm only 22.) For example, life in Montana was a simple, rewarding lifestyle, but I think I idolize that lifestyle. Even if I was to go back there right now, I could never recreate those moments and feelings. I can never rewind the past, but wishing to do so, means I am missing out on the moments in the present. 

I am here where I am doing what I am doing interacting with the people around me at this moment in time for a reason. There is no need to rewind. The best is yet to come. 

Lately, I have been viewing my DTS as a jumpstart or a foundation to the rest of my life with God and people. It gave me the basics to live a better life. I should never wish to go back to that fall DTS 2009 because I would be going backwards in my growth. I don't need to rewind.

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No. 41 - Josh & Shawna

Look at what I got in the mail today! Weddings and invitations in general are beautiful, but this one holds a special place in my heart. The first time I met Shawna, she and I had just co-inhabited the same tiny bedroom for our Discipleship Training School at YWAM Montana (along with our third, fabulous roommate Hannah). She and I became fast friends. Actually, I think we shared a workout at the gym on that very first day, swearing to ourselves to stay in shape during YWAM ... lol. My first impression of Josh was that he was the only one who took a bus to the base in Montana (30 hours in fact). Over the next weeks and months, the three of us formed a special bond, only bolstered by the fact that all three of us were going to Indonesia as our outreach destination.

I have two very special memories of our times together. The first many in our school find nostalgic. In the stairwells of our dorm, you would often find Josh along with his guitar belting out lyrical melodies - whether his own or covers. Many a night we would all crowd into the stairwell and just listen and laugh. 

The second memory comes from Indonesia. I can't even remember the full details, just the context, but we played a "what if" game. Usually the questions involved marriage and love...haha, Shawna and I liked that best, but the three of us played it nonetheless.

These two are amazing people, and strong children of God! I am unbelievably happy that they have decided to walk the rest of their respective lives together. I wish them all the blessings and happiness in the world! 

Congratulations, Josh & Shawna!