Dynamic and deliberate

As of late, I have been encouraged, inspired, and reminded of God’s faithfulness. And the reality that a relationship with Him is just like any other in the respect that it is constantly evolving and changing and growing. How astounding that the Creator of the Universe desires to have an intimate relationship with me. I am thankful for my mom’s request to hear how I became a Christian now almost nine years ago….crazy to not have shared that! I am grateful for my dad’s confliction over Sunday’s sermon and the questions and conversations it prompted. All of it reminds me that God desires to have each one of us constantly be striving to know Him more and be more aware of His presence.

The past few months, I have been taking a course at the Bible College offered through my church on Galatians and Ephesians. I have thoroughly enjoyed the consistency this brought to my spiritual life and the fire it lit to learn more and grow more. Through the people in my class, my professor, and ultimately the Holy Spirit, I have been challenged to dig deeper. Although I am sad tonight was our last class, I will be taking a course on Prayer next semester starting May 14th. I feel like I got a little sneak peak tonight in class. John mentioned the fact that a majority of (if not all) the prayers in the New Testament are commands (i.e. in the storm, Jesus commands “Be still”. The Lord’s Prayer “Thy will be done, Thy Kingdom come”) and they are approached in a positive light (“Be healed”, “Be cleansed” rather than “Do not be in pain any longer”, “Do not be dirty anymore”). This really shed a light onto my prayer life. So often, I find myself requesting selfish prayers such as “take my anxiety away…help me stop worrying” rather than declaring the promises I have in Jesus “Give me peace. Calm my heart.” etc. A slight shift of semantics, really, but with powerful implications!

Also on my heart lately has been the importance of ‘community’ (one of the Christian buzz words, I know…but still!) and accountability. Sometimes I worry that I get too caught up in this…but really, in being created in His image, we are relational beings so it’s only natural that I would desire these relationships in my life. And I am thankful for the people He has placed in my life to bring stability, accountability, and encouragement! He is a good God who loves us well.

Faithful…

So, the theme of this past weekend ended up being “Faithful” (hence the name of the title, naturally).  Really, though, I was in awe of God’s faithfulness, of friends’ faithfulness, etc.  (Really no ‘etc.’ needed here as really that’s all I was referring to…but nonetheless!).  It truly was a beautiful weekend that was much needed!  I started out by meeting my friend Bekah in Yorba Linda to carpool down to Temecula for a Women’s Retreat.  It was amazing to sit back and watch the Holy Spirit at work and truly lead that retreat.  Pretty powerful when you let Him do His thing.  So, throughout that time, “faithful” kept repeating in my heart.  So many things that He’s been faithful through. 

After the Retreat, we drove back up to catch Steph’s game vs. Vanguard.  Steph did really well despite tough loss, but good playing by another FCA friend, Jess Richter.  We actually convinced Kristen to drive down from The ‘Bu, if you will (Malibu, that is) after the game, which was also really encouraging to see her being faithful with her plan to be more social and find more balance in her personal and professional life. 

Sunday, the four of us did a mini-roadtrip to San Diego to catch up with good ol’ J-Jax and were even joined by Lisa at the beach!  I finally got to experience The Flood and afterwards we headed to BJ’s to celebrate Jamie’s big 2-5 and were joined by Marlena, her friend Scott, and another Bekah!  It truly was amazing to sit around and laugh, fellowship, talk, and listen to these girls.  And to think the only reason we’re all together is through God’s work in FCA.  His faithfulness.

Even further, though, as people in their life have opened up and shared with me things I am reminded of God’s faithfulness.  Even though many things in my life have not happened “in time” according to my schedule or plans, He continues to be faithful in my life.  I declare that I will continue to be faithfully obedient to Him in mine! 

Upon returning home, I was able to spend some quality time with my sister and have spent the day enjoying some down time.  I better get in gear though as the week gets under way and I have big things to do!  (Follow Him, of course!)  I will wait patiently and with anticipation as I figure out where He is leading me for next year!!

Wedding Weekend!

Wow, what a rejuvenating, encouraging, uplifting, and inspirational weekend!  Can you tell that I had a great time?!?  I would like to let you guys think this was going to be a funny and entertaining blog, but I’m going to go ahead and put it out there that it probably won’t be!  Sorry to disappoint.  I am just so blessed to be surrounded by such an amazing group of friends.  It’s funny when you think about it that I truly don’t know a lot of these girls that well, but getting together with them is always so comfortable and easy.  I believe this just goes to, once again, show the mysterious ways in which God can work.  He has definitely connected me to those girls in an amazing way.  I am so grateful for these friendships that allow me to feel so loved and valued.  I am thankful for the conversations that encourage and challenge me.  I am blessed from the laughter that comes so freely and easily around these girls!  So, in honor of the FCA crew, here is a 5 + 2 list:

5 things I’m grateful for:

1. Jen and Garth’s beautiful wedding that I got to witness with about 300 other guests.  It was such a story of God’s love, grace, and faithfulness and really is encouraging.

2. The ‘Fresh Prince’ performance.  Please check out my MySpace page for full footage.  If you don’t, you’re truly missing out!

3. Getting to watch Steph and Westmont play (and win!) their basketball game.

4. Going to work out with Bekah…definitely another point on the ‘pros of moving to Orange County’ list!

5. Getting to spend the weekend around Bekah, Steph, Lauren, Raleigh, Becky, Jamie, Danielle, Kristen, Jess, Jamie Friesen (who looked absolutely fantastic and is as funny as ever!) and a whole slew of other incredible people! 

Two things I am looking forward to:

1. Getting to spend Christmas Break with my family and friends…both here and in Arizona!  It is going to be action-packed and fun-filled!

2. Continuing to eat healthy and exercise regularly in order to be healthier in my life (I am also currently being encouraged by watching The Biggest Loser Finale!)

P.S. Pictures will be added (and appropriately emailed to people involved) when I get my computer up and running….

Live a Life Worthy

Several things jumped out at me last night at my church’s Women’s Bible Study.

First of all, she brought up the point that many times in our lives we are going to have to clean up messes that aren’t necessarily ours. She urged us to think about how we’re responding to those messes inevitably placed in our lives.  It immediately made me think of my students; I have no part in their family situations, histories, or choices…but I ultimately see the repurcussions, downfalls, and hardships daily.  And many times I find myself frustrated, irritated, and overwhelmed by the task at-hand.  I try hard not to take any of these out on the students, but know I sometimes fail.  It’s not particularly their fault that the SWAT team kept them up all night, that their neighbor jumped them, or that their parents leave them home alone all night….they’re also paying the price and trying to deal with the mess that someone else left; once again, not placing blame anywhere….just trying to shift perspectives.  So, I’m trying to keep this in mind and just continue to do the best that I know how.  And to do so joyfully.

Secondly, she brought up the fact that God does not call the qualified; He qualifies the called.  Whew!  That takes off some of the pressure we put on ourselves…maybe I’m making myself feel better with the pronoun game; I put on myself!

Thirdly, a good question she left with us was, As Christians, we are the living expression of the mind of Christ–what is on the mind of Jesus that I am supposed to be doing for others?  Ezekiel 36:26 is a good verse to consult.

Lastly, a verse that struck home the other day and has been resonating in my mind since:  “…I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received” Eph. 4:1

God is working!

I must share about an incredibly awesome story that just goes to show God’s providence in all the craziness that abounds!  Last Friday at church, I really felt a stirring in my heart about potentially moving within the next year or two and really feeling a leading to go out of the country (something out of my comfort zone even after the experience in Spain).  I kind of dismissed it to just getting restless here and wanting a change, etc.

Enter Bekah’s invitation to a women’s night with her church!  I knew when she asked it was where I needed to be.  I received such encouragement, direction, affirmation, prayer, enlightenment, etc. that my thoughts have been confirmed.  The thoughts, dreams, and visions are from God!  I am excited about embarking on this journey to see where it may lead!!  Please keep me in prayer as I desire and strive to follow His will for my life!  Seven years later (I became a Christian on 10/27/00), I think it’s about time to follow His lead! 

I would appreciate prayer for:

1. Direction

2. Finances (getting out of debt, paying off loans, etc.)

3. Commitment

Thank you so much!  God bless you all!!!