Morning Reflections and Beautiful Challenges

On many occasions I have my quiet time, listen to devotionals, or read the Word and find a topic I really want to write about. This morning proved to be the truth, I could not wait to sit down and start writing about what I read and how it enlightened me. My husband and I are still reading Matthew. We have really enjoyed reading this book together and discussing everything Christ talks about in this book. Often we also read a secondary source on the message and background. This really helps us to gain a better understanding of the chapter that day. Today we read Matthew 22: 1- 14, which focuses on Jesus’ parable of the wedding feast. To sum this parable up, the invited guest did not want to come to the wedding feast (the Jews rejecting Jesus) angered, the king invited those in the community to come instead (the Jewish sinners and Gentile outcast). At the feast was a man who did not come in the proper wedding attire. When the king approached him and asked why he was not in the proper wedding attire, the man was speechless. The king stated in verses 13 and 14 “Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ For many are called, but few are chosen.” This last part is a depiction of hell obviously, but what symbolic wisdom can we gain from the man that came without the proper wedding garment? This is what Thomas D. Lee and David Alan Black writes in The New Testament Its Background and Message, The lesson from the rejection of the improperly clothed guest is that salvation is a gift, but it is not without standards and is not to be taken lightly. This was truly enlightening and sobering to me this morning. I would love to think my salvation I view as a gift from God and is never taken lightly and that I hold it to the highest of standards. However, I know that I fail at this sometimes. After Christ calls us into a relationship with Him, there is a change in each person. This change should continue and grow so that through our journey on this Earth we are less like our old selves and more Christ like. I believe though for some, this journey stalls and we regress or stand still for days, months, or even years. This is very concerning for Christians today. We should never continuously looks back at the bad places in life we were, but we should always continue to grow and to have the determination to grow, even if we fail. How different would our relationships be, or our life, or our world if all Christians courageously fought to be better than yesterday? This definitely sounds like a daunting task when we realize that we have work to do in our Christian walk. However, it doesn’t have to be. God doesn’t call us to be perfect, instead we are to love Him and love His Word in a way that drives us to become better than we were before we came into a relationship with him. We are called to obey His Word, and we will fail at this sometimes. However, by reading the Word and praying, I believe we will grow more and fail less. I believe that many of us forget how Holy and powerful our God is. Hell is definitely real, and those that have been called as Christians should truly be thankful and humbled and crave to be a better person than we were before. We deserve nothing, and yet we gained everything because of Christ. On many mornings as Adam and I read the Bible together, we leave the kitchen table inspired, happy, and peace filled. However, on some mornings, we are humbled and taken to a place where we as individual Christians need to take inventory of our own personal walk with Christ and deeply reflect on what we read. I am so thankful for those times. I need to be challenged and to walk deep into what God is showing me. This morning was one of those mornings. I am so happy that I can say I was challenged today, because that means I am growing. I am not perfect and never will be, however I will continue to grow and become more like Christ and less like myself. I am determined. Do not be afraid of the challenge or the realization you have work to do. Instead, be thankful that God spoke to you, and is working in your life so that you can become all that He wants you to be in this life. I pray that each of you will be determined today, and everyday, as Christ leads you. God Bless.

A New Journey and the Differences in it!

I am so excited that everything has settled down just enough for me to update! Life has been absolutely crazy the last few months. I married Adam in February, but since my school contract did not end until May I decided to stay in Georgia while he was in Texas until May. I packed all my apartment slowly and was able to spend some quality time with my friends and family before the big move. It was great to have that time with everyone and mentally prepare for the move. It really made the transition much easier then I believe it could have been. In May Adam flew back, we went on our delayed honeymoon (to the beach!) and headed to Texas a few days later. I have been in Texas for almost three weeks now and it has been a blast. I flew out a couple of times after we were married, but now that I am settled in I am able to really start living life out here. I found a really great gym that I go to, Adam and I go to a great church, and I even have a Starbucks not far away!!! Life is good! There are some challenges however. I live close to Mexico and even speaking English to other people can be difficult. I am getting used to the language barrier, the culture differences, and other challenges of moving to a new area. I have taken all of these “challenges” as something good, and not bad. I believe God has a reason for Adam to be transferred out here, and me to come and live out here. I love a good adventure, and I definitely found one with the love of my life. I know there is something for me out here, and I know God wants this time with me alone, to really grow in what I am to do in the future. When I started this blog I was very clear that I was in a “transition” period, I knew I was to go and to complete seminary and after that, I had no idea. I was at peace with that, because I knew I had to work, go to school, and grow. Now that I have finished seminary and I quit my job to move, I know this is the time for growth and movement in my life. I have only been married 4 short months, but already I know a few things. First, lean on God for everything!!!! I am hundreds of miles from my family, which I am very close to, and all I have right now out here is God and Adam. By praying, reading the Word, and meditating on sermons and devotionals, I have not been too effected by the move away from family. It has also helped me see things clearly and to not get too caught up on the little things from day to day. In other words, I have peace. Adam and I also started reading the Bible together and we started in Matthew. It has been great before he goes to work every morning, he reads a chapter and we both discuss what we gathered from the chapter over breakfast. Although this is a short time of discussion, it still helps both of us to focus on the right things through the day. The Gospels are really great to do this with because Jesus is very clear about many things that each of us can instantaneously take with us and meditate on. We both are still growing as individuals and definitely growing as a husband and a wife, and this is perfect for us. Some days we skip it and we read the chapter by ourselves, but this has been really great for both of us, and it fits in our mornings perfectly. I recently have felt a desire in my own prayer time to focus on judging. Not necessarily judging people, but circumstances, situations, and new environments. Especially moving in with my husband in a very different city, and in a totally different state, I mentally judge, or compare many of the new things I am experiencing. I believe we all compare or judge something different from what we are used to doing. Perfect example, the gym, I love the gym and was excited to join this new one. It has everything! New classes, a whole track, pool Crossfit room, the whole nine! Yet as I was using some of the machines and weights, I immediately thought “these aren’t as new as the ones I worked out on, there very different.” It’s almost laughable now, but that was my first thought. In hindsight, it is so much better than the one I came from but the negative aspects is what I thought of first. It goes further though. Early this week Adam and I were reading Matthew 15 and it focuses on the traditions and commandments with the Pharisees and scribes and they were complaining to Jesus that the disciples were not following the traditions of washing hands before meals. Jesus was teaching that following the commandments, which are in the Word of God, is what they should focus on, not the traditions. Jesus states in verse 6, “So for the sake of your tradition you have made void the word of God. You hypocrites! Well did Isaish prophesy of you, when he said: “”This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.”” This verse really made me think. I do not want to be the type of person that finds the negative or the difference in everything. I have really focused this week on changing my mind set to focus on the positive and not the negative. Anything you want to change that is a mental change is so hard because much of the time, you do not really realize your are doing it until you focus on changing the habit and then it seems like you are having to work on it all day long. I take the challenge though. I love to work towards being better. I love working hard, it motivates me to continue growing. It may not be easy and it hasn’t… but I know God is working in me to change some of the habits in my life. This is where I am at three weeks in. Its been a great three weeks so far, and I know this summer is going to be great. I’m excited about this new stage in my life and this new journey I am on. I am not sure what is around the corner, but I do know that has I continue to focus on God and continue to learn I am doing exactly what I need to do. All the other stuff will fall into place!If anyone is starting something new, get excited about it, allow God to lead and direct your path. Allow God to show your aspects of yourself that you need to evaluate. There is a lot of growth with change, allow it to be a joyous time! Until next time!

The Harvest

Life has changed quite dramatically since I have last posted. To let you know a little secret, I felt my life for the past few years was a transition period or stepping stones to a bigger picture. I was in graduate school for Christian Leadership, I was working full time as a teacher, and I was patient, at least most of the time. When I truly felt I should apply and attend seminary, I knew I would be waiting. I understood that my direct instruction was to attend seminary and work full time. I also knew that after graduating I would have a better idea of what to do with my degree. Well four years later, I just graduated from seminary, and I just married the love of my life. I am also moving across the country with my husband as he starts his new job!!!! This ways my next step. I can not describe how I knew that life for the past few years was a transitional time, or why I knew all would work out after graduating. I just know that when you are truly in tune with what God’s direction is for your life, and what His will is for your life, you find peace in the journey. This journey was not always easy for me. My job is not exactly the easiest, and sometimes I thought I would be single forever. But I waited and I truly had faith in that tiny voice I heard years earlier. Now I still do not know what I will be doing. Other than moving to Texas with my new husband, nothing else has been revealed. But I am at peace with that. I am so excited about this new stage in my life and I am ready for it!!! I am finishing up teaching and will be packing up to move in two months. I will continue to pray and to ask God for guidance in what opportunities I have out in Texas. I am a newlywed and I am moving and starting a new career. That is enough to drive some people crazy. But every time I think about the struggles or how stressful life may be without the security of my family and friends and just the overall familiarity of life, I then turn and think, ‘I am going to get so much closer with God’. I know He will be there for me. He knows exactly who I am and what I will need. He will sustain me and He will provide for me. He is my true joy and happiness. What is funny is although this is the end of this waiting game, there will be another one right around the corner. Life is like that. What is important to remember, (and I have to remind myself of this a lot ) is to enjoy the journey. Enjoy waiting and the dullness that may come with it. Give praise for those dull and boring days, and be thankful that there are days to rest. I can not believe how drastic my life has changed. I had to wait 31 years for this to happen, and I would have waited another 31 if I had to for this season of harvest. Some of the pieces to my puzzle of life are fitting together. I am no longer scattered and flipped up side down in some areas of my life. There are many areas in which I am still figuring out how to go. I find peace in that. I am not perfect and I never will be. Philippians 3:13 is a verse I love during this time: “But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead. I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.” This is what I hold on to. There are many mistakes and failures that I could remind myself of when thinking of the new adventure to come. I could remind myself of how weak and insecure I am, and how I am not worthy. But I know better than that. I know who I am in Christ Jesus and He knew who I was (good, bad, and ugly), the minute He called me into relationship with Him. Do not think you are ever less than worthy for God’s calling on your life. You have an important job to do for His kingdom and His glory. Find strength in the understanding that you were picked specifically for a certain calling, and God will equip you with what ever you need. As I end this entry, I don’t know how wise or uplifting it is. I know that I had the urge to update and to say I am quite excited to share all my amazing experiences of being a new wife, living in a new state, and working out life (and what I am going to fix for dinner every night!). I wanted to start a new blog, but this is still the perfect one, it has just shifted as the roles of who I am in life have changed. Peace and blessings! Lora

With A Very Thankful Heart

Wow I am totally going to have to get better at posting!! Almost a year later and here I am. Life has changed dramatically and I couldn’t be any happier. First of all, I only have one more class of graduate school and I will have my Masters in Christian Leadership. This has been something I have been working towards for so long. I knew God was calling to get my Masters in this area. I also knew that while I was taking these classes, I would not know what doors it would open in my life. I just knew that all I was responsible for at this moment was to take the classes and finish. After which I would be given further direction. So here I am at the door of a new adventure once I finish this class I start in January! I am so thankful for the opportunity to get my masters in this area and the many lessons I have learned along the way. In a few months my life will be changing forever, and not just because of my masters degree. It is also changing because I AM GETTING MARRIED!!! Yes, it is true. Not only am I getting married to the man of my dreams but I will be moving half way across the country with him. This is something that I am very excited about. I know God has a plan in all of this and I know finishing my masters will play a key role when I get out there in May. I am a teacher at the moment and once I get my degree, I know it would have been hard to leave and go into another profession in the same town, because I would be unsure of the outcome. However, moving across the country, not have my teacher license in that area will give me a better mind set to leave what was known and travel into the unknown. Such an exciting adventure ahead!!!! I’ve always had faith in God and knew what He was working in my life behind the scenes would always benefit me. However, many times it was hard to accept the place I was at. It was lonely and boring sometimes. I was unsure of who I was and what my life would hold. I always had faith and continued to live life and pursue the dreams God had placed in my heart. I am quite certain had I got married in the beginning stages of getting my masters, I may never have finished. God truly knows what is best and His timeline is better than our own. I was in church yesterday by myself and the chorus of a David Crowder Band song hit my heart, “He is jealous for me, Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree, Bending beneath the weight of His wind and mercy. When all of a sudden, I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory, And I realise just how beautiful You are, And how great Your affections are for me.oh how He loves us so, oh how He loves us,” How He does love us and realizing that yesterday while singing this song in church made me feel so incredibly thankful and blessed. I believe we all have seasons, and some seasons are for sowing, and some are for growing, and some are for the harvest. I know we have all heard this before, but this is very much true. The growing season is the hardest part, because most of the growth after you sow your seeds aren’t seen for a while. Its waiting and being patient. I have to say I was not always the most patient person and I am still working on that. However, I always knew that something would happen and it would lead my life in a different direction if I just continued to follow the path God had for me. I am thankful for the harvest season I am in right now. I think it is important to recognize when God has brought the harvest, and be in a state of thankfulness and love to the God of everything. This next year isn’t going to be easy (I’m sure many blog posts will be centered on this). I am a family girl and I love my family with all of my heart and this will be the first time I will be away from them. There will be days that are tough; however, every time I think about that, I am given this sense of how much more I will rely on God and how much closer we will be. Although every season is not always the best when we are in them, it is important to give thanks for the growth each season brings because each season does bring growth, even if we do not see it! God works in all of our lives for good! Hold to that understanding and be happy for each day God has given you. Happy Thanksgiving ! Lora

A New Year Is Almost Here...

It is very hard to believe that 2012 is almost over. This year has absolutely flown by. Which is probably why it was the month of May since my last post. However, here I am writing again on the last few days of the year. I really enjoy this, and although it is sometimes long in between each of my post, I believe there is a purpose behind it. I hope among other things this new year will rejuvenate my desire to write more, especially since I have more free time right now. Although there are many things that have changed in my life, there are still many things that are quite the same since this time last year. This is a blessing and also a time of reflection so that I may move forward in 2013. Earlier this year, within days of the New Year I ran my first half marathon. I have become very passionate about fitness and running, these activities have created a very positive outlet for me. I am so happy I have found an activity that even after more than a year of starting, I am still just as passionate. I miss running when I do not get to run, and I love being at the gym when I am there. This was a year of many first for me, and I really enjoyed all the new and amazing things I was able to do this year. There are also things that I am looking forward to do this new year. I have so many things I want to do and accomplish that sometimes it can be stressful thinking about all of it. However, I have come to the decision that my most important new years resolution is to not worry about things in my life. Stress causes so many negative things to many people. It is one of the leading causes to heart disease, among other things. It is such a problem for many people universally. So starting out I know that this is a hard new years resolution to submit to. However, I am bound and determine to make this my new years resolution!!!!!! How you may ask.. well many times its not that I worry about horrible things that might happen in my life. Usually its the small day to day things that I get wound up in worry about. Things that occupy my mind, and yet have no real purpose. It is just a way of me not being able to live in peace because I am thinking negatively about certain situations. At the same time, I do worry about big things in my life that I am afraid may not happen or will happen. So really I am a well-rounded worrier, but this will change. I have noticed that because I have made this my new years resolution, that negative mindsets try to occupy my mind a lot. So after reading a devotional one day I found the perfect verse I have been reciting every time my mind wonders off into a negative mindset. Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your paths straight." Absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE this verse for my new years resolution. It is such an easy verse to memorize as well so it is easy for me to recite it mentally when I need to. Can you tell I have already started my new years resolution?? I thought maybe I needed some practice before really going head first on January 1st! Its my resolution, my rules! YAY! I believe a Godly new years resolution is perfect for everyone. The new year can be very motivating for positive changes and decisions to take place. However a brand new year, isn't the only way to start something new and inspiring, but since the new year is almost here, why not start now?!?! I also believe we can not achieve things on our own. That is why I really rely on this bible verse to help me. It is through the grace of God, God's Word and the workings of the holy spirit that all of us have the ability to change. Like Proverbs 3:5 say ".....do not lean on your own understanding..." If we rely on our own understanding and ability, we will get discouraged, down-hearted, and eventually fail at what we are doing. It is through God that we are able to do anything good and keep the positive changes anyways. I am so happy and blessed that I do not have to rely on myself, but I have a powerful God that will lead me and direct me in all of my decisions. Because lets be honest with ourselves... anytime we try to do anything on our own it just doens't work out. Besides, I would rather have what God has for my life because I know it is much bigger and better than anything I could ever dream up for myself! Good Luck in all your new years resolutions!!!! It is going to be a FABULOUS year!!!!!!

To Breath In Summer....Its Here!

Hello hello! I have been so busy the last couple of months. Really the start of the 2012 came very fast, and has kept going. I just finished my Apologetics course, and I absolutely loved it. I learned so much more about my faith and about how to speak to those who are not Christians of other faiths, or none at all. This has been an amazing experience. I have been so blessed to have the chance to take these powerful classes at Liberty, that not only has strengthened my mind, but my walk with God as well. Such a learning experience. Speaking of learning experiences, I tend not to talk too much about work and the situations I encountered. However, this year has been such a learning experience. This is my forth year in, and by now I thought I would know everything there is to know about teaching... (just kidding). Really though, I have learned so much. I want to be a great teacher and teach the students about the value of absolutism, enlightenment, WWI and WWII. However, I want them to know that I care. I want them to know they are valued. Life is hard and I know not everyone has a great home life. I was blessed to grow up in such an amazing family with parents that instilled Christian values. The more I teach, the more I am aware of that and how I am so blessed. I pray for my students, and when I look into their eyes, my heart melts...on most days. I love teaching and I have learned that God has me where I am for a reason. It may not be easy most days, but I am needed, in what ever way that is. I have found comfort in that. I know that may seem simple, but I leave work and know that there is a reason, and not by accident I started working there, or what students are in my class and in that I find rest. Ohhh but summer is upon us! I am so excited about summer. I find that I learn more and I grow as a person during this time. Life has been absolutely amazing. God has blessed me in so many ways. I have only the desire to LIVE and to enjoy every single moment of it. Romans 8:28 says "We know all things work together for the good of those who love God; who are called according to His purpose." Every day will not be easy, something will always come up and we will get down. However, I know God has a specific plan for my life. I know there are no accidents in this world. Our Lord is so amazing, it is almost hard to comprehend that he is in control of even the tiny things that happen. But He absolutely is. I find rest in that as well. What is suppose to happen will happen. I often quote "let go and let God", because it is so true. I want this summer to be all about growth and freedom and living. The only way that any of us can do that is to let go of the hurt, guilt, the burdens, and all of that stuff that weighs us down....and simply give it to God. It sounds easier than it is, I know. However, I believe our responsibility is to truly pray, talk to God, read the Word, and rely that everything will work out for His glory. For His glory, is what we want!!! God gave us this beautiful life, not to despair but to live. I am so excited about this time in my life. I know there will be hard times and times where I am looking for answers, but I am going to embrace this time and allow God to fill me, because I want to be in the moment and not take this time for granted. Life is to be lived, and summer is here, breath it in!!!!!

Change of Seasons

Fall is in the air. I absolutely love fall. I love the colors, the breeze in the air and the start of the holiday season. I just returned from the mountains in Tennessee and fall up there is amazing. The air was so cold, but it breathed new life. I love the change of seasons.
Everyone is different though. Some are ready for a new season and then there are some who always wants to linger in the previous one. Of course then there are always people who like to rush seasons too. Like life, seasons come and seasons go.
I think I have said this before, but I believe I am in a season of growth. I believe I have been presented with this season before but instead of sulking in it, I am actually now becoming proactive and growing so that I will learn and grow. I don't really know how to explain it other than to say that its not like I am experiencing new feelings or circumstances, instead I am reacting and listening to God's voice in a different way. My attitude has changed and instead of reacting to situations negatively I am reacting by listening to God's voice and truly finding my guidance and peace in ONLY Him.
Ephesians 6:10 says "Finally, be strengthened by the LORD and by His vast strength." I love that verse. That verse allows me to settle down and quit the works of the flesh. I can not do anything on my own. To finally realize that was so liberating. It is God's work in me that allows me to grow. All I have to do is trust that He is working in me and that I am growing into the women He wants me to be.
I do not know where my life is going. I am a teacher, I am in Seminary, I am single, and I am going to enjoy life in all of the seasons I am going through.
I trust that God knows exactly what He is doing, and I find my strength in that knowledge. This realization did not come over night. This has been a battle for a very long time. Those closest to me know how hard I have battled loving life during the lonely times.
I was playing right into the hands of the enemy. I was doing exactly what was not going to get me anywhere. I was accepting a lonely life and hating every bit of it. I am so happy I have grown and moved past that prideful attitude. I can't tell you that I fixed it or that there is a ten step program to get out of where you are.
However, I can tell you that when I truly engulfed myself in the Word, opened up my heart to the Lord, and just finally became too tired to fight it anymore, I grew. And you may not want to hear this but sometimes it just takes time. It takes time to learn and grow, to realize that this can be a good season or a bad season and its all up to you.
Please do not get confused, I am still in this season. It is not as if I am speaking from the other side, on the contrary, I am still here. The season I once hated still surrounds me. However, I am now growing in this season, instead of acting pitiful and sad. It isn't always easy. Sometimes my old mindsets and habits try to creep back, but as soon as I sense it, I pray and read the Word. I also trust that God's strength will always give me strength.
No matter how long you are in this season of your life good or bad, trust that God knows exactly what He is doing and He loves you and has reasons for this. You may not understand it now, but once you submit to the understanding that you have no clue, He will give you peace above your understanding. This will humble you and you will grow. If I have learned anything from this, it is how prideful I am because it is easy for me to ask why I am not getting everything I want. As I am growing I have realized its not all about me, its all about God. That is who I want it all to be about. May He use me how He will. I pray that I become a vessel for everything He wants to do through me. But the only way to be that is to grow in every season He has me in.
Trust in God above your own understanding. Lift your hands to Him and shout: I trust in your will for my life and I believe I am in the season for your glory!!!! Like me, I believe a weight will be lifted once you do.
God Bless you!