Timing

When I was younger we sang this song in church all the time that sounded like something straight out of a Southern Baptist Church. The song was called "On Time God." I struggled with this song, not only because it was a corny song but because, I didn't like to think time was out of my control. If you know me at all you know I'm a little bit of a control freak... Admitting the problem it the first step...

I didn't like waiting and trusting that the waiting was necessary. If something good was coming I wanted it then and if I was in the middle of something bad I wanted it to hurry up and end. The truth is God is in control and He has a perfect time for every thing. This is one of the many things that God has been teaching me down in SC. It's a concept that has been brought up many times this week and then this morning at church the message seemed to solidify every thing that has been going on. If you have a spare hour this week I would highly encourage you to check out this week's sermon, it's a message for everyone. (It's the one dated 1/29/11)

The first verse we looked at, Ecclesiastes 3:1-11, has actually inspired many pop culture references including this song that has been stuck in my head all day. Usually this verse is used as an encouragement to say that good things will come and that the bad things are only for a time and while that is true it also means the God has divinely placed each season in your life for a reason. Not really something I wanted to hear... Truth be told, moving down here has not been easy and I have faced many trials and struggles and have continually asked God, "WHY???" but it's all for His glory and his purpose. I don't need to know why, I just need to trust that He sees the full picture and I should be praising Him for using me in His plan. James tells it like it is chapter 1:2-4. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

I read that and think, "Dang, ok... Your will, not mine."

There are a lot of things coming up in my life, new possibilities and directions. I have no idea where they will lead or even when they will come but I am trying as hard as I can to stay where I am and wait for God to say, "Go."

If you think to pray for me this week pray that I have the patience for and the certainty of God direction. I miss you and love you all. Many blessings!

P.S. When I refer to church "this morning" I wrote this on Sunday,just hadn't posted it yet. :)

Attitude Adjustment

Not many of you know but I got a part time position at Build A Bear. At first I did not want to share this information with anyone but God has been working on me. There are many reasons I didn't want many people to know but to give you the Cliff Notes version: I was embarrassed. I am a college educated woman with years of experience and training in the field of human services and I can do better than a minimum wage job in a mall. Sounds kinda prideful, huh? Well it is and that is something I have been trying to work through.

My plan when I moved down here was to find a job, any job, then work at finding something full time within my field. If you noticed, that sentence started with "My plan." I've started to realize that my plan might not be God's plan and it says pretty clearly that "His ways are higher than our ways" and so I have been trying to learn humility and patience. I don't believe that God led me down here to work part time but I do know that he has a plan and that he is getting me to trust him and to wait. Two things I'm not very good at. A verse I have continued to go back to is Proverbs 16:9. Look it up and maybe you too will go through an attitude adjustment.

In other news, I think I may have found a church! I went to one yesterday that was amazing. Before I even walked in the door I had about 10 people welcome me and show genuine interest in me. Then the worship was just a group of people coming together to sing to our Jesus. It felt great. I will keep you updated on that.

I also went to the Hillsong United concert which was absolutely amazing. At first I was worried about going alone but it didn't matter, I was there to praise.

I'm pretty excited for this weekend because there is going to be a "Really Good, Really Big, Really Cheap Book Sale" downtown. (I didn't come up with that myself, it's what is on all the signs) And since I have read every book on my shelf I can get some more!

I hope all is well with each of you! Miss everyone!!

Beating the heat

Sarah's #1 recipe for beating the heat:

1. Sit in the hot sun for hours to make sure you're all good and toasty.

2. Grab a bunch of friends.

3. Drive to your local swimming hole.

4. Laugh as the guys are two scared to jump in from the ledge.

If you do all four steps you are guaranteed to feel cooled off.

This was my Sunday. Church was outside this week and since I missed the memo about getting there and hour early to get a spot under the tent I sat in the sun with my mom and some of my closest friend. Our original plan was to go raspberry picking but after sitting in the sun all we wanted to do was go swimming. So after church I asked a few friends and we went over to a place called 20 Foot in Reading, VT. Named 20 Foot for both the deep water and the 20 foot drop to get into the water (if you so choose, there are shallow areas). Much fun.

This week on Monday Mania with Naomi and I we decided to be a little bit of slackers. I got out of work much later than I expected and didn't have the time to go to the store since Tim needed to work on my car. Instead I picked up Naomi and her bike and headed for the house to go on a ride with Mom. Unfortunately the lovely New England weather had a different plan for us. No bike ride and no food to make. My mom ended up grilling some hot dogs and hamburgers (something that would prove to be a mistake at 4:45 am, hence this early post) and we watched Thelma & Louise. So, exercise= 0 healthiness= 0 fun= :)

Stay tuned for more. ;)