Over the month of September, I decided to study love. I learned so much about the overflowing love of the Lord for us and how this love is displayed is the most beautiful of ways. Training camp presented itself with many challenges and times when I was questioning everything, yet the steadfast love of the Father prevailed and He met me where I was at every single time. As we moved into our time in North Carolina, we were met with camping in 40 degree weather, breakfast at 6:30 am, long days of ministry, and being a space with new people and new places outside of Gainesville and the comfort of our squad. I won’t lie, being there was rough for me. I struggled to find alone time with the Lord, wrestled to find meaning in ministry that seemed small, struggled with a lot of pain in my chest that kept me home from serving, I got lice (ew), and the cold really got to me. I woke up ungrateful and shivering and most days let that take the lead of my mindset, instead of focusing on the good that was in the day and how the Lord was moving in mighty ways. As I chose to lean into support from the girls on my squad, my team, and especially the Lord, I was reminded more and more of His abundant love in every way. I am blessed to be counted worthy to be the hands and feet of heaven on earth, even if that means raking up leaves the day before a hurricane comes through 🙂
The Father has redefined the word “love” for me in September. His love is beautiful, kind, patient, caring, steadfast, powerful, never ceasing, yearning, perfect, and so much more. Thank you Abba for loving your children always.
I wrote this poem about love as I finished up studying it, I’ll share it here:
love is arguably the best feeling
one we all long to feel
loving a person feels freeing
it feels like belonging
it feels like home
to imagine a love bigger than our own
seems nearly impossible
to know that love existed first
before we even knew what it meant
there is love that transcends all wrongs
there is love that brings peace
there a love that never fails
there is a love that will never cease
His love is forgiving and kind
His love is perfect and full
His love is beautiful and true
His love is all powerful
time and time again we fail
we stray from His promises
we cling to what the world says
instead of listening to love Himself
His love tells us that we are complete
His love tells us that we are forgiven
His love tells us that we are called
to love others with the life we’ve been given
a love so big He died for me
and love so great it set me free.
Lamentations 3:22-23: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
I thank God for our time in Black Mountain and the growth that proceeded from this experience. We leave for Cambodia on Friday night for our 5 day long travel day (prayers appreciated) and I am pumped to see how God is going to move there.
peace from Gainesville :))
God is growing you more than ever. I am blessed to be along for the ride.
What a beautiful poem. Thanks for the reminder of the ever present love of God.
Love you babe. Keep being salt and light.
Hey Sydney – my friend Connie shared your lovely poem with me. It blessed me right when I needed a reminder that God IS Love. Please remember that many of us at Wildwood Baptist are lifting you and your team on a daily basis. We are all looking forward to your sharing your experiences with us!
Beautiful Sydney! Thank you for sharing what the Lord has been doing in your heart! Praying for you all as you set off to Cambodia!
Beautiful poem about love, Sydney!! His love is amazing, isn’t it? Thank you for sharing your gift.
Hello Sydney,
I’m a new friend of your dear Mother Connie. We attend the same church and Bible study classes.
I am 86 years old, a Christian since early childhood. Widowed in November 2017, married 63 years. We owned a farm in South Ga near Valdosta. We raised black Angus cattle, crops of Cotton, Peanuts & pecans. Wonderful God fearing community. Being all alone, I sold the farm, now live with my widowed daughter Julie. My other daughter Dede & family, grandchildren all live in the area. One Son Jim & wife Pandy live near Yellowstone Park, Montana, they have no children. Magnificent country in the NW.
My Granddaughter Gabrielle ( Gabbi) did a Gap year traveling to 10 countries in 9 months, returned home and joined the Navy, lives in San Diego, Ca. Whew?? Now you know a bit about me. I look forward to watching your updates, praying for you and fellowship with your Mom. Our Bible Class prays for you. May the Lord fill you with new adventures, delighting you with his creation, people and coutures.
Blessed regards, Mis’ Jeanette
May God bless and protect you, Sydney, as you continue on your journey.