Day by Day

Wow! Summer is passing all too quickly. At the beginning I had no idea how I would ever survive, and now I don’t want it to end! Up until now, I’ve been working full time, part time, and taking a college course. I’ve been busy, but (for the most part) content. I am now done with the part time job and college class, so I’ll finally be able to spend some time doing regular summer things, like vacation! I am so excited! J

In addition to keeping busy, God has allowed me to live with an amazing family this summer, and I wouldn’t trade my time with them for anything. They are so special to me, and each one has slowly but surely worked their way into my heart. I will be sad to move out again in just under one month, but I will still have the pleasure of seeing mom, dad, and Carah every Sunday at church. They truly have been a blessing and encouragement. I thank God over and over for their kindness and generosity.

I also praise God that He has a perfect plan for everything. Just a few days ago, I was reading in Matthew about how we shouldn’t worry about tomorrow because God already has it planned out for us. He’s given us enough to keep us busy and focused on for today; we don’t need to go fretting about the future. He’s been working in my life in so many ways these past few weeks. Each day I am learning a little bit more how to trust in Him and lean on His understanding instead of my own. If I were to control my own life, I would be spinning seriously out of control. I don’t know where I’ll be six years from now, or even six months from now, but I do know, if I trust God and walk according to His will, my life will become something beautiful and have purpose. I will be able to be used by Him to further his kingdom if I simply trust in Him and led Him lead me day by day.

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!!!!!!