january

i can’t believe that january 2012 is so close to being over already.  i’m amazed at what this year has brought in its short 26 days. they have by far been some of the best 26 days in a long time. i’ve been thinking a lot lately about remembering and how powerful the testimony of the Lord is.

so i’m looking back…but just a little bit…to share about how wonderful He has been to me in january.

but i have to go back just a little further.  back in november God began speaking to my heart about being prepared.  He took me through the parable of the bridesmaids showing me how important it is to be prepared for what He is about to do. He showed me that by myself  i am the unprepared bridesmaid—always a second behind and not fully prepared.  and He showed me that i didn’t want to be like that anymore…so i’m trying– trying to be on time, more prepared, not always so rushed or having my calendar so full.  my iphone calendar helps a lot!    i’m not totally sure what He is teaching me to be prepared FOR…but i know that His word tells us to be prepared for His coming at anytime (and i think that means not just His physical coming…but when He is ready to come and move in/around/through us too).

preparing for word retreat (which i still need to write about) He taught me about being faithful.  word this year was focused on the very next parable in matthew 25…the parable of the talents. i was tasked to speak on the Master from the story.  at first it seemed so impossible because i was charged not to stray from the Master at all—not too much application, and nothing on the servants.  as i began to prepare i suddenly became overwhelmed at how much i wanted to say.  there was no way i could fit into 35 minutes all i wanted to say about who my Master (Jesus) is.  How can i paint a good enough picture of Him  to do Him justice?  i truly have no idea what i said as i spoke, but i do know that the preparation time reminded me so much of who Jesus is to me—and just how much i love Him.

in the midst of the preparation i attended passion 2012 in atlanta with some of our awesome college students.  passion is always amazing—the Word is brought, corporate worship is always incredible, anthems are revealed that will forever remind people of that moment …but this year for me it was nothing to do with any of that.  for me this year it was all about Jesus.(which is passion’s goal…but i mean it was about me and Jesus) it was 4 days of sweet moments of being captured by His Word as it was spoken, being so totally washed again in His love in a new, fresh way that i couldn’t help but get lost in the moment with Him and stand amazed. He spoke to me so personally about how i was using the things that have been entrusted to me and reminded me of the vision HE had  for those things…reminding me that all i have to do is say YES and He will do everything else. (ezekiel 36 taught me that last year) He reminded me that He had greater things in store from my life than i could ever accomplish but if i laid them down in fear of failure He wouldn’t receive that glory that He is due. He also showed me that even though He has absolutely entrusted me i can not do it alone.  i must rely on His strength and allow Him to accomplish the task because only He is able.

He has reminded me about boldness and courage through Paul.

He has reminded me to be faithful in the small things through Moises (a missionary friend who has recently gone to be with Jesus) and through word retreat.  i WANT to hear  Jesus say to me, “well done good and FAITHFUL servant!!!” and i want to know that at the end of my time here it is true of me that i “fought the good fight…” at word He showed us a just a glimpse of how amazing it will be to hear those words and rejoice with Him in heaven…and how much i absolutely want everyone i know to be there with me.

He reminded me of how much i adore my family—the one God linked me to by blood—and the ones He’s allowed me to be adopted in to…and not only how much i love them, but how i want them to love Jesus with all their hearts too.

He has taught me about the possibilities awaiting when i say YES to Him and just take a step toward Him.

He has reminded me of the absolute JOY of walking down His path and serving Him.  sunday night at word retreat (at 2 wednesday nights since then) i was just absolutely blown away by His grace and love that allows me to get to be in a place where He is teaching His children to love and worship and follow Him.  the sight just is almost too much to handle and stay standing.

He has reminded me of the absolute blessing my life is and how i am totally amazed and grateful that i get to be part of such an amazing ministry, at such a wonderful church, full of wonderful people who i love so much, with the BEST stinkin group of students.

He has allowed me opportunities to share about His love with people who don’t know Him, He’s given me knowledge of His will and taught me to pray it also letting me see how when we pray His will HE WILL ANSWER.

He has given me peace when i was totally out of control of situations that have been scary.

He’s let me be there to support friends who are being called to take scary steps—and also let me be there when He confirms over and over the calling and that He is trustworthy with it.

He has filled me…to overflowing. and it’s just january 26.

i can’t imagine what else He has in store…for January.

and february…and march…and all of 2012.

Lord give me the eyes to see You as You continue to move and show Yourself this year.  Let me have the time to take to rejoice in You as i should and give me the courage to continue to be faithful with the things You’ve entrusted me with. 

Advertisement