Defining moments are moments in time that radically change history... a turning of a leaf... changing of seasons... starting a new chapter in life... finishing something you have started. These moments test our character and show where we have grown. 6 months ago I started on a journey not knowing where it would take me. 6 months ago I committed to a DTS (Discipleship Training School) with YWAM (Youth With a Mission) in hopes for a great experience, in hopes to be revived, but I encountered more than that. I got hit head on with myself along the way and really had to come to terms with the reality that I didn't know me, the me that God made beautifully and wonderfully. I have had glimpses along this path of life but nowhere the fullness. I don't believe that I have the fullness now, but as time goes on I will get to know more of the delicate and beautiful facets of me that are all made in the image of a mighty God. So many times in my life have I built my house on the sand like the Bible talks about in Matthew 7:25-27.
The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
I am waiting for the cement to dry. The Lord has laid such a security in him that will not be shaken and we have laid it out together, diligently side by side in this process. What is more I am walking in the fullness and reality of "ERIN" which means PEACE. I am a carrier of peace and am walking content and breathing deep.
Hope has been restored unto me. I am finding that hope is not common. Hope is a joyful expectation of something good about to happen. I have never been this joyful expecting anything good to happen to me or let alone for me. I am entirely brand new!
This 6 months has radically changed my view on how I interpret the world and how I view my circumstances. God has given me family from all over the globe. I want to go to these places and encourage those there to continue in the hope of our God.
I grasped in Tacoma 2001 that I was the one that Jesus loved... And I fell in love with this man Jesus in Orange County a decade later... That seems like a long time to figure that out... but in the big scheme of things its how the Lord new it would happen. Oh how I love Him.
So whats next?... Even though I have finished this DTS, it just doesn't end here. I continue on in this wonderful journey of falling more in love with love, falling more in love with Jesus.
I am going back home for 2 weeks to see family and friends and then jump right back into this where I left off. I am going back to the OC for 3 months to press into training... voice lessons, guitar, piano, writing, really pressing into worship. God is really setting me up for success.
I will go back home for Christmas and then back to Kona to staff a school similar to what I just did. From there I am not sure, but I wanted to give you a little update so if you could, please keep me in your prayers.
Much love,
Erin Crain
