Last night I realized something. Something big. I have to stop trying to run my own life and I have to start giving everything to God. I so often say that it's in His hands, or that He will handle it. Although there is soooo much truth in that, I have to believe it and not just say it. I also have to learn to prioritize. I want so many things at the same time and I just want to go and make them all happen. I have to learn that God's timing is not my own and I need to chill out and let him paint the picture! So on my way to work I heard a song that I love, and it was a great reminder from God that I need to just wait. Wait. Wait. And then wait. He's got this and doesn't need my help.
"I'm waiting. I'm waiting on you, Lord. And I am hopeful. I'm waiting on you, Lord. Though it it painful, but patiently I will wait. I will move ahead bold and confident. Taking every step in obedience. While I'm waiting, I will worship. While I'm waiting, I will not faint. I'll be running the race, even while I wait." -John Waller-
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Here lately...
Yeah, I know...it's been a month since I posted. I am seriously going to start posting weekly...seriously. Anyway, a lot has been going on lately so I will just give you the 411 of our lives right now, short version.
For starters, Brian still has not been hired as a teacher. He has had 3 interviews with different schools, and got his first rejection letter yesterday. We haven't heard anything from the other 2 as of yet. I know in my heart that God will provide for us and will never leave or forsake us, because He told us so in His word. But telling my head that is a totally different story. Or maybe it's the other way around. Either way, I am getting very nervous. We kind of thought he would have a job more quickly, so we are definitely trying not to get discouraged. The good news is he found out Tuesday that he got a summer job as a server at the Plantation. This is so awesome and we are thankful for this opportunity He has given Brian.
Another part of our lives has revolved around something that I have wanted so badly since I was old enough to realize the concept; to be a mommy. We have been praying about God's plan for us in this area, and I have a peace that He will bless us in His timing. I have some medical issues that will only get better once we have a child, so that is why we came off of birth control...almost a year ago. That being said, it worries me that somethink more may be wrong. However, I know that God's timing is everything. And being that B doesn't have a steady job, and we don't have a house yet, I know that His timing is not now. Once again, my head knows. But my heart hurts and longs for a sweet baby of our own. I continue to pray daily for God's peace and strength and patience as we wait this out.
We recently found out that one of our closest mentors is leaving to pursue God's will. Our pastor, friend, mentor, leader, and brother in Christ has been with us for 4 years now and we have really come to love him and his sweet family. He counseled us before marriage, and has been there for our family in huge ways. We will forever be grateful to God for letting us borrow him for this long, and pray that He uses Bro. Mark as he moves on to his next mission. We don't know the road ahead for GGBC, but we do know that God knows, and has the next man of God lined up for our church. I pray that we stick together and support each other and continue to pray for our new pastor, as well as our friend who is leaving.
Our latest concern is a house. Obviously Brian needs a job first, so that is our first prayer. However, our trailer is very very old and starting to really go. Every day something else happens. We will definitely look back at our newlywed time and laugh someday, but not today. :) We have been so blessed to have a place to stay with no rent, and are forever thankful to Granny for that. But, we need a new place now. So, we may rent an apartment for about 6 months (once he has a job) so that we can find a house. Or we may try to fix the trailer and tough it out, just depends on which would cost more.
So that's all the catching up I had to do! I think this is my longest post yet, but don't get used to it. :)
For starters, Brian still has not been hired as a teacher. He has had 3 interviews with different schools, and got his first rejection letter yesterday. We haven't heard anything from the other 2 as of yet. I know in my heart that God will provide for us and will never leave or forsake us, because He told us so in His word. But telling my head that is a totally different story. Or maybe it's the other way around. Either way, I am getting very nervous. We kind of thought he would have a job more quickly, so we are definitely trying not to get discouraged. The good news is he found out Tuesday that he got a summer job as a server at the Plantation. This is so awesome and we are thankful for this opportunity He has given Brian.
Another part of our lives has revolved around something that I have wanted so badly since I was old enough to realize the concept; to be a mommy. We have been praying about God's plan for us in this area, and I have a peace that He will bless us in His timing. I have some medical issues that will only get better once we have a child, so that is why we came off of birth control...almost a year ago. That being said, it worries me that somethink more may be wrong. However, I know that God's timing is everything. And being that B doesn't have a steady job, and we don't have a house yet, I know that His timing is not now. Once again, my head knows. But my heart hurts and longs for a sweet baby of our own. I continue to pray daily for God's peace and strength and patience as we wait this out.
We recently found out that one of our closest mentors is leaving to pursue God's will. Our pastor, friend, mentor, leader, and brother in Christ has been with us for 4 years now and we have really come to love him and his sweet family. He counseled us before marriage, and has been there for our family in huge ways. We will forever be grateful to God for letting us borrow him for this long, and pray that He uses Bro. Mark as he moves on to his next mission. We don't know the road ahead for GGBC, but we do know that God knows, and has the next man of God lined up for our church. I pray that we stick together and support each other and continue to pray for our new pastor, as well as our friend who is leaving.
Our latest concern is a house. Obviously Brian needs a job first, so that is our first prayer. However, our trailer is very very old and starting to really go. Every day something else happens. We will definitely look back at our newlywed time and laugh someday, but not today. :) We have been so blessed to have a place to stay with no rent, and are forever thankful to Granny for that. But, we need a new place now. So, we may rent an apartment for about 6 months (once he has a job) so that we can find a house. Or we may try to fix the trailer and tough it out, just depends on which would cost more.
So that's all the catching up I had to do! I think this is my longest post yet, but don't get used to it. :)
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Love is in the air!!!
Love is such a blessing from above! Lately I have been surrounded by love, and love it! My Lord and Savior shows me love each and every day and pours out His grace upon me, even when I mess up so badly. My hubby also loves me unconditionally, and is so very good to me. My friends and family are such examples of love as well. I recently got the opportunity to wish my best friends Justin and Hannah Wofford a Happy 1st Anniversary! A year ago Sunday I had the priviledge to stand with them as they exchanged vows in front of friends, family, and God. They are such a joy to me and I am so happy that God brought them together.
In 18 days, my other best friend Leslie will be united in marriage with her sweetie Brian. I will be standing beside her as she begins this new journey in her life. Leslie, I pray that you and Brian put God first in all things, and the rest will fall into place. I am so happy for you two and wish you many years of love and hapiness. Never go to bed angry and keep your love alive! Also remember that love's not a fight, but it's something worth fighting for...
On July 16th, another sweet couple will be saying "I do." Amy Jo and Adam are such an example of God's perfect timing. They have come through a long journey to get to where they are, and it is so awesome to know that God knew what He was doing the whole time; guiding them and directing them towards each other's hearts. Amy & Adam, I know that God has such big plans for the two of you. Marriage is such a sweet blessing from above, and I know you will enjoy every minute of it...well, maybe not every minute, like when Adam leaves the toilet seat up, or Amy forgets to turn off her straightener and you have to go all the way back home to make sure it doesn't burn the neighborhood down. But you get my point. :)
Love is beautiful and I am so glad to see it all around me. Thank you, God, for showing us Your love, and for commanding us to love in return. I pray that we show love to others the way that You have first loved us...even to those we do not know.
In 18 days, my other best friend Leslie will be united in marriage with her sweetie Brian. I will be standing beside her as she begins this new journey in her life. Leslie, I pray that you and Brian put God first in all things, and the rest will fall into place. I am so happy for you two and wish you many years of love and hapiness. Never go to bed angry and keep your love alive! Also remember that love's not a fight, but it's something worth fighting for...
On July 16th, another sweet couple will be saying "I do." Amy Jo and Adam are such an example of God's perfect timing. They have come through a long journey to get to where they are, and it is so awesome to know that God knew what He was doing the whole time; guiding them and directing them towards each other's hearts. Amy & Adam, I know that God has such big plans for the two of you. Marriage is such a sweet blessing from above, and I know you will enjoy every minute of it...well, maybe not every minute, like when Adam leaves the toilet seat up, or Amy forgets to turn off her straightener and you have to go all the way back home to make sure it doesn't burn the neighborhood down. But you get my point. :)
Love is beautiful and I am so glad to see it all around me. Thank you, God, for showing us Your love, and for commanding us to love in return. I pray that we show love to others the way that You have first loved us...even to those we do not know.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Ahhh, friends...
"Life's truest happiness is found in friendships we make along the way." ~Anonymous
I love friends. I love my friends, I love my friends' friends, I love the show Friends, I just love the idea of friends! As life moves along, I find that I am more and more thankful for all of the friendships I have made along the way. I know that I have support in life's trials, and I also have someone to celebrate life's blessings with.
God has blessed me with some pretty amazing people to share my life with. I love the laughter we share, and the tears we cry together. Life would be pretty boring if it were not for friends.
To all of my friends out there, in case I fail to tell you often enough, I love you so much and am so thankful that God has blessed me with such wonderful amazing people to share in life's adventures with :)
I love friends. I love my friends, I love my friends' friends, I love the show Friends, I just love the idea of friends! As life moves along, I find that I am more and more thankful for all of the friendships I have made along the way. I know that I have support in life's trials, and I also have someone to celebrate life's blessings with.
God has blessed me with some pretty amazing people to share my life with. I love the laughter we share, and the tears we cry together. Life would be pretty boring if it were not for friends.
To all of my friends out there, in case I fail to tell you often enough, I love you so much and am so thankful that God has blessed me with such wonderful amazing people to share in life's adventures with :)
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Boxes
It's been a while since I posted...I know, I know. I will try to do better, but no guarantees!
Sunday's sermon was just way too good not to post about. It was basically another one of those "slaps in the face that feel good." Bro. Mark preached about boxes. Yes, boxes. Do you ever meet someone and right away decide what you think about them, therefore putting them into a box? Let me provide you with a few examples of the labels these so-called boxes might have: Losers, Obnoxious, Liars, Sinners...just to name a few. We are all guilty, myself included, of judging others. It's just what we do. We form our opinions and like to let everyone else know just how we feel. The Bible says in Luke 6:37, "Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven." I am sure most of us, as Christians, have read this verse before and maybe even taken it out of context. However, Sunday I was slapped real good!!! I am so often guilty of judging others without first looking at myself and making sure I am in the right place in my walk, and that I am forming these opinions and concerns out of a loving heart.
I am praying that God will help me let these people out of the boxes I have placed them into. Like Bro. Mark said, most times they will gladly jump out if only we will allow them to...
Sunday's sermon was just way too good not to post about. It was basically another one of those "slaps in the face that feel good." Bro. Mark preached about boxes. Yes, boxes. Do you ever meet someone and right away decide what you think about them, therefore putting them into a box? Let me provide you with a few examples of the labels these so-called boxes might have: Losers, Obnoxious, Liars, Sinners...just to name a few. We are all guilty, myself included, of judging others. It's just what we do. We form our opinions and like to let everyone else know just how we feel. The Bible says in Luke 6:37, "Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven." I am sure most of us, as Christians, have read this verse before and maybe even taken it out of context. However, Sunday I was slapped real good!!! I am so often guilty of judging others without first looking at myself and making sure I am in the right place in my walk, and that I am forming these opinions and concerns out of a loving heart.
I am praying that God will help me let these people out of the boxes I have placed them into. Like Bro. Mark said, most times they will gladly jump out if only we will allow them to...
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
The Power of the Cross
We had our Easter drama, "The Risen Christ" on Sunday night. Let me tell you...the Holy Spirit was all kinds of present in that place! In fact, He showed up long before we did.
First of all, one of our actors had just gotten in from a mission trip to Mexico, and really had not had but 3 hours to practice his lines. He did phenomenal! No one in that church would have ever known he only learned his lines that day.
Also, when we all got there to practice that day, you could feel God's presence sitting in on us, watching us prepare for the night ahead. If you have ever sang in choir or church, you know that usually you just go with the flow in practice and then when the real thing comes, you really sometimes feel that overwhelming presence of the Lord. Well, at this practice, people were raising their hands in praise to Him, and just singing about His glory. It was quite an amazing feeling to just worship Him with my brothers and sisters in choir.
But little did we know that was only the beginning to an amazing night of God working in the lives of those around us. The play started and the actors began to retell the resurrection story. Once again, we could all feel the Holy Spirit as we did our best to reenact this beautiful event. The beautiful love story that God wrote just for us. As the service was concluding and the invitation was given, one of my very close friends took that long walk down the aisle and gave her life to Christ. Praise the Lord! She too felt the Spirit calling her to let Him into her heart and she finally welcomed Him in.
I went home feeling so overwhelmed at the love of God for us...sending His son to die a horrible, wretched death for us...all so that we can spend eternity in Heaven with Him. I know people ask all the time, "Would you die for anyone?" but I think the harder question is, "Would you lay down the life of your child, your own flesh and blood, for anyone? How about the whole world who, in return, mocks you and spits in your face for this sweet precious sacrifice that you made just for them?" I am not yet a mother, but I cannot even fathom the feeling of giving up my child for anyone or anything.
"This the power of the cross; Christ became sin for us. Took the blame, bore the wrath, we stand forgiven at the cross..."
First of all, one of our actors had just gotten in from a mission trip to Mexico, and really had not had but 3 hours to practice his lines. He did phenomenal! No one in that church would have ever known he only learned his lines that day.
Also, when we all got there to practice that day, you could feel God's presence sitting in on us, watching us prepare for the night ahead. If you have ever sang in choir or church, you know that usually you just go with the flow in practice and then when the real thing comes, you really sometimes feel that overwhelming presence of the Lord. Well, at this practice, people were raising their hands in praise to Him, and just singing about His glory. It was quite an amazing feeling to just worship Him with my brothers and sisters in choir.
But little did we know that was only the beginning to an amazing night of God working in the lives of those around us. The play started and the actors began to retell the resurrection story. Once again, we could all feel the Holy Spirit as we did our best to reenact this beautiful event. The beautiful love story that God wrote just for us. As the service was concluding and the invitation was given, one of my very close friends took that long walk down the aisle and gave her life to Christ. Praise the Lord! She too felt the Spirit calling her to let Him into her heart and she finally welcomed Him in.
I went home feeling so overwhelmed at the love of God for us...sending His son to die a horrible, wretched death for us...all so that we can spend eternity in Heaven with Him. I know people ask all the time, "Would you die for anyone?" but I think the harder question is, "Would you lay down the life of your child, your own flesh and blood, for anyone? How about the whole world who, in return, mocks you and spits in your face for this sweet precious sacrifice that you made just for them?" I am not yet a mother, but I cannot even fathom the feeling of giving up my child for anyone or anything.
"This the power of the cross; Christ became sin for us. Took the blame, bore the wrath, we stand forgiven at the cross..."
Thursday, March 18, 2010
A work in progress...
I have really come to realize lately that I am a work in progress. I have so many faults and God loves me in spite of those. Time and time again He pours His mercy over me without hesitation. Isn't it comforting to know that He does that for us? I think about my earthly relationships...my husband, mother, father, sisters, friends, etc. There are times that we do things and sometimes hurt one another and do not know how we will be able to forgive and forget. But with God...there is no doubt that He will not receive us back into His arms if only we ask. We hurt Him each and every day, most of the time without even acknowledging it. But when we do, and we ask for His forgiveness, He totally wipes out our sins as if they never even happened. What an example of love...
I often struggle with love. Love for those who I do not know or do not like. But God commands us to "Just as I have loved you, you are to love one another" (John 13:34). Wow...can you imagine if every one of us loved each other as He loves us? We would basically be living in a utopia. The word "love" is mentioned in the Bible somewhere around 442 times...God is love. And he wants us to love too...
I'm gonna end this post with a song I learned as a child, and still often think about...
"He's still workin' on me, to make me what I 'oughta be. It took Him just a week to make the moon and stars, the sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars. How loving and patient He must be...He's still workin' on me."
I often struggle with love. Love for those who I do not know or do not like. But God commands us to "Just as I have loved you, you are to love one another" (John 13:34). Wow...can you imagine if every one of us loved each other as He loves us? We would basically be living in a utopia. The word "love" is mentioned in the Bible somewhere around 442 times...God is love. And he wants us to love too...
I'm gonna end this post with a song I learned as a child, and still often think about...
"He's still workin' on me, to make me what I 'oughta be. It took Him just a week to make the moon and stars, the sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars. How loving and patient He must be...He's still workin' on me."
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