God moved again last night. I met a friend at a church I use to go to, but I must say that I almost didn't go but felt prompted to in my heart. After service, Tanya had to go and talked to the pastor. As we were waiting, a friend, Chrissy, walked by. I have not seen her in over a year because she has been in Germany teaching at Black Forest Academy (where another friend, Julia, is also a missionary). It just seemed like another divine moment given by God. She leaves Sunday to go back. He has continually been placing divine moments in front of me over the past 3 months, and each time I am again amazed by Him.
The last song we sang last night was "I Give My All" by Kristin McCallum. I tried to find the lyrics online so I could post them here and couldn't, but each word really hit to where I am at at this moment in time. I have no fears or doubts with what I am about to embark upon, just a total trust and reliance on God. I know that every step has been from Him thus far.
Today, God is moving again. As I am sitting here writing I hear the sounds of two four year olds playing so wonderfully together in the back ground. It just brings a smile and joy in my heart like none other. I wish you all could enjoy this simple pleasure in this moment of Catie and Jack's laughter of play.
Even on Monday, July 17, at a Bible study we had two great discussions and I really felt God's presence and His moving in my heart. The interesting thing was I then came home to read "Our Daily Bread" titled "Seize The Opportunity", which went along with the discussions and numerous other moments recently in my life. ODB referenced Acts 8:26-34 and told also of a story of a teenager on a missions trip who heard the director of a school they were at in Jamaica say that her dream was for the kids to have a playground. The teenager said they should go back and build a playground, and 4 months later they did. She seized a divine opportunity. The writer, Dave Branon, finished by writing: How often does God prompt us to take action to meet the needs of others and we let the opportunity go? How many times does the Spirit nudge us to say or do something in Jesus' name and we shake off the nudging? Like Philip in Acts 8, let's honor the Lord by responding with action. Let's seize each opportunity God gives us to serve others in His name. When the Spirit prompts, take action.
It makes me wonder what is it that makes us miss these opportunities given by God? Is it fear, lack of something, or even just laziness? If all things are possible with God and if we our seeking Him with all we have, shouldn't seizing an opportunity to be used by Him be as easy as breathing?
Jesus said to one and all:
"Take your cross and follow Me."
When you sense the Spirit's call,
Seize the opportunity! -Hess
As we have opportunity, let us do good to all. --Galatians 6:10
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Can I take that back
Wow, I can not believe that as of today I only have 3 weeks left before I leave for Seoul. I am starting to have my last in things. For instance, last night was my last closing shift at REI.
Also, I thank God that inspite of myself He still continues to bless. The other day I had the best day ever at work. The best part was helping a customer who was leaving to go to Russia with his church for the next two years. I also got to wait on two people moving to China. One was a missionary from my church. And then the last part was helping a man who is a part of a ministry here. The connections and people that God brings into our lives and at the moments He allows them to happen are incredible.
I am also starting to get excited, but you all know me, I am also thinking a lot about things.
So that brings me to another thought that has been on my heart for over the past week. Ever do something stupid (girls, the girls stupid something)? Well I did and I would love to take it back but it is way too late. Why is it that I sometimes feel I need to do something about things instead of just leave them be? I know this will most likely never change in me, so I guess I should accept the fact that I will continue to do stupid things that I wish I could take back. Praise God that it pertains more to phone messages and emails, than my spoken word.
Today I get to spend the afternoon with a student,Christian, of mine and his mom from this past year. They have a connection with Korea. Christian actually taught me to say hello, good-bye, and thank-you in Korean. We are going to go to lunch and a Korean market. I can not wait to learn even more today about where I will be spending my next year.
Also, I thank God that inspite of myself He still continues to bless. The other day I had the best day ever at work. The best part was helping a customer who was leaving to go to Russia with his church for the next two years. I also got to wait on two people moving to China. One was a missionary from my church. And then the last part was helping a man who is a part of a ministry here. The connections and people that God brings into our lives and at the moments He allows them to happen are incredible.
I am also starting to get excited, but you all know me, I am also thinking a lot about things.
So that brings me to another thought that has been on my heart for over the past week. Ever do something stupid (girls, the girls stupid something)? Well I did and I would love to take it back but it is way too late. Why is it that I sometimes feel I need to do something about things instead of just leave them be? I know this will most likely never change in me, so I guess I should accept the fact that I will continue to do stupid things that I wish I could take back. Praise God that it pertains more to phone messages and emails, than my spoken word.
Today I get to spend the afternoon with a student,Christian, of mine and his mom from this past year. They have a connection with Korea. Christian actually taught me to say hello, good-bye, and thank-you in Korean. We are going to go to lunch and a Korean market. I can not wait to learn even more today about where I will be spending my next year.
Friday, July 14, 2006
Expect the Good
July 13- The entry from "God Calling" by A.J. Russell said:
Can you get the expectant attitude of faith?
Not waiting for the next evil to befall you but awaiting
with a child's joyful trust the next good in store?
Why would this be so interesting and another example of God speaking to me, you ask? Well I got to speak to a girl who taught at CCS in Seoul for over an hour the other night. She taught there for two years, but will not be going back this year. The principal gave her my information when I asked a question. She said she had asked a lot, so he thought she would be the best person to help me. I wish I was going to be teaching with her, but so enjoyed talking on the phone with her. After getting off the phone Allyson and I were talking about Korea and I said I couldn't believe how blessed it seemed I was going to be. I keep hearing about the class I am going to have and I know that my roommate,Gretchen, has been hand selected by God. I think we are going to get along great. I have also been emailing her as well.
So I told Allyson that I wondered what my struggle or challenge would be. She stated that there didn't have to be one and then we discussed that subject. And then I get up and the above was my devotion to meditate upon for the day. I have had enough struggles the past few years and why do I have to look ahead as if there will be more. I am going to choose to focus on ALL the blessings that God has been giving me and ALL the ones He has planned over this next year. Sure there will still be some tough moments, but the good is sure going to out weigh the bad.
Can you get the expectant attitude of faith?
Not waiting for the next evil to befall you but awaiting
with a child's joyful trust the next good in store?
Why would this be so interesting and another example of God speaking to me, you ask? Well I got to speak to a girl who taught at CCS in Seoul for over an hour the other night. She taught there for two years, but will not be going back this year. The principal gave her my information when I asked a question. She said she had asked a lot, so he thought she would be the best person to help me. I wish I was going to be teaching with her, but so enjoyed talking on the phone with her. After getting off the phone Allyson and I were talking about Korea and I said I couldn't believe how blessed it seemed I was going to be. I keep hearing about the class I am going to have and I know that my roommate,Gretchen, has been hand selected by God. I think we are going to get along great. I have also been emailing her as well.
So I told Allyson that I wondered what my struggle or challenge would be. She stated that there didn't have to be one and then we discussed that subject. And then I get up and the above was my devotion to meditate upon for the day. I have had enough struggles the past few years and why do I have to look ahead as if there will be more. I am going to choose to focus on ALL the blessings that God has been giving me and ALL the ones He has planned over this next year. Sure there will still be some tough moments, but the good is sure going to out weigh the bad.
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