Rain.

A natural part of living in the Northwest that I have come to appreciate. After several weeks of sun, it is a welcomed friend. It makes plant life greener. It cleanses. The streets, the air, me. Weather is yet another thing in life that is uncontrolled by anyone except God. Do we need to have numerous conversations on the internet or in person about what a drag it is to have more moisture? We have a choice in where we find joy and contentment.

In this area of life, I choose contentment. 

Die to Yourself Daily

When I wake up 2 hours earlier than I'd like to for several days in a row, I get crabby. 

Then, I get convicted by the Spirit and remember what Jesus calls us all to do. 

Die to ourselves daily and to follow him. 

Maybe this is a tiny piece of what being a Christian is about; being willing to serve even if it means sacrificing a little sleep.

If I need to continue waking up earlier than I would like to do the things I am called to so be it. 

Luke 9:23

"And he said to them all, "If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself  and take up his cross daily to follow me."

Taking it one day at a time. 

After Cleaning Up Pancakes

When I am exhausted  after work and feeling dissatisfied, God puts this in front of me.

"Three important words for today: Abide in Christ."

And this...

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8  Thank you, Lord.

Birthdays

Sometimes birthdays are hard. There's pressure to go someplace or do something all because you were once born and live to tell about it. However, money sometimes poses to be a problem. In order to go someplace or do something more often or not money is needed. Without it, what will happen? Nothing? 

Friend, the day will still go on. It may not be filled with adventure or mounds of presents like it was in former years but one thing will remain; the quiet voice inside that reminds you how you made it another year, a pleasure many do not share. Plus, a day shared simply in the company in those you love is worth more than any amount of riches or presents. That is a true gift.  

Forget what culture has taught you. Don't wish for glitz and glamour. Rejoice in knowing  you are loved. 

Job 23

The story of Job has become way more real to me this time around of reading it,and more easy to relate to (though not nearly to his extent).  His life took a sharp turn into hardship and grief. Surrounded by "friends", he rips his clothes and grieves. Yet, the men who encircle him offer foolish and hardheaded advice.
"You are wicked. This is your punishment."
"You need to confess."
Job knows he has done nothing to deserve this, and I think does an excellent job of putting them in their place. After telling them how they are wrong, he reflects on how sovereign God is.

"But he knows the way I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold. My foot has held fast to his steps; I have kept his way and have not turned aside...But he is unchangeable, and who can turn him back? What he desires, that he does. For he will complete what he appoints for me..." Job 23:10-11,13-14

Amen. Amen. Amen. May he try me so I shall come out as gold.

Reflecting (with a few revisions)

This picture was almost taken one year ago. Actually, it's three weeks shy of it. I had recently returned from an overseas missions trip to a house I had never seen, because my family had to move when I was away. While I was utterly thrilled and so thankful, it took weeks to find everything in all the boxes. Regardless, I  ready to face my senior year and anything life had to throw at me. The plan at that time was to go off to either Columbia Bible College or Northwest University to major in Intercultural Studies and eventually return to the Mission's field. I wasn't confident in where I would be going but I knew I'd be going somewhere.
Funny thing about life. We may consider something to be a fact, but God can have different plans.

Since this picture was taken, there has been a lot of change. College turned out not to be doable for the following year. A few friendships changed drastically; one ended completely. I discovered I don't hate speaking in front of crowds like I thought I would. Public Speaking 101, yo. Also, I had a few encounters with the opposite sex at school which proved to be interesting for an ex homeschooler who had never really been hit on before. Learned how to do a few things that have turned out to be useful, like fishtail braids, make calzones from scratch, use a nail gun, etc. More importantly, I learned in a fresh way what it means to wait on the Lord. After a full summer of looking for work, He provided me with a job. Since I didn't have a job during the summer, I was able to attend various meetings and a couple activities with the young adult group at church, begin volunteering with an organization that is almost literally in my backyard, help a dear friend move, attend a wedding, spend time with my family, read some fantastic books...God's timing is perfect, even when it's hard to see it. Maybe especially when it's hard.

If I had never been forced to take the time to slow down and refocus my relationship with the Lord, I honestly have no idea where I would be in my spiritual walk. I didn't realize it as much in at the time but during the school year I was really beginning to lose sight of what is really important. It became all about me pursing my dreams while forgetting He is my only given in life. Believe me, this was not an easy lesson.

I'm still not sure of where to go to school, or what degree I should pursue. I'm single with no signs of that changing in sight. I still have a learner's permit in my wallet instead of a license. In spite of these things, I know this: God is in control and I'd rather follow His plan than mine any day.

It's worth it.

This has been one of my summer reads. For those of you who don't know, it's a true story about a group of 5 missionaries who were savagely killed by a people group in Ecuador that they were attempting to establish contact with. It was written back in '57 by Elisabeth Elliot, a wife of one of these young men who were killed. Through various christian groups, I had heard this story before. Read this account was a completely new experience. 

Elisabeth shared bits of journal entries by the men.It was incredible. Their hearts were completely sold out for God and were willing to spread His love, no matter the cost. Years were spent studying and preparing to venture out and reach a group that no one else had dared, because the risk of death was was so. Months were spent flying over them  in a small yellow airplane, trying to build a friendship. 

Halfway through the book, it's almost like I forgot who they were. I forgot the movies I'd seen and the snippets of books I had read. I forgot the ending. When I began reading the second to last chapter, when they got in the plane and were ready to get out and meet the Aucas..it hit me. I remembered. I remembered the ending.  Those precious lives who died at the hands of the people they were trying to love.

Through out the rest of the book, I cried harder than I ever have over a book. Not just a couple little tears. Borderline sobbing. I was wrecked. 

They knew the cost of following God. They not only knew it, but embraced it and lived in out more fully than most do. They were ready to give up their lives so others could live for eternity. Left behind were young families. Wives, who were grieving but rested in God in a way I can't imagine. Babies. A 3 year old who knew Daddy was in Heaven, but wished he could come down for a little bit so he could play with him. 

I can only compare what happened to these families with Job from the Bible. Complete and utter pain and loss that was followed by restoration and healing from God. It was a great lesson to me how it's worth it. Living for God is worth it. Dying for Him is worth it.