This is it.My time here in Kentucky is quickly drawing to a close.
Soon many of us will be celebrating our friends' graduation from Ouachita Hills College.
I think it will be awesome to actually be able to visit the school I've been planning on attending for over a year:)
I can feel it in the air.This summer will be the best yet.
I will hopefully get to work on my first class during the summer by correspondence!You have no idea how exciting this is.It is actually here.Finally! Ahh thank you Lord!
Last week I glided down the stationary isle in Walmart and found a few things that will keep all the papers organized so I don't lose important documents while I'm in college.
As I shared a short while back,God has been speaking to me with that "still small voice" and telling me He wants me to be a teacher.Why He would want me to do this I have no idea.But I know this:He is calling me.
I will go,Jesus.
The decision is made.
Yes,the winds of change are blowing.In a matter of months,life has begun to race along at alarming speeds.But it's a blessing.
I remember one of my first canvassing leader's favorite sayings-"It's a blessing".If you asked him how the day had been,you knew before asking what his answer would be-It's a blessing.At that time I didn't really think seriously about it,but later I've come to see it.
It's a blessing.
It's a blessing that we have work and study to keep us busy.Idleness is the devils's workshop.And we don't want to end up there so it's a blessing that there is lots to do.
By now you're probably tired of hearing this phrase but I think it effectively sums up this post.
It is a blessing!
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Sunday, May 5, 2013
What Really Counts
On one normal Sabbath afternoon I was sitting at the piano practicing diligently for church.
I've never had much of a natural talent for piano,or music in general.
However,recently I decided to just try to play by ear out of plain will-power.
So it was with this attitude I was practicing a few songs after potluck.
As I finished the chorus of ''All to Jesus I Surrender" one of the little girls came striding triumphantly down the church isle.Let's call her Amy~it's as good as any name.
It quickly became evident that she had important things to share with me.
I was thinking-I'd kinda like to finish my piano practicing but didn't say so.
Amy is a former student of mine from way back when I taught the children's Sabbath School class.She was not the easiest child to deal with.Always getting distracted and having to be reminded a hundred times that she was not the one in charge of class...
But she is precious now.
She's changing...
And she needs me.She needs a "big girl'' to pay attention to her.
The piano key cover clicked shut,hiding the keys from view and I invited Amy to join me on the bench.
So what if I'm not the best pianist.
People are worth more.
It's the little things that count at the end of the day.
It's not the big events that tell for time and eternity so much as the little hugs and prayers and visits.
At the end of the day it's not good grades,beauty,or talents that count so much as the lives Jesus worked through us to touch.
Yes,people are more important than a good looking report card or the finest music.
We never know when the book of our life will shut,never to reopen again on this earth.
It's the little things in life that truly count.
I have sooooo far to go.Lord take away selfishness please.
I've never had much of a natural talent for piano,or music in general.
However,recently I decided to just try to play by ear out of plain will-power.
So it was with this attitude I was practicing a few songs after potluck.
As I finished the chorus of ''All to Jesus I Surrender" one of the little girls came striding triumphantly down the church isle.Let's call her Amy~it's as good as any name.
It quickly became evident that she had important things to share with me.
I was thinking-I'd kinda like to finish my piano practicing but didn't say so.
Amy is a former student of mine from way back when I taught the children's Sabbath School class.She was not the easiest child to deal with.Always getting distracted and having to be reminded a hundred times that she was not the one in charge of class...
But she is precious now.
She's changing...
And she needs me.She needs a "big girl'' to pay attention to her.
The piano key cover clicked shut,hiding the keys from view and I invited Amy to join me on the bench.
So what if I'm not the best pianist.
People are worth more.
It's the little things that count at the end of the day.
It's not the big events that tell for time and eternity so much as the little hugs and prayers and visits.
At the end of the day it's not good grades,beauty,or talents that count so much as the lives Jesus worked through us to touch.
Yes,people are more important than a good looking report card or the finest music.
We never know when the book of our life will shut,never to reopen again on this earth.
It's the little things in life that truly count.
I have sooooo far to go.Lord take away selfishness please.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Because He Holds my Future
There has been a silent period since I last blogged. Need to catch up.
The spring canvassing program flew by.Before we know it the summer will be here.And you will find me in Texas canvassing.
Each day I have to catch my mind and bring it back to the present.Canvassing-canvassing-canvassing is all I can think of.College is the only other thing on the mind.
Lately I've been reviewing all the options for majors at the college of my choice-Ouachita Hills.
There's Media.
Business(the one most attractive)
Elementary and Secondary Education
And last, but not least, Personal Evangelism(the one I wanted until I discovered public speaking would be a major part of fulfilling graduation requirements.)
There are others,FYI.But these are the ones I'm considering.
For years,I've had a passion and love for math and anything connected to the subject.Considering that,business would be the natural choice.But God said no.Not because there's something wrong with it,but I'm guessing it's cause He sees I must get out of my comfort zone.
I'm the kind that becomes lazy quite quickly if not challenged to come up higher.
God knows this.
I'm not sure what all the reasons are for why He'd call someone to give up their dream profession,but it's enough that He knows why.I'll trust Him.
I used to be very determined-"I'll never be a teacher!"
Now I'm beginning to wonder...
Starting to reconsider...
What is my goal?
What is my aim and purpose?
If He calls me to be a teacher,will I accept?
It's beyond my imagination to be a teacher.
Dear Lord,you are going to have to strengthen me.Make me willing please.You have done so much for me.I should be more than happy to do anything for you.
Because You live,Precious Saviour,I can face tomorrow~because you live,all fear is gone.You hold my future.And life is worth living bacause You live:)
The spring canvassing program flew by.Before we know it the summer will be here.And you will find me in Texas canvassing.
Each day I have to catch my mind and bring it back to the present.Canvassing-canvassing-canvassing is all I can think of.College is the only other thing on the mind.
Lately I've been reviewing all the options for majors at the college of my choice-Ouachita Hills.
There's Media.
Business(the one most attractive)
Elementary and Secondary Education
And last, but not least, Personal Evangelism(the one I wanted until I discovered public speaking would be a major part of fulfilling graduation requirements.)
There are others,FYI.But these are the ones I'm considering.
For years,I've had a passion and love for math and anything connected to the subject.Considering that,business would be the natural choice.But God said no.Not because there's something wrong with it,but I'm guessing it's cause He sees I must get out of my comfort zone.
I'm the kind that becomes lazy quite quickly if not challenged to come up higher.
God knows this.
I'm not sure what all the reasons are for why He'd call someone to give up their dream profession,but it's enough that He knows why.I'll trust Him.
I used to be very determined-"I'll never be a teacher!"
Now I'm beginning to wonder...
Starting to reconsider...
What is my goal?
What is my aim and purpose?
If He calls me to be a teacher,will I accept?
It's beyond my imagination to be a teacher.
Dear Lord,you are going to have to strengthen me.Make me willing please.You have done so much for me.I should be more than happy to do anything for you.
Because You live,Precious Saviour,I can face tomorrow~because you live,all fear is gone.You hold my future.And life is worth living bacause You live:)
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Hello and Goodbye
High School is behind me....
College is before.....
Many things are unknown to me....
I have plans....
I have options....
But no secure anything....
Except one thing is very sure,I know God has a special plan for my life and that He won't leave me.When other thing are unsure,this remains forever sure for all of us.
I wait in excitement for this summer that I plan to spend canvassing.10 weeks of character-building canvassing.Canvassing that prepares for any other kind of work.Work that even though hard at times,is always worth it.God's work is a joy. There's joy following Jesus.
Trying to prepare mentally,Spiritually,and physically for 10 weeks of the most trying, yet most wonderful work I've ever done.
God gives strength.There have been days,especially in the last program when I wasn't sure I had energy to keep going.I was physically worn out.But it's those times when Jesus carries your bag for you and keeps you going.
Jesus didn't have a comfortable time on this earth when He was here.
We have it alot easier then He did.
Any work for Him does require sacrifice.
Often sacrifice means alot more than we thought.At least for me.
Christ is calling for us to give Him 100% of our devotion.
Not 95%,as it's so easy to do.
I'm praying that this year will be spent not doing my will,but God's will.
Trials will come.
Blessings will come.
Joys will come.
God will be with us through it all.
College is before.....
Many things are unknown to me....
I have plans....
I have options....
But no secure anything....
Except one thing is very sure,I know God has a special plan for my life and that He won't leave me.When other thing are unsure,this remains forever sure for all of us.
I wait in excitement for this summer that I plan to spend canvassing.10 weeks of character-building canvassing.Canvassing that prepares for any other kind of work.Work that even though hard at times,is always worth it.God's work is a joy. There's joy following Jesus.
Trying to prepare mentally,Spiritually,and physically for 10 weeks of the most trying, yet most wonderful work I've ever done.
God gives strength.There have been days,especially in the last program when I wasn't sure I had energy to keep going.I was physically worn out.But it's those times when Jesus carries your bag for you and keeps you going.
Jesus didn't have a comfortable time on this earth when He was here.
We have it alot easier then He did.
Any work for Him does require sacrifice.
Often sacrifice means alot more than we thought.At least for me.
Christ is calling for us to give Him 100% of our devotion.
Not 95%,as it's so easy to do.
I'm praying that this year will be spent not doing my will,but God's will.
Trials will come.
Blessings will come.
Joys will come.
God will be with us through it all.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Pre-GED blog
Today is a sunny,cheery day.So beautiful :)
Many thoughts are dashing madly through my mind.Tomorrow is the G.E.D. test.A test I've been preparing for months for.
Also,this day marks the year mark since I first decided to try out the canvassing work.I still can't express how thankful I am to have had the priviledge of beginning this work.I'm still just a beginner,have a lot to learn. I need more experience.But I'm blessed to be able to canvass.
If it wasn't for Jesus and His great mercy and love,I don't know where I'd be today.Don't even want to think about it.
Is working for God always easy? No.Is it always comfortable? No.Are people always nice at doors?No. Do we have to sacrifice? Yes.
Is it worth it? YES.
Is Heaven cheap enough? YES
Did Jesus have it easy? NO
Will we have it easy always? NO
Should we still do it? YES
Is it rewarding in the end? YES
Hectic schedules are good for me.I need them.It prompts me to something higher :)
God is good---all the time :)
Many thoughts are dashing madly through my mind.Tomorrow is the G.E.D. test.A test I've been preparing for months for.
Also,this day marks the year mark since I first decided to try out the canvassing work.I still can't express how thankful I am to have had the priviledge of beginning this work.I'm still just a beginner,have a lot to learn. I need more experience.But I'm blessed to be able to canvass.
If it wasn't for Jesus and His great mercy and love,I don't know where I'd be today.Don't even want to think about it.
Is working for God always easy? No.Is it always comfortable? No.Are people always nice at doors?No. Do we have to sacrifice? Yes.
Is it worth it? YES.
Is Heaven cheap enough? YES
Did Jesus have it easy? NO
Will we have it easy always? NO
Should we still do it? YES
Is it rewarding in the end? YES
Hectic schedules are good for me.I need them.It prompts me to something higher :)
God is good---all the time :)
Friday, February 22, 2013
Success Redefined
I totally meant to blog last week but everything has been so hectic....Thankful for the Sabbath.Since I started canvassing I have a whole new appreciation for this special day to commune with our Creator and spend time with others in fellowship.
I was thinking of what to blog about.Okay,got an idea...:)
God's Direction in our lives-A subject that has had me confused for a while....!
What happens when we want to do something or go somewhere really bad,and God says the word we don't want to hear-NO! Do we throw our hands up and get angry or determine that it has to be our way or no way?
Each day calls for a review of the motives behind what we do;even good things.Like literature evangelism or helping at church...just to name a few...
Recently I have been asking God what motives are behind the work I do and unfortunately it has not always been right motives.Zeal is good.Energy is needed.Perseverance is neccesary.But what of motive? We can be doing all the right things and still lack in the Christianity essential to salvation.
In canvassing techniques are important.Without them,our influence for God and His truth is marred.But there is something way more important.That is a connection with Jesus.Techniques can sell books;only a true connection with God can touch lives.
Canvassing is more than reciting a memorized phrase over and over,more than getting the book in the hand,more than smiling;even our prayers can end up stemming from wrong motives if we don't watch out.Unless we ourselves know God as a friend how can we expect to lead others to someone we don't know?The Lord has been showing me that more than a hurried 2 minutes of devotions is needed.The key is not quantity,but rather quality.An hour long worship will not earn us any merit.
But how do we get to know a friend? By spending time with them,right? It's the same way with God.
Just some thoughts from my studies.
I was thinking of what to blog about.Okay,got an idea...:)
God's Direction in our lives-A subject that has had me confused for a while....!
What happens when we want to do something or go somewhere really bad,and God says the word we don't want to hear-NO! Do we throw our hands up and get angry or determine that it has to be our way or no way?
Each day calls for a review of the motives behind what we do;even good things.Like literature evangelism or helping at church...just to name a few...
Recently I have been asking God what motives are behind the work I do and unfortunately it has not always been right motives.Zeal is good.Energy is needed.Perseverance is neccesary.But what of motive? We can be doing all the right things and still lack in the Christianity essential to salvation.
In canvassing techniques are important.Without them,our influence for God and His truth is marred.But there is something way more important.That is a connection with Jesus.Techniques can sell books;only a true connection with God can touch lives.
Canvassing is more than reciting a memorized phrase over and over,more than getting the book in the hand,more than smiling;even our prayers can end up stemming from wrong motives if we don't watch out.Unless we ourselves know God as a friend how can we expect to lead others to someone we don't know?The Lord has been showing me that more than a hurried 2 minutes of devotions is needed.The key is not quantity,but rather quality.An hour long worship will not earn us any merit.
But how do we get to know a friend? By spending time with them,right? It's the same way with God.
Just some thoughts from my studies.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Time to Canvass Again!!
So it's time for another canvassing program....I'm excited!!!Really excited!:)
This is a real blessing to be able to go....to Conway,Arkansas.!
Sorry about the excitement.I will calm down in a few minutes guys...
I want this next program to begin on the right track--with Jesus.
I desire to be more fitted for God's work after this.
God:Please use this UNQualified vessel to do your work.
I long to be a better mouthpiece for God,a more obedient child of His.
Without God helping me,I can't do this work.But He has promised to be with us.I will trust Him.
It is a priviledge to work for God.
Lazyness tends to creep into our work if we don't watch it(at least for me).
Please Lord,I want to be willing to Surrender ALL for you.
I was contemplating the words of the hymn"All to Jesus I Surrender"....oh,let me not just sing those words but live them.
So this begins the canvassing programs of the year-2013!
Lord,use me.
This is a real blessing to be able to go....to Conway,Arkansas.!
Sorry about the excitement.I will calm down in a few minutes guys...
I want this next program to begin on the right track--with Jesus.
I desire to be more fitted for God's work after this.
God:Please use this UNQualified vessel to do your work.
I long to be a better mouthpiece for God,a more obedient child of His.
Without God helping me,I can't do this work.But He has promised to be with us.I will trust Him.
It is a priviledge to work for God.
Lazyness tends to creep into our work if we don't watch it(at least for me).
Please Lord,I want to be willing to Surrender ALL for you.
I was contemplating the words of the hymn"All to Jesus I Surrender"....oh,let me not just sing those words but live them.
So this begins the canvassing programs of the year-2013!
Lord,use me.
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