I started the week of with a very hard meeting! We had to terminate one of kids. It was a meeting with all kinds of people and the unanimous decision was that it would be in our better interest and the interest of the rest of the kids if he didn't return. It was a hard conversation to have, but it just reminded me of God's love for us and His discipline. I mean, even though it didn't work out with this little boy and his mom, how often should God just write us off? How many times have I misbehaved or ran and dumped off a table and ran away from Him, just because it was easier or because we like to show off our own talents and gifts and forget exactly where those came from.
How often should God say to me, "You know, EmilyJo, It's just not working out. I've got to go in a different direction and I just can't keep you"?? That's kind of harsh, but it's reality. I don't deserve Him. But what's so awesome about Him, is He doesn't say those things! He never even thinks them! And why? Because He loves me that much! What a humbling realization, that God doesn't need us to sing to Him, or worship Him or follow, but He allows us to, and He desires us to! I've just really been captivated by that lately!
"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:11
In other news, I've been reading through the book of Matthew, and it has been incredible! It's like reading a really good novel that you have to force yourself to put down! Even though I know what's going to happen, I find myself on the edge of my seat in anticipation of what Jesus is going to say next and what dumb thing the disciples are going to doubt! It's just so great!
So I've been struggling a lot with my summer plans. Where should I go? I've had a few opportunities arise in the passing weeks, and I couldn't seem to pick exactly which one I wanted to go on, and which one I felt the Lord would want for me. I mean, I know any way I chose would be so blessed. I guess my thinking is that I don't want to miss out on anything. But the conclusion I've come to is that no matter where I go, no matter who I'm with, it can be amazingly blessed and God WILL do incredible things through me! My New Year's Resolution is to start having the mind set that everything is going to be great, because God doesn't do anything less. It may hurt, it may be long and hard, but it's going to turn out great! I'll leave you with a scripture that's really helped me with the decision of where to go this summer... stayed tuned for my final decision! You're going to want to get in on what God's doing!
"But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."
1 Corinthians 15:57-58
1 Corinthians 15:57-58
I hope this finds you having a great Monday! And I pray that you're letting Christ romance you today! I love you all more than you know!
Forever His,
EmilyJo
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