THIS IS GOD'S DOING.

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations." Then I said, "Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth." But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a youth; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the LORD." Then the LORD put out His hand and touched my mouth. And the LORD said to me, "Behold, I have put My words in your mouth. See, I have set you this day over nations and over kingdoms to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant."--- Jeremiah 1:5-10

In my Discovering God's Will for Your Life class with Pastor Haugen (I know, crazy huh? Big topic for a one credit class!) he had us read this passage and mark all the personal pronouns. In doing so, I found that everything that happened was God's doing.

Sometimes it's easy to stress about the future and plans as we are in a stage of transition. But GOD is the One who does it all. HE knows the plans He has for us (Jeremiah 29:11). While it can still be stressful making big decisions, God has a plan and is going to use us in the situations that He brings us to.

God will bring you to the place where HE wants you to be. Remember, this is God's doing.

Psalm 16

"The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; You hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. I have set the LORD always before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let Your holy one see corruption. You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore" --Psalm 16:5-11

Do you ever feel like you have no idea where your life is heading? It always seems that when I make plans for my future, God comes in and completely changes them. However, these verses tell us that God will lead and guide us to where He is going to use us the most. He will make known to us where He wants us-- sometimes by completely closing doors but also by changing our desires.

Psalm 37:23 says, "The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in His way". When we are delighting ourselves in God, He delights in showering us with blessings. What a crazy thought!

But what about when we're lead into situations and circumstances that we don't like? What about when we walk through the valleys of life? I believe during these times we can say what David said, "I have a beautiful inheritance". Whatever situation you find yourself in today, if you are a follower of our Lord, Jesus Christ, you can confidently say that you have a beautiful inheritance awaiting you in heaven!

I hope these verses have encouraged you as much as they have changed me this week. Look to the Lord, He is willing and desiring to direct your paths.

Day By Day

I enjoy having set plans. If something goes wrong in my plans I tend to get rather flustered. However, I hate making decisions. These two don't necessarily go together, as one would need to make a decision in order to have plans to follow.

Do you ever feel like life is going too fast and suddenly the world is telling you that you've grown up? Being a little kid again sounds glorious, to have no worries in the world. Now everything seems to worry me-- money, where I'm going to school, jobs, everything!

The hymn "Day by Day" has seemed to have a common theme this past week for me, as it was sung for special music at Chapel this week and one of the hymns at church this morning. As I was driving to church I was trying to figure out my life and all the plans that are running around in my head, but unable to do so because I loathe making decisions. It finally hit me in church that God calls us to live for Him day by day. My sister would always tell me that God laughs at me when I try to plan my life. He must find me rather amusing then!

James 4 reads, "You do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that". How often do we make our plans and throw a tantrum when things seem to go against our will? I know I do quite frequently. But we are called to give our requests to God, all of our plans and hopes for the future--He knows what to do with them.

I want to leave you with the first verse from that hymn today. As you go about your week, remember that following God is a daily relationship and God gives us the power to meet all of our needs for that day.

Day by day, and with each passing moment,
Strength I find to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father's wise bestowment,
I've no cause for worry or for fear.
He, whose heart is kind beyond all measure,
Gives unto each day what He deems best,
Lovingly its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.

Ready and Waiting - ?

Last Thursday night, as I was driving home from class in Bismarck, I stumbled upon a radio station I had never encountered before. I couldn't tell you the name of the host, or even the name of the program or station; however, what I do remember has really impacted me over the last couple of days. This man confidently declared that Jesus will return on May 21, 2011.

My initial reaction was that of scoffing, thinking of the verse in which Jesus proclaims that: "'But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.' . . . 'Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming.' . . . 'You also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will'" (Matthew 21:36, 42, 44). I don't think Jesus will return on May 21, 2011 because it's a date that man has set; a date declared by some believers as the certain date of His return - so they are expecting it. From what I can see in Scripture, Jesus will come when we are least expecting it.

But, that confident declaration on the radio got me thinking. If Jesus' return was certain to happen on May 21, 2011, what would I be doing differently? Why should I even bother going to class? Why don't we just travel the globe, evangelizing to the lost? Why are people planning weddings for next summer - why not just elope?

That got me thinking even more: isn't that what I should be doing now? The exact date of Jesus' return is uncertain, yet do I live with expectancy that He is returning, and returning soon? I should be living every moment of every day with the realization that at any second Jesus could burst through the clouds, coming in power and might, calling believers home. Am I excited for that? Am I ready to go?

I discovered that honestly, I'm not. Although I am a saved believer, I am still a selfish one. There are still things I want to do in this life - like become a mom, get a job teaching . . . Man! Am I selfish or what?! Who am I to put my own desires ahead of the Lord? Shouldn't I be rejoicing exceedingly at the very idea of His return happening soon?

Tonight, I prayed for the Lord's forgiveness regarding my selfish attitude, and that He'll replace it with that exceeding joy and constant anticipation of His return. What about you? Are you ready for His return? Are you ready to give up that which you so longing for in this lifetime for a lifetime with Jesus in eternity?

"Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." - Galatians 5:24

A New Key

Nearly two weeks ago, in our "quiet" little town of Beulah, ND, the high school received a bomb threat. Praise the Lord no bombs were found, the threat was not executed and the students remained safe. As a safety response/precaution, the school district had the entire school re-keyed. That means new locks on every door, many new keys - and a busy Beulah Lumber (& Lock Service!).

While I don't know enough to re-key a lock, I have been taught the craft of making new keys. Despite the gitters I get before I begin, it's a fairly simple process. The key-making machine has two key holders - one on the left side for the old key being copied, one on the right side for the brand new key - the key that is cut away to produce an identical copy of the old key. Once the keys are securely locked in their places, the switch is flipped, the saw turns on, and the keys are brought up near the saw. One thing I learned early on in the key-making process is to not look at the key you are cutting. Keep your eyes on the first, old key as you push down the length of the key. Let the saw cut its way through the new key, carving it to match the old key. Taking your eye off the old key and looking at new will often cause a mistake. Only when you are completely finished - every groove cleanly cut - can you turn off the machine, remove your new key, and compare it to the first key.

As I was engrossed in making approximately 25 keys last week, I was struck by the thought of how similar we are to those keys. Jesus is that first key - the initial one that we, the new key, are being copied into. For those of us being copied to be like Jesus, it's not always an easy process or a pain-free one. Difficult times come, but as the Word promises us, these difficulties are often for our good.

". . . He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness. All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness." (Hebrews 12:10-11)

During such times, we don't know what the end result will be. All we know is that we're being cut, and that it hurts. But the Lord will not give us more than we can handle (1 Corinthians 10:13) and He is with us during our trials (Hebrews 13:5).

No matter what your circumstances are, trust Jesus. Cling to Him. Keep your eyes focused on Jesus, He is the author and perfecter of your faith (Hebrews 12:2). The Lord has something incredible in mind - He is making you more like His Son, Jesus Christ. What an image to be copied into!

When the World Come Crahing Down Around You and the Question Have No End

The title of my blog today is kind of how I'm feeling but only a small portion of my world has come crashing down. I bought a gas-powered scooter a little while ago and today when I went to leave the coffee shop where I go to do some reading and Bible study it wouldn't start. I ended up having to push it about a mile and a half home, half of it uphill :), and now I'm stuck wondering what I am supposed to do. Obviously it needs to get fixed, but the questions of what is actually wrong with it aren't really the ones that are on my mind. I battle going into depression because of worry and doubt when things like this happen, but to be honest with you, gratefully, right now I am confident that God is in control and somehow He can and will work things out for good. I still wonder what to do now though because the there is another concern of which I cannot tell you but effects things to a large degree. (Don't you just love the mystery?)

We are going through a series at church right now in which we are studying seven different attributes of God. The first one we are looking at is His goodness. Goodness isn't just what He does, it's who He is. I can take comfort in that.

Now maybe at this point you are wondering to yourself,"Why it is such a big deal that his scooter doesn't work anymore?" Well, maybe it's not, but I now need to figure out if I should, how, where, and when to get it fixed while still being able to get around town and do the things I need to do. Of course I've got two feet to walk on, friends to ride with, and cars to borrow, but the reality is that my life has changed in just a moment and whenever life changes questions and difficulties arise. How we respond to them is greatly going to determine where our hearts lie in regards to knowing and believing who is in control.

Something quite difficult may be going on in your life, but know this, God is in control and He can be your sun and your shield during this time.

It's ok to ask Him questions, but can you be satisfied with His answers...?

Deere John

Deere John,

I finally figured you out! For years I have wondered how you decided on that perfect color combination. Green and yellow in perfect proportion. Enough green to fit in on St. Patrick's Day, and enough yellow to me up when I'm feeling too mellow. To most farmers your subtle hues are old news. To me you are a glimmer of hope. As I ran through the dense forest and rolling wetland that traces the path of the Minnesota River, I was struck by something with more power than a T670 Combine. You're all about transformation. Tilling old soil. Planting millions of seeds. Fertilize the growing plant. Chop the crop. Manicure grass to change a boring green piece of land, into an argyle sweater for the center fielder. Take sand from an unsightly pile and smooth it into a beautiful scene of laughter, high fives, and families connecting on a backyard beach volleyball court in the Red River Valley. Whether it's work or play, John Deere is transforming the land.

The leaves are beginning to change colors along the Minnesota River. Some are still the same vibrant green that 90% of the 3032E Compact Tractor comes painted. Some of the leaves might fall on the seat of an X500 Lawn Tractor and never be seen again. Regardless of the color, the leaves are in a time of transformation. John Deere tractors are hard at work today, transforming acres of crop into bushels of food.

Jesus is all about transformation. I have experienced it. Sometimes it has been as dramatic as the change in color from the wheel well to the roof on Uncle D's loader. During the process, I'm not the deep green of an August leaf or the bright yellow of an autumn leaf. Instead I'm that beautiful in between color that sparkles in the evening light, almost the color of the lime you just squeezed on your Chipotle burrito. Maybe it's the color of Kayle Buscher's VW Beetle. Regardless, transformation takes place when I spend time with Jesus. In 2 Corinthians 3:18, it talks about this - "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." Hmmm. Like a leaf.

That's what's going on in my life right now, deere John. I hope you take some time to idle your engine, get refueled, and continue with the transforming business.

Love, Tim

Going to College

Hey guys

I'm guessing that this fall a few of you readers will be making the switch from high school to college. Now, we've all heard the statistics about how many kids lose their faith when they go to college. I don't think this is from being exposed to certain things but rather from not continuing to do the things they did in high school - go to church, youth group, etc. So how can you have an easier transition to college? As far as finding a church is concerned, I would suggest 3 things:

1. Talk to your pastor. Chances are he knows of or can find a good church in the city where you are going to school.

2. If somebody older than you from your home church/town goes to school in the same city, ask them where they have gone to church. It's always easier to go when you have to somebody to go with, too. If you are going to school in the Twin Cities or Fargo I'd be more than happy to suggest a couple churches for you to check out.

3. Join Cru (Campus Crusade for Christ) or FCA or something to that effect. In addition to giving you a great group of kids to hang out with, they will be able to provide suggestions on churches you could attend.

Going to college is a lot of fun, and finding a church near your school can make the transition so much easier. If you would like more advice I would be glad to talk to help out. Best of luck!

Until next week,

Matt

Content . . . to be Discontent?

Do you ever wish that you were a part of something bigger? Something grander? Something that when people looked at it would say, "Woah! Praise the Lord! Now that's a group of people truly busy about their Father's business!"

I know I do.

A couple of weeks ago, at the AFLC Annual Conference, as I heard Pastor Nash's report on the Home Missions department, I began to feel this way. You see, part of my heart belongs to Home Missions. Not because I served on a Barnabas team and was forced to give part of my heart over to P. Nash, but because I served on a Barnabas team and saw the true love, passion, and desire of those new churches. Thinking about Home Missions congregations gets me excited . . . I remember the incredible people I met while traveling the Northeast portion of America, I remember their desire to grow, their willingness to serve at whatever cost to bring others to Jesus, and I want to go back.

Then, I look at where I am, and get a little discouraged. Maybe because it's so ordinary; it's so everyday. As I have dealt with these issues of surging excitement and discouragements, I have realized how discontent I am. And to be quite honest, I think I could be discontent anywhere, even if I was serving a Home Missions congregation. All too often, I think I am looking forward to the next thing, waiting to see what the Lord is going to do next. The problem? I'm not there, in the future, I'm here, in the now.

I was quite challenged by Paul's words to the Philippians as I mulled over this contentment issue: "Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along in humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:11-13)

We often hear the "all things through Him who strengthens me" verse, but I don't think we often hear it in the correct context. Paul claimed contentment not because of anything he could do on his own, but it was through Christ he found contentment. So apart from Christ, I'm not going to be content anywhere. I'll always be waiting and watching for the next thing if I don't have my heart fixed on Jesus. Once my heart is truly fixed upon Him and His will . . . then I'll be content. Content to stay where He wants me to stay, content to go where He wants me to go, and content to do it in HIS timing, not my own.

Lord, make me content where You have placed me. May I become content through You; give me strength to humbly serve me wherever You lead me. Make me more like Jesus, I pray.

How would you like your change?

I love to have fun. I love to be with people that I love. So far, June has been great to me in both regards.

For the first nine days of the month, I was off traveling the country . . . or at least a small portion of it. I came home for four days, working at the all-exciting lumberyard for three of them; and then again packed up and headed east to Minneapolis. In contrast to my previous week's stay in Minneapolis totaling less than 24 hours, this week I was in the Cities for nearly four whole days! It was wonderful. The Annual Conference has the unique ability to draw people in from all across the country: Pennsylvania, Arizona, North Dakota!, Northern Minnesota . . . What a sweet, wonderful time of fellowship the Annual Conference allowed.

As I was relishing in the fact that I had so many close friends in such close proximity, as I was rejoicing in the encouragement I had received from some blessed people, I couldn't help but wish that it didn't all have to end. Why couldn't we all just stay there? Why did Ed and Mary have to go back to Reading? Why did Jordan and I have to head home to Beulah? Why couldn't Emily, Tim, Jeremy, and Lindsey just come with us? Ugh. Growing up - change - is hard.

I had similar thoughts to this when I graduated from AFLBS and the group of friends I hung out with, including my older brother, all seemed to disperse to different parts of the country (and world!). Florida, Iraq, California, South Dakota, North Dakota, Northern Minnesota . . . Again, ugh. Growing up - change - is hard.

During such struggles, I am reminded of a phrase hanging on one of those yearbook posters in Heritage Hall at AFLBS: "Coming to learn, leaving to serve". When Jesus commissioned His disciples, He didn't allow them to stay comfortably in one place, all twelve of them serving the Lord together. Instead, He told them to "'Go therefore and make disciples of ALL nations'" (Matthew 28:19, emphasis added). Before His ascension, He said to them, "'You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth'" (Acts 1:8, emphasis added). As you read through the beginnings of the early church in the book of Acts, you'll find that the disciples spread out to share the Gospel.

Ugh. It's true. Growing up, change, leaving all that is normal and comfortable to us, is not an easy process. But thankfully, as we disperse from these "home bases" of friends, family and comfort, we are not alone. When Jesus commissioned His disciples, He promised to be with them, and He is with us as well: "'I am with you always, even to the end of the age'" (Matthew 28:20), "So then, when the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them, and confirmed the word by the signs that followed" (Mark 16:19-20).

It may be difficult to do, but may we draw on the strength of the Lord to faithfully do His will and share the Good News that He has given to us!

Wherever He may go!

Do you remember playing Following the Leader when you were younger?

I'm a nanny for three amazing little girls and we do everything from blowing bubbles to playing barbies. One on such day the two four year olds and I were on a bike ride on our way to the park but I didn't know where it was, so one of the twins took the lead and the other started singing Following the Leader. However, the leader was bringing us to a busy street and her faithful follower was becoming nervous. The leader then exclaimed, "I'm the leader, I know where we're going. I won't let anything bad happen to you!"

This was such a beautiful picture of our relationship with Christ. In these years of transition in most of our lives we are faced with uncertainty for the future. With so much changing, the future can seem dangerous, but God's Word tells us over and over again to trust God and that He will never leave us, nor forsake us. Joshua 1:9 says "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened; do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go".

God, much like my little four year old, is is charge and He knows what He's doing. He also tells us multiple times that He won't let anything bad happen. Don't misunderstand me please, this does not mean that we won't encounter trials in our lives- in fact, we're promised hard times because we are followers- it's just that He's already been there and knows where to lead us.

Proverbs 19:21 says, "Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand". When we can't see what's down the path in our lives, we can rest in the fact that God is the best Leader the world has or ever will know!

Consider what would happen...

We are always accessible, always interacting, always turned on.

What would happen if we turned it all off?

Matthew 6:16-18 says, "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you"

Isn't it time we take our focus off of ourselves and turn it TO God?

WIB & WIG

Spring - When the snow in the mountains absorbs the warmth of the sun and begins to have the consistency of mashed potatoes and gravy. The year 2000 - A new millenium, the Backstreet Boys are at the peak of their career, and a memorable day takes place for at least two young guys.

I was introduced to a short, scruffy, musician type guy who was coming from the flat farm land of Northern Minnesota. We were both at a weekend youth rally in Kalispell, MT. Within a few seconds of introductions, it was determined that I would be the guide at the ski hill for this guy. Being the brilliant young man I was at the time, I knew how to show this guy what skiing in MT is really like.

Standing at the top of the biggest jump on the mountain, it looks like you're going to run into a large wall covered in snow. With the laws of physics working to your advantage, you can go downhill, up the takeoff, and begin to orbit Montana, before gravity gets a grip and brings you back to the snow. After repeatedly slamming into the takeoff, this gifted guitar player finally became a human canon ball. It wasn't the time in the air that brought the pain - it was coming back to solid ground. I'll never forget this new friend's determination, trying over and over again, disregarding the feelings in his shoulder, wrists, and back. Even more memorable were the shouts of joy, high fives and echoing laughter after a great day absorbing God's creation.

That night I sat in a hard plastic chair, listening to an acoustic guitar compliment the lyrics leaving the lips of my new friend, Jeremy Erickson. This was a different side of the guy than I had seen earlier on the mountain. The songs I heard were new, thought provoking, and created by a guy from a farm in Minnesota. My eyes were just beginning to be opened to the vastness of my Creator's creations. Some lyrics came from the Bible, others were inspired by God painting pictures on warm North Dakota evenings, and still some were in memory of loved ones.

Little did I know at the time, Jeremy and I would bump into each other many times over the next 11 years. An afternoon jam session in my mother's house (playing Jeremy's Taylor guitar) I sit and learn the chords from the guy who wrote the song. In the mountains of Colorado, conversations late at night keep us updated on the days that are behind us. Email updates keep friends connected. The randomness was a part of God's plan for at least two young guys.

Fast forward to the fall of 2009. Walking into a new church building, in a new city, in a new chapter of life, who do I see? The years have changed how much hair is or is not on our faces, but Jeremy and I reunite again - this time on his turf. At Emmaus Free Lutheran Church it seems like God may have brought our lives full circle. Phone numbers are exchanged and plans are made for a time to really catch up.

Over a nice cup of coffee, Jeremy takes a few hours out of his life to connect with me when I may have needed it most. I've finally been processing some of life's realities (my relationship with my dad) and God brought Jeremy and I together to connect with Him. Jeremy and I laugh, ponder, and catch up after far too long. There are so many levels that we find common ground - adventure, family, AFLBS, illness, pain, inspiration, conversation, music, and friends - but that day the common ground was simply, Jesus. Two different people, two different lives, two different perspectives, one Jesus.

While I've heard some of Jeremy's songs at least 5 times, the lyrics from "God's own Glory" connected with me today.

"Reunite the now and then, To bring your glory, Amen"

When We Walk on the Side Streets

I arrived at class last Wednesday eager to develop three rolls of film, taken at my Grandparents farm, for my final photography project. If you don’t know anything about developing film, its a timely process involving going into a pitch black closet, taking the film out of its canister, rolling it on a wheel, securing it in a light proof container, several steps of chemicals and drying before your negatives are ready for use. Yada Yada. Imagine my intense disappointment as I was to the last step, drying, when I pulled my film off of the wheel to discover... It was blank! What in the world happened?!?! I showed my teacher my blank film with knots in my stomach. An examination of my camera revealed the shutter had stopped working properly. Great. I now had the new task of taking three new rolls of film. Lovely.



I’ve absolutely loved my photography class this semester. I’ve spent many hours wandering Minneapolis, seeing areas of the city I’ve never seen before. I’ve captured some amazing shots and learned to love the print making process. I was deeply disappointed and discouraged over my blank film, over all the pictures that would have been, at having to come up with a new project and the time I would spend taking new pictures and developing film all over again. Why now at the end of the semester and for my final project did the shutter give out on me? At this point the last thing I wanted to do was take more pictures.

As I was taking pictures this weekend, I was struck by how much of the cities I am seeing that I’ve never seen before. I’ve taken pictures, downtown, uptown, all over town. Each time I go it’s a whole new adventure. I never know what I will find. Armed with three new rolls of film and a borrowed classmates camera I hit the city to take pictures of churches, the new subject for my final project. There is a church off of Highway 100 that I drive by often. It catches my eye because it has this awesome cross up the side of it. (I included a pic for you :)) So of course I had to go and snap some pictures of it. With ten pictures left to take on my last roll of film I parked in the church parking lot and walked up to the church building. I was surprised to find out it’s a Jewish Synagogue. Who knew? Not me. Seven plus years of living in the cities and I’ve never once gone and looked at this church. I’ve simply driven by a million times thinking “what a cool building.” I suppose I would have never known it was a synagogue if it hadn’t been for this class and stopping to take these pictures.

I began reflecting on how this all relates to time spent in God’s Word. Living in a city you get to know the city to a certain extent. However, if you really want to know the city you have to spend time in it and explore it. Just like God’s Word. If you really want to know God and His Word, you have to spend time with Him. You have to explore His Word, dig into it. You have to get off the highway and walk around on the side streets. You can see something in passing and think you know what it is, but you really only have the gist of it. Not that there is extreme signifigance in it being a synagogue, but more the fact that my perception of this building did not include all the facts. I think sometimes I treat God’s Word that way. I kind of pass on by, but I don’t explore. Too often I let myself be satisfied with a glimsp and a drive by. That is not enough!

Isaiah 55:11 says, "so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it."  

God has SO much for us in His Word! How exciting and amazing is it that our Lord wants us to KNOW Him. How incredible that we have this book, this love letter written to us. How awe inspiring that He has purpose in His Word. There is so much to know about God. We will spend eternity getting to know Him. His Word is an abundant source of Him, of who He is and who we are in Him. To really know Him, we need to get into the Bible, not just read it, but dwell on it, meditate on it, explore it and spend time in it.

Faith like a Child

Why is it that as we grow older, it becomes harder and harder to trust God? I have been mulling over that question all week now, and my original idea was that we lose our imaginations as we focus too much on reality, and therefore don’t believe in the impossible anymore. However, I’m just about the most imaginative person in the world— just as my imaginary friends— so I couldn’t justify this result.

As I’ve thought about this more I’ve realized that even though I do have a fantasy world in my mind, I still live in a world where we’re expected to be practical. When I look at the lives of children I can see that trusting for God’s provision comes so natural to them, because they don’t live a practical life. I was reminded of this as I thought back to Vacation Bible School (VBS) a few years back when we were learning about Proverbs 3:5-6—which now happen to be my favorite verses— “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths”. During this week one of the girls in my class told me that trusting God is easy, because He always comes through.

This week I had a hard time believing that. I have been looking for a summer job since late February, having applied to over fifteen different nanny jobs already in hopes of finding a full time position. However, I’ve only heard back from one person so far and it was an immediate no based on my age. I was offered a job watching one of my absolute favorite boys from my old workplace, but as they only needed 16 hours of work I had to consider if it was worth it or try to hold out. Everything in me wanted to take the job, since I knew I loved the boys and the parents and it would still be a job.

I was offered the job two weeks ago, and the mother wanted an answer this week. As I prayed I realized how easy it was to settle for something that is tangible now, especially when there’s no hope of something better in the future. But I’m not one to settle. So I did the hardest thing imaginable to me, I told her no. As the tears came with my surrender of holding onto control of my life, I realized that God does have something wonderful planned for me. In letting go I gave everything over to God; although it was hard, I was acknowledging God and trusting that He will direct my paths.

In the Bible Jesus declares that the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who have faith like a child— those who trust in the Lord with all their hearts. What does your life look like now? Are you holding onto something to have control of your life, or are you surrendering everything and letting Him lead? When the future has a bend in the road, the only thing left to do is trust that God will provide, because He always comes through.

That's it...I quit!

Have any of you really, really hated your job before?

I can’t count how many times I’ve said that I would quit when the parents came home to myself in the past few months. This is a completely new concept for me, because I have always worked with children and work has been a highlight in my day. As crazy as this sounds, I’m currently a nanny. I work with an ADHD boy who will be turning 11 tomorrow, and working with him has not been the cakewalk I’m used to when dealing with children. Ever since January I have wanted to quit; I’ve even written out my two weeks notice twice! Many people ask me why I don’t just throw in the towel if I’m so stressed about work all the time, and this is now my answer.

I have been praying for months that God would show me if I should quit or not, and have never felt that I’ve received an answer. As I was complaining to a friend this past week, she reminded me that maybe I’m not praying for the right thing. Instead of praying for God to let me quit with a clear conscious, I should be praying for patience and peace in my current situation.

From that I could recall many times in the Bible where people call out for patience, especially in Job and the Psalms. Job 6:11 says, “What strength do I have, that I should still hope? What prospects, that I should be patient?” This was exactly how I felt for a long time, not seeing any reason that I should continue working with him. However, then I found Psalm 40:1 which says, “I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.” From this I realized that God did hear my complaints, He knew that I am stressed, and yet He has kept me at this job now for almost eight months.

While I’m still stressed when I’m working with him because my patience does run thin, I’m comforted by the fact that I know God has a reason for me to be there. Although I cannot see it now, I know there is some good that will come of this, either for me, for my nanny boy and his family, or for all of us.

I can recall a poster from my orthodontist growing up that said, “Bloom where you’re planted”. This has encouraged me to be content with where God has me at the moment, because I know His reasoning is far greater than anything I could ever imagine. So for now, I will continue where I work. As my favorite verse states, “But as for me, I will look to the Lord. I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me.”

I forgot the flannel

My first "real" job (by real, I mean one that takes money from your paycheck for the government) was at the neighborhood Curves for Women. My name badge titled me "The Director of Fun". And you better believe we had fun; those ladies never had a more fun-filled workout! Before that, I earned my dollars by babysitting. Upon graduating from high school, I worked at my home church in Sioux Fall's summer ministry program. During my first year of AFLBS, I worked as a nanny; the second year, I worked in an after school program. Last year when I lived in Fargo, I was a member of the AmeriCorps, working as a mentor for 5th graders at the YMCA. Notice the theme in all but one of the employers? You got it! Children. I kinda like them.

Now, I'm here in Beulah. And where do you suppose I'm working? The lumberyard. For those of you who don't know me that well, I'm not much a lumber-Jill. When I was younger and my dad would take me to the hardware store, I'd either end up lost, think the entire time about how weird it smelled, or gaze dumbfounded at all the tools I saw. To be honest, not much has changed despite my employment. My jobs are various in nature: helping costumers, stocking shelves, clerical work, cleaning, and whatever else they tell me to do. It's an okay job; one I'm grateful to the Lord for providing, but one that provides wonderful motivation for me to finish college.

Lately, the lumberyard has been filled with "one of those days" for me. Days where my co-workers are stressed and aren't afraid to show it. Days where I feel like the gum on the bottom of someone else's shoe. Days where I truly feel like a "misfit toy". When I have such days, I often ask the Lord why on earth He would have me working at the lumberyard.

This past week, which held "one of those days", I came home from work on my lunch hour, grabbed my Bible and started reading 2 Corinthians 3. I have always found great comfort and encouragement in verse 5 - "Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God". What a great verse as we look at our involvement in ministry! Our weakness is Christ's strength at work within us (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). He will use us for the work of His kingdom despite ourselves, despite what we lack. He is the One to supply the strength, adequacy, and success.

At least, that's how I usually thought of this verse. But the other day, I was challenged with the thought that maybe 2 Corinthians 3:5 does not simply apply to stereotypical ministry positions. Could my adequacy to be an employee at the lumberyard come from the Lord? Yes, it can and it does. The Lord may not have imparted upon me incredible knowledge of tools, wood, key-making and paint-mixing - but He is giving me incredible opportunities. Opportunities to share my faith with lost co-workers. Opportunities to become more patient and loving with those that can be so difficult to handle. Opportunities to depend more upon Him, and less upon myself.

So remember, whether you are involved in full-time ministry or take orders at a restaurant, your adequacy comes from Christ. He has placed you where He has placed you, and He will use you. Praise the Lord for doing so in spite of ourselves!