Sunday, July 31, 2011

Looking Back on God's Faithfulness

Two and a half weeks ago I moved to New York, knowing no one.
A month ago my grandma was diagnosed with melanoma cancer.
Six weeks ago I left him in the Philippines, again.
Four months ago I graduated and said goodbye to my IWU college friends.
Eight months ago I changed from full-time student to full-time intern case manager.
Eleven months ago I started my senior year of college.
One year ago (this week) I was very sick with mono.
Thirteen months ago grandma was hospitalized, on a ventilator.
Fourteen months ago I said "see you later" to the Philippines.
Fifteen months ago I spent a whole summer "by myself" in the Philippines.

These were all scary things. 
But each ones results in a success story.

Two and a half weeks ago I moved to New York, knowing no one.
Two and a half weeks ago I made some amazing new friends. I have opportunities I would have never had anywhere else.

A month ago my grandma was diagnosed with melanoma cancer.
A month ago my grandma had an opportunity to have surgery and save her vision.

Six weeks ago I left him in the Philippines, again.
Six weeks ago God taught me an awesome lesson in faithfulness and trust. He reminded me to find my blessings and pleasure in Him.

Four months ago I graduated and said goodbye to my IWU college friends.
Four months ago God rewarded my hardwork. 

Eight months ago I changed from full-time student to full-time intern case manager.
Eight months ago God put me in an opportunity to learn and then confirmed His call on my life. He broke my heart for what breaks His.

Eleven months ago I started my senior year of college.
Eleven months ago God opened new doors of ministry opportunities.

One year ago (this week) I was very sick with mono.
One year ago God revealed His awesome, healing power! He showed me that I am never alone.

Thirteen months ago grandma was hospitalized, on a ventilator.
Thirteen months ago God reminded me the value or family and of prayer. He worked a healing miracle.

Fourteen months ago I said "see you later" to the Philippines.
Fourteen months ago God blessed me with a most wonderful gift. He also taught me lessons on patience,  reliance on Him, and perseverance.

Fifteen months ago I spent a whole summer "by myself" in the Philippines.
Fifteen months ago God revealed His vision and plan for my life. He stretched my comfort zone and broadened my horizons.

Don't get caught in your "yesterdays" of the past. Find joy in the midst of your trials, and move on with a lesson learned. Trust Him when you doubt. Seek Him always! Thank Him for everything! Praise Him forever! Look forward to the bright future He has for you. Find opportunities to learn and serve everyday. You don't know when today is all you'll have, so make the most of it!

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Life is so Exciting

I'm having a hard time falling asleep tonight because I keep thinking about how God is good. Seriously, He's so good. He's so awesome. [I'm really trying hard right now to not use the word awesome in any sense other than describing God, because nothing is as awe-inspiring as Him.] My life is so good right now and I can't help but to give all glory and praise to Him! [I'm also trying to devoutly practice the Sabbath and refrain from doing school work. This was difficult in undergrad, which means it will be so much more difficult here. But I know this will be extremely rewarding if I remain faithful. Only in His strength!] :)
I've been living in New York now for two weeks, and I couldn't possibly have imagined I would be as happy to be here as I am now. 
* I have made some wonderful new friends (and still have wonderful old friends at home!). They challenge and inspire me. They hold me accountable and push me to grow. They're increasing my comfort zone and opening my eyes to new ideas.
* The things I am learning in class are exciting, inspiring, motivational, and challenging. I actually look forward to going to class and doing homework. I don't want to take the easy route.
* God provided enough financial aid to cover my tuition plus some
*He gave me peace in one of my biggest worries - finding a home Church for the year that I'll be here. There is a wonderful young adult Bible study to attend and young adults to fellowship with.
* My housemates and easy to live with, we get along great, and have fun times together.
* The social work program is full of diversity. My housemates are diverse. My professors are diverse. My new Church is diverse. I love diversity.
* God opened the doors to a wonderful internship. It's the perfect exposure/experience for what I want to do with my life. My supervisor seems great. I'm excited about starting.
* I have a homey place to stay in and call mine. I feel safe here.
* My landlord has become like family - he lets me crash his pool to swim (and sunbathe) on hot days. 
* I have wonderful family back home who are supporting me through everything. They want to hear about the small details of my life, which i like to share.
* I have fantastic Church-family back home who are so encouraging. They send me cards and bulletins in the mail.
* I have an amazing boyfriend who is faithful and patient with me during this transition.
* God is taking care of my grandma and healing her. He provides encouragement and peace when her road to recovery takes a detour. He comforts me when I want to be by her bedside. He reassures me that she is loved and cared for.
* God has renewed His passion and calling on my life. I have peace about where He is taking me. I am excited about what He has in store for me. I trust Him that this where I should be.
* And finally, I have a week off between Summer classes and the semester starting so that I can actually breathe :)