I took these pictures at the beach in Homer, AK (July 2015). They were taken as the tide was coming back in. I find watching the water very peaceful. Being still is not easy, but God’s way is worth the effort.
Month: January 2017
Sometimes Waiting Comes to an End
I posted last week about how God was asking me to wait regarding my job. My heart was a bit heavy – I had hopes that I would be given a job offer, but those hopes seemed dashed. Today God gave a boost to my weak faith. 15 minutes before the end of my work day, my boss called me into his office. I thought, “Oh great, I’m done.” I prayed, reminding myself that God is in control. We sat down and my boss handed me a job offer. A very good job offer. It was what I had hoped for in several areas and exceeded my expectations in one.
I am enjoying this answer to prayer, but one more huge blessing comes out of this. I had shared with many my hope to get hired by this company. I had shared my waiting lesson. Now my friends and family get to rejoice with me in this news. I have made several phone calls, sent text messages and posted on Facebook. This praise is giving great pleasure to many.
God gives good gifts! I technically unwrapped this present, but all of us get to partake in the excitement.
The Power of Listening
I was given great power tonight. I had two special friends listen. They just listened as I talked about the life struggles I’m currently facing (mostly relating to my job). They listened, sympathized, and didn’t really give much advice. My friends gave me the chance to simply unburden my heart to them.
Mind you, neither one of my listening friends has a peachy keen life. They have plenty of burdens of their own, and shared some of them with me. However, they care so much about me that they took the time to listen. To me. The strength listening brings is phenomenal.
I pray you have a listening friend. If a person is not readily available, God is an awesome listener (I have many times talked to Him when friends have not been available). One of the things you can ask God is to give a friend to listen. God wants to give good gifts (James 1:17).
Sleeping Lady
My favorite mountain in Alaska (and therefore anywhere) is Susitna (Sleeping Lady). You can see her from almost anywhere in Anchorage. On my last trip there I thought a lot about Psalm 3 and 4, both have verses about sleeping in safety.
This photo is courtesy of either my brother or sister-in-law who live in Alaska. (I added the words below). This picture was taken at sunset in June of 2005.
Waiting
I don’t know about you, but I’m not good at waiting. I have heard that not many people are good at waiting (if you know of someone who is – please let me know. I want to meet them). Every time I think I’m improving, God shows me something that I have to wait longer for.
This week it was my job. I have been in a position on a temporary status for almost 2 years. There have been many ups and downs – maybe they’ll hire me – maybe they won’t. I believe that God put me in this job for a reason and has asked me to wait. I believe God has been at work – stretching my patience. Now He has tested me by asking me to continue to wait. I am human and breathing, so I still have a lot farther to go. Why is it that patience takes so long to develop?
I really don’t mind waiting as long as I can do something. Give me a task and I feel like I am more patient. But ask me to sit still. Ouch. I don’t enjoy those times.
I’m thankful for God’s faithfulness. He is so patient with me. He loves me so much that He has hand chosen this opportunity to wait – to develop the ability to wait in my life. I don’t know what God has for my future. But I know that God has my best interest in mind.
“He is no fool”
“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” -Jim Elliot
I don’t usually remember the exact date of the death of Jim Elliot and 4 fellow missionaries in Ecuador, so I am glad when I see articles such as this one about the event. http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/slain-in-the-shadow-of-the-almighty
Many lives have been changed by the testimony of this incident. While this is an excellent story, there is another piece of the story that not as many people know. Frank & Marie Drown were missionaries in the same area as the 5 that were killed. Frank was supposed to go with these men, but because his wife so so close to her due date he did not go. God continues to use the lives of Frank & Marie Drown to further His work. I know it has impacted my life. I was blessed to meet them when I was a child. The Drowns became friends with my grandparents many years ago. My grandmother still corresponds with them.
May God use my life to encourage others. It is not an easy thing to do. Stories from the lives of the Elliots and Drowns are filled with painful trials. However, God has sent blessings in abundance through the pain they suffered. Blessings that are enjoyed by thousands. Only God can give in that measure. May I be His willing tool.
A Christmas Bonfire
I was blessed to spend Christmas with my parents again this year – and both of my brothers. I enjoy when I get quality time with those I love.
One special memory from this Christmas was the bonfire my dad started for me. I had gone outside to help him burn some cardboard. When we were almost done with that task, my dad offered to start a bonfire (which was possible due to a lack of snow). It took 3 tries, but the fire finally got going – a few marshmallows later (and a few shivers – it was chilly outside) I went back inside with a big smile on my face.
Special memories like this are treasures. Something that money can’t buy. God has blessed me in great measure.
My Prayer for 2017
2016 flew by so quickly. I often joked with co-workers that I blinked and a month would go by. A coworker joked that I should stop blinking. I kept wishing that I could. I have heard that time seems to go faster the older you get – but I wasn’t prepared for this. The year sped so fast that I felt like there was no time to accomplish much.
The last several years God has impressed on me the concept of how short life can be. I have known people who have faced terminal illness and didn’t live to 80 or 90 years. As they realize how short their life will be, they often fight to live every moment to its fullest. However, I think it is too easy to be complacent and waste time for those of us that don’t have the trial of illness. We think we have all kinds of time to do what is important and so it is easy to fill time with trifles. Things that aren’t really important. I have also found that life just flies and I am not sure if I have been using my time wisely.
In 2017 I want to be aware of how I use my time. Ephesians 5:16-17 (ESV) says, “Making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” The NKJV says “redeeming the time”. My prayer is that I use my time wisely and for the Lord. I am all for having fun (I love my hobbies), but I want to make sure that everything I do is for the honor and glory of the Lord (1 Corinthians 10:31).
How will I do this? Pleading in Prayer. Romans 12:12, “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”
Pleading in Prayer 