Thou Fount of Every Blessing

At the end of a glorious Monday, I am overwhelmed with the Lord's sovereignty, grace, mercy, love, and many of His other awesome attributes. He has blessed the weekend and the start of a new week. He has filled me to fullness with joy. As I rest upon my Love, I am made complete and fulfilled. My only desire is to praise the Lord for the blessed moments He has given me in the course of three days. Now, as I sit here, closing the day with my favorite scented candles burning, Robbie Seay Band playing, and catching up with two of my best sisters in Christ, I have an urge to share the joy.

Friends and Fellowship

It is no coincidence that the Lord would make a day where friends (old and new) can all come together for an awesome time of fellowship. It was a mix-matched, yet united group of friends from all over. Friends that I had not seen in years, friends I had only seen less than 14 hours before, friends from different churches, friends from other cities, friends from other states, and friends from home all came together at my house. It was amazing! It was joyous! It was a taste of heaven, I just know it! I love to just stand back and watch everyone, watch how they interact with one another and how they love one another.

Through an over-abundance of food and the largest game of Apples to Apples, I was overcome with the Holy Spirit and knew I was witnessing the Love of Christ first hand through smiling faces and bright eyes. I could never thank the Lord enough for the people in my life, my net of brothers and sisters in Christ. They are all a part of God's refinement of my character and make me more like Christ each moment I am with them. They challenge my capabilities and teach me about their interests, allowing me to have an array of knowledge on so many different subjects. Thank you, Lord, for these men and women who long for Your Truth!!

Mr. South Carolina

The whole reason this gathering happened was because Mr. South Carolina decided to make a visit this weekend. An ever-growing brother in Christ, he and I have been friends since my first mission trip in 2003. We had a moment where we just could not believe we had stayed in touch and known each other for so long. This is a wonderful, God-fearing man who longs for nothing more than to learn how to get out there and make disciples of all nations.

When I find time with Mr. South Carolina, I know that he cares for me and only wishes that I glorify the Lord with my life. So, to find time to walk and talk with him was very enjoyable. He challenged me and encouraged me in the only way he knows how to. I am very glad to call him a faithful friend.

Happy Reformation Sunday

Happy, indeed. Our church hosted a movie night where we watched Luther, the excellent movie describing Martin Luther's life as father of the reformation. Martin Luther lived during the 1500's during a time when the Catholic church convinced common people that only high priests could interpret Scripture and in return, told them deceitful lies about getting into heaven (such as climbing hundreds of steps on your knees, stopping to pray at each one after paying a certain amount as well; then, you would be free from purgatory for however many years - ridiculous!). Martin Luther read the Scriptures and found the Truth of the Gospel. Jesus Christ alone did the work for our salvation when he died on the cross, and it is open to anyone no matter whether rich or poor, young or old, common or of high regard. There is no work we can do to get us into heaven. We deserve pain and death, yes, but the Lord himself came, lived perfectly, died perfectly, and rose again in order that we may have life!! Embrace Him now as your source for life! He is the only way!!

So, Martin Luther caused a separation from the church, knowing they were wrong. Many followed him and eventually the Bible was printed in the common language for all to read. Ever since then, the truth has spread far and wide, and lead to our eagerness to come to America.

After watching the awe-striking movie, a group of us had a pleasant discussion. Mr. South Carolina initiated it, but Pastor was included. Whenever Pastor is speaking, I become a sponge, soaking up all his words of wisdom about my Lord. The night's topic: what does it take for something like the reformation to occur in our country during our time? It was an awesome discussion, and it came down to the fact that God will choose who He will to progress the spreading of the Truth. Luther was a nobody, a simple monk preaching to a simple church. It could be anybody the Lord chooses; however, for us, we all need to be ready to embrace the Truth when it comes powerfully and not be ashamed of the Gospel (Romans 1:16), no matter the cost. Amidst this group were young and old, and much wisdom was shared from both the young and the old. Praise the Lord, O my soul!

Providence of God

Then, as Mr. South Carolina's time in O-Beach came to a close, my sovereign Lord blessed me ever-so-much again. Just as I was driving away from saying farewell after breakfast and a walk, I got a call for work! As I asked my McTwisty date companion, "is that not the providence of God or what?!" More than that, it was a simple half day with excellent students to work with. I am liking this substituting thing; in fact, I would probably be content as long as I was working everyday... I go in and teach the kids, the one thing in life I feel called to do. Then, I leave...No papers to grade...No parent conference...no meetings or workshops. I could get used to this. Plus, you never know what comes next, and I think that really helps me rely on God more so than having my own class. The only way that I get through a day is by His will, and I spend a lot more time talking with God in the mornings because of it.

The Lord has put me where I am for a purpose. Although the purpose is not quite so clear to me, I will follow Him. As long as He provides, I have nothing to fear going forward in life. I may feel unsure sometimes, but the Lord always reminds me to be content with where He has placed me. Pastor used that excellent verse again:

Be joyful always. Pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

The Lord has made me joyful! Let it be always!!
He has brought me to my knees! Let it continue!!
I can do nothing but thank Him for the blessings! Let me praise Him in the storms too!!
For this is God's will for my life in Christ Jesus...
And that is all I desire.

This is His Will...

The joy of answered prayer is even more joyful when it comes from Scripture! The Bible, full of truths, is my Lord's way of speaking to me. When I read the Bible, I find my Lord gently explaining to me how to be patient, understanding, kind, and good. Sometimes, He makes what seems so unclear like newly polished glass.

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Did I not desire to know the Lord's will for my life? At this point in my life, the only thing I can do is rest on God's truth. These are his words spoken to me as a father to his daughter, a Heavenly Father Lord to his stumbling foolish daughter...To teach her. I only hope I have a genuine heart to learn.

Patience Knows No Limit

My finite mind amuses me as I try to discern the Lord's will in my life...when the Lord is ever infinite. I have no idea what the Lord would have me do with my life right now, and I do not see a light at the end of any tunnel for me to make decisions. One conclusion I made, God is teaching me patience. He has every right to do so considering I was so sure I had better patience than anyone I know. The Lord proved me wrong...

But it is more than just patience, it is real patience. It isn't the patience you ask from a child who anxiously wants to eat their food or open a gift. They know what they want and have to use mere patience to control themselves from jumping after it too soon. No, it is a real patience that comes from waiting in the unknown. I do not know what I want out of life; I cannot jump after anything too soon.

I do know that the desire of my heart is to do the Lord's will. So, I come to another conclusion: God is teaching me to truly rest in His will. It is so easy to say, "Only by the Lord's will" or "Lord willing, such-and-such will happen." But I have to say, living those words genuinely is not so easy when I feel like I have been drowning in the unknown for so long. But I have learned; patience knows no limit. Like the Lord, patience is infinite, and I will never have complete patience in my finite self. Still, the Lord teaches...stretches...breaks...

Yes, I may not be getting a lot of good-paying work theses days. Yes, my relationships are overwhelmingly confusing. Yes, I struggle, just like the rest of mankind, with sin. However, God gives me hope. My loving Heavenly Father King, gives me too much to be thankful for in my life, hopeful blessings of love:

I have a roof over my head and parents willing to take care of me as long as need be,
I do get work every now and then (which is better than none at all),
I have a wonderful array of brothers and sisters through Christ that I love so dearly,
I get to spend most of my time with kids (trust me, it is most rewarding),
Jesus Christ has washed away all my sins; therefore, when I fall so short of the Lord's perfection, I can easily get right back up asking for His forgiveness and trying once more to follow His sovereign will.

He knows what He is doing. He created it all: the earth, oceans, skies, trees and plants, animals and people (all so unique)! All by His spoken word, He created it. This is my God!! Whom shall I fear?! Of what shall I be afraid?! The unknown is frightening for my finite mind, but the infinite Lord of all came to earth and suffered so that I might never fear again. I owe it to Him to persevere and continue to rest in His will.

This is quite refreshing. Maybe this blog thing has its merit.

Be at rest, once more, O my soul,
For the Lord has been good to you.
(Psalm 116:7)

Have to Begin Somewhere

Why not Scripture?

"The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." Romans 8:16-18

Hi!

I became interested in blogging after reading a friend of mine's blog. I was never really into the "blogging" scene. It just isn't my thing. First of all, I definitely do not want to be over-personal and emotional. From what I gather, if your blog isn't ultra-personal, it needs to share a personal passion in life. Well, I have many small passions in life that I could write about, but I do not feel really inclined to do so... Nothing really comes to mind when I hear the word passion, save for one Man: Jesus Christ. By my Father Lord's mercy, I have found Jesus Christ to be the focus of any desire in my life.

You may think this is going to be one of those fanatical, extremely religious blogs - which it may very well be - that you turn your face away in scorn and derision. But until the Holy Spirit opens your heart, it will seem foolish. I know that. My First Love was not sacrificed because the people liked Him, but because they either were afraid of the words He said or counted them foolish. I should think the words I write warrant the same reaction.

Still, it is just a blog. Who will read it? I don't know. Who will listen? I don't know. Is it worth it? I don't know. However, I believe any chance to share the wonderful Love I have is an opportunity to grab with strong, humbled hands.

The Lord bless this opportunity.