Soaking it all up

Transition- movement, passage, or change from one position, state, stage, subject, concept, to another. Lately I feel like so many areas of my life are in transition. A term I have never loved and usually embrace with hesitancy. "The opposite of faith is not doubt. The opposite of faith is certainty. Certainty doesn't require faith, it's when we are uncertain that we need to have faith." Transition is by no means easy, but it is often uncertain. And that uncertainty requires me to have faith. It requires for me to grow deeper in my dependency on the Lord. 

These past few weeks have been the first time since I can remember when I wasn't employed. While it has been extremely different and feels weird, it is extremely freeing. I have realized how stuck I was. Being able to have the flexibility and freedom to travel and see friends has been a huge blessing. I have been able to be around for things for my friends and family that I feel like I have missed out on for years. I am thankful that I have been able to spend this month in this way, 

Through this transition I have also had time to read- to read to learn and to read for fun. To dig into the word. To learn from Christian authors, to journal, and to get lost in a novel. I have enjoyed having time to read throughout these days. If you need any recommendations, I am always up for offering a few titles. 

I have been challenged by several of the sermons I have heard over the last month or so. I am learning what it looks like to live in the joy of the Lord despite circumstances. I am learning to depend on my Father daily. I am learning about the peace that God gives. Our peace first has to be with God, then peace in out hearts, and then peace with others. He is the building block that our lives must be built upon. I am learning how God instructs us to live in love.  These 23 points have challenged me and really taken me deeper in my understanding of how I am called to love others and to be in relationships with others. It is definitely worth spending some time reading through them, they will take you deeper in the way you love those in your life (http://www.paultripp.com/articles/posts/23-things-that-love-is).

Taking risks isn't something I'm good at nor something I've always seen as vital. However, I'm learning that it's in that risk that we have to depend on Jesus. It's that risk that takes us deeper. When asked about my life, I want to be able to say I'm living a life worthy of His calling. I want to live out the mission of Ephesians 4- "As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worth of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."

It is surreal that I leave for Denver next week. Leaving behind all that I have known. I can't begin to explain what I am feeling. There are days I don't want to go, and other days I know that it is exactly where I am supposed to be. I am eager to see what the Lord has in store. I am trusting Him with the uncertainties and believing that He is at work beyond what I could ever ask or imagine. 

Worship songs always have a way of speaking to my heart. Here are a few that are on repeat these days. 

• Oceans - Hillsong United
• Give Me Faith - Elevation
• You Make Me Brave- Bethel
• Blameless- Dara Maclean

If you're wondering how you can partner in praying with me through this next season here you go. I appreciate you walking with me and praying for me. 

1. That I will be open and present in this new journey. That I will allow the Lord to heal my heart and be fully present in this new journey.
2. That I will find a church to plug into and a ministry to be a part of where not only I can serve others but where I can be poured into.
3. That as I meet people and make friends I will be able to be vulnerable with them. That I will know who I can trust and that I will not be afraid to let others into my life.
4. That the Lord will provide a teaching job and that He will give me the confidence and courage to lead and to have an influential role in my students lives.