Sorry its been so long since I last wrote. I was chastised recently about that and decided this would be a perfect time to catch up. Thanksgiving is always a great time to just reflect on the amazing things God has provided. So here's my list for this year:
A new job!!! Yep, I just got a new position at work. I'll be working with our Asia Pacific region (Australia to China to Japan). Its a new level of responsibility (what were they thinking?) and will have some travel and I am excited about the opportunities and adventures I'll have. It feels very grown up to be flying to Asia for work... Bring on the frequent flier miles! Not too mention that recently I've felt a renewed sense of purpose at work. God can use me there even in random conversations with people to speak into their lives. I've started seeing more and more believers and just knowing we have a community there is encouraging.
My fun and crazy family- They always provide much entertainment, love and support. We are a typical family, which means we are not perfect in any means, and we have plenty to work on in our relationships with each other. But they are the unique family God wanted me to be a part of and I am thankful He did. Not too mention there is nothing like hugging a cutie pie niece or nephew to make my day. And there is a new one on the way, HOORAY!!!
My Montavilla Family- I officially became a member a week ago. Though there was a lot of joking about not letting me in or voting for me (You know who you are!). I know they love me and I always feel at home there. There are surrogate parents/grandparents/siblings and children everywhere. It is another awesome family and community of believers that God has provided for me. I can share my life, the good and the bad, and they will support and love me through it. I am also so encouraged by the work God has been doing there in motivating us to get out there and meet people and live for Him. My prayer is that this fire will continue to grow.
The HS Youth Group at Church- I waver on continuing to be a leader and I get pretty tired at times, but God continues to renew my love and passion when I think its at its end. There is nothing like helping these kids move towards a relationship with God that is real and their "own". I am most thankful for how many people are on staff right now. It really helps share the load and keeps me less stressed, which is good for everyone. We are a great team!
My fantastic friends- There are so many of you, I can't even list them all. How overwhelming that is to reflect on. I LOVE people... We truly are meant to live in relationships. They fuel our lives. Whether they are old friends or new they have been used to lift me up and encourage me when I need it most. I am really blessed with the people God has brought to me. Whenever I start to feel a little out of it, or lonely God seems to move someone into my life to meet that need.
Most importantly I am thankful for a God and Savior who is personally interested in my life. He's not about having me follow rules, or appease Him somehow. He provided everything I need to be in relationship with Him. All I have to do is allow it. How beautifully simple... I didn't doubt once that He would guide me in this attempt for a promotion, or that He would lead me in my work with the HS kids. He hears every cry of my heart, and even when I don't understand His ways or purposes or timing I know He is still good. He is incredibly fond of me, and that brings me so much satisfaction and peace. (P.S. the book The Shack by William Young has really helped me with my concept of God this year. Check it out!)
I'm filled to the fullness of Him on this day of Thanksgiving. Here is my prayer for you (italics are mine).
Ephesians 3:14-21
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
