As this past Saturday was Valentines, relationships seem to have been a more common topic recently. Once again, the Mahaney women, authors of the GirlTalk blog, have been sharing some very sound wisdom and encouragement. Over the last few weeks, they've been discussing Changing Seasons from childhood through adulthood. The current season is singleness. Posts beginning Feb 10 through current have been such encouragements! The posts include some perspective for those of us in the single season over Valentines. The overall message of the posts has been using the single season wisely for the glory of the Lord in service to His kingdom. God can do so much with a fully surrendered heart and life. I've been reminded to be thankful for this season. It has been and will continue to be a sweet time of getting to know my Heavenly Father more intimately and learning to depend on Him to fulfill me in every way. In other seasons of life, I may not have such freedom and ability to go anywhere or do anything the Lord appoints for me. I also believe theres a great benefit in a time of exploring God's gifts and callings for my life alone. It will be a great joy to see how the ultimate matchmaker designs my gifts and passions to fit perfectly with the man He's chosen for me to serve Him with.
I watched the Fireproof dvd recently and heard a song a sweet friend of mine, April, pointed out. Admittedly, I'm copying her by posting the lyrics but they fit so well things I hope to keep consistently on my heart and mind. Isn't imitation the best form of flattery? ;)
"While I'm waiting" by John Waller
I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait
I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience
While I'm waiting
I will serve You
While I'm waiting
I will worship
While I'm waiting
I will not faint
I'll be running the race
Even while I wait
I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it's not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve you while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord
Monday, February 16, 2009
Monday, February 9, 2009
Change of Season
I've been thinking a lot lately about how God's using this time in my life...and my reactions to it. Those who know me know that I'm typically very goal-oriented. I like to-do lists and results. With my goal-orientedness comes impatience and aversion to change especially if its out of my control... Despite how uncomfortable this time of uncertainty has been and continues to be, I'm beginning to see that its been God's plan all along. I would very much love to know where He'll send me next. I'm really looking forward to being settled in the next season of my life. I'm learning though, that this time of waiting on Him, of having to fully trust the Lord with everything from finances to friendships to knowing I'm serving meaningfully with my life is a season in itself. Some of these things will be continuing lessons throughout my life. For now though, they're the focus of a season. I'm here to draw closer to His heart. I've been so desperate to know His plan when He wants me to have a desperation to seek and know His heart.
Looking back at past posts on the GirlTalk blog, I found a couple on changing seasons. I'm thankful for resources such as this. Having been recently convicted to honestly examine how I use my time in this season, I pray for the discipline to use them wisely.
Changing Seasons
God of Our Seasons
I believe God knows each of His children individually and intimately. He knows music tends to be thought-provoking and heart-touching for me. He's been using it to minister to me as He peels through some layers of hurt and fear.
Avalon- Come and Fill My Heart
Free, I long to be free
I long for the day I'll believe
That all You say You see in me
Is true, that's hard for me to do
It's hard for me to die to myself
Entrust my life to someone else
So come and empty me out
I'm no good without
You inside of me
Come and fill my heart with hope
Come and fill my life with love
Come and fill my soul with strength to carry on
Because from here the climb is steep, the road is long
Come and fill my days with dreams
Empty me of all the empty things
That I hold onto
Come and fill my heart with You
I need You in my life
Need You like the air that I breathe
You've become the very heart of me
And I, I can't believe my eyes
Can't believe the dream that I've found
Lord, Your love has turned my world around
So come fill up my heart
'Til I'm like You are
So deep inside of me
Search me, Lord
Try my heart
Come and take me now and make me new
So that all of the world will see You
Overflow in my life
As difficult as it has been, I'm beginning to look forward to this season of singleness as God reveals more of Himself to me. Ps 34:18 "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted" (whatever the cause) As almost silly as it may sound, its times like these that I'm incredibly thankful to be a girl. I love that my female heart longs for love, comfort, protection and that the Lord fills those needs perfectly. I love that I can picture my Heavenly Father as comfort-Daddy, protector, confidant; as a pursuer of my heart and lover of my soul. I can find all the companionship, acceptance, fulfillment and love I'll ever need in Him. I'll likely never fully understand the depths of His heart and love for me until Heaven-its unfathomable. But I'm going to enjoy going as deep and getting as close as I can until then.
Looking back at past posts on the GirlTalk blog, I found a couple on changing seasons. I'm thankful for resources such as this. Having been recently convicted to honestly examine how I use my time in this season, I pray for the discipline to use them wisely.
Changing Seasons
God of Our Seasons
I believe God knows each of His children individually and intimately. He knows music tends to be thought-provoking and heart-touching for me. He's been using it to minister to me as He peels through some layers of hurt and fear.
Avalon- Come and Fill My Heart
Free, I long to be free
I long for the day I'll believe
That all You say You see in me
Is true, that's hard for me to do
It's hard for me to die to myself
Entrust my life to someone else
So come and empty me out
I'm no good without
You inside of me
Come and fill my heart with hope
Come and fill my life with love
Come and fill my soul with strength to carry on
Because from here the climb is steep, the road is long
Come and fill my days with dreams
Empty me of all the empty things
That I hold onto
Come and fill my heart with You
I need You in my life
Need You like the air that I breathe
You've become the very heart of me
And I, I can't believe my eyes
Can't believe the dream that I've found
Lord, Your love has turned my world around
So come fill up my heart
'Til I'm like You are
So deep inside of me
Search me, Lord
Try my heart
Come and take me now and make me new
So that all of the world will see You
Overflow in my life
As difficult as it has been, I'm beginning to look forward to this season of singleness as God reveals more of Himself to me. Ps 34:18 "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted" (whatever the cause) As almost silly as it may sound, its times like these that I'm incredibly thankful to be a girl. I love that my female heart longs for love, comfort, protection and that the Lord fills those needs perfectly. I love that I can picture my Heavenly Father as comfort-Daddy, protector, confidant; as a pursuer of my heart and lover of my soul. I can find all the companionship, acceptance, fulfillment and love I'll ever need in Him. I'll likely never fully understand the depths of His heart and love for me until Heaven-its unfathomable. But I'm going to enjoy going as deep and getting as close as I can until then.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Every Time
Every time- Jeremy Camp
I spin around
I can hardly see
To catch a glimpse of this moment
I hear the sound of this simple plea
To wait at the feet of Your love
Every time I'm on my knees
Pleading for Your strength
I will find You there
Find You there
Every time I'm on my knees
Reaching for Your strength
I will find You there
Find You there
To feel the crown of the One I have breathed for
To know the door
It will never be broken
Because I have found that time this time
Has no hold on the rate that I need You
And I know it's never hard to find You
Every time...
I'm holding on to this hope I've been given
To be always with You
I'm seeing now that this fullness of faith is always seeking You
Every time....
I spin around
I can hardly see
To catch a glimpse of this moment
I hear the sound of this simple plea
To wait at the feet of Your love
Every time I'm on my knees
Pleading for Your strength
I will find You there
Find You there
Every time I'm on my knees
Reaching for Your strength
I will find You there
Find You there
To feel the crown of the One I have breathed for
To know the door
It will never be broken
Because I have found that time this time
Has no hold on the rate that I need You
And I know it's never hard to find You
Every time...
I'm holding on to this hope I've been given
To be always with You
I'm seeing now that this fullness of faith is always seeking You
Every time....
Another of David's prayers
I finished reading I Chronicles today. The book does not detail David's sin as king. It really highlights his service and praise of the Lord. I liked this aspect as his sins of adultery, murder and deceit have become such a well known portion of his legacy. Granted, his sin should not be overlooked or excused. This is a great example of how sin affects many others besides the sinner and how it can ruin a testimony. However, I enjoyed getting to know another side of David; reading of how he praised and served the Lord until his death despite what had become such a marring mistake in his life.
Something that stood out was King David's prayer just before Solomon's anointing as King and Davids death.
I Chron 29:10-13
"Praise be to you, O LORD , God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting.
11 Yours, O LORD , is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O LORD , is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.
12 Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.
13 Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.
I love how this prayer of praise points to God's greatness and vastness. There's something about not being able to fathom how big God is or exactly how much love He has for me. I feel safe and protected. Every little girl likes to picture her daddy as strong and able to fend off any danger yet tender enough to wipe away her tears. Its wonderful to know my Heavenly Father IS that big and that loving....
Something that stood out was King David's prayer just before Solomon's anointing as King and Davids death.
I Chron 29:10-13
"Praise be to you, O LORD , God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting.
11 Yours, O LORD , is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O LORD , is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.
12 Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.
13 Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.
I love how this prayer of praise points to God's greatness and vastness. There's something about not being able to fathom how big God is or exactly how much love He has for me. I feel safe and protected. Every little girl likes to picture her daddy as strong and able to fend off any danger yet tender enough to wipe away her tears. Its wonderful to know my Heavenly Father IS that big and that loving....
David's Prayer
I was reading I Chronicles 17 while meeting with the Lord the other day. The chapter is God's covenant with King David and his response in prayer to the Lord. David speaks to Nathan the prophet about building a house for the Ark (which was in a tent at the time). Through Nathan, God tells David that he is not meant to build the temple but that his son, Solomon would be chosen to accomplish this task. What really stood out to me is David's response to God: humility, awe, praise and thanksgiving. The statement he makes about God in vs 21 particularly captured my attention.
David's Prayer
David's Prayer
I Chron 17: 16-21
16 Then King David went in and sat before the LORD , and he said:
"Who am I, O LORD God, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?
17 And as if this were not enough in your sight, O God, you have spoken about the future of the house of your servant. You have looked on me as though I were the most exalted of men, O LORD God.
18 "What more can David say to you for honoring your servant? For you know your servant,
19 O LORD . For the sake of your servant and according to your will, you have done this great thing and made known all these great promises.
20 "There is no one like you, O LORD , and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears.
21 And who is like your people Israel-the one nation on earth whose God went out to redeem a people for himself, and to make a name for yourself, and to perform great and awesome wonders by driving out nations from before your people, whom you redeemed from Egypt?
Of all "gods" known to any nation on earth, my God is the only one who has redeemed His people for himself. That caught me.... its one of those things I know but dont really contemplate as often as I should...my God is the only one who loved and cared enough to humble Himself, be humiliated, tortured, and killed for the sake of saving my eternal life. No one has ever or will ever do what He did for me. No one else measures up. No one else loves me more. Its a great comfort and also a great challenge. I'll never be able to repay what He's done. The closest I can come is giving Him my life daily to use as He wills.
16 Then King David went in and sat before the LORD , and he said:
"Who am I, O LORD God, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?
17 And as if this were not enough in your sight, O God, you have spoken about the future of the house of your servant. You have looked on me as though I were the most exalted of men, O LORD God.
18 "What more can David say to you for honoring your servant? For you know your servant,
19 O LORD . For the sake of your servant and according to your will, you have done this great thing and made known all these great promises.
20 "There is no one like you, O LORD , and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears.
21 And who is like your people Israel-the one nation on earth whose God went out to redeem a people for himself, and to make a name for yourself, and to perform great and awesome wonders by driving out nations from before your people, whom you redeemed from Egypt?
Of all "gods" known to any nation on earth, my God is the only one who has redeemed His people for himself. That caught me.... its one of those things I know but dont really contemplate as often as I should...my God is the only one who loved and cared enough to humble Himself, be humiliated, tortured, and killed for the sake of saving my eternal life. No one has ever or will ever do what He did for me. No one else measures up. No one else loves me more. Its a great comfort and also a great challenge. I'll never be able to repay what He's done. The closest I can come is giving Him my life daily to use as He wills.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Grace upon Grace...
I'm honestly not quite sure how cohesive this post will be.... God's been revealing Himself and His plans for me in ways I'm sure I don't fully understand yet. Although some of it may not make sense, there are definitely things worth sharing as God's been working so much in my life. So here goes.....
I spent the long MLK weekend in Clemson. For various reasons, my heart very much needed to be uplifted through the prayer and fellowship of members of my church family, particularly my sisters (To those of you who have been so graciously lending a loving ear and sound council: I am so thankful for you and your prayers. God's been using you so mightily in my life! Once again, you never fail to speak truth while showing more love than I know how to accept sometimes. You're truly tools of our Father) My time back in home sweet TigerTown was divided among much-needed time with my sisters, much-missed group activities, gathering the wisdom of mentors, and also some time alone as God ministered to my heart through His creation. (oh how I long to be closer to such breathtaking reminders of God's creativity, attention to detail, and beautifully mastered pursuit of my heart through nature). My Heavenly Father knows every intimate detail of what I need and graciously provides even when my sinful nature selfishly holds on to fear that things wont be as good if I release control.
I told some of those I spoke with over the weekend that it seemed to me that God "turned up the volume on His voice" on my trips to Clemson. The drives there and back are a great time to listen to sermons, music or just shut everything off and spend quality time with the Lord in prayer. While I'm there, I'm surrounded by such strong believers who I respect and cherish time with. A few days after I returned, a friend pointed out that I see God through people. I think she makes a valid observation. It definitely explains part of why the transition away from Clemson and my church family has been so much more difficult than I anticipated. She encouraged me to remember that God isn't just in Clemson. Although its going to be different and probably a little frightening at times, it will be good for me to experience change in this new season of my life.
I also experience God through nature which is very much a part of the Clemson landscape. I loved taking advantage of free time to just enjoy the peace of campus, the Botanical Gardens and other areas nearby. God had already been working on my heart in the area of trust. He used this time to comfort and encourage me to allow Him full control over my next steps. After leaving the church staff position, I really felt lost as to where I'm called. To some extent, I still do though I have more of a peace that God's going to reveal His will in His perfect timing (just as He has at every change of season or direction in my life). When I heard the wisdom and council of those who I know love me, it was repeated confirmation of what God had been trying to get me to accept. As a young single, the whole world is open to me. God could call me anywhere. I cant deny that I'm still a bit frightened about the uncertainty of my future but I'm also starting to get excited about the possibilities. Jer 29:11 I know God has a plan for me. He's going to greatly use this time when He's all I have to cling to through all these changes.
I spent the long MLK weekend in Clemson. For various reasons, my heart very much needed to be uplifted through the prayer and fellowship of members of my church family, particularly my sisters (To those of you who have been so graciously lending a loving ear and sound council: I am so thankful for you and your prayers. God's been using you so mightily in my life! Once again, you never fail to speak truth while showing more love than I know how to accept sometimes. You're truly tools of our Father) My time back in home sweet TigerTown was divided among much-needed time with my sisters, much-missed group activities, gathering the wisdom of mentors, and also some time alone as God ministered to my heart through His creation. (oh how I long to be closer to such breathtaking reminders of God's creativity, attention to detail, and beautifully mastered pursuit of my heart through nature). My Heavenly Father knows every intimate detail of what I need and graciously provides even when my sinful nature selfishly holds on to fear that things wont be as good if I release control.
I told some of those I spoke with over the weekend that it seemed to me that God "turned up the volume on His voice" on my trips to Clemson. The drives there and back are a great time to listen to sermons, music or just shut everything off and spend quality time with the Lord in prayer. While I'm there, I'm surrounded by such strong believers who I respect and cherish time with. A few days after I returned, a friend pointed out that I see God through people. I think she makes a valid observation. It definitely explains part of why the transition away from Clemson and my church family has been so much more difficult than I anticipated. She encouraged me to remember that God isn't just in Clemson. Although its going to be different and probably a little frightening at times, it will be good for me to experience change in this new season of my life.
I also experience God through nature which is very much a part of the Clemson landscape. I loved taking advantage of free time to just enjoy the peace of campus, the Botanical Gardens and other areas nearby. God had already been working on my heart in the area of trust. He used this time to comfort and encourage me to allow Him full control over my next steps. After leaving the church staff position, I really felt lost as to where I'm called. To some extent, I still do though I have more of a peace that God's going to reveal His will in His perfect timing (just as He has at every change of season or direction in my life). When I heard the wisdom and council of those who I know love me, it was repeated confirmation of what God had been trying to get me to accept. As a young single, the whole world is open to me. God could call me anywhere. I cant deny that I'm still a bit frightened about the uncertainty of my future but I'm also starting to get excited about the possibilities. Jer 29:11 I know God has a plan for me. He's going to greatly use this time when He's all I have to cling to through all these changes.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Update
Hey everyone!
I'm not even sure who reads this anymore.... If anyone still does I'm long overdue to let you know whats going on....
As of early December, after a great deal of prayer and discussions with church staff and my family, I resigned from Generation LINK staff. It was very difficult but I believe the decision was definitely Spirit led. I am currently job searching praying that God would send me where I'll best be used by Him. Please keep me in your prayers as the economy is not currently friendly to job seekers. My family continues to be a great support. They've been such a blessing and so patient as I'm not sure when I'll be heading out on my own as I should have months ago...
Also, please pray for my grandmother (dad's mom) She's had numerous long hospital stays in the last month or two Many in the span of a week or more. She's also had blood transfusions, numerous tests and now an upcoming surgery. She is in her 80's so of course anything has its risks. Please keep my family in prayer as this will be a difficult time.
There's not much else to report. I will likely get to visit Clemson soon I'm very much looking forward to the fellowship! I definitely need a time of refreshing with my church family.... I miss them so much especially in times that I would have run to their side for encouragement and comfort. They've remained my wonderful, supportive, loving brothers and sisters through everything including distance. They've truly been doing everything they can to support and love me. I'm so blessed to have them in my life! I have no doubt though that this is part of God's plan for me.... when I'm not geographically close to what has been my support system, when I'm frightened and unsure of whats to come, when I feel like I have nothing left, I'm going to feel His arms around me the most. Although there is so much uncertainty, my God is stable, strong, peace, and mighty!
I'm not even sure who reads this anymore.... If anyone still does I'm long overdue to let you know whats going on....
As of early December, after a great deal of prayer and discussions with church staff and my family, I resigned from Generation LINK staff. It was very difficult but I believe the decision was definitely Spirit led. I am currently job searching praying that God would send me where I'll best be used by Him. Please keep me in your prayers as the economy is not currently friendly to job seekers. My family continues to be a great support. They've been such a blessing and so patient as I'm not sure when I'll be heading out on my own as I should have months ago...
Also, please pray for my grandmother (dad's mom) She's had numerous long hospital stays in the last month or two Many in the span of a week or more. She's also had blood transfusions, numerous tests and now an upcoming surgery. She is in her 80's so of course anything has its risks. Please keep my family in prayer as this will be a difficult time.
There's not much else to report. I will likely get to visit Clemson soon I'm very much looking forward to the fellowship! I definitely need a time of refreshing with my church family.... I miss them so much especially in times that I would have run to their side for encouragement and comfort. They've remained my wonderful, supportive, loving brothers and sisters through everything including distance. They've truly been doing everything they can to support and love me. I'm so blessed to have them in my life! I have no doubt though that this is part of God's plan for me.... when I'm not geographically close to what has been my support system, when I'm frightened and unsure of whats to come, when I feel like I have nothing left, I'm going to feel His arms around me the most. Although there is so much uncertainty, my God is stable, strong, peace, and mighty!
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