What does it mean to be still?

"Many times His voice is a still small voice - a gentle whisper, something barely audible, unless you are listening for it" 

Mark Charles 

I've really enjoyed getting the opportunity to share pictures on this blog over the last several weeks. One of the ways I really connect with the Lord is by listening to music and thinking about how the words in the music connect to the word, and I also like taking pictures of things in His creation. But I thought I'd also share a little bit of what I've been learning as well while I was in Chicago, and in the last few months.

For quite some time, I feel like I've been really challenged with Psalm 46. The entire Psalm acknowledges the sovereignty of God and how He's in control. It talks about God being our "refuge and our strength, a very present help in trouble." (v. 1-2) The writer of the Psalm addresses not having fear "though the earth gives way" (v. 3). He can move the mountains (v. 2), and the very sound of His voice makes the earth melt (v. 6).

Then at the very end of this Psalm, God says "Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" (v. 10) 

In two days I'm going to be leaving Chicago, and my life is going to change a lot as I'll enter into a new stage of life. I admit that I have not trusted God fully with what this means, as my heart has been filled with anxiousness and worry. Especially in the last week, I can sense my heart getting worked up, and my thoughts have not been resting upon Him and the Truth that I know.

A couple months ago I was really challenged with what it really means to be still and just... "be."
Get rid of the noise... get rid of the distractions. Just... be still. So often, I get lost in the world and the distractions of my routine, and stresses of my "stuff." I do this so often that I miss what Jesus is trying to say to me. A lot of the time I miss out on how He's trying to show me He loves me - especially in the little things throughout my day.

Recently, I heard this podcast, and it challenged me greatly.

The best parts are at 43 seconds through 6:26; and 9:44 to the end

Lord, help my heart to be still before you.

Chicago - day #39

Last night was the last night of our Action Group (bible study).
One of my favorite things about my job these last two years has been getting to know people on an individual basis, and getting to know their stories. I have really enjoyed getting the chance to know each of the girls (below), seeing how God has met each of them where they are at, and also diving into the Word with them each week. I'm really going to miss them once I leave Chicago on Friday, but am excited at how the Lord is going to continue working in their lives the rest of the summer.

Chicago - day #38

On top of the Sears Tower (now called "Willis Tower")

Chicago - day #36

Rain, Rain Go Away!

Fridays are days off for staff. Something I really enjoy doing on Fridays are exploring the city (I love discovering new places, and taking pictures!) But today when I woke up, there was a massive, scary thunderstorm outside... for the first part of the day. As you'll see for the first few pictures, my roommates and I had fun having a rainy day inside. Once the weather cleared, we went and got manicures & pedicures, and got to explore the city a bit! :)

Scary clouds!

We love thunderstorms!

 Mani/Pedis!

Chicago - day #35

Today at UIC (University of Chicago - Illinois, the campus I'm on this summer) we had an outreach. In spite of the heat, it was really fun! We really wanted to provide a way to meet and engage with new students on campus. We had a cookout and free food provided, with games, as a way for students to come and hang out with us. It was awesome, and we met several new students throughout the afternoon! 

Myself, and some lovely ladies during the cookout

:)

Chicago - day #34

Buckingham is so cool lit up at night! Tonight during my night with the Lord, myself, as well as one of my roommates and another friend ventured over to Grant Park to get a look at what Buckingham Fountain looks like when it's lit up. I feel like these pictures don't really do it justice. It was pretty neat!

Chicago - day #31

Staff/Student Kickball 2012

Each year, it is a Chicago Summer Project tradition to have a staff/student kickball game. The staff have also been undefeated, as they have won every single year. This year the competition was heightened however, because the students were more challenging than we thought - they also had lots of team spirit!! But, the staff still won the game in the end. It was lots of fun!