The Scoop

I thought I would give you the scoop of whats been going on in my life.... or, what is going to be going on.

Last summer, I graduated.
I had absolutely NO idea what God was going to do with my life.
All I knew was that I wanted to take this time while I am single to "serve God without distractions."
FYI...This sounds a lot easier than it really is.
I started praying.

I forget when... I was praying about what God wanted for me, when I randomly remembered a talk I had with a really neat girl after a volleyball game.

She had just come home from interning at a home for troubled women.
She told us about the home and the wonderful experience it had been for her....
Wow.... that's awesome.
And then... I didn't think about it for another two years.

Anyhow... I couldn't get the thought out.
The next day I found it online.
Vision of Hope (Click on it to see the site....)
It is a REALLY amazing place.
They have an internship program that I started looking into.

 *Insert a ton of details about God guiding that I don't feel like typing out because it would be long, just like this sentence, which I already know is a run-on, but you can't expect me to always keep the rules! *

Eventually, I started the interview process.

Two interviews later, God used the wisdom of the Intern Coordinator to really impact my life.

I spent the next few months reading amazing books (Aka.... life altering books!), and went for a ten day visit and conference.

During those ten days, God dealt with my heart on a lot of things, to an overwhelming extent.
When I thought God had showed me all that He possibly could.... He showed me another aspect of my life that I had to surrender.
It was life changing.

Oh, and Vision of Hope was incredible.
Flat out.

I came home and had absolutely NO idea what God was going to do.


Did GOD want me to go....
To Indiana?
For a year?


The fact that Indiana is 2,000 miles away and the commitment is a year long, definitely made the decision a bit harder.

Maybe a great family isn't so great after all....
JUST KIDDING!
People leave for longer than a year all the time...  but this is all new to me!

I waited.
Surrendered.
Cried.
Prayed.

God overwhelmed me with HIS peace.
I wasn't worried or scared....
But I was curious.

On Wednesday the Intern Coordinator called and officially invited me to be an intern at Vision of Hope.
I had the final decision to make.

AHHHHHH....
OK, God!
Now can you shout it out....
(Slow learner right here....)

I spent the next couple of days praying. A lot!

By day two... It wasn't a question.
I knew.
God didn't have to shout it out....

He made it clear.

Long story short.... or at least less long, I know that this is what God has for me.

I know that I will be all emotional for the first week.... and probably a bit longer.
I know that I will get homesick.
I know that it won't always be easy.
I know I will miss people.
I know the devil will try to discourage me.
I know I won't be able to make coffees for my customers.
I know it will be different.
I know it is way out of my comfort zone.

BUT!

I know that God will be with me.
I know that I will have to depend on Him.
I know that I have a blog, a phone, mail, email, texting, and I'll get skype.
I know that I will be a part of a wonderful team down there.
I know that I can visit home.
I know that distance makes the heart grow fonder... so I will still love my family and friends when I get back.
I know that doing God's will isn't always comfortable.... that's not what Christianity is about; it is about becoming more like Christ.
I know that the Lord has burdened my heart with hurting woman and He can use me with these women.
I know that the experience will be life changing.
I know that being in the will of God is the most wonderful place to be.
I know that GOD is more than enough.

Above all, I know that God is great.
I know that doesn't necessarily have to do with leaving.... but it is everything to me.
I serve an awesome God.
I sure wouldn't go 2,000 miles away if I didn't believe that!


Because of all that....
I am SO excited!
Excited to see all that God has planned for this year!
Excited to start a new adventure.
Excited to be a part of Vision of Hope.
Excited that I am God's.
Excited to pack a years worth of clothes in a couple suitcases.... oh, maybe not about that.
But, I am super excited!


He is in control.
He is leading.
He makes no mistakes.
He is faithful.

I trust Him.


Post summary: I'm going to Indiana for a year!

Blah, Blah, Blah...

1. I am happy.
"He has made me glad..."

2. I made "Pastry Paradise" yesterday.
When I was young, Mom would make bread and give me enough dough to make my "secret" pastry.
I was sure that I was going to start my own bakery some day. "Pastry Paradise" was my calling. Then... I stopped making them.
Yesterday.... Mom made bread.
I asked for some dough.
I made my "secret" recipe.
It was yummy.
 I felt like I was ten!
SO, my shop will be opening in the summer of 2013!

3. Emily got even cuter since I left.

4. My dad is SUCH a servant!
Every single morning he wakes us up by bringing us a delicious cup of coffee (Tea for the weirdos...) and slices of fruit.
He amazes me!
Who wants to wake up and do that?
For as long as I can remember, dad has.
Throughout my whole life, my dad has done everything he possibly could to make us happier and our lives more enjoyable.
My dad loves black licorice and root beer... so do his seven kids.
If my dad has a small root beer or little thing of licorice, he will split it up to ensure that we all get as much as he does.
No treat is too small to share.
He has shown me what it means to have a servant's heart....
I love him.

5. You know how some people eat when they are stressed or overwhelmed.
I don't.
I cook.
I find it SO relaxing.
If I have a day off.... I want to make something yummy.
THEN I eat it!

6.  Being home makes me thankful for SO many things that can be overlooked.

Like...
- Mom's food.
- The gym.
- My bed.
- My little siblings' crazy sense of humor.
- Being a part of my sibling's life.
- Talking to  Johanna.
- Long talks with  Mom and her undying interest in every aspect of my life.
- My dad's hugs and wisdom.
- Java Bear.
- Cooking.
- Our little church.

7.  I love to be comfortable.... in an atmosphere that I am used to; doing what is normal.

God showed me while I was away that He doesn't just want me to be comfortable.... He wants me to be growing, becoming more like Him, serving others.

When I was away, I didn't have the little things I was used to.... but I had God.
 And He was (...and is.) enough.

8. God's Word is SO awesome.
When I was in Indiana I thought.... "OK, God. Can you tell me what you want, write it on a wall or something?"
 My sister heard from God so clearly when He took her to China... why wasn't He speaking to me?

Then I started searching the Bible.
And God did speak to me.
He didn't say, "Go" or "Stay."
But things like, "I know." " Trust in Me." "Rest, wait, be patient." "Let go." "Nothing is hid from Me!" "You are safe in My hands." "Don't be afraid."

God made it so extremely clear what He wanted me to do.
Then.... He gave me peace, confidence, and joy.
I KNOW that He knows. I know that I have nothing to worry about....
THAT is true peace!


9.  God is SO very good to me!
He is my beloved!


That's all, folks!

Home Sweet Home!

I'm home from ten days in Indiana!
It was an amazing trip in MANY ways!

Some Facts:

Fact 1: When I left for IN, I had an agenda.... I would go there, see everything, learn stuff, and God would make His will completely clear to me!
God had different plans.

Fact 2: God changed my heart, life, and mindset.

Fact 3: I drank my coffee black.
This is shocking...

Fact 4: God took me to a point where I had to be completely dependent on Him. A point where I had absolutely no idea what He was going to do.... It was and is a wonderful place to be. How freeing to let go of my desires and "plans" and rest in God's arms!

Fact 5: God really blessed me with Psalms 139. It is amazing to read that chapter super slow..... I've read it many times but it really hit home this week. Verse 12 says, "even the darkness is not dark to You; the night is bright as day, for darkness is as light to You." I was in the dark, in that I had no idea what God wanted for my life. I was scared... "what if I make the wrong decision?!" There is no darkness to God. He knows! There are no surprises to Him. God has my life completely "figured out." I don't have to try to have control... I just need to trust Him.

Fact 6: I listened to many, many, many hours of powerful preaching. It was amazing! You know that feeling you get after Thanksgiving dinner.... when you are full to the point of explosion. That is how I am feeling. There was SO much amazing stuff being packed into my head, and I am just beginning to digest it all.

Fact 7: It is SO good to be home. I am more convinced than ever that I live in an almost "utopia." No... we are not near perfect. But, I have been very blessed.

Fact 8: I met a bunch of amazing people. The girls that I stayed with were awesome and made me feel SO welcome.

Fact 9: I am exhausted. I have never felt so emotionally and mentally drained. I went to work today and my brain remained three seconds too slow. I walked myself through everything... "OK, Helen, pick up the spoon. Stir the drink. Smile at the nice lady.... etc." The time change didn't help with that. I feel as though my brain has been spinning, trying to take in everything... and now it is on overload.


So... pretty much, I have no idea what God is going to do in this coming year.... but no matter what, God used those ten days to change my life. It was humbling.... God revealed so much in my heart that I needed to surrender to Him.

God is amazing. His love overwhelms me.  I know HE has a plan.

Thank You, Lord!

It is Thanksgiving!

One of my favorite holidays!

I have so very much to be thankful for this year!
God has been SO good to me!

I do not deserve all that He has given me!!!!

This year, I am especially thankful for:

1. My Family!

They really knock my socks off!

2. Dad.

It wasn't until recently that I really began to appreciate how precious the love of my dad is.
It has always been there... I never doubted it.
But in the last couple years I have come to appreciate it in a new way.
Maybe it is because I have seen the pain that comes when a girl misses out on that love.
There are so many young women who are searching for love.
Searching to be told that they are beautiful.
Searching to be accepted.
I have a precious gift!

3. Purpose and Direction

I am so thankful that God guides.
He really does have a plan!

4. Carrots! 

From the amount of carrots I ate growing up.... I should have amazing "night vision!"

Because they make my life better!
There is something wonderful about chomping down on a huge carrot!
Don't laugh at me!
I love them!

5. My New Brother
You know, Kuzco, from, "The Emperors New Groove."

That movie makes me laugh a ridiculous amount.

Well, that's Jeffrey!
Saves me from having to tell you about him.

I'm kidding!
Although there may be a slight resemblance..
That's what I called him before they got married.

He is awesome!
All of my life I wanted an older brother... now I have one!

You can see why I had my doubts! 

6. Emily

Cuteness Overload!

I LOVE being an aunt!
When I hold this cutie.... I struggle with pride!
I just can't get over how perfect she is!

7. God's Faithfulness!

God is SO faithful!

8. Idaho

I love this place!

9. My Job

I love my job at Java Bear!
I am super blessed!

10. Grajuation!

(Yes... I spelled that wrong on purpose!)
I LOVE being graduated!
It is awesome!

11. Crazy Memories

I'm so glad that the Lord gave us the ability to remember things...

12. Friends

*Insert your face here*

New and old.
Crazy and Sane.
They're awesome!

13. Coffee!

Because I never really appreciated it until this year!

14. The Ability to Grow and Change!

Philippians 1:6

“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

"Thou art the Potter... I am the clay!"

15. Food

I think God was awfully nice to let us have taste-buds!
I recently have begun to LOVE cooking!
I finally can say I have a hobby.
It's like my own form of art... Because art and I never did get along.

My Home!
I am thankful that I have a home where Christmas (*we know you aren't suppose to until tomorrow... but do you know of any "Thanksgiving music?"*) music is playing, laughter is heard, dad is making me a special cup of coffee because someone poured mine out, and people love each other... a lot!

On that note... I think I will go enjoy it!

Thank you, Lord!


Happy Thanksgiving!

P.S. I am thankful for the ability to laugh!

Teacher: Why did the turkey cross the road? 
Joey: It was the chicken's day off.

How many cooks does it take to stuff a turkey? 

One, but you really have to squeeze him in! 

What do you get after eating way too much turkey and dressing? 

Dessert, of course! 

Who is not hungry at Thanksgiving? 

The turkey, because he’s already stuffed! 

So Corny! I know!

Have Thine Own Way...

This song blessed me today!

1. Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
   Thou art the Potter, I am the clay.
   Mold me and make me after Thy will,
   While I am waiting, yielded and still.
2. 
   
3. Have Thine Own Way, Lord!

To the Memories...

I wonder what type of old lady I will be someday. I can picture myself sitting with a cup of tea (Because I will always drink tea!) reminiscing the life of my youth.

I wonder what I will remember...

It may be the late night laughing episodes, water fights, or family times together. In the midst of all of my wacky memories, will always be those special times with the Lord and memories of God's guidance and unconditional love. There will be many memories packed into my old brain... many that are still yet to come.

As I look into the future ahead of me, it reminds me that I will not always be in this comfortable place that I sit in now. Only God knows where I will be in these next years of my life.

Back to my old lady thought... I do believe that there will be a few things in my life that my mind will always hold onto! A few memories that are too dear to my heart to ever be forgotten!

Life has a way of sending curves you were not expecting. In this last year, more has changed than I ever expected or dreamed.

Thankfully.... God is faithful! He has led and loved through it all! He will continue to hold me throughout the life that He has planned for me!

A few highlights from the year!

Taking FIRST in our volleyball tournament!

My best friend/sister's wedding!

.

Becoming Cinderella for a couple of months!

Emily Rose Bickish! Making me into an aunt!

Latte's! They are a huge part of my life!

Here's to the memories!

Steering Wheel or Spare Tire?

"Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?"-- Corrie Ten Boom

I read this quote and was humbled. So often I use prayer as spare tire rather than my steering wheel.

In the last year so much has changed for me! Life has become so much more complicated than which outfit to wear and what haircut to get. My decisions today are affecting the rest of my life and I find myself needing God more than ever!

When trials and confusion are all around, it is easy to run to the Lord for help. Yet, when the sun is shining and all is well, we can begin to think that we've got it under control.

I believe in the power of prayer. I know that God is listening and I have seen Him answer so many prayers.

Our cars have been faithfully used by God many times throughout the years. Friends have often said, "If the Soderbergs' need money, don't drive with them!" God has used our cars many times throughout the years to provide for many needs. There was the time that $2,600 in income taxes were due... Our poor Volkswagen was hit by an un-insured teenager who's dad promptly gave us the exact amount we had been praying for. Or the time a lady randomly backed into our gold torus car that paid for the school books mom had been praying for.

The Lord has shown Himself so faithful to us... I wouldn't trade those experiences for anything!

To think, that I, Helen Soderberg, can talk to the creator of the world, still amazes me! To know that Jesus, who died and lives for me, cares about every heartache and fear, is beyond my imagination!

Thank you, Lord, for prayer!

Sometimes when life seems gentle and blessings flood my way,

I turn my gaze away from You and soon forget to pray.But when the sky grows darker and courage turns to fear,My anxious voice cries upward with words you long to hear.Lord, I need You when the sea of life is calm.O Lord, I need You when the wind is blowing strong.Whether trials come or cease, keep me always on my knees.Lord, I need You. Lord I need You.

Lord, help me to remember I'm weak but You are strong.I cannot sing apart from You, for Lord You are my song.Although I'm prone to wander and boast in all I do;Lord keep my eyes turned upward so I depend on You.Lord, I need You when the sea of life is calm.O Lord, I need You when the wind is blowing strong.Whether trials come or cease, keep me always on my knees.Lord, I need You. Lord I need You.