At the beginning of this month, my team leader asked me what it would look like to pray for greater capacity when I get overwhelmed instead of asking God to put less on my plate.
shoot.
Capacity is defined as “the maximum amount that something can contain”- that kind of sounds negative in the sense that it limits you. However, in different context, capacity is defined as “fully occupying the available area or space.”
shoot again.
We tend to gravitate towards habits and comfortability. When we feel a little overwhelmed or that we’ve been given a little too much to handle, we back out – we ask for less. These past few months of the race have been overwhelming – even more so when I’m not seeking the Father’s heart through it all.
My heart posture before the Lord had to change from fleeing when it got overwhelming to asking him to fill up every space available within me – a greater capacity to lean into him in the midst of all circumstances.
This was a constant reminder while serving in Louisiana this month! It was our first ministry opportunity while being on the race and we quickly found out that we had to fight to lean into the Lord in hard moments. GREATER CAPACITY BABY!! so without further ado – the pictures you’ve all been waiting for:
one last sabbath day before our first week in Louisiana!!
On our way to Lake Charles, LA !! This was taken about half way through the 11 hour car ride.
cutie gas station bathroom stop in Alabama !!
subway for supper !! in the parking lot of course:)
our first day of ministry!! ladies and gentlemen, meet the roof crew!!
Emma, Layna, and Chloe:)
The three of us spent 4 out of 5 days tarping roofs damaged by the hurricanes. Tarping is a very delicate job if you ask me:)
this was our team !! all ladies with the exception of our fearless Samaritan’s Purse leaders !! you should have seen the faces of the homeowners when 15 ladies get out of a van to help mud out their homes and tarp their roofs:)
cutie gals !!
strong gals !!
look at those orange shirts !! killin it!!
all the shingle ladies:) haha
after we finished a full day of tarping a roof – we look a little nap:)
lunch time (also story time)
The last day in Lake Charles we were mudding out a home that had been damaged by mold that resulted from water coming into their roof – so we had full tyvex suits baby!! these things were quite toasty on the inside:)
all of us parading into Walmart after work !! first time going to a store in two months !!
driving back home after Lake Charles! we spent a week back at in Gainesville, GA before our second week of ministry.
listening to the rain and drinking hot tea is a fall favorite of mine !! I got to rest and reflect with some sweet friends after an entire week dedicated to talking about racial reconciliation !!
BACK TO LOUISIANA!! this time we went to Deridder, LA for a second week of ministry with Samaritan’s Purse !!
I got to use an array of power tools and they gave me a pole saw to take down some nasty fallen tree limbs !!
my chainsaw buddies 🙂 Layna, Brent, and Madison !!
matching rain boots from our walmart run !! we love rainy days
It rained so much that we used the roofing tarp for the slip and slide!!
notes of encouragement from ellie miller !! this was our very last day of ministry !!
we went to a laundromat !!
I washed my clothes in a real washing machine for the first time in two months!!
we even had some spare time to thrift a few new things !!
Our team leader suprised us with a celebratory dinner !!
two month of goodness 🙂
thanks for reading !! love y’all !!
So cool to hear how you’re doing. So excited for all God is clearly doing in and through you and your whole squad. You all exhibit so much joy! Keep leaning into Him as you seek greater capacity to serve, love, and live with faith. He is so pleased! I’m excited for what Gods got in store for you in these upcoming weeks and months.
WOW SO PRECIOUS !!!! thanks God !
Beautiful lessons learned! You are truly in your element. Prayers for continued safely, protection and discernment. Love always!
you look like it was so much fun wish I could have been there helping YOU make me so proud love you big hug
WOW! coming back and reading this now makes me cry. Love you so so much sweet Layna Tolton. you are something special
So proud of you Layna praying God’s walks beside you and your team.