January 20, 2011

Overflow

Revelation 21:4-7
‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, these words are trustworthy and true.” He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children.

In a world of difficult times, pain, and suffering all around us, we have hope. We have hope in the Lord and his promises. I was reading a favorite blog of mine, and it somewhat inspired this post. Please do check it out.
http://nicolejeannette.blogspot.com/2011/01/some-encouragement.html

We know this time on earth is temporary. We know whatever we are experiencing that God is bigger and stronger and more powerful.

At church on Sunday, Pastor Nick (at East Hills Alliance Church) had us hold out our hands and lift up our burdens to God, and then feel God release them from us. To say the least, that was an emotional weekend for me. I attended a funeral on Saturday, and experienced a whole lot of emotion, and then found myself crying all weekend long! Church put me in that place again. 

God has really been trying to get a hold of my heart. I have been doing the worst thing, keeping myself from my Father, and from being known by just about anyone. And I can't hold up the appearance anymore.
I'm broken. I've been running. I'm in pain. I'm lonely. And I miss perusing God. So enough is enough. 2011 will be the year I pursue my Lord and Savior in a strength that is not my own. Pray for those hurting in this difficult and painful world.
"Trying to do the Lord's work in your own strength is the most confusing, exhausting, and tedious of all work. But when you are filled with the Holy Spirit, then the ministry of Jesus just flows out of you." 
--Corrie ten Boom
There is a camp I have applied to 2 years previously and I was contacted to apply again. So I did. Last summer, I was almost hired, and then I was passed on to be hired at Canby Grove.  I love ministry and I would really enjoy working at a camp again. So prayer for those making decisions and choosing staff would be appreciated.

My favorite verse, Jeremiah 29:13, "If you seek me wholeheartedly, you will find me"


So, I'm seeking God, and I will find him.

January 17, 2011

Instruction Manual

So, I've been watching my great boyfriend putting IKEA furniture together and it provoked a lot of thoughts in me. Wouldn't it be great if life had an instructional manual? Wouldn't it be great if life was a simple as building a simple piece of furniture, with each step and move easily explained and mapped out?

I think that would be nice. But we all know life doesn't work that well. Life is full of the unexpected, the unplanned, and unprepared. Things come our way that we didn't expect or even want.

As Christians, the closest thing we have to an Instruction Manual would be God's word, the Bible. But even the Bible doesn't tell us EXACTLY what to do and when to do. All we have with the Bible are the promises God has made us. For example, God will never give us more then we can handle. And He is always faithful to fulfill his promises. He has a plan to prosper us and not to harm us. His promises are endless.

Lately, I've been praying my path and steps would be made as clear as an instruction manual. I need God and His promises more then ever. And I've been walking blindly, being led by God where to step next.


January 13, 2011

Dutch Brothers, anyone?

Dutch Bros, my favorite little drive through coffee stand, has a wonderful creed in which their store is run by.




To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.
To make all your friends feel there is something in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.
To think only the best, to work only for the best and expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.
To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

I absolutely love this. I like to read it every single day. Read it, allow it to sink it, and give it some thought. 

January 2, 2011

New Beginnings

I remember when I first started college about three years ago. I was so incredibly nervous and somewhat excited. Tomorrow, I take a big step to start a new journey attending Oregon State University. I recently transferred and I'm once again in that state of nervousness and excitement. I start classes tomorrow at 8 am. Oh boy!

I spent today walking through my class schudele and semi-preparing myself for my new school. Prayers would be appreciated. Just walking around the campus in the brisk winter air was so amazing. The campus is beautiful and it is so easy to find your way around.

I still have a lot of details to work out, like parking permits, getting my books, finding a dresser for my townhouse, and I'm sure I could add a lot more to that list. But for now, I'm going to enjoy a cup of tea, settle down, and get a good nights sleep.

Here's to new beginnings and fresh starts.