Letting God fix the fix

November 17
	Ye also, as lively stones are built up a spiritual house …
	1 Peter 2:5
That we are living stones who are being built up, or fit together, as a spiritual house brings to mind a most interesting Scripture ... And the house, when it was in building, was built of stone made ready before it was brought thither: so that there was neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building (1 Kings 6:7). When Solomon’s Temple was being constructed, all of the chiseling, hammering, cutting, and chipping was done underneath the old city of Jerusalem so that when the stones were taken to the Temple Mount, they could be fit together in silence. We’re living stones being fit together for an eternal temple in heaven. This life is the quarry — which explains why we always feel like we’re being chipped and chiseled. ‘Why am I next to this blockhead?’ you ask or ‘Why are they part of the family?’ Because as living stones, we constantly rub against each other, knocking rough edges off each other in the process. You see, God puts us right next to the very people He knows will smooth us down so He can build us up into a temple for His glory. The problem is I try to get away from the blockhead I’m rubbing up against. But because God puts us in fixes to fix us, He puts us with people and in situations He knows will shape us most effectively. So if I try to fix the fix God put me in, He will be faithful to put me in another fix to fix the fix He wanted to fix in the first place! If we don’t learn this, we’ll go from fix to fix until finally we say, ‘OK, Lord. I’m not going to try to fix this or wiggle out of that, but I’m going to embrace and accept where You have me because I know You’re doing a work on me, shaping me for eternity.’ This Daily Devotional is an excerpt from the book "A Days Journey" by Pastor Jon. "A Days Journey" is a collection of 365 short devotions from the New Testament.

Living a Life of Open Hands

Its almost been a week since Nick left. So, although things are not easy, I can feel God's strength. It is difficult, being away from my best friend without communication, but I am trusting God, and listening to His direction. I am so blessed to be surrounded by such great friends and family :D

Thank You all for your prayers and words of encouragement.

Something the Lord has been showing me, is something I have always known, but now am really experiencing for the first time. Living a life of open hands. Being willing to hold everything in your hand in an open position so the Lord can take it freely if He wants to. Everything we have, we are blessed with, is Gods. My family, friends, possessions etc. We need to be living a life knowing that at anytime anything can be taken because everything is on loan from God to you. Your spouse, children, family etc. Although Nick has not been taken away for good, and I am thankful for that, I am realizing how to live a life with open hands, surrendering all to Jesus, knowing that He is in control and owns everything I have. I am so blessed with many things in life and am thankful for them all. I am and will continue to live a life of open hands, knowing that God can take anything at any time. No it is not, and will not be easy when this happens, but God uses these times to force us to rely and trust Him more, and I am thankful for that.

This song has really been speaking to me, its called "Open Hands" by Matt Papa

Verse 1:
To give unselfishly, to love the least of these
Jesus i'm learning how to live with open hands
All of these treasures that i hold will never satisfy my soul
Jesus i lay it at your throne with open hands

chorus:
And i lift my hands open wide let the whole world sing
how u've loved, how you died, how you set me free!
Free at last i surrender all i am with open hands
with open hands

Verse 2:
To finally let go of my plans
These earthly kingdoms built of sand
Jesus at your cross i stand with open hands

chorus:
And i lift my hands open wide let the whole world sing
how u've loved, how you died, how you set me free!
Free at last i surrender all i am with open hands
with open hands
You took the nails and you wore the crown
You hung your head, your love poured out
You took my place and you paid the price
So Jesus now i will give my life!!!!!!!!!

chorus:
And i lift my hands open wide let the whold world sing
how u've loved, how you died, how you set me free!
Free at last i surrender all i am with open hands
Jesus i lift my hands open wide let the whole world sing
how u've loved, how you died, how you set me free!
Free at last i surrender all i am with open hands with open hands

with open hands
with open hands
with open hands

Another song is "While I'm waiting" by John Waller (many of you have prob. heard this in the movie Fireproof, great movie :) if you haven't seen it, you should)

I’m waiting
I’m waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I’m waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience

While I’m waiting
I will serve You
While I’m waiting
I will worship
While I’m waiting
I will not faint
I’ll be running the race
Even while I wait

I’m waiting
I’m waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I’m waiting on You, Lord
Though it’s not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait

I will serve You while I’m waiting
I will worship while I’m waiting
I will serve You while I’m waiting
I will worship while I’m waiting
I will serve You while I’m waiting
I will worship while I’m waiting on You, Lord

This song has really been a blessing too, because I am waiting for the exciting day when I will be able to talk to and see Nick again.

I have felt a little convicted lately, because I look forward to times in life so much, and different events, Christmas, being done with school, going to Glen Ivy with Michelle, being married,having a family, going to disneyland, it FINALLY being January so I can see Nick.... many things in life. When we are excited about something we usually tell people about them, because we can't help but share some excitement with friends and people we see. How much more should we be so excited and telling people about when we will see Jesus face to face :) Although we know when those things in life will occur, and we don't know exactly when Jesus will return, we should live each day as if today were the day, because it very well could be :)

So while we are waiting for, whatever it is in life, AND most importantly for Christ's return, we are to worship, serve and run the race with boldness and confidence.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

Hebrews 12:1-2

When He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. Job 23:10

November 14
	… Being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
	1 Peter 1:7
‘I know you’re going through exceedingly difficult days, with even tougher times coming your direction,’ says Peter, ‘but you can choose to rejoice. Why? Because trials strengthen faith.’ In likening faith to gold tried by fire, Peter reaches back to a statement made by a man who knew uniquely what it meant to go through trials and difficulties ... but he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. Job 23:10 In Bible times, when a man wanted to make something of fine gold, he would subject the golden ore to such intense heat that all of the impurities would be burned out. And the goldsmith would know that the work was done when he could see the reflection of his own face in the liquefied gold.  The same thing is true with us. The Lord says, ‘I’ve got big plans for you, huge plans not just for this life, but for eternity. Therefore, I may need to turn up the heat a bit to work out the impurities. But My hand is on the thermostat. I know exactly what I’m doing. And, although at the present moment, it might not be easy, you’ll thank Me for the next billion years to come because what I’m after is to see the reflection of My face in your life.’ Why? God doesn’t want to see His reflection in our lives because He’s on some sort of an ego trip, but because He knows that although we may not realize it, what we really want is to be like Him. But there are things in our lives which keep that from happening. So the way He deals with them is to turn up the heat a bit in order that we’ll come out of the fire stronger in faith and more like the Lord.  ... but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us (Romans 5:3). When you finally understand this, you’ll rejoice in difficulty rather than rebel because you’ll see it as a purifying process which will work wonderful things into your life. Tribulation works patience because when you’re going through difficulty, there’s not a lot you can do other than wait for the Master Goldsmith to finish the process. Patience in turn works experience as we learn that God truly knows what He’s doing. And experience works hope — the absolute expectation of coming good. This Daily Devotional is an excerpt from the book "A Days Journey" by Pastor Jon. "A Days Journey" is a collection of 365 short devotions from the New Testament.

Day 1- Keeping Busy.

So today was the first day I didn't see Nick, since he left so early yesterday, that doesn't count. I have always known that when you are busy time goes by faster, and luckily I have always managed to keep myself busy, all of my life. I have always had a lot going on and at times have had to force myself to relax and take time off of things. Well now, I feel like I am not busy at all, which I still am to many people, but to me I am not. Today I talked to him on the phone a couple of times and he is now in Great Lakes, Illinois. He made it safely :) I think tomorrow will be harder because it will be the first day I don't talk to him at all. REALLY weird. Anyway, I have already written 1 letter last night, and will write at least 1 every day. I promised him that, and will keep my word. Unfortunately I do not have the address yet, so until then I will store the letters in my room then send them all (labeled by date so he knows the order) until then. It should be here in the next week I think. Anyway, I am so thankful for my friends. I have had many conversations, texts and visits from many people. Yesterday before school, my good friend Michelle showed up with Starbucks for me ( a blueberry muffin and pumpkin spice latte (without the coffee bc I cant have coffee bc of my heart)). It was such a nice surprise. After school I went to Ily's house and me her and Michelle hung out with me until Michelle had to work and I hung with Ily. I got a call from Nick yesterday telling me about his flight and that things were going well. Eventually Walter came home and we went out for a surprise. Dessert! mMMmMMMm... so we decided to go to Michelle's work (macaroni grill) and visit her. It was so nice to hang out with good friends, but I have to admit, it was hard because normally Nick is right along with us. Michelle gave Ily and I a stem of flowers :) Then I was so tired, I only got about 3 hours of sleep the night before so I came home and slept. Anyway I am so blessed by my friends and their support. I have definitely had hard moments but I can definitely feel the Lords presence. Tonight after class I wanted to go to the gym so I invited Michelle to go with me. I think it will be our Tue night thing, gym after class. I also sent a text to Nick's sister, Jessica, and we are going on Thur. I love going to the gym, I always have, but lately have not made time for it. So now, I have plenty of time to go. It helps a lot and I know Nick is working out too so I feel like were kind of, a little, in the same place. 

I have also been able to keep in contact with Nick's family, which is such a blessing, I am so blessed that we are able to talk, even when he is far away.

So anyway.... thats an update, just keeping busy, tomorrow I go back to work (I took 4 days off, 2 before and 2 after he left) so that should be interesting. Anyway..... thats the update. :)

the 9 weeks officially begins....

"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." 2 Timothy 1:7

The unexpected

Many things in life come unexpected, I never thought 1 year and 2 months ago (September 8,2008) when Nick and I got together that today I would be saying goodbye, but things will continue to come unexpected, as they did today. So originally Nick was supposed to leave on November 10 for Navy bootcamp but because of Wed. Being a holiday, plans changed. It was unexpected and a day was taken away but Sunday we got a call saying he would need to be ready to leave at 12 on Monday, and while we were at church we got another call saying he needed to be ready at 4 am Monday. Nick was able to say a quick goodbye to some but unfortunately could not see many as thought for the last time. So, our time was cut short. Nick had a hair apt on Monday at 9 and obviously would now not be able to make it. So our good friends Walter, Ily, and Michelle came over and Walter cut Nicks hair. (more pictures to come) I love him so much and am so proud of him for listening to the Lords direction, but will and already do miss him so much. I am ok though, I am at home right now, studying for a test I have today, and can definitely feel the Lords strength. Thank you for you're prayers, they are much appreciated. Today he will be in San Diego and will fly out tomorrow from Illinois. I will hear his voice later tonight, 1 more phone call :) I am so thankful for the friends and family the Lord has surrounded me with! Although it will be hard, I know God will help me through and I will be ok. The countdown begins.... 9 weeks and counting....



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The Only Consistency

So... I know I post Jon Courson's devotions a lot but its because they really bless me. Today this really blessed me because it is so nice to know I serve a God who is faithful, and consistent. He is strong, I am weak. He is all knowing, I know so little. He is everything I am not. I am so blessed to know I serve an unchanging,  trustworthy God.

November 6

… With whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. 

James 1:17-18 

Not only is God good in the gifts He gives, but in Who He is. In Him there is no variableness or shadow of turning. That is, He’s not moody. He doesn’t have bad days. He’s not generous with me one day, but grouchy the next — as I can so often be. 

We’re variable. We go through ups and downs. God doesn’t. He can be nothing but good. He doesn’t react to me according to how I’m doing with Him. He is faithful when I am faithless (2 Timothy 2:13). He is good when I am grumpy. He doesn’t change. He’s locked into His nature. 

That’s why I love the Lord so much. He’s solid as a Rock. And I can just enjoy Him without worrying about Him being ticked with me or tired of me. He gives nothing but good gifts, for He is a good God.

This Daily Devotional is an excerpt from the book "A Days Journey" by Pastor Jon. "A Days Journey" is a collection of 365 short devotions from the New Testament.