Feeling so blessed!

I'm so thankful for the people God has put in my life! Recently I've noticed how surrounded (both local and long distance) I am by people who encourage me in my walk with the Lord. People who share what they are learning and get excited with me over what I am learning. My list of books to read is growing because of recommendations by these friends and I've felt so encouraged lately to dive deeper into Scripture. God is so good!

Another one bites the dust!

I get a lot of emails throughout the day. And most of them I delete right away, but these emails are THE BEST!!! This is the 2nd email I've gotten like this and I have several more to go. But let me tell you there is a happy dance going on right now...well on the inside. :) 

Thank you Lord for helping me get through this long period of debt. Please help me to be diligent as I continue to pay off these student loans. 

Keeping God as the true King

       As I said in my last post, one of the perks of my job is that I have time to sit and read while I'm waiting in the truck for the phone to ring or to head to the next job. Some days I feel guilty about that and other days I remember that that was why I was hired and it is a blessing from the Lord. I've been able to have some great times in Scripture and for that I am extremely thankful. A few weeks ago I finished the Gospel Project study guide that I had been going through and it took me a while to order then next one. Technically it is meant to use with a group, but I do it on my own and I don't really follow the schedule they print in the book. Anyway, I finally got around the ordering the summer study guide (I ordered the fall one too so I'm ready when I finish this one) and it came in the mail this week. 

       Can I just tell you, God's timing is amazing! The first lesson was something I needed to read today. It applied to multiple things I was dealing throughout the week. It jumped right in to 1 Samuel 8 when Israel is demanding to have a king. The elders went to Samuel told him that they wanted a king just like other nations. Samuel didn't hold anything back and told them that is was not going to go the way they wanted it to and Israel still said they wanted a king. 

       Now, I could read this and just gloss over it saying Israel come on that was a stupid decision. I wouldn't have done that! They had God as their King and chose to give someone else that job. I would never do that! 

       Then I was asked the questions: "What are some things that make you feel secure? What are the signs that we are trusting in these things for our security and not in God alone?"

       Oh boy, once I read those questions multiple insecurities came flooding to my mind from this week alone. The day I cried to my mom over the phone about not making enough money. When in reality my bills are getting paid. Or when I was struggling with loneliness while at an event with a bunch of people. I am no better than Israel. 

       "Every life has a "king." A king in your life is whatever you must have in order to be happy and secure. And kings make all of their subjects into servants...You are either submitted to Someone who brings life--God--or you are enslaved to something that brings death."

       "When people who have been redeemed by Christ look to things in this world for protection, security, and validation, they start to look like everyone else. Forgetting their identity and the love that comes from a restored relationship with God, they become bound to a "king" they think will satisfy them. This is not what God intended for His people. This is not what He intends for you. He wants you to know the love and assurance that comes from knowing Christ. He doesn't want you to obsess over things in this world that hold only empty promises."

       I really needed that kick this weekend to get my focus back in the right place and make sure I keep God as my king and not let those other things sneak in there to take His place. 

Summer Job

Well, my summer job is fully underway. This job is totally and completely different than anything I've ever done. I'm a secretary. A secretary who works out of a Dodge Ram. Not every secretary can say that! I answer the phone, write out estimate forms and receipts, make deposits at the bank, shop at Fleet Farm, drive the truck which is usually pulling an aerial lift, rake leaves (sometimes), buy blueberries (when my boss is having a craving) and sit in the truck. Most of the time I'm sitting in the truck. The only way that this relates to teaching is that some of the guys I work with act like junior highers.
There have been some jobs we've been at that I've had nothing to do but sit and wait for the phone to ring. That can get boring. So I've started taking my devotions with me. I've been going through the Gospel Project workbook. I'm totally behind, but still really like it. I've really enjoyed the time doing this at work. Sure there are times when I have to stop to move the truck or answer the phone, but that's ok. Here are a few things that stood out to me today.

"Sometimes we desire to escape difficult circumstances when God desires for us to interpret them and learn from them. God's plan is not just to bring relief but also to bring about growth in His people. Holiness is more important than absence of pain. If holiness truly becomes our greatest desire, then there is even profit from pain because we know God uses our trials to shape and equip us."

"No matter how inadequate we may feel, God sees us and says "Mighty Warriors!"

"The point of the story of Gideon and the fleece is to reveal God's patience with us when we find it hard to trust Him. God is willing to stoop down and reassure us when we are afraid."

"In response to God's grace, we are to answer God's call to service and trust in Him to empower our obedience."

My Dad

 I love that my dad loves leading worship. His joy in music has really made a huge impact on my life. He was the music pastor at my church when I was little, but I don't remember that a whole lot. I do remember him always being involved in the music at my church. He would fill in here and there and play guitar with the worship team. But over the last 5(ish) years it has been so fun to see my dad lead worship in his church. He stepped into the role and I feel that he is doing such a wonderful job. It's true that I'm not living in the same state, but the times I've visited over the last few years I've really loved seeing his commitment to leading others in worship to the Lord. His passion for music and praising the Lord really encourages me in my worship and love for music. I'm so thankful for the godly example of my father. 

Just trust

Being real with you, this afternoon/evening was a struggle for me. 

Lots of anxiety and over-thinking going on. So here I am vegging on my couch watching DWTS and surfing the net. (Do people still say that? Am I old?) 

I've calmed down some, but still have a certain situation on my mind and I came across this on Lysa Terkurst's Facebook page. 

Sometimes God has to lean in close to my heart full of questions and gently whisper, “You don’t have to have all of the answers, Lysa. You just need to trust.”
Maybe your heart needs that reminder tonight too.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9

Thankful for people willing to be used by God to encourage others and direct them to Him. I needed it tonight.  And thankful that God knows me and knows my heart. He provides what I need to hear when I need to hear it. 

Church Camping

       Just got back from my church camping trip.
       Last year when I moved to Wisconsin the church camping trip came at just the right time. I know that the Lord had it all worked out in advance. It was later in the summer last year and I was struggling some missing my family and adjusting to living with my grandparents. God used that camping trip to remind me that He is always with me and hears me when I cry out to Him.
       This year the camping trip was just as much of a blessing to me. There is something to wonderful about sitting on a small dock at the edge of a lake reading your Bible and praying. The sound of the water hitting the boats and the wind in the trees reminded me so much of how God loves me more than I can even imagine. His creation is so amazing and reminds me of how awesome He is. I'm just this puny little nothing in this world, but God chose me to be His child and He saved me from a terrible eternity. During our last kayaking outing on the lake this morning one of my friends pointed out the awesomeness of God and how cool it would be to kayak in the new heaven and new earth. He was so right. I thought that lake and its surroundings were so wonderful, but how wonderful will it be in the place that God is preparing for me!
       This morning as I was spending my quiet time with the Lord these are the verses that stuck out to me.

Psalm 111

Praise the Lord! 

I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, 

in the company of the upright, in the congregation. 

Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them. 

Full of splendor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever. 

He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered; 

the Lord is gracious and merciful. 

He provides food for those who fear him; 

he remembers his covenant forever. 

He has shown his people the power of his works, 

in giving them the inheritance of the nations. 

The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy; 

they are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness. 

He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. 

Holy and awesome is his name! 

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a

ll those who practice it have a good understanding. 

His praise endures forever! 

Feeling Thankful

Just feeling very blessed and thankful today.
God has done so many great things for me that I couldn't even name them all.

I know it sounds funny, but I'm actually thankful that I'm feeling thankful. I've been complaining a lot lately about things...mostly mice. But things could be far worse. And even an annoying thing like mice in my kitchen is something God is using to teach me something.

Do you ever have those weeks where it feels like you are complaining about everything? I've been frustrated by those kinds of people before and I DO NOT want to become one. I'd much rather have a heart of thankfulness than of complaining and griping.

How do we get out of the pit of complaining? (it sure is an easy pit to fall into!)

1. Keep Scripture close at hand. As a kid I went to Awana and memorized God's Word weekly. And actually I memorized it in school every week as well. But I was totally one of those kids that memorized it the night before it was due and forgot it by the time the test was over. I have to say it wasn't until I was an adult that I realized how important it is to have God's Word memorized. I do love using my verse cards, but it is much more convenient to have the verses memorized. I don't always have the cards with me. And when the verses are memorized God brings them to mind and just the right moment. 
2. Remember what you are thankful for. When you find yourself complaining stop yourself and name 2 things you are thankful for. This take a bit of time to become a habit, but keep at it and it will. There are times when I have to make myself do this. I let myself get into a terrible mood and it is hard to think of the things I am thankful for. But once I get my focus on the positive and what God is doing the bad mood starts to fade away. 
3. Pray about it. Ask God to help you stop complaining. It is easy to forget to bring a little thing like that before the Lord. We have to remember that when we are weak He is strong. 

These are all things I know, but sometimes I have to remind myself. 

God's Word

I'm super thankful for this packet of cards. They have seen me through a lot of stuff in my life. Every card is full of truth from God's Word. I made this ring of Scripture cards when I was in college, but I really started using it and adding more cards my first year of teaching. For a while I was in a good habit of carrying it around with me, but sometimes I fall out of that habit. Yesterday I came across them and decided I needed to try keeping them with me again. It is so helpful to have God's Word in my hands easily. I work at memorizing these verses and God brings them to mind at just the right time.  

Just last night I was praying through some 'what if's' I was struggling with. God brought to mind Psalm 118. I love that every other line is "His steadfast love endures forever." After some time praying and giving my 'what if's' to God I made a list of them and wrote this phrase after each one. What a relief to know I can say that phrase after every worry I can come up with. No matter what gets thrown my way God's steadfast love endures forever. Even if something is hard or makes me feel uncomfortable God's love is still there and it is better than anything I can think up. 

Cling to the Right Thing

Phil 2:14 "Do all things without grumbling or questioning."

I've always heard this verse with the word complaining instead of questioning. I was thrown off when I read it this morning. But when I think about the word complaining it really is questioning. When we complain we are questioning God's plan. Ouch! I'm continually telling my students that God has a plan and His plan is perfect. That is an easy thing to say and not as easy to live by.

Complaining = questioning

So how do we live out Phil 2:14? Well, we have to continue reading.

Verse 16 says "holding fast to the word of life..." 

If we cling to Scripture the grumbling and questioning will diminish because our eyes will be in the right place. When we grumble and question then our focus is definitely on ourselves. "I'm not happy" "I want this" "Why can't I have (you fill in the blank)?" These things are essentially telling God that His plan isn't good enough. If God can create the entire universe in 6 days wouldn't you think that His plan for you and me is thought out and perfect in His eyes? Sometimes I just want to smack myself on the head and say, "Come on, think Jamie!" This should be so obvious, but we/I so easily forget. That is why clinging to scripture is so important.

More doodling

Sorry to keep posting similar things. I've just loved doodling lately. I find it so relaxing and it helps me keep my focus on Christ. 

Lunch break doodling

It has been a long week. Not sure how I would have made it the last few days without the Lord. 

I need some serious crafty/artsy time soon. In the meantime doodling during my lunch break today will have to do. 

Needing Febreeze

     Yesterday grandpa told grandma that he wanted a cinnamon roll and some coffee. I don't think the above picture is what he had in mind.
     Grandma stuck the cinnamon rolls in the microwave, hit start, and continued with what she was doing. Not long later smoke was pouring out of the microwave. And by pouring I really mean pouring. They ended up just a tad over-cooked. Today the house doesn't smell like smoke as much as it did yesterday, but I think I'm going to get Febreeze anyway. I want to make sure the smell doesn't stay in the furniture. Yuck!
     I was feeling a little down yesterday. Grandma seemed to be in a nasty mood in the morning and was taking it out on Grandpa and I. It made me feel nervous about being here and living with them for this unknown period of time. I'm so glad that the Lord knows our every thought and every need because yesterday He supplied those needs that I didn't even know I had. 1) I was able to have lunch with some great friends from home. It was so good to see them. Betsy's family lives in Wisconsin and they were there visiting so we met halfway for lunch. It was a great distraction from the frustrating morning. 2) My mom talked to my grandma in the afternoon and asked how things were going with me being there. Grandma, without any hesitation, said they loved having me here. 3) I'm trying to make it a habit to help my grandma check her blood sugar every night before bed because she gets confused about the meter. Last night after helping her she cupped my face and very sweetly said thank you. Those things were just what I needed. 

"Calm My Anxious Heart" by Linda Dillow

One of my lovely coworkers loaned me this book when I was going through some struggles this year. The table of contents caught my eye right off the bat. Chapter 10: Trusting God with the What Ifs. Chapter 11: Trusting God with the If Onlys. Chapter 12: Trusting God with the Whys. I struggle with those things all the time.
Unfortunately I didn't get to read the book and I need to return it to her soon. But I was able to catch some of the things she highlighted when she read the book. I now have this book on my amazon wish list. It is one I will probably get sometime soon.

Here are some of the highlighted statements that caught my eye.

"We can only trust God when our focus is on Him and not on our circumstances." 

"If we are to find contentment in the midst of trial and uncertainty, we must accept our situation as being purposely allowed into our lives by a personal and loving God."

Some thoughts from my summer Bible study

Ecclesiastes 3:11,14
"He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart, yet so that man will not find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end.
I know that everything God does will remain forever; there is nothing to add to it and there is nothing to take from it, for God has so worked that men should fear Him."
-- Don't try so desparately to control your future that you miss out on the bearty of today.

~ Speaking on forgeting about heaven. "Once I hear speaker Cal Thomas illustrate this well. He explained that if he were on vacation and staying in a hotel room where he didn't like the decor or carpet, it would be silly for him to get frustrated adn upset and call the manager to complain about his surroundings. It would be a much better use of his time and evergy to simply endure the ugly decor and remember that he is only passing through. He won't stay in the hotel forever. Soon he will be in the comfort of home. Keep your eyes focused on your real home: heaven. Don't get so frustrated with life that you forget you are passing through."

~ God always provides what we need, but we don't always need what we think we need.