Tonight, as I swam laps outside - only a few more days to do this :( - I was thinking about what an amazing summer it has been. I have many things to be grateful for.
It started off in early May as I took a trip to visit a dear friend near Virginia Beach. I had several opportunities to sit on the beach for extended times with the Lord. Praying, listening, reading, writing, considering all that He has been doing in and through me this past year. It was very refreshing. I didn't so much hear specific directions, which I admit I was hoping to hear, instead I heard words of comfort and peace and acceptance - I sensed I just needed to rest - Matt. 11:28-30.
In June, I had the opportunity to spend a long weekend with two dear friends from Seminary days at a condo, on Pacific Beach, in San Diego. I absolutely love both of these women - they love Jesus, they are real, they are single and know what that path is like, neither has kiddos and both know the pain and the joy of that. It was good to just be with them and, as dear Delene says, "let it unfold". I felt refreshed and encouraged. We laughed, swam, enjoyed a few margaritas and rested.
In July, I was privileged to serve with Women of the Harvest on their Furlough Retreat. It was one of those experiences that I find myself saying "Lord, THANK YOU that I didn't miss it!" It started out as a commitment to serve as a counselor for missionaries who are home on furlough and before it was over I was the worship leader and a small group leader as well. In my mind, it was too big a task (and it was, for me, but not for God) and I have to admit I thought about saying "no", but I am so very grateful that the Lord didn't let that happen, because I treasured each of the roles I had the opportunity to play as much as the I treasured the women that I had the chance to get to know.
August has been a blur - lots of swimming outside (I LOVE, LOVE LOVE THAT!) and dossier prep for my third try at International Adoption.
Abba, thank you for the many gifts of your presence this summer in such varied ways!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Testimony
This summer I will be volunteering at a retreat for missionary women. One of the questions on the application asked me to share my testimony. I rather liked how it turned out so I thought I'd share it here...
I remember asking Jesus into my heart when I was five years old. It is a very sweet memory. I was in the laundry room, of all places, with my grandma and my mom and I remember telling them that I wanted Jesus to live in my heart. I grew up in a Christian family, attending church, being a part of youth groups, attending Awana and learning lots of memory verses. During high school, I put my Bible and Jesus on a shelf while I pursued all the things that many teens find exciting. In college I rediscovered my faith and it became my own and more than “religion” I developed a relationship with Jesus. Ever since that time I have pursued Him – at times more passionately than others. Without Jesus I would be horribly lost and hopeless! He is my reason for living! My life verse is Phil. 3:10 (I love the Amplified Bible’s translation) “For my determined purpose is that I may know Him. That I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving, recognizing and understand the wonders of His person more strongly and more clearly.”
I remember asking Jesus into my heart when I was five years old. It is a very sweet memory. I was in the laundry room, of all places, with my grandma and my mom and I remember telling them that I wanted Jesus to live in my heart. I grew up in a Christian family, attending church, being a part of youth groups, attending Awana and learning lots of memory verses. During high school, I put my Bible and Jesus on a shelf while I pursued all the things that many teens find exciting. In college I rediscovered my faith and it became my own and more than “religion” I developed a relationship with Jesus. Ever since that time I have pursued Him – at times more passionately than others. Without Jesus I would be horribly lost and hopeless! He is my reason for living! My life verse is Phil. 3:10 (I love the Amplified Bible’s translation) “For my determined purpose is that I may know Him. That I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving, recognizing and understand the wonders of His person more strongly and more clearly.”
Thursday, March 25, 2010
More Verses
Here is another verse that I've committed to memory. It hits me between the eyes every time I say it out loud!
1 Cor. 1:8-9 NLT
We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But, as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead.
I know my suffering has never been anything like what Paul experienced. But I pray that the little suffering I am experiencing will produce the same outcome that Paul experienced! That I will learn to stop relying on myself - my "wisdom", my ways of doing things, my effort - or lack thereof - and instead rely fully on God who raises the dead.
1 Cor. 1:8-9 NLT
We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But, as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead.
I know my suffering has never been anything like what Paul experienced. But I pray that the little suffering I am experiencing will produce the same outcome that Paul experienced! That I will learn to stop relying on myself - my "wisdom", my ways of doing things, my effort - or lack thereof - and instead rely fully on God who raises the dead.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Verses I am memorizing
I realized over the past couple of weeks that I have been caught up in what Joyce Meyer's refers to as "stinking thinking"! PU!
So in an effort to "take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ" 2Cor. 10:5 I am memorizing Scripture. Here are two of my favorites!
Colossians 3:12-17
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom and as you sing songs and hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do in word or deed do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
Romans 5:3-5
And not only this, but also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation bring about perseverance; and perseverance brings about proven character; and proven character, hope and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Amen!
So in an effort to "take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ" 2Cor. 10:5 I am memorizing Scripture. Here are two of my favorites!
Colossians 3:12-17
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom and as you sing songs and hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do in word or deed do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
Romans 5:3-5
And not only this, but also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation bring about perseverance; and perseverance brings about proven character; and proven character, hope and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Amen!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Way Closing
There is a Quaker tradition/belief that closed doors in one's life can often be more telling/guiding than open doors - that is of course if one will pay attention. That is definitely where I am at right now. There are many recently closed doors in my life and I find myself waiting for a new door to open. I'm trying to pay attention to what the closed doors have to say about my life and what I might have to learn from the "way closing". It's easier to look for and pursue doors that might be opening, but I have to admit I am intrigued by what the closed doors may have to say.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Favorite Quotes
One of my favorite quotes is from Richard Baxter - a reformed pastor from the 17th century. He says...
"In necessary things, unity;
In doubtful things, liberty;
In ALL things, charity."
I think this is such a wonderful perspective and one which the modern day church needs to remember.
"In necessary things, unity;
In doubtful things, liberty;
In ALL things, charity."
I think this is such a wonderful perspective and one which the modern day church needs to remember.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Still Waiting to Grab On
I just read my last post and I can't believe it's been almost two months....and I'm still waiting to grab on to whatever this new thing is....nothing is clear....it's so hard not knowing what to do next. But I'm still praying and waiting.
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