I have wrestled with what this blog would be about for a week... But I have come to the conclusion that I must, share my heart. I am struggling. I am tired. But I am not defeated.

Lately I have had a really hard time finding my way. Transparency is difficult for me. I tend to internalize for the sake of saving face. Honestly I have been in more pain, gone with less sleep, and have been running on empty for a little while now. Even now, I just want to write how the youth had such a good trip to the corn maze, or how we totally rocked out and won the Ping Pong tournament last week, but that would be me just filling up space, and I feel like God is telling me that this space is for more than that. It’s not just for me to vent... It’s for me to heal. My smile has not left, my joy is not gone, and there is nothing that can steal that from me. I am a child of God. He strengthens me when I am weak. He puts the right people in my life to help guide me when I need wisdom. There are several verses that have given me strength. Jeremiah 29:11-13 " For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. " They are plans for good and not disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you WILL find me. I will be found by you. That's good stuff. Psalms 23 says, Man, to lie down by green pastures, and to be lead by peaceful streams. He renews my strength. Verse 4 says even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for He is close beside me. Verse 5 says... My cup overflows with blessings, 6. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will follow me all the days of my life. More good stuff... I don't know if this will make it past my computer, but if it does I hope it isn't just to help me heal, but helps someone else heal. I am in a valley, but I can see the mountaintop.
Peace and Love.
MikeT.                                                                         michael@eagleswaychurch.org