In My Boat

This evening held several revelations---

Encouragement is something near and dear to my heart. It's something that I thrive on---I love others by giving it and I survive by receiving it. Whether it be nature, nurture, or supernatural (I vote the latter), encouragement is part of who I am. Granted, there are days that I don't succeed . . . I'm just as human as you. But, I find incredible joy in knowing that a word may bless another, brighten a day, or provide a refreshing boost. I've been challenged recently by the struggle of wanting to encourage someone, but not being able to do so for various reasons. As I chatted with a friend tonight, I suddenly realized that while I miss the opportunity to support that person in their challenging journey, I should be pouring that encouragement into other people. God designed the Body for a reason, so that each person can minister and be ministered to. There is a reason for this season, for this place, for these people; I just need to be a willing vessel.

And, how nice it is to realize that a dear friend is in the same boat as you . . . What an encouragement to know that someone else knows the feelings, the thoughts, the questions. Yes, details of the circumstances may be different, but the essence, the need for patience is the same. (As is our strong dislike of the word, patience!) At a time when most people can't relate, it is a refreshing blessing to chat with someone who can challenge you, encourage you, and walk with you . . . and that you can do the same for them.

Hope

In the name of the Father
In the name of the Son
in the name of the Spirit
Lord we come

We're gathered together
to lift up Your name
to call on our Savior
to fall on Your grace

Hear the joyful sound
of our offering
as Your saints bow down
as Your people sing
we will rise with You
lifted on Your wings
and the world will see that

Our God saves
Our God saves
there is hope
in Your name

Mourning turns
to songs of praise
Our God saves
Our God saves

Hear the joyful of our offering
As Your saints bow down
As Your people sing
We will rise with You
Lifted on Your wings
And the world will see that
Yes, the world will see that . . .

(Our God Saves, Paul Baloche)

I want to be a testimony of that hope. In the midst of being honest, I hope that my posts don't make me sound like a helpless, hopeless, woe-is-me soul.

No, mourning turns to songs of praise because our God saves!

Even the Broken Pieces

What to write? Life is a fast-paced jumble right now! I can hardly believe that I just returned to the wilderness, er, midwest to finish my last 6 weeks of school! At that point, I will be half-way through my bachelor's degree, and two years closer to the reality of life after school . . . which is a scary yet exciting thought at the same time. : )

It goes without saying that life has been challenging. I know that the challenges in life are meant to bring us to Christlikeness . . . so we should be appreciative of them. I know that difficulties stretch us, grow us, mold us. Yet, I wish it wasn't so painful; I wish it wasn't so hard; or at least I wish the journey was shorter! But, since that isn't possible . . . honesty is the best policy.

After deep loss, experiencing the bumps along the way, the painful moments, the days that my heart and mind work through a wide array of emotions . . . hurt, disappointment, peace, sadness, doubt, grief, contentment, abandonment, apathy, emptiness, determination. I know there will be more bumps to come; they always show up at the most random times, and always when I think I am doing "fine." I continue on this journey, hoping, trusting that this too will bring God glory.

And, through it all, praying and trusting that the Potter is molding and using this Lady in Waiting in His timing, through His way, and for His glory. And even when the pottery crumbles or breaks, the Potter will gently continue to mold, using the broken pieces but leaving the signs of brokeness to be a testimony to His faithfulness, grace and strength.

a few changes in life.

a vast buffet of thoughts.

a large selection of emotions.

a wide array of blessings.

just as wide an array of challenges.