So, despite my ideal intentions of blogging more often, I have not even considered updating this blog in a very long time. But, a new life and new adventures are leading me to want to write again. I’ve just moved to St. Louis to study Counseling at Covenant Theological Seminary, away from most of my family and friends, and since I won’t be around much I think this blog might be a great way for anyone back home to keep updated on my life. Hopefully I will have some time to update semi-often :)
Transitions are usually pretty difficult for me. I like structure in my life, and I always function better when I have a plan and when I know what is going to happen. So, any time life throws a dramatic change my way, I tend to get anxious and it takes me a while to adjust to a new routine and structure. So, moving to a new city, going to a new school and meeting all new people...lets just say it hasn’t been easy so far. I think I will like it here. I really do believe that. But right now its taking a lot for me to trust the Lord with where my life is heading. The good thing about that is I know it is growing and stretching my faith, something I long for and pray for consistently. I want my life to reflect Christ, and so that is going to mean stepping outside of my comfort zone, and often times dying to myself. It’s not easy, but it is worth it.
I know that this is truth...that trials and changes and difficulties are a refining fire for my faith and character. Even though I may feel unsure and a bit anxious, and even though my flesh might be telling me to hide and give in to my feelings of fear, I am going to choose to believe the truth. Thankfully, the Lord has been faithful to me so many times in the past that it is not difficult to look back and remind myself of how He remains with me and is for me.
This past year has been anything but easy. I’ve been hit by a few different waves of emotional, financial and relational trials that have left me feeling exhausted and vulnerable, but I can already feel that my faith has been strengthened. I’m interested to see how the Lord will use what I’ve been through and learned over this past year. But for right now, I’m along for the ride, trusting the Lord, walking by faith and filling my mind and heart with truth.
One thing I would also love to do with this blog is to also keep anyone who is interested updated on where the Lord is leading me in ministry. Right now I could use some prayer as I look for a job where I can build relationships with people and have opportunities to share the Gospel. One of the main things the Lord taught me throughout this year is how important it is to be an ambassador for Christ wherever I am, whenever He leads me.
“ In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:6-9
Transitions are usually pretty difficult for me. I like structure in my life, and I always function better when I have a plan and when I know what is going to happen. So, any time life throws a dramatic change my way, I tend to get anxious and it takes me a while to adjust to a new routine and structure. So, moving to a new city, going to a new school and meeting all new people...lets just say it hasn’t been easy so far. I think I will like it here. I really do believe that. But right now its taking a lot for me to trust the Lord with where my life is heading. The good thing about that is I know it is growing and stretching my faith, something I long for and pray for consistently. I want my life to reflect Christ, and so that is going to mean stepping outside of my comfort zone, and often times dying to myself. It’s not easy, but it is worth it.
I know that this is truth...that trials and changes and difficulties are a refining fire for my faith and character. Even though I may feel unsure and a bit anxious, and even though my flesh might be telling me to hide and give in to my feelings of fear, I am going to choose to believe the truth. Thankfully, the Lord has been faithful to me so many times in the past that it is not difficult to look back and remind myself of how He remains with me and is for me.
This past year has been anything but easy. I’ve been hit by a few different waves of emotional, financial and relational trials that have left me feeling exhausted and vulnerable, but I can already feel that my faith has been strengthened. I’m interested to see how the Lord will use what I’ve been through and learned over this past year. But for right now, I’m along for the ride, trusting the Lord, walking by faith and filling my mind and heart with truth.
One thing I would also love to do with this blog is to also keep anyone who is interested updated on where the Lord is leading me in ministry. Right now I could use some prayer as I look for a job where I can build relationships with people and have opportunities to share the Gospel. One of the main things the Lord taught me throughout this year is how important it is to be an ambassador for Christ wherever I am, whenever He leads me.
“ In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:6-9
