Baptism

Week 35
Almost exactly one year ago (April 30, 2011) I was baptized.
This is easy for me to remember because it is the day after my birthday. I like that these two events are so close together. Each time my birthday rolls around, I am reminded of my baptism which is less commonly celebrated, but probably more important.
At one point in my life, I was unsure why it was necessary to be baptized. My thought was that I already believed and trusted Jesus as my savior, so why get baptized? I did it anyway because I felt it upon my heart to declare my union with Christ in this way.
It is important to realize this is what we are called to do as believers:
“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38)."
Even Jesus was baptized.
"And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, 'This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased (Matthew 3:16-17).'”
We see Jesus leading by example. Although He does not need to repent and be washed of his sins, He is still baptized. To show faithfulness to God. To show us what to do. And it was pleasing to God.
Reflecting on the past year, I see so much growth in my relationship with Christ. I know that I am being transformed, I know that I have the Holy Spirit, and I know I am growing in faithfulness. And it is pleasing to God.
Bring Him glory through your faithful acts.

Spring at River Valley Ranch!

Good and faithful servant

Week 34
So much talk about the future lately, where am I going to be? What am I going to be doing? And to be honest with you, I really don't know. Yes, I suppose these are important questions that require both thought and action. And I have prayed about this diligently.
But through these prayers over the past few months, I have no specific answer of where, when, or what. But I do have this: "His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master'" (Matthew 25:21).
In my struggle to find the bigger picture of my life, the larger vision and ministry, I think about this verse and I realize I'm not there yet. In a good way.
This verse is an encouragement to me to continue growing and being faithful in the little things... then the big things will come. I do not know what it will be. But I know I am being prepared. and my faithfulness to God is the only path that leads me there. So I will continue down the road of ever growing faithfulness. Now where that physically leads me in this season of life? I don't know that it matters... as long as I am growing in faithfulness.
So that is my plan.
To be faithful till the end. In all things big and small.
I long to hear Him say "well done, good and faithful servant."

Beautiful things

Week 33
The interns had the week off for our Spring Break! Wooohoo!
My dear friend Emily and I went on road trip out west. Since our plans changed so many times we sort of threw planning out the window altogether. We both got to visit our colleges, see some familiar places, and familiar faces.
Once we left Missouri, we just drove west.
We saw miles and miles of grasslands with mountains on the horizon. We stopped at many state parks, national parks, and waterfalls camping along the way. It's just good to be outside. As we drove I kept thinking about the song "Beautiful Things" by Gungor. These are the lyrics:
You make beautiful things out of the dust
You make beautiful things out of usYou make me new, You are making me new

There is nothing like being in God's creation and seeing new things to make you realize how beautiful our earth is. He made it beautiful.  He made it out of dust. The same God that made those mountains and made the oceans and the rivers and the animals is the same God who made you and me.

And just as He is able to make beautiful mountains out of dust, He is able to make beautiful things out of us. And he does.

I know it when I look at the people who surround me.

Wyoming landscapes for you to see!

Go and I will teach you

Week 32

Do you ever just feel overwhelmed? I do.Is it worth it? I've been realizing more and more that none of the everyday hassles are worth stressing about. These days the only things that really truly overwhelm me are people. I love people. We are commanded to love people. And when they are not well... physically, emotionally, and especially spiritually, it is a burden on my heart.
Is this okay?
I know that I have been called to care, empathize, and encourage. But to the point that it is heavy on my heart? Actually yes. In Romans, Paul describes this burden of lost souls on his own heart, "I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart." (Romans 9:2). Unceasing anguish.

Nothing in life should cause this much sorrow and anguish but that of a lost soul. The rest of it just isn't worth the energy. I really do believe that. But it seems lately that in addition to this burden, I have let my idea of my own inadequacies paralyze me.That is the part that is not okay.

I've been studying Exodus and was encouraged by a conversation Moses had with God. God tells Moses that He wants him to go set His people free from Egypt. Moses responds, "Oh Lord, I am not eloquent... but I am slow of speech and tongue." (Exodus 4:10) And what does God say? Oh yeah Moses, I forgot how inadequate you are?... nope.
He says, “Who has made man's mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.” Not only does God know our limitations, but He created us just the way we are. And He will teach us just what we need to know if we rely on Him.Although Moses doubts his ability, the Lord guides and teaches him.
This is comforting to me. I know that I do not have the ability to save anyone but there is no reason to doubt myself. Because I also know that God will teach me what I need to know when/where He wants me to serve.
My desire is there and I am willing, Lord.
Take me, use me, and teach me.

Spring break road trip has just begun!