Christmas, you are almost here. I am ready for some frosty evenings by the fire, enjoying the snow fall all cozy and warm inside. We have not had enough snow for me to be satisfied. I sure hope we will have some that sticks in the next few days. I always dream of a white Christmas.
I am searching a ton right now for my next steps and I am really encouraged. I am just about out of ideas and I know that sets the stage for God to break through my thoughts and let his will be done. Peace covers me most of the time. I know that is a sign that I am on the right track. But some days, oh does fear ever hold me captive! I am forever thankful that God is such an amazing God and that he has already paid for all the sin I have and will ever commit.
I can't hear enough good sermons lately. Church yesterday was the cantata, and it was some nice music, but my soul was not fed. I drove home and remembered what Pastor Bob, who was my youth pastor and is now my pastor, said about when the seniors were being honored at church when we graduated high school. He said that I was hungry for more and to go deeper, and it challenged him to provide more. He said that when he was preparing a lesson, he would always go a little deeper for me. I remember hearing him say that about me, just after I turned 19, and was quite surprised. At that time I had a hard time reading more than a chapter of the Bible at a time, but my heart was in it. Now that he is a lead pastor, and I am now attending his church, I sit on the edge of my seat half the time again desiring something more. I still learn so much from his preaching!
I love those southern preachers. Ha! I just remembered Bob got his training in the south! They seem to not be afraid to preach truth. I am sick of wimpy sermons. I listened to two sermon podcasts yesterday, and I'm listening to one now. They seem to all touch on the importance of forgiveness, and one the main points is that we only have two jobs as Christians. We ether edify or evangelize, depending on the state of the people we are interacting with. It's making me want to marry an evangelist! Evangelism is not one of my spiritual gifts, but I am so impressed with those who have it.
I just am continually impressed at how amazing my God is. I have become so excited at the heart for ministry that is growing in me. I am doing all that I can to find my next steps, and I feel that I am already a missionary. I am very much enjoying working with teens who need a friend. God is growing me in my ability to speak, pray, and disciple others. I am also enjoying all he is doing in me. But I am not there yet.
So December, bring us some snow! And Lord, please let this month not pass before I have my next steps realized.
