As much as I love me some Justin Bieber, this post is not a tribute to his wonderful film. I did indeed steal the title, but, this is in a completely different context.
I definitely did say never.
I told God (note the telling part...how silly I am) that I was NEVER EVER IN A MILLION GILLION YEARS moving back to Wichita. The Lord has a sense of humor because where am I located now?? Oh yeah, Wichita.
As many of you have read in my earlier postings, I know why I came home this summer, and it was one of the best summers I have had. It was full of growth and rest in the Lord, and I loved absolutely every minute of it.
Searching for a job (like for everyone else) has been a major challenge. Nothing seemed like it was the right job for me or like it was the right door.
In talking to one of our pastor's wives at my church (the wonderful Crystal), we were discussing my heart for inner-city ministry and working with kids and women. (Side-note, I also told the Lord I would NEVER EVER EVER be interested in working with teenagers. I bet you know what comes next!! Yeah, I'm now interested...Oh how funny God is!) She told me to talk to a guy at my church who worked in Kansas City for a long time and would maybe know of some opportunities for me. So, I contacted him.
Along with giving me information, he also told me of a need that the Assemblies of God district office here in Wichita had. They needed a receptionist. At first, I scoffed at the idea. Why in the world would I want to do that? It's not what I feel called to do. The Lord kindly reminded me that ministry is everywhere...not just behind a pulpit. On top of it, this office is full of on-fire people for Jesus who could teach me more than I could ever imagine about what it really means to serve.
God also gently reminded me that before He can be great in me, I have to let Him be great in the small.
So with that, I applied. Yesterday I interviewed and got called back with a job offer. I squealed. That office already feels like home. My interview was fantastic, and I cannot wait to work for these amazing people. I cannot wait to learn everything that God has for me being in that office.
No, it doesn't follow my plan. But, God's plan trumps all, and I cannot wait to see where He leads me from here.
I'm done telling God never (I hope). I'm in for the ride of my life.
Love you guys.
In Him,
Em
Friday, August 19, 2011
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Child-Like Faith
For my birthday this year, my parents were wonderful enough to buy me a new queen-size bed. YIPPEE!!!!! I cannot even BEGIN to express how excited I am for this bed. I'm receiving said bed tomorrow, and I needed to rearrange my room and move my current bed to where the new bed is going. Well, under my current bed was a lot of junk that I've had since I was like four, and I decided it was high time to go through it all and see what I wanted to keep. Of course there were things that my mom did not want to throw away (and with my brother going to college this weekend, life does not need to be more complicated for my poor mother.) So, I began to rifle and rummage through my childhood.
At first, I just laughed at old notes from elementary school friends. A lot of them contained, "let's be bff's FOREVER!!!! <3" I find it rather amusing that I do not even remember who half of these people were...I found old bracelets, rings, random pieces of paper, and my collector barbies (do not judge, they could make me millions one day!) ;) I even found old letters that I had written to my brother when we got into fights...we were very diplomatic children and talked through our feelings when one stole the other's toy or smacked the other for no apparent reason.
But then I found what life was like when I completely and utterly trusted God and believed in miracles - I found my old journals. When I was in the 4th grade, my grandmother got into an almost fatal car accident. I found the following statements that I had written at age 9: "I think God put his angels in my grandma's car," "I know by a miracle God kept her safe," "My life has been changed and so has my family's, still I know that God kept her alive and safe. I believe in miracles." As I read the pages that I had poured so much of my heart onto, God reminded me of child-like faith. At that age, my biggest concern was having too much homework that would keep me from going outside to play. When my grandma almost passed away, I knew that God had been there and that He was the reason she is still alive to this day.
Why do I find excuses to doubt?
13 years later, I am now a college graduate waiting to see where I am going to be employed. I have caught myself so many times going into freak-out mode because I am not quite sure of where my life is going to go. As I read those pages tonight, God so gently reminded me that He is and always will be there. He is the miracle worker, and I believe that He will always take care of me.
I am glad that I found those pages of my youthful innocence once again. My challenge to us all is to find that child-like faith once again where we know to believe in miracles and to know that God has us in the palm of His hand.
In the midst of the chaos that life throws your way, remember that the same God who brought you through bruised up and bloodied knees will be there to bring you through any stress, strain, or loss that plagues you now.
I have been reminded of my child-like faith. I hope this can be a reminder for all of you.
Love you guys.
In Him,
Em
At first, I just laughed at old notes from elementary school friends. A lot of them contained, "let's be bff's FOREVER!!!! <3" I find it rather amusing that I do not even remember who half of these people were...I found old bracelets, rings, random pieces of paper, and my collector barbies (do not judge, they could make me millions one day!) ;) I even found old letters that I had written to my brother when we got into fights...we were very diplomatic children and talked through our feelings when one stole the other's toy or smacked the other for no apparent reason.
But then I found what life was like when I completely and utterly trusted God and believed in miracles - I found my old journals. When I was in the 4th grade, my grandmother got into an almost fatal car accident. I found the following statements that I had written at age 9: "I think God put his angels in my grandma's car," "I know by a miracle God kept her safe," "My life has been changed and so has my family's, still I know that God kept her alive and safe. I believe in miracles." As I read the pages that I had poured so much of my heart onto, God reminded me of child-like faith. At that age, my biggest concern was having too much homework that would keep me from going outside to play. When my grandma almost passed away, I knew that God had been there and that He was the reason she is still alive to this day.
Why do I find excuses to doubt?
13 years later, I am now a college graduate waiting to see where I am going to be employed. I have caught myself so many times going into freak-out mode because I am not quite sure of where my life is going to go. As I read those pages tonight, God so gently reminded me that He is and always will be there. He is the miracle worker, and I believe that He will always take care of me.
I am glad that I found those pages of my youthful innocence once again. My challenge to us all is to find that child-like faith once again where we know to believe in miracles and to know that God has us in the palm of His hand.
In the midst of the chaos that life throws your way, remember that the same God who brought you through bruised up and bloodied knees will be there to bring you through any stress, strain, or loss that plagues you now.
I have been reminded of my child-like faith. I hope this can be a reminder for all of you.
Love you guys.
In Him,
Em
Monday, August 8, 2011
Waiting Part Two
God has taught me the meaning of patience...or I guess I might still be learning that lesson. This process of waiting just flat out stinks sometimes.
I have caught myself at several points "waiting for my life to start." God kindly reminds me that my life started 22 years ago, and it hasn't stopped. His timing is just far better than my own, and maybe one day I'll get over my stubborn resolve and actually listen to that truth the first time.
In this transition time I have experienced such great rest and joy. I have genuinely loved being home and realize time and time again why God brought me here. My life has still been going...
Since the start of senior year, I have been "waiting" to meet Mr. Right (since everyone else seems to be on that bandwagon, I didn't want to feel left out!!.....ha.), "waiting" to start doing ministry, "waiting."
As far as Mr. Right goes, I know again that God's timing far surpasses my own. To be completely honest, I could not be more excited for my friends who are getting married because I get to share in their special days (and I LOVE weddings...no seriously...love). I know that God will bring him when He's ready. Why rush the moment that God has me in? Why miss out wishing for what He's not ready to show?
Ministry. What I have felt called to do since I was 12. However, God kindly reminded me this week that ministry is not just behind a pulpit or in being a pastor (even though I love doing both). Ministry is in life, in how you live and how you love. I'm a plunge all in kinda kid, and God is showing me that this option is not always the best. He has shown me that in order for Him to be great in the big, I have to let Him show me how to be joyful in the small. I have always had big dreams, and I have also been kindly reminded to not give up on those dreams that God has so fervently placed in me. However, why would God throw me head first into something I'm not ready for? What makes me think I'm exempt from going through the steps it takes to reach those goals...to really appreciate the dreams He has given me? I am actually really genuinely excited to start in the small. He has molded my life so perfectly, and I am ready to continue discovering the puzzle one piece at a time.
No more waiting. This summer has been a chance to live, and I have loved living every minute of it. I have been reminded of some precious friendships and found joy in many already strong relationships. Though I'm not quite sure of where I'm going from here, God knows. As many of my friends prepare to go back to EU, I continue to embrace every precious moment and gift I've been given.
Life's too short. No more waiting. My life started a long time ago. God has already written some pretty awesome chapters...I'm PUMPED to watch Him show me my story.
No fear. No worry. No waiting.
Live.
Love you guys.
In Him,
Em
I have caught myself at several points "waiting for my life to start." God kindly reminds me that my life started 22 years ago, and it hasn't stopped. His timing is just far better than my own, and maybe one day I'll get over my stubborn resolve and actually listen to that truth the first time.
In this transition time I have experienced such great rest and joy. I have genuinely loved being home and realize time and time again why God brought me here. My life has still been going...
Since the start of senior year, I have been "waiting" to meet Mr. Right (since everyone else seems to be on that bandwagon, I didn't want to feel left out!!.....ha.), "waiting" to start doing ministry, "waiting."
As far as Mr. Right goes, I know again that God's timing far surpasses my own. To be completely honest, I could not be more excited for my friends who are getting married because I get to share in their special days (and I LOVE weddings...no seriously...love). I know that God will bring him when He's ready. Why rush the moment that God has me in? Why miss out wishing for what He's not ready to show?
Ministry. What I have felt called to do since I was 12. However, God kindly reminded me this week that ministry is not just behind a pulpit or in being a pastor (even though I love doing both). Ministry is in life, in how you live and how you love. I'm a plunge all in kinda kid, and God is showing me that this option is not always the best. He has shown me that in order for Him to be great in the big, I have to let Him show me how to be joyful in the small. I have always had big dreams, and I have also been kindly reminded to not give up on those dreams that God has so fervently placed in me. However, why would God throw me head first into something I'm not ready for? What makes me think I'm exempt from going through the steps it takes to reach those goals...to really appreciate the dreams He has given me? I am actually really genuinely excited to start in the small. He has molded my life so perfectly, and I am ready to continue discovering the puzzle one piece at a time.
No more waiting. This summer has been a chance to live, and I have loved living every minute of it. I have been reminded of some precious friendships and found joy in many already strong relationships. Though I'm not quite sure of where I'm going from here, God knows. As many of my friends prepare to go back to EU, I continue to embrace every precious moment and gift I've been given.
Life's too short. No more waiting. My life started a long time ago. God has already written some pretty awesome chapters...I'm PUMPED to watch Him show me my story.
No fear. No worry. No waiting.
Live.
Love you guys.
In Him,
Em
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