Sunday did not go how I planned at all, and yet it was spectacular.
I had planned to wake up early, take my own little adventure on a bike for the first time to church, and then spend the rest of the day exploring Amsterdam on my own. But when I went to look for the bike my 'landlord' had said she dropped off for me, I couldn't find it anywhere. So I frantically headed to church by foot/tram, and arrived 30 minutes late (missing my stop didn't help). Annoyed with my situation and myself, I decided to just sit on the canal for an hour and a half until the next service started. Surely my Father knows how to captivate my heart - all I need is some water and warm sunshine and I could feel His peace, His love.
"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"
-Psalms 46:10
He wanted my heart, my attention, and He changed my plans in order to stop my busyness and get me to fall back in love with Him. To see Him in Amsterdam, His hand in everything thats happened and will happen in my life. To pray (for many of you!), and to listen. That's what my heart needed before I walked into church.
Like in most other countries I've been too, church ended up being the favorite thing I've done so far. The people were inviting and friendly. The worship was powerful. The message, about being present in each moment, was exactly what I needed to hear. Please pray I can get connected to a weekly small group Bible study from this church soon!
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
-1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Since I didn't have a bike to go exploring on, I just went grocery shopping, and back to my apartment. But, I enjoyed a relaxing day with the Lord, blogging, and getting ready for work!
... and you had fun skyping with your family! Glad it was a great day! God certainly has a hand in all you do!
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