Week one

So I had my first full week of teaching last week. I have got to say I have one of the best classes. I have a total of 10 students, only 8 of whom I have actually met. They are wonderful. God has blessed me a lot.

This weekend Jim and I moved into our new “house” we don’t have much in it but it is so nice to have a place to call our own. We are waiting a few weeks till my fantastic siblings can help us move the rest of our belongings into it. So for now we are making do with a pot, a pan, a blow up mattress and not much else.

God is good though. With my students I have been doing a devotional walk through the book of Luke. Today we were looking at the story paralytic man who’s friends lowered him though the ceiling to get to Jesus, and I was reminded of how wonderful it is to have friends who pray for you. God has blessed Jim and I with just that. So thank you

Changes

I promise I did not fall off the face of the Earth.

So within the last six months, since my last post a lot of things have happened. In the end of January my husband and I moved to North Carolina. We had no prospects for jobs but we did have work to do. My family lives down there and I was given the opportunity to work with my parents and design a website for the organization that they have been working with. Check it out. Continue reading →

Peace (spoiler)

For the last few years my church has been doing this thing called My one word It is a revolution where instead of making a long list of promises you don’t intend to keep and calling them resolutions, they encourage people to pick just one work and let it guide you though the year in your walk with God. Since this was the first year that I was there when the pastor spoke about it this is the first time that I am choosing a word. The word is supposed to challenge you in your walk and draw you closer to God.

At first I thought that I would choose trust. The reason for that is because the last year I truly had to put my Trust in Christ that he would provide for us in all the troubling times. Trust that he had a plan for us in the confusion of it all. I soon realized that I did trust him because of those times.

So I was left with what word to choose. As I prayerfully ask God what word should guide me, he gave me a word. Peace. I chose this word for several reasons. The first was because I knew it had to come from God, no peace I create can sustain me.

The Lord make his face shine on you
    and be gracious to you;

The Lord turn his face toward you
    and give you peace.”’

Numbers 6: 25-26

I gain peace when I turn to him, and my peace is his peace. I love the image of turning to God and seeking peace from him. The more I gaze upon him the more peace I shall have.

To have peace means to not struggle with the war within me. The war that has been dividing my thoughts. The struggle that rages within me for trusting God but also for wanting answers. Peace that whatever comes, I can do God’s work.

I looked up the definition of peace, and along with quite from war there were two definitions that truly resonated with my “goal” for the year

  • Freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions
  • Harmony in personal relations

Speaking of personal relations, take a look at this passage in Job.

“Submit to God and be at peace with him;
    in this way prosperity will come to you.
 Accept instruction from his mouth
    and lay up his words in your heart.

Surely then you will find delight in the Almighty
    and will lift up your face to God.
You will pray to him, and he will hear you,
    and you will fulfill your vows.

Job 22:21-22,26-27

One of the great things about choosing a word is now I get to see it at work in scripture. I have chosen a verse to meditate on in the year to come, something that will help me in my walk. A promise I can rest on in the difficult times.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

My peace can only be found by trusting in God. There are so many wonderful promises of Peace in scripture. I can rest in the Prince of Peace this year.

I have been to much in my own head the last few months. I have been thinking about all of my problems but I was forgetting something. I forgot that I have nothing to fear. Sure the future is scary right now, and a little unclear but that doesn’t mean it’s the end of things.

I have been trying to spend time in the morning with God however I can because that is the only way I can make it through the day. I have been learning the importance of being in a community of believers. Being in a community of believers is so important because it not only helps you grow closer to God. You get to hear is word and hear his teachings, You also get an incredible support system that helps you when you are struggling.

I encourage all believers to find a Church home, and to get involved. Getting to know other Believers is something we take for granted some times. Don’t be like I was. Get involved and Grow

Would you go?

Earlier today I was reminded of a story in the book of Acts where Paul is getting ready to go to Jerusalem, but everyone is against it. There is even a prophet who comes to him in Caesarea and told him what would happen if he went to Jerusalem. In several towns Paul was encouraged to stay away, but he was resilient. If you have ever read any of the letters of Paul, or even the second half of the book of Acts you would know Paul, once he sets his mind on something is worse than a dog with a bone. Continue reading →