Friday, July 16, 2010

His Strength...

Joy: a source or cause of delight


"No longer will they call you Deserted, or name your land Desolate. But you will be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah for the Lord will take delight in you and your land will be married." - Isaiah 62:4


What brings you joy? I just found tonight that I am very joyful. I can't really explain it or contain it. This week I have had more inspiration therefore I do believe I have more joy. I am finding more and more that he is where my strength comes from and he is the only one I need to or rather want to impress. When I look in the mirror I want to see him not me. He works on all of us to mold us and carve us into these amazing masterpieces that reflect him. For me I want him to be in every area of my life not just some, which I know that before I came and did a DTS (Discipleship Training School) I was in control. Now that I know him on a more intimate loving level I am letting him in more and more each day to where he is taking over more and more. "If you're not faithful in the little things, you won't get more responsibility." this is what I got out of Galatians 2:2 - "I went in response to a revelation and set before them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. But I did this privately to those who seemed to be leaders, for the fear that I was running or had run my race in vain." It's so true! It really reminds me of when I used to work at Subway, or in any job really that you start at the bottom and gain the employers trust then they give you more and more and trust you until one day you are in a position of high responsibility. Sure we all make mistakes but that's where we learn. One of my favorite sayings is "Failure is a blessing in disguise" I have this hanging in my kitchen here. In my little mess ups God is right there beside me. When I am hurt he is hurting more. When I hurt someone he is hurting more. He feels what we feel, when we love he loves even more. He loves us so much that he can't contain it so he pours it out on us and fills us up so we can pour out on others around us.
The church I come from is a very small church, which has nothing to do with it because we are the church. What I'm getting at is that I am very thankful that it is a very loving, giving, faithful church that does make a difference. It's not about the numbers it's about who you're affecting by what you do and who you're involved with. I am definitely changed by my church. I learned how to serve no matter what. through the muck of it all God will shine through. He never lets you down. "The way you go to someone, will be what you pull out in them."  If I go to someone angry, I will get an angry reaction. If I go in a calm state I will get a calm response. Now this really took some time for me to learn and to put into practice. I used to get so angry and frustrated, just not pretty at all. Through that God has shown me how to go to him first and pray about everything before I go to that person. Because it may not be that person at all it may be something in me that is triggering this response. 
In a good leader they will be a safe, loving and joyful person to be around. We are all striving for something. What are you striving to achieve? In this season for me it's learning how to be a loving leader through the joy God gives me. I've said this many times but I just love to love people. We have many people who come through this place everyday. Since this is my home for the next 2 years I am going to treat everyone like they are in my home. So with that said I hug pretty much anyone that comes to my home. Even if I've only met them once or not at all. I love making people feel at home, it gives them a sense of belonging. When I first arrived here I remember being greeted with a hug and I felt right at home. Just because that person went through the awkwardness of it all and put themselves out there to hug me. I mean why not spread the love! 
To keep the Lord as our strength we have to remind ourselves that we are not self-appointed but that we are God-appointed! "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit - fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name." - John 15:16  How cool is that, before we were even born God chose us and already had our positions in this battle or race set for us. I am just so amazed by this amazing man! He has given me so much joy and I delight in him so much! It starts from the inside out then when it's out it spreads like wildfire! 
One cool thing that I have noticed since I've been here is that my favorite color is Lime Green, or any shade of green but the brighter the better. So the other day I asked God if I am really making an impact on this school or am I really just the chef and no one really cares as long as they get food. Well he answered as he always does in the coolest way possible! Thursday morning so yesterday there were 5 people with the color Lime Green on. I noticed it then he reminded me that I see everyone twice a day serving them. So I do make a difference and I am impacting them in a way that I didn't even know. God is pretty cool and definitely has a sense of humor! 
Tonight we went into Christchurch only Anna, Mackenzie and I. We went and sat at a coffee shop doing our bible studies. We are all the base staff girls. We hold each other accountable. It was amazing to discuss what we are all learning and how our week went! I love hearing about what others are learning and how God is using them. As my Wise Grandmother always says: "There are many roads leading to the center of the city, you can take any road and it will get you there"  It's true! We all have a different walk with God and we are all going through different trials but the end result will be an eternity with him! 
Have you ever worked with those people that you know they really hate their job? I know we all have, when I work around those types of people they drain me emotionally and physically. Have you ever thought how you can impact them and slowly change them for the better? I really have to pray for a heart for them, then no matter what they have done in the past or done to me personally, I forgive them then I encourage them and tell them how I value them and their work. Sometimes the reason someone hates their job is because they feel like it's worth nothing. I did this to someone here because it was getting bad to where we wouldn't even talk. So after praying about it for a while, I encouraged them and told them how I really appreciated everything they did. Like a snap of the fingers something changed in them and they became a whole new willing person. Now not only are they eager they are willing! God is fantastic! 

My Inspiration...

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