Paul's Example

Wow! Wait...let me say that again...WOW! I've been reading through the books of Corinthians this week (it's due tomorrow for New Testament, it's where I've been encouraged to go, and I don't think I've ever done it; so, now seemed like the opportune time...) Anyway, as I've been reading through these letters that Paul wrote to Corinth, I have been just struck with awe at the testimony and example of Paul. To put it bluntly: Paul was AMAZING! He was totally sold out for God! However, he also knew that he could do none of the great things he did on his own. In 1 Corinthians 2:1-4 he tells them that he is not eloquent with words, he is weak, fearful, and he could only minister to them through the power of Jesus Christ. That's what Paul's message was all about! He NEEDED God's help. He could NOT do it on his own! Oh, how many times I fail at that...anyway...Then in 1 Corinthians 11:1 Paul tells them to "be imitators of me as I am an imitator of Christ." He told them to follow his example. Even though he knew he was worthless without God's help and all of his work would be in vain, even though in 1 Timothy 1:15 he counts himself "the chief of sinners", God told him to have the Corinthians (and other churches, too) to follow his example. Here was the Apostle Paul, the former persecutor of the church, "the chief of sinners", the one who was nothing on his own, and God wanted others to follow his example!!!!! What?!?...Oh, let me say that again..WHAT?!? Wow!!!!! Oh, wowie, wow, wow!!!! That's SOOO awesome! It's really made me start thinking about what kind of example I am. Would God ever want anyone to follow my example? Hmmm...Ouch! Think on that for a while...Would God ever desire that anyone follows after the pattern of our lives??? Do you have a lot of work to do? I know I do!!!!!!

Spring!

Wow! Our God is simply amazing! Here we were just a week and a half ago being surrounded by millions of little white flakes falling from the sky, and now, just look out your window! It’s simply GEORGEOUS out there!!!!!! Having just come off spring break, I am super glad for the nice weather that accompanied me back up to Ankeny. It’s was refreshing to wake up for class and not worry about lugging my coat around all day. The robins are splashing in the puddles, classroom windows are open, clouds have that white, ultra-puffy look to them, the sun is shining, and the weather is just right! Yep! Spring is definitely in the air!!!!!!! This afternoon, I was able to share the lovely weather with my dear friend Kirsten over a picnic lunch. J I just love picnics! Last night, it rained. It was such a pleasure to saunter through the drizzle without a care in the world. Sure enough, everything about last night and today screams of spring…right down to the last little earthworm crawling across the sidewalk! I know in a few weeks we’ll all probably start complaining about the rain, or we’ll wish that summer was here already, but it’s nights like last night and days like today that remind me God is ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS in control of EVERYTHING! He controls the weather, and He knows exactly the right time to change the seasons! Praise the Lord that He is in control! For now, take a moment to thank Him for this wonderful season called spring. I know I am!!!!!!