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.

I don't know where I'm going, but I trust You.

October 30

By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. 

Hebrews 11:8 

Abraham didn’t know where he was going — he just started moving. Most of us in his position would say, ‘Father, I know You’re calling me to leave Ur, and I’ll be happy to go as soon as You give me a map of Mesopotamia.’ 

But the Lord doesn’t work that way in the arena of faith. ‘Start moving one step at a time,’ He says. ‘I’ll direct you, but I will not give you directions for Step 2 until you first take Step 1. A step of faith is the prerequisite for a man or woman to be used by God. He’s looking for those who will come to the Jordan and get their feet wet (Joshua 3:15).

My tendency, however, is to say, ‘Here I am, Lord. Right near the edge, just like You told me to be. Now, Lord, this ark is important cargo. You don’t want to see it get dropped in the river and carried downstream, do You? That’s not practical. So in order to help You protect Your good name, whenever You part the water, I’ll be thrilled to go across. Here I am, Your man of faith, ready to serve You on the spot.’ 

But without faith, it’s impossible to please God. ‘Why?’ you ask. ‘Why does God take me to the edge of the Jordan, tell me to put my foot in, and risk me looking like a fool or the ark floating down the river? I don’t get it.’

Guess what? You will — because faith is the lingua franca of eternity. God’s not saying, ‘I’m going to put you to the test for the fun of it. Let’s see if you step in or not.’ The Father has no joy in seeing His kids agonize at the edge of the Jordan. ‘If this causes you agony,’ He says, ‘it’s because you yet need to become a man of faith. After all, it’s who you are in the arena of faith that will affect how I will use you in the next billion years to come.’

You see, gang, if you take eternity out of the equation, the whole thing seems like a bad joke. But once you understand that this whole deal on earth is to train and stretch, develop and mature you for heaven and the ages to come, then you start looking at everything in that way. ‘OK, Father,’ you’ll say, ‘this is a stretch for me. It’s uncomfortable. It’s not easy. But You told me to be like Abraham, so even if I don’t know where I’m going, I trust You.’

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. 

Angel fan.

In case you didnt know...
Yes I am a HUGE Angel fan.
Yes I wear my jersey and hat when I watch games at home.
Yes I watch every game and almost ditched my class to watch the game tonight but was let out early to watch the game instead.

:)

Change. stamps. and diet.

I HATE change, I do not adapt to it very well at all. A lot of things will be changing the next few weeks and even months and I do not feel ready. I know the Lord will prepare me and that He has a plan but as of now I am not ready for change. 

I know I said I HATE change but I am actually uneasy about change though, it is bittersweet, I am thankful for it because it keeps me from getting comfortable and forces me to trust the Lord but I do not like it because I really struggle with trusting people. It is something that I have always struggled with and the Lord continues to show me how to trust Him. Sometimes I think the reason so many things occur that force me to trust Him is because He knows I have a problem with trust in general. Anyway..... be praying for me...5 weeks from yesterday Nick will be leaving for bootcamp, and its gonna be tough. 

So in light of "getting ready"

I bought stamps...I figure I better stock up now, so I bought some and will probably be buying A LOT more in the next few months.... 

I was thinking I should get some stamps and other misc things I will need for the many letters I will be sending Nick. 

So....Nick is on a diet, bc he will be leaving soon and is getting ready... so I am being supportive of course... Here we are....

I know I know, I am eating ice cream, but he is eating an Apple! Yea!
No but really we are watching what we eat, we were doing so good for a while and then kind of slacked off but are getting back on track, I don't mind, I LOVE vegetables and eating healthy, it makes me feel better every day, I don't feel gross from eating unhealthy food, and it even got to the point that when i eat at certain places now it makes me feel sick because my body is not used to it anymore.... But anyway...it also means I get to cook! Yes! I Love cooking, seriously.... anyway, thats a quick update.... enjoying my last 5 weeks with Nick before he leaves. :)