Perfection

Ps. 13:5 But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. By Sarah Young
Bring me you weakness, and receive my peace. Accept yourself and your circumstances just as you are, remembering that I am sovereign over everything. Do not wear yourself out with analyzing and planning. Instead, let thankfulness and trust be your guide through this day. they will keep you close to Me. ....the best way to get through this day is step by step with Me. Continue this intimate journey, trusting that the path you are following is headed for heaven.

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Too often I find myself challenging God's will in my life by my imperfections and weakness. I tend to believe if I wait long enough, it'll go away or I'll eventually be spiritually ready or pure and holy enough to accomplish His will. Lately I've pushed aside all these thoughts and feel like a plow pushing through a ton of weight to accomplish His will. No, not really--a hope that all my worry and fears of "I'm not ready" will work in this situation. I'm pretty sure 2 days of lost sleep isn't going to get any better. Needless to say I'm still working on perfecting my life till the answer arrives. Regretting the talk I had with my friend in August/October and possibly reading the church newsletter that has spurred on more about this topic. I can ignore well, but the spirit will continue to nudge and tug at my heart. I do not have to be perfected-a willing and open heart to do God's work. Will I be flawless enough to obey---Only by His grace will I have the strength and wisdom to follow His leading. I am not strong enough, courageously enough, or disciplined to pay the price to see your kingdom come. Would you remind me that the cause is worth any cost. My life may not be ready to impact one's life; through You, I can do all things. I am following step by step.

Is Jesus Calling you to Draw nearer to Him

Every Morning at 7am, I get a dose of medicine from this devotional book. Good thing, I have my coffee in hand to comprehend all God requires of us. Ok, so really the main point, is that we just draw near to Him. But how quickly we think we deserve more than He already gives us. Or the simple fact that if we are in Christ, there are no problems in life for us.

Here is a devotional I learned this week.

From "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young
I am your strength and shield. I plan out each day and have it ready for you, long before you arise from bed. I also provide the strength you need each step of the way. Instead of assessing your energy level and wondering about what's on the road ahead, concentrate on staying in touch with Me. My Power flows freely into you through our open communication. Refuse to waste your energy worrying and you will have strength to spare.
Whenever you start to feel afraid, remember that I am your Shield. But unlike inanimate armor, i am always alert and active. My Presence watches over you continually, protecting you from both known ans unknown dangers. Entrust yourself to My watchcare, which is the best security system available. I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go.

"Do not Worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself"Matthew 6:34. You are a child of God, and he is our strength. Entrust in His Power.

Prayer

I guess I needed to find this quote in my Bible tonight:

"By our praying we are giving evidence that we have committed ourselves to Him and that even though we can't see what He is doing, we know He is doing something. And we will not abort that process by ceasing to pray. We will not lose hope, we will not get discouraged, we will continue to pray...We are all looking for the answer, but God is looking for the person who will pray even when he cannot see the answer"

Flashback of the year 2010!

Did the year of two thousand and ten really come and go? It had its bitter-sweet moments. I think I learned much of who I am, and how God continues to work in my life--- Here are some of those accomplishments in the year 2010.

January

• Start the decision process of school.
  
• Failed Prayer Journal Resolution

February

• Resting in the hands of God's perfect will.
  
• Faithfulness of God's plans as they moved faster than I could function physically.
  

March

• I turned 30 this year.
  
• I started an unknown journey of 18 months of schooling.
• somehow I mentioned school was fun---not quite agreeing to those words 10 months later.
  

April

• This month is a blur---I was too busy writing papers and coaching track.

May

• Another successful year with my girl's in Track. We medaled 2x in State.
• My niece graduated from grade school and my nephew from high school.
  

June

• continuing to pray that God molds me into his hands.
  

July

• A wonderful visit with my college best friend and roommate.
• Reading through the New Testament.
• Welcomed the 2010 Israel Team home
• Enjoyed "Minute to Win It" games with the family.
• We are now "Wii" owners.
  

August

• The routine of work, school, work, school is getting really old. I stayed to myself much of this time.
• A new year of work begins, and on to teach K-5 P.E.
  

September

• The phrase H.G.I.E (His Grace Is Enough) reminds me of how God really does gives us the strength in every attribute of our lives.
• Reminded about the heart of the Gospel---The Cross. (Thanks Joanne for sharing the book with me)

October

• The excitement of driving on a dirt road and figuring out all the construction around Dunlap became a challenge.
• Exciting time of joining a small group at work.
  

November

• I hit the halfway mark for finishing school.
• I finished reading through the New Testament.
  

December

• A grand teaching moment as I forgot how to teach the cycle of Cup Stacking.
  
• Praise God for granting me a 2 week break from work and school.
  
• A beautiful White Christmas.
  
• Enjoyed watching my niece and nephew in acting roles.
• Tried my hand at the sewing machine.
  

What will 2011 bring:

• Looking forward to new adventures and growing my relationship with Christ. I have my discipleship leader to thank in 2010 for encouraging me to finish the New Testament.
  
• Exciting things to come:
  
  1. 5 months left at Princeville
  2. Turning 31--Is that something to look forward to?
  3. Last year of Coaching--sad
  4. Dating?--maybe that's a little far fetched
     
  5. Take my last Master course in June!!!
  6. A vacation--possibly the beach
     
  7. Student Teaching in August
  8. Graduating with a Master's in December

Please join me in praying for a year that is bringing God the glory. Praying He works in your lives and we learn to trust Him with every step of the way.

Make Gift Extravaganza

And so it begins the tradition of the challenge to raise 7 kids, and teach them it's not all about buying gifts. The goal was to make something for each other. Here is the extravaganza 2010 Make Gifts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


And this is the start of the holiday! Do you think this started the tradition??




Made by my Dad!




made by Kirstin




Made by Sasha




Made by Trevor




Made by Erika




Made by Alissa= crochet blanket




Made by Clarissa=Apron




Made by Jaden




Made by Callen--Micah 6:8




Made by Betty (frozen wings)

It's About the Cross - Christmas Music Video

Taken from Nada (Thank You my friend). Miss you and wishing a Merry Christmas to all my friends in Palestine!!!!!

Worshiping with my friends in Bethlehem. This is sort of what it looks like in the city. What is Christmas? It is a Savior wrapped in a manger. Glory to God in the highest. I am rejoicing in my Savior's birth, and thanking the Lord for the life he has given me and the blessings.

In a Manger

Be reminded this Christmas:

It's difficult when everything around you is busy. It's difficult when you can talk yourself into your own feelings instead of what is real. Believe God is true to his promises.

Praying for a silent night, when all is busy and chaotic, that you'll take some time to reflect on the cross. After this week---I'm re-focusing my life, and praying I'll take the next 32 weeks in stride, and not in frustration. God's plan is perfect, and when we have faith that in anticipation He will bring us new experiences with him, and we follow and obey, Christ is exalted.
I am not allowing emotions take authority, and letting my thoughts become biblical thinking. I can reason with myself many times, but talking to myself about what is real, will get me cross centered living.