Epaphras

Watching a sunrise,

Gazing the night stars,

Opening of the first flower bud,

A baby being born,

Making great friendships,

Spending time with your twin sister,

Stepping out of your comfort zone to new growth, 

Seeing someone follow hard after Christ,

is all....

EPAPHRAS

"...Epaphras, a dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf, who also declared to us your love in the Spirit." Colossians 1:7-8

Epaphras is a hero in scripture that most people don't notice.  This dude was a legit guy as we see how he was described by God through Paul in His letter to the faithful brothers in Colosse. He's also mentioned in Philemon as being Paul's fellow prisoner in Christ.  How would you describe all these things listed? All these are just a few things that I got to see or experience over the last couple months and I'd describe it as LOVELY. Epaphras means lovely.  He sure lives up to his name.  He's called a "dear fellow servant" which the Greek word for dear is agapeteous which means a self-sacrificing love, the strongest form of love.  He loves unselfishly to others in his service to them. What he tells Paul about his time with the Colossians isn't about how "religious" they are, or what good/bad works they're doing, etc but of their "love (agape) in the Spirit."  Out of all the things he could have told Paul, their self sacrificing love in the Spirit is what stands out the most and what means the most.  After someone spends time with me, is that how I would be described?  What do I look at when I'm with others?  Is it there apapeteous servant hood?  What do I aim at when around other?  Is it being a faithful minister of Christ?

My second summer at the ranch has passed and so many stories to tell.  I had the best HK team I could have asked for; we truly had brotherly love among us, not in work only but in friendship and time outside of work.  Having adventures of floating the river, hiking, rollerblading, slamming, bowling, eating together, laughing more than I have all year, talking, sharing life!  I still cant believe I get paid for the job I do sometimes.  I had a lot more on my plate this summer with the change of position but still was doing it for God's glory with joy, preparing a place for people to hear the good news (a verse from Habakkuk got me thru a week of infirmity among teen mom and baby campers, I don't know how else I could have gotten thru it with such energy).  My house was full with three wonderful Godly women roommates for the summer but they're slowly departing as they were only here for a season.  We all bonded really well and spent time together on our off days down at the river, riding the slides, horseback riding or just vegging out at home.  Zuela didn't complain having a few extra "moms" either!)  Michelle came from Australia to visit for a few days.  Oh did we have a blast and pictures only describe half the fun, I only wish she would've stayed longer:(

After the summer craziness I had a nice long break where I took my dog camping and hiking for a time to get away, relax and just BE.  Now it's that time of year when the year long interns are getting ready to depart and a whole new crew moves in.  It's going to be hard saying goodbye as I really loved them and appreciated each one so much. Some are moving across country, some are getting married, some may stay and some don't know what's next.  They set a high standard not only for the next year's interns but also for me in how I live my life and love and serve others well.  They're definitely EPAPHRAS.