Amplified...

Have you ever dreamed about something or looked forward to an event so much that you had it all built up in your mind, then when it actually happened, it just wasn't what you'd expected and it left you disappointed and frustrated? I think it's human nature to put so much stock in a certain job, a new home or car, even marriage, that once we get there, it just isn't all it's cracked up to be and we find ourselves disillusioned. For example, people who go to Hollywood to seek fame and fortune often find out that there's a whole other side to this fame thing that just isn't pretty...being on the cover of a magazine seems like the definition of success, but what if it's because your marriage has blown up and you are the latest Hollywood story, dirty laundry and all?

I must sound like a total cynic right now, but before you label me such, let me clarify where this is going. See, this is just another way God is working in my mind and heart to remind me that nothing else satisfies but Him. What we need to be amplifying in our minds is the joy and satisfaction that can only be found in relationship with our Creator. Instead, what we build up are the world's definitions of success and happiness...only to find that they aren't that great after all. The great thing thing, though, is that once we figure that out, our lives are freed up to experience the real thing...not just life, but the abundant life Christ promised.

Missionary Application Update and Prayer Requests

• In-depth interview scheduled for July 26

Where they probe into my innermost junk and decide if I'm fit to continue the process...pray I find grace and favor with the interviewer because we all know none of us are truly "worthy," but thank God, He uses us anyway.

• Reserve a "job" from the IMB website

There are still no openings in Guatemala or Costa Rica, but there may be something in the works! Pray for that to work out.

• Candidate Conference

We missed the August cutoff date, so it will probably be September...pray for grace with my job to be able to get the days off from school when the time comes.