lately...

So, I've been such a bad blogger. I haven't written anything in a loooonngg time. For the past couple of weeks, I have been trying to find the time to write something, and there is so much to update on. But I thought about it today, and I think I just need to quit trying to ramble, and just keep it simple from now on.

The past month or so has been a little up and down. Things at the job at New Foundations didn't work out as I had planned. I haven't worked as many hours as I previously thought, and most of the hours available are 3rd shift and/or weekend. And let's face it, it's tough. So tough. No other way to put it. It stretches me. But God has been so faithful, and it's been so amazing to see Him do something in me that only He could do. He has built up my faith so much, because He has worked everything out so perfectly over the past month. I've been able to spend time, encourage, and build up kids at NF, and I sit back, and wonder why He trusts me so much. He has never left my side, and I still feel confident that in some way, He has used me to be a light of hope in such a dark place. But to say it has been hard would be an understatement.

Also, I have been able to babysit a couple of days a week, all day, for a beautiful, amazing family, with 3 boys! I feel so spoiled for getting to hang out with them and spend time with them. It really brings me so much joy. God trusts me to play a part, no matter how small, in their lives. I've also been able to help out a little more at church during the week, and even just those couple of hours is so awesome to be able to follow up with people and encourage them. Although everything I do is SO small, I am so thankful that God trusts me to do the things I've been able to take part in/witness everyday.

God is revealing to me what it means to be faithful with what is right in front of me. The worst thing any of us could do with our life is to be lazy and content. I've struggled with that over the past couple of months, because I have felt that way. I have felt like I wasn't doing enough. But, it all comes down to perspective. Sometimes I have to take a step back and look at the beautiful, amazing work that God is doing right in front of me and in my life. Then, it is my responsibility to act, using the heart, wisdom, strength, love, and faith that God has given me to actually give His 100%.

During our pre-marital counseling, Stewart Moody emphasized to us the importance of being intentional in our relationships, and of course, especially in our marriage. I think that is some of the most important advice I have ever received. Intentional basically means doing something with a purpose. As disciples and followers of Christ, we are called/commanded to be intentional, and carry out what God has given us with excellence. (Colossians 3:23). We are going to be held accountable for it now, and more importantly, when we finally face our creator face to face when we go to heaven.

So, what are you facing today that you need God to help you give 100%? Psalm 28:7 says, "The LORD is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy." How am I allowing Him to be my everything so I can actually give 100% with what He has entrusted to me in the first place?Everything we do: working, serving, building relationships, etc needs to be done with a purpose. I know that I need God to help me be faithful with what is right in front of me. God has called me to love people and give them a purpose and a hope for something that is bigger than themselves. I am so imperfect…we all are. I'm probably even more imperfect than the average person. But He keeps trusting me by giving opportunities. I want to make my perfect, heavenly Father proud.

I am so thankful for how God has provided for us, not just financially, but more importantly, He has given us every.single.thing.we.need….plus so much more. As we grow, learn, and mature, God will keep pointing us in the right direction by giving us opportunities. So, although we are an imperfect people, let us allow God to shine through us(Matthew 5:16), and make the most of every opportunity (Ephesians 5:16).

Each and every thing we do, person we talk to, experience we have should be used to show off God's goodness. I know that if I just keep that in mind, He can easily do the rest.

"Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.

Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct.

Those who are taught the word of God should provide for their teachers, sharing all good things with them.

Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith." --Galatians 6:1-10