Always at the New Year, we want to look back and see our last one. What was good, what was hard, what didn't quite manage to kill us, and what we can project into the next year. 2017 for me was a year of healing. 2016 was a year that knocked me down again and again, many old personal enemies holding me down and reminding me of hurts and shames. But this last year, I have seen God move me into a place of rest and freedom. Not in a big, all of a sudden, musical production sort of way. It's been a slow, gentle, floating down a river kind of way. I've learned this last year that the way we choose to act is crucial. Even if everything in us screams to react, to fight back, to seek justice, we can still choose to walk humbly, choose love, and learn along the way. Change is slow, healing is a process, and it all begins with a decision. It's like changing our habits. It takes 7 days to make a habit and 28 days to break it, according to studies, and it all starts by making conscious decisions. I've learned this year that we are not defined by the things that we do. We cannot undo our actions, but we can move on and continue growing and learning. I've learned this year the importance of letting go, even of good things. We cannot keep anything in this life, the good or the bad. Sometimes when we hold on to something too tight, we end up losing it faster. Letting go, giving it back to God, is the safest places for our dreams and blessings to rest.
2018, I have a feeling, is going to be a year of action. One of the projects I am currently a part of is our first leadership school. It has a focus on urban ministry development, and will be from February to May. We are planning the outreach to New York City, and Buenos Aires, Argentina. We will be scouting NYC for future outreach locations, and possibly hosting the Arts Gathering there in 2019. In Buenos Aires we will get to spend some time with the people that invested in our leaders many years ago, and also participate in the national YWAM gathering. This is a pretty big outreach though, and requires a lot of finances. The plane ticket alone is at least £800, and then hospitality costs and food. If you would consider contributing to this in any way, big or small, it would be a great help.
Thank you all for the love and support, it really does a great deal more than you know. If you would like more info, or are looking to contribute anything please get in touch, on Facebook or by email to pericarlson228@gmail.com
