Everyone keeps asking me what is going on with my trip to Spain. It is a difficult question to answer since I am not the One who is in control. Only God can answer the question of WHEN I am going to Spain, or even IF I am going to Spain. God is teaching me so much in this waiting period. I have so much to learn in order to do God's work. In the past year since beginning to fund-raise, I have already gained so much in my relationship with my Lord...not to mention the people around me and myself. The Almighty One is grooming me and shaping me into the person He wants me to be. I still don't know who that person is...but I know for certain that she wants to serve Christ!
I recently moved in with a family headed up by a woman wise beyond her years. She prays for wisdom at every turn and continues to impart it to me. I know that living with her is no accident. She is patient, kind, giving, and one of the brightest reflections of Christ that I know. God knows what He is doing by placing me under her roof.
I am dealing with many "man" issues that have been plaguing me since I can remember. So, why else would God then place me, also, in a house with a man that treats me so similarly to the way my father does? I believe that it is because my Daddy in heaven wants me to turn to Him instead of the disappointing men of this world that I have continuously depended on for happiness in the past.
I have also recently had a man in my life who proclaimed that he loved me and never wanted me out of his life to turn on me at the drop of a hat. Again, my Heavenly Father is shaping me to depend solely on HIM for love and tenderness. He is a jealous God and will not stand for me to put another first. No one else loves like the Lord. He is the ultimate example of faithfulness. He will never leave me like the people of this world.
So....when am I going to Spain? Who knows? Well...the all-knowing, all-powerful, all-faithful, all-loving, jealous, righteous, eternal Father does!
Pray for me, as I will continue to pray for all of you that our path may be made clear in this world of chaos.
In His grip....
Friday, October 11, 2013
Saturday, August 10, 2013
The cure for Loneliness
Loneliness.
It is so easy to feel lonely, especially when you are single, I believe. Sitting by yourself night after night watching The Bachelorette, Survivor (or is it just me?) and other mindless flashings on a device that I believe only influences greater loneliness...the television. I often find myself on the verge of tears simply because I feel so lonely and don't know what to do about it. Oftentimes these lonely feelings are accompanied by feelings of being pathetic, worthless, etc. I go through my phone to see if there is anyone who could cheer me out of my plight, most times to only feel worse when I realize the shortage of names of people I feel comfortable calling just to chat.
I already know, everytime, that the answer to this loneliness is God...why then, is it so hard to reach out to the One who loves me more than anyone?
Most times, I crawl inside myself even more when I feel this way...only fostering the pain inside of me caused by this loneliness.
The Bible says loneliness was first brought to human kind by original sin in Genesis 3:1-13. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, they were separated from God and each other. Loneliness was born at the fall.
Loneliness.
When Jesus went to the cross for us, he was betrayed and deserted by his friends and even his own Father had to turn away from him.
Loneliness.
Jesus made it so that we won't have to endure loneliness forever in heaven. But, how do we deal with it here on Earth in the time being? My personal experience is that I find it hardest to turn to God in those lonely moments. It is easy to praise God when something good happens, and it is easy to turn to God when you have a need in your life. Loneliness plays a different card I feel. When loneliness occurs, I feel the devil wants me to do the things I usually do. "Wallow in self pity", he says. So I do, when, in fact, this is far from the answer.
Loneliness.
So, what is the answer? What is the cure? God does not just give you more friends when you are lonely. Will that really solve your loneliness anyway? I don't think so. I live with 5 other people and I am sitting here feeling the pangs of loneliness right now. No, more friends won't solve the problem. A significant other won't solve the problem. The lonely must ask God to change THEM in order to break the chains of loneliness. Matthew 6:33 says "seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness." When pleasing God is in the forefront of your mind, loneliness has a hard time getting a foothold. As a God pleaser, you look at people with love and you want to do things for them. God puts people in our path for a purpose: to love them, even in small, simple ways.
Loneliness.
Loneliness is not when you are invisible to other people, it is when other people are invisible to you. Scripture tells us to love one another (John 13:34).
No matter who you are or what your situation is, we will experience loneliness in a fallen world. God wants to enter into our loneliness and transform it. We become united with Him when we submit our lives to Jesus, and he calls us to enter into each others' loneliness.
Psalm 25:16...Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.
Deuteronomy 31:6...Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.
Psalm 38:9-15....All my longings lie open before you, O Lord; my sighing is not hidden from you...I wait for you, O Lord; you will answer, O Lord my God
It is so easy to feel lonely, especially when you are single, I believe. Sitting by yourself night after night watching The Bachelorette, Survivor (or is it just me?) and other mindless flashings on a device that I believe only influences greater loneliness...the television. I often find myself on the verge of tears simply because I feel so lonely and don't know what to do about it. Oftentimes these lonely feelings are accompanied by feelings of being pathetic, worthless, etc. I go through my phone to see if there is anyone who could cheer me out of my plight, most times to only feel worse when I realize the shortage of names of people I feel comfortable calling just to chat.
I already know, everytime, that the answer to this loneliness is God...why then, is it so hard to reach out to the One who loves me more than anyone?
Most times, I crawl inside myself even more when I feel this way...only fostering the pain inside of me caused by this loneliness.
The Bible says loneliness was first brought to human kind by original sin in Genesis 3:1-13. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, they were separated from God and each other. Loneliness was born at the fall.
Loneliness.
When Jesus went to the cross for us, he was betrayed and deserted by his friends and even his own Father had to turn away from him.
Loneliness.
Jesus made it so that we won't have to endure loneliness forever in heaven. But, how do we deal with it here on Earth in the time being? My personal experience is that I find it hardest to turn to God in those lonely moments. It is easy to praise God when something good happens, and it is easy to turn to God when you have a need in your life. Loneliness plays a different card I feel. When loneliness occurs, I feel the devil wants me to do the things I usually do. "Wallow in self pity", he says. So I do, when, in fact, this is far from the answer.
Loneliness.
So, what is the answer? What is the cure? God does not just give you more friends when you are lonely. Will that really solve your loneliness anyway? I don't think so. I live with 5 other people and I am sitting here feeling the pangs of loneliness right now. No, more friends won't solve the problem. A significant other won't solve the problem. The lonely must ask God to change THEM in order to break the chains of loneliness. Matthew 6:33 says "seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness." When pleasing God is in the forefront of your mind, loneliness has a hard time getting a foothold. As a God pleaser, you look at people with love and you want to do things for them. God puts people in our path for a purpose: to love them, even in small, simple ways.
Loneliness.
Loneliness is not when you are invisible to other people, it is when other people are invisible to you. Scripture tells us to love one another (John 13:34).
No matter who you are or what your situation is, we will experience loneliness in a fallen world. God wants to enter into our loneliness and transform it. We become united with Him when we submit our lives to Jesus, and he calls us to enter into each others' loneliness.
Psalm 25:16...Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.
Deuteronomy 31:6...Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.
Psalm 38:9-15....All my longings lie open before you, O Lord; my sighing is not hidden from you...I wait for you, O Lord; you will answer, O Lord my God
Friday, May 24, 2013
Growing Pains
When I was little, I used to wake up in the middle of the night with the worst pains in my legs. I remember being up most of the night crying, while my mom would rub my legs to try to ease the ache. At the time, it seemed like the worst pain I had ever felt. But, after a while, these growing pains went away.....just a part of being an active, growing, athletic child.
Lately, I have been experiencing growing pains in my faith in Christ. I have found that being a believer is not always easy. There are difficult choices to be made. Lifestyle changes that must be chosen. When you are a growing, active member of Christ's church, you will experience pain. Pain caused by choices, lost relationships, and temptation. I find assurance knowing that the pain is only temporary and is a part of the journey to everlasting glory in heaven with my Savior.
Hebrews 2:18
"For because He Himself has suffered when tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted."
Lately, I have been experiencing growing pains in my faith in Christ. I have found that being a believer is not always easy. There are difficult choices to be made. Lifestyle changes that must be chosen. When you are a growing, active member of Christ's church, you will experience pain. Pain caused by choices, lost relationships, and temptation. I find assurance knowing that the pain is only temporary and is a part of the journey to everlasting glory in heaven with my Savior.
Hebrews 2:18
"For because He Himself has suffered when tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted."
Saturday, April 27, 2013
God's Work, God's Way
"When I do God's work God's way...I'll view God as my only source for everything I need. I'll look for evidences of God's supernatural intervention. I won't be stressed out."
-Charles Stanley
-Charles Stanley
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Road Block
My life is a constant series of ups and downs. Right now is a current downward slope, it seems. I honestly am at a little bit of a loss for words, and would really just like to request prayers. The confusion surrounding my feelings about this mission is mind numbing and the doubt that the devil has been placing on my heart is discouraging. Please pray that the Lord will put my heart and mind at ease and that I may feel assurance to continue my journey.
Monday, March 18, 2013
My Times Are in Thy Hand
I am reading a book called, It's Not Fair! Finding Hope When Times Are Tough. While doing my reading this evening, I found a poem by William F. Lloyd.
"My Times Are in Thy Hand"
My times are in thy hand;
My God, I wish them there;
My life, my friends, my soul, I leave
Entirely to thy care.
My times are in thy hand,
Whatever they may be;
Pleasing or painful, dark or bright,
As best may seem to thee.
My times are in thy hand;
Why should I doubt or fear?
My Father's hand will never cause
His child a needless tear.
My times are in thy hand,
Jesus the Crucified;
Those hands my cruel sins had pierced
Are now my guard and guide.
-William F. Lloyd, 1824
The verses really speak to a conversation I was having last night with a friend. As we spoke, they were urging me to let go of control of my life and let God take control, because ultimately He has control anyway.
"My Times Are in Thy Hand"
My times are in thy hand;
My God, I wish them there;
My life, my friends, my soul, I leave
Entirely to thy care.
My times are in thy hand,
Whatever they may be;
Pleasing or painful, dark or bright,
As best may seem to thee.
My times are in thy hand;
Why should I doubt or fear?
My Father's hand will never cause
His child a needless tear.
My times are in thy hand,
Jesus the Crucified;
Those hands my cruel sins had pierced
Are now my guard and guide.
-William F. Lloyd, 1824
The verses really speak to a conversation I was having last night with a friend. As we spoke, they were urging me to let go of control of my life and let God take control, because ultimately He has control anyway.
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Are You Rich?
If you make more than $1500 a year, you are richer than 75% of the world!
www.globalrichlist.com
www.globalrichlist.com
On Guard!
NEVER let down your guard.
I wake up every weekday morning at 4:45 to go to the gym. This past Monday, I woke up, did my morning routine, and walked out to my car to leave. When I got in, the seat had been moved back and reclined, my glove box and center console were opened and all of my personal belongings were strewn around the interior of my car. It was such an unsettling feeling. After looking around to see if anything had been taken, or if any damage had been done, I moved the seat back the way I had it and went to start my car. But when I tried to place the key in the ignition, it wouldn't go in! I tried several times, getting more and more frustrated and upset. Whoever had broken into my car had also tried to steal it, and had messed up my ignition in the process. I was so upset and I felt so violated. The would-be thief hadn't had to break any of my windows in order to get into my car, so I must have left one of the doors unlocked. I had let down my guard, and let evil in.
The same thing happened to me in my spiritual journey. Everything seemed to be going fine. I had been getting so many opportunities to speak about my mission to groups at my church and more and more donations were coming in. My goal to leave for Spain in July was coming to fruition. But, in the process, I let my guard down. Temptation from the devil became overwhelming. Struggles that had seemed to leave my mind, suddenly became blinding and I felt like I couldn't say no.
Ephesians 6:10-17 says, "Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled round your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
I have now taken action by arming myself with the FULL armour of God. Believe me, temptation is still a struggle, but now I know that I cannot let down my guard for even a second. The devil is always crouched and waiting....
I wake up every weekday morning at 4:45 to go to the gym. This past Monday, I woke up, did my morning routine, and walked out to my car to leave. When I got in, the seat had been moved back and reclined, my glove box and center console were opened and all of my personal belongings were strewn around the interior of my car. It was such an unsettling feeling. After looking around to see if anything had been taken, or if any damage had been done, I moved the seat back the way I had it and went to start my car. But when I tried to place the key in the ignition, it wouldn't go in! I tried several times, getting more and more frustrated and upset. Whoever had broken into my car had also tried to steal it, and had messed up my ignition in the process. I was so upset and I felt so violated. The would-be thief hadn't had to break any of my windows in order to get into my car, so I must have left one of the doors unlocked. I had let down my guard, and let evil in.
The same thing happened to me in my spiritual journey. Everything seemed to be going fine. I had been getting so many opportunities to speak about my mission to groups at my church and more and more donations were coming in. My goal to leave for Spain in July was coming to fruition. But, in the process, I let my guard down. Temptation from the devil became overwhelming. Struggles that had seemed to leave my mind, suddenly became blinding and I felt like I couldn't say no.
Ephesians 6:10-17 says, "Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled round your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
I have now taken action by arming myself with the FULL armour of God. Believe me, temptation is still a struggle, but now I know that I cannot let down my guard for even a second. The devil is always crouched and waiting....
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