Surrounded.
We are absolutely surrounded by the detailed, exquisite beauty of the Father.
The Andes mountain range stretches on for 4,500 miles, covering acres upon acres of land. Every morning on our drive to ministry and every evening on a run, I have front row seats to one of my favorite things He’s ever created.
I was recently given the blogging prompt “how has the Lord physically shown you His glory here in Chile?” My first thought was the gigantic mountains He’s placed in my path. As I dug deeper into this, a more personal truth was revealed to me. Every morning I have the pleasure of hugging a family who loves me and serves me with affection and comforting accommodations. I get to talk with my team of women who genuinely care about my life and laugh with me every day. I am being blessed by being served lunch from Chilean women who speak a different language than I. I am able to see the smiles of those around me who overflow with the joy only the Lord provides. I have been given the ears to hear beautiful worship leaders during church on Sundays.
Don’t get me wrong I am still amazed by the glory of the Lord in the mountains, but I am noticing His abundant glory in His most intricate creation: His children. His people are so incredibly beautiful and I am surrounded by them every day.
The Lord is loving on me so deeply through His people. I see His glory in my teammates’ laughter when we are elbow deep in bread dough, I see His glory in the Spanish to English conversation in our host families, I see His glory in the smiles of our newfound Chilean friends…
His glory is so loud in His sweetest creation.
His people are so near and dear to His heart and I am beyond thankful for those who He’s surrounded me with. As you sit at your table this Thanksgiving, surrounded by those who you love, I encourage you to find His glory in the simple moments like these.
Happy Thanksgiving; thank YOU for showing me His glory in your support and love!
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Here’s what I’ve been jamming to!
“Come Thou Fount” by Kings Kaleidoscope
“Pennies from Heaven” by Louis Prima
“A Holly Jolly Christmas” by Burl Ives
Bernadette, I can see you growing so much in your faith with God. You can see the beautiful mountains and the starry skies that he has made for you to enjoy. But now His love is getting more personal. Your teammates share their highs and their lows and you truly feel for them and want to listen to them. Knowing the love that your host family has for you when you don’t even speak their languish. We all enjoyed you call!!! Laila, Lilly and Dustin missed you but was so glad to hear what your team had planned for your Host families. That was a great idea! Love you lots and lots. Mama
Sounds like your “new” family is really nice and we appreciate the kindness and love they are showing you. Sounds like Chile is beautiful. Also sounds like you are really roughing it with your own bedroom and a private pool nearby. We really enjoyed talking to you and seeing that you are doing well. You looked great!! We all love you very much. Love, papa.
Wow Sweetie… so beautiful! And I am so thankful… so thankful for all you are seeing… so thankful for all you are hearing… so thankful for all you are experiencing… so thankful for all you are learning… so thankful for all the love you are receiving (and giving!)!!! Love you so very much! And wish all you ladies as well as all your host families a very Happy Thanksgiving! xoxoxox
It is one of the things I love about you…your ability to see the beauty and love of God in all things and all people! The joy you express gives me warm fuzzies and makes my heart smile!! I’m so thankful for YOU being a part of our lives. And I’m thankful you have a wonderful family to love on you in your “home away from home”!! Sending lots of hugs your way!
I love hearing about what the Lord is showing you and how he’s loving on you!! I can’t wait to hear more!!
Love you,
Nick
Love reading your post and the beauty you are experiencing both around you and within those surrounding you. Keep soaking all of it in…. God has blessed you so much and in turn you are being a blessing to those around you. His light shines in you. Love & Hugs!