Overwhelming but peaceful?

So right now there is a lot going on around me...

My best friend (most of you probably know him as Jeff - hah) just had heart surgery yesterday... Everything went well and he is doing as good as can be expected today... Honestly when I saw him yesterday after his surgery, still unconcious from the anestesia, I almost started crying like a baby... from relief of coarse... we've dreamed big dreams together, ya know... I love the guy... There was definately some tenseness in the days leading up to the surgery... Thank you God for all the ways you offer healing...

Some other friends (Mike and Karl) are in Africa right now and they are on my mind a lot. I know there eyes are being opened to a side of the world many of us will never see... never fully understand or comprehend... I know it will change them... probably for the better... I have heard Karl is a bit sick and I am sure Mike is homesick... My thoughts and prayers are with them on their journey... God, may you work in their hearts and use them to bring your Kingdom to Africa...

Also, on what seems in some ways to be on the back burner, we are involved in this small thing called planting a church (sarcasm of coarse)... We are less than 10 days from our prelaunch and about 6 weeks from our launch... We have an amazing community of people and are sold out on our mission... There are also, on the other hand, many details that have not yet been worked out/revealed... Very stressful or overwhelming at times... more things going on/needing to get done than one would ever imagine...

I will say this... I am commited to trusting God each step of the way... in the midst of craziness, planning, surgerys, world travels, and sickness... I know God has lead us here... God will continue to lead... I find peace in that... I also find meekness... I am forced towards humility... "God, we are dependent on You... we are not in control... this is not about our glory... may you bring glory to yourself... may you guide our steps"

I finding that peace which transcends all understanding not in things working out the way we want but in knowing our creator is on our side... Not seeing him, yet still experiencing his love, grace, peace, and salvation... That brings peace... that brings joy...

God bring your salvation... bring your kingdom...

Much Love,

-J

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 1:8-9