Well, it sure has been a while since I last logged in and posted anything on here. I should start doing this more often... Where should I begin? Logging on and reading "Box of Butterflies" has reminded me of a ladies retreat, thing, that was held in Grenfell Apostolic Church a few months ago. We talked and prayed about freedom that night, being free in the Spirit. My mom shared a vision she had. There were butterflies locked in cages and then someone came and put the key in the locks and set them all free. I don't remember it all exactly, but it did create a beautiful picture in my head. That's just a bit of randomness I thought of.
This summer as definitely not been the easiest for me. First of all, I had the whole summer off, because I work at a school, and I decided to take advantage of having a free summer. I applied for EI, but there were some complications and I didn't receive the money until just a few days ago. That added a lot of stress on my part. And some family issues arose just a couple of weeks ago too, which added a little more stress to not only me but my whole family. I did however get the chance to go away a few times this summer, which was fun even if I didn't have money to spend. I went to Family Camp at Springside with a friend. We were the only campers there for a few days. It was a nice little getaway, quiet, fun, etc. It was good time spent well with God. I learned a lot, some of which I hope to share with the church some day through worship. After Family Camp, my friend and I went up to Saskatoon for a few days to visit and reconnect with old friends. I had a good time there, I got to spend time with my close Saskatoon friends, all together in one night!
My next trip happened in August, I flew to BC with my brother. We stayed with our pregnant sister, Melissa, and her husband, Cavan. It was the nicest holiday this summer (sorry Saskatoon and camp). We went hiking, went to the zoo, and went to White Rock. We also got to go to Red Robin (best food ever). And even though I got grouchy sometimes, it was nice to spend time with my sister before she has her baby, and to get away once more before I started work. Speaking of work, I started full-time again at Grenfell High School! That's exciting because in June I had been laid off, so I had applied at some other schools and got half-time at Wolseley High School and half-time here in Grenfell, but then a full-time opened here again and now I got that!
Well that's my life the past few months. I don't really have much more to say except, to those who have been praying for me thank you so much, I really appreciate it! And anyone new to reading this, I would really appreciate your prayers as well. God bless you all, and again thank you so much!
This picture was taken at Greater Vancouver Z00 by some stranger.
Left to right: Cavan Lungren, Melissa (and baby) Lungren, Andrew Dixon, and myself Rebecca Dixon.
I can honestly say, I never thought I would be where I am today. I always wanted to get out of Grenfell and make something of myself. Well guess what!.. I just can't stay away from this place! I have come and gone a few times, but this time I am going to stay a while longer. I realize now that I didn't have to leave this small town for God to take me places, He's taking me to higher places right here in this very town. God is doing a lot of work in my life these days. I am a whole new person than I was a year ago, and I owe it all to God! I've been a Christian since I was 5 years old, but I definitely wasn't living a very godly life these last few years. I'll spare the details for now, just because I don't want this post to be too long, and I have other things I would like to say. I will share my testimony another day.
So, right now I am living in Grenfell again, like I said I just can't seem to stay away from the place that I used to always want to leave :P. Everything is good here. I have 2 great jobs! I'm working at the high school as an E.A. and at a families house as a nanny for a couple of hours after work everyday. I am also running a youth centre. Let me tell you something, if anyone ever tells you working with youth is easy, don't believe them! It's not the easiest thing, but it is very rewarding. I love working with them, and I love being a part of all of their lives and encouraging them! That part is fun. Another thing I am involved with is worship. I am a worship leader for a youth worship team in my church. It's not something that I am the most comfortable with, but I needed to step out of my comfort zone. God doesn't want us to sit in little comfortable bubbles, He wants us to step out of our bubbles and praise Him in any way we can! All of these things that I just mentioned are things that I never thought I would be doing. Well I thought I would be an E.A, that's kind of why I took the course :P. Being a nanny for a girl who is disabled, running a youth centre, and being a worship leader are all things that I never thought I would be doing, EVER! But I am, and I am not alone in them. I have so many people helping me and supporting me in any way they possibly can. I have ladies in the church, who are also involved in leading worship, helping me with anything I need help with. I have board members at the youth centre that tell me I need to take some time off to rest and take care of myself (which is a good thing). I have a family, and friends that pray for me and encourage me to do better, and do anything they can to help. Most importantly, I have God, a loving and gracious Father! I give all my thanks and praise to Him, without God I would not be where I am today, and I love everything about this place.
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd,
I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness
For His name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the
shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence
of my enemies;
You have anointed my head with oil;
My cup overflows.
Surely goodness and lovingkindness will
follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
