Into the Deep

What to say about this week. Well, to begin, I got to experience the wonderful world of east Texas.  I did not know that there is a completely different world two hours away from Dallas.  The picture above is of me standing in the tiny town of Teaselville.  This coffee shop is the only thing there.  Don't let the coffee logo fool you, they also serve hot dogs and double as a pizza shop.  Yup, it's quite the place.
While visiting, I found out a couple other things.  The phrase "make a picture" does not mean you draw something.  If you are making a picture of someone, you are taking their picture with a camera.  I felt like I could not speak without being embarrassed because the accents are so much stronger than they are in the city.  While driving through the neighborhoods, several Confederate flags were waving in front yards.  Let's just say it was an interesting experience.

I led the music again today for the church with the small congregation.  Today was their last Sunday meeting together for a service.  There were several tears as testimonies were given and as goodbyes were said.  They invited me to stay for the luncheon afterwards and I got multiple compliments once again about how thankful they were to have me there.  I am so glad I was able to help out and put smiles on their faces during their difficult transition.  I wanted so badly to explain that the church is not ending.  The building doors may no longer be accessible, but the church is the people.  As they join other congregations the "church" will continue to grow, and once the old building is re-purposed more people will hear the Gospel and give their lives to Christ.  How exciting! I did get to tell this to one lady who didn't seem extremely happy.  I don't know if she understood  what I was saying, but hopefully it made a little difference.

This week was a really interesting one for me.  I started getting lonely, and Satan used this as a chance to attack.  After a struggle with multiple people praying for me and searching out the Lord, God revealed himself to me in a new and glorious way.  I felt a true freedom from the battle I was fighting against Satan, and have been filled with renewed joy and thankfulness ever since.  Talking to my dad, he said maybe this was a time where I had the chance to experience what other people are up against when they are tempted through their own addictions, doubts, and life away from Christ.  Looking at it that way, I am glad I will be able to relate to some people I may not have otherwise, although I only experienced my struggle for a short time.  However, I wouldn't mind if I never had to go through it again! But, if and when I do (which honestly is very likely since we are still in this sinful world), I know God is faithful and will not leave or forsake me.  I can fully trust in His goodness and strength, for when I am weak, He is strong!