May...so far.

Ok.... well as I count down towards the end of May, I'm mainly looking forward to my trip to Africa starting on the 29th.

But I do have to look past the trip and plan some things.... I think. My mom, bless her heart, keeps telling me i need to keep my eyes open for what God wants me to do on this trip. While that is true, I can't help but get the feeling that she really really wants me to join Campus Crusade and become a missionary full-time. This isn't a bad thing...I know a lot of parents like their kids following in their footsteps, but she's hinted at wanted me to hit it off with one of the other gilrs on the trip, stay in touch when were back in the states, get married and become full-time overseas missionaries. ok... how 'bout we just get on the plane first, mother-dearest?

Here's the thing, I know she's mostly joking, but I don't want to view full-time missionary work as something to just fall back on. Like musicians getting their teachers licenses just in case nothing works out for them in the "real biz." Nothing against music teachers...they're important! I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for some amazing teachers! Growing up with two full-time music missionaries was awesome...all of my early memories are from being on tour with my dad, playing with Legos in the back of the bus...and I knew that music was going to be my life. However, I've never been certain that the specific music ministry my parents were involved with is right for me. My sister and her husband even pursued that for a while, but life threw them a huge curve-ball and the had to abandon that for while. From my experience growing up and watching friends and family go through the whole thing, I know for a fact that that the Campus Crusade music ministry is not for me.

That being said, I also know that God works in mysterious ways and if I'm supposed to end up there, I'll get there.

I do know that music and ministry continue to be a huge part of my life. Currently, I have tremendously enjoyed my experience at Friendship Baptist where I play piano and help lead worship every Sunday. We're getting better and better and all the players and singers put forth a great effort week after week. Also, my personal songwriting and singing ability has grown much stronger over the past year and a half, which has, and hopefully will continue to lead to several opportunities.

I have no idea what the future holds, even the immediate future, but it's gotta hold something. These past few months have seen some interesting and eye-opening growth in my relationship with God. I'm getting better at recognizing His voice and I hope I always will. And I've noticed He likes to show me things drastically rather than with little hints, probably because I'm too distracted by something shiny and have to get hit over the head. So I've been more expectant of Him to show me something new and also less afraid of the future. We'll get where we're going, even if I don't know where that is, exactly.

Hmmm....I've rambled a bit here, but it all right. It's my little weblog anyway...it's a free internet! No thanks to you and Lyle! (had to say it)

That's all for now. Peace out, ya'll!

-Stephen