All along the way
I have a love/hate relationship with Facebook’s new memory feature. For those of you not on Facebook, it’s a reminder every day of what you were doing last year- 2 years ago- 4 years ago on this day. Sometimes it reminds me of sad days- or of fun memories with mom that still sting a bit. Mostly, it makes me smile though- it reminds me that this life is a journey and that God is at work transforming those of us who are following closely after Him.
It’s good to be transformed by God. That means that the flaws and hangups we see in ourselves today don’t have to predict our future. When we allow him to, he will gradually teach us and shape us and sift out the things that are in our way of being more like him.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
In the day-to-day living of life, the disciplines of renewing our mind in God’s word and in prayer don’t seem to add up to very dramatic transformation. Standing firm in the face of what the world calls “good” and God calls “evil” doesn’t seem to make much difference in the day-to-day.
But looking back (thank you Facebook…), I see God transforming me. I see God transforming you. He is changing us into the faith-filled, forward-looking, firmly-rooted children that He wants us to be. Makes me smile.
I guess I say all of this to encourage you (and me!) to continue in faithfulness and discipline this year.
My memory alert yesterday contained a status from 2 years ago:
Yes, my decimal was off- it was 1,608.3 miles- I didn’t drive to the moon… 🙂
Only 2 years ago I was starting my time in the desert of Arizona. I love thinking about all that God has taught me in these past two years. All that he has changed in me. Some of the lessons have been painful- but he has been faithful all along the way. My witness of that faithfulness, that “I’m always here- you are never going to face life alone- you have access to my strength” kind of faithfulness has given me so much peace. It has also put a fire in my heart to show others the great love and faithfulness of God.
I’m being transformed- and if you are following along after Christ- so are you! Praise God!!
___________________________________________
I haven’t blogged in such a long time. There are two reasons for this:
- Interns!!! I am hiring and starting to prepare so many interns for this coming summer. We are up over 80 of them hired now- which is GREAT! Our application deadline is January 31, so every day is busier than the last with questions and paperwork and accounts to set up and issue. I love it! I have so many stories of how God is putting the puzzle pieces together to create His team of interns for this summer- it it an honor to have a front row seat to watch him move!!! Look at how many new faces we have in just 6 weeks! Please continue to pray for these dear young people as they prepare to serve overseas this summer.
I’m spending 3 weeks with dad in Florida. I work from home, so when I’m caught up with work, I don’t spend my time writing- I spend it with dad 🙂 We are having mini-adventures exploring the areas around his new home. This part of Florida is jam-packed with springs and rivers, and we have gone (with Casper in tow!) to hike the trails surrounding these beautiful places. We’ve found yummy restaurants that allow pups to dine with you- we even found a cupcake shop close by 🙂
I will be back in Indiana this Thursday, and although I will miss dad, it will be good to dive back in to life in Indiana!
Thanks for listening to my ramblings… I pray that this week you have a sense of God’s faithfulness leading you forward and transforming you into his image!
I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
thenavajojourney.com 