Leap of Faith

Wow...I just finished reading the biography of George Mueller.  What FAITH he put in God.  And WHAT AMAZING things God accomplished through his obedience and Faith.  I am stepping out into a new path for my life and that of my family.  I feel more like George's wife--hesitant but so wanting to have that kind of Faith. I have been praying over the last 21 days that God would give direction and open doorways for a vision of ministry that has been in the back of my mind for years.  Today, a glimpse through a door was given to me...Do  I still have doubts, questions, and concerns?  Yes!  I am scared to death to take this Leap of Faith, but I am exhilarated by the possibilities of being used by God in such a mighty way.  Clinging to the promise that it only takes faith the size of a mustard seed...

Trust and Leaps of Faith

Well...the time has flown by.  Sorry to have been silent so long, but there has been a whirlwind of activity in my life.  I am constantly being stretched by God through my work/ministry with Lifeline Children's Services.  As a result, I have taken a leap of faith in a new direction.  It is nerve racking to realize that God wants you to do something, and you feel totally ill-equipped.  And as is God's way when we do take that first step, things begin to happen in a miraculous way.
Sooo....what has been so amazing, you ask?  I am going back to school for one. Pursuing a degree in a field I would have never chosen on my own.  I first had to Trust God with the financial side.  I was hoping this would be my legitimate excuse for not going back to school.  AMAZINGLY enough, I will have almost 90% of my tuition/books covered by Pell Grants.  Could I really refuse to put forth 10% of the effort to pay for school?
Well, as you have realized, I was not totally on board with God's plan for me.  SO...I sought support from my husband and children.  Not much enthusiasm from them either.  Talked with my co-worker and did receive support.  Throughout it all, I was praying! and praying HARD.  I went ahead and applied to Liberty University, not sure of what to expect.  I am ecstatic to be accepted, have almost all of my previous college credits transfer, and financial aid taken care of for now--yet I still seek God for Wisdom in this.
This Journey began 2 years ago when my husband and I began to consider Foster Care, and overseas long- term mission work and adoption as God began to plant these visions in our hearts.  They are still not clear; but I know that as long as I keep taking these steps of Faith and move past my fears and other obstacles in my path, I will have God's glory revealed to me and the blessings I will receive as a result shall be more than I can count. As my pastor said on Sunday, If we are to follow Christ, we must  "live with radical abandonment for His glory. We leave behind certainty for uncertainty.  Followers of Christ don't always know the details about where you are going, but you ALWAYS know the One you are with." Although the road is uncertain right now, I know Who will be traveling with me.

new discoveries

My momma always said that whatever way we tormented her would come back on us three fold when we had our own children.  There is some truth to that statement.  What I don't think my momma realized was that our negative character flaws are made evident to us through our children. Let me explain.    Malachi 3:1-5 speaks of how Jesus will purify us so that we may bring offerings in righteousness to God.  I believe that the Lord uses simple everyday things to "purify" us into His image.  As the refiner, He wants to see Himself reflected in us.  Likewise, we are instructed in Deuteronomy to teach our children the ways of God in everyday circumstances. We then are likened to the refiner by training our children in righteousness.  The struggles we may be experiencing with a child could simply be a reflection of an area of weakness in our own lives.

Satan is sneaky

I am Second is a very powerful ministry tool I discovered tonight.  It is a very open and real examination of individual lives that have discovered their need for Christ and their decision to completely surrender to Him.  I haven't posted in a while because of my own personal internal battles.  It never ceases to amaze me at how sneaky Satan is at distracting us from Christ.  The scales were removed from my eyes and I discovered that my recent "discontent" was merely yet another way I had been drawn away from the Will of God in my life.  I realized that Satan has been using me as a stumbling block for the vision for ministry in Russia that God has laid upon my husband.  Wow!  and he (Satan) had convinced me that it wasn't my fault we weren't there yet; it was my husband's.  I am so thankful that the Truth of the matter was laid before me tonight in such a powerful way.  I am so blessed to be loved by such an AWESOME GOD!!

A way out of temptation

Patience is a virtue.  Be quick to listen, slow to anger.  These are areas where I am being reconstructed by the grace of God.  These last few weeks have pushed me and pushed me.  I have not had much success in this area--especially with anger.  I have had a difficult time with getting my internet provider to correct a problem with our service.  This has resulted in weeks of little/no internet access.  I have fumed and fumed and lost all sense of patience with the internet provider.  Fortunately for me, God has taught me how to recognize this fault of mine.  Again, fortunately for me, God has given me a wonderfully patient man that is VERY slow to anger as my husband.  For this I am truly thankful, because he keeps me from sinning in the midst of my anger.  It just goes to prove that God will always provide a way out of temptation. Although my internet service may or may not be corrected, there is always a reason to praise God.

Needing Direction

     Well...I am without many words today.  I had hoped to spend some time with my thoughts.  I feel as if I am stumbling around in the dark this morning.  I really dislike that feeling.  I know God is in control of all things, but sometimes it is hard for me to just submit.  I like having a to-do list.  I enjoy the sense of accomplishment when it is complete.  Although I know there are a million things I need to do today, somewhere in the recesses of my mind and heart it is being revealed to me that they are not important.  My focus needs to change directions.
     I am seeking God and yet as I read His Word this morning...what He wants from me still eludes me.  The following scriptures stood out to me this morning:
                                                      2 Corinthians 9:8 and 10:15
I realize this speaks of ministry, in particular-Paul's, and compels me to look at my own areas of ministry.  That is where my struggle to follow the path of God's leading intensifies.  I am currently in two areas of ministry, but cannot fully devote to either one.  By focusing on one, I neglect the other.  Both are important.  Lord, lead me in this, because I do not want to choose one over the other.  That is my prayer today.

Celebrate Recovery, Bethel Baptist Church

Well,  I have had an awesome time in worship tonight!  The Holy Spirit was moving in a profound way tonight at Celebrate Recovery.  I love going there each week.  I come away revitalized and energized.  Thanks to a Mary, Mary CD in the van, worship continued all the way back.