childish

When I was a child I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a [woman], I put childish ways behind me.
(1 corinthians 13:11)


I think that I may have found my verse for the year. Lord willing, (and the Bible tells us that He is the one who gives us the desire and the ability to act -- see Philippians 2:12-13 below) this year will be one in which I will take bold steps of faith into growing up the childish patterns of speech, thoughts, and reasoning -- all of which lead to actions -- that have been cropping up more and more of late.
As 1 Cor 13:11 will be my mantra (written on my mirror in dry-erase marker as of today), the Israelites' taking of the Promised Land will be my point of reference and my reassurance of God's faithfulness. In Numbers 13 and 14, the people of God choose fear instead of faith and courage. God tells them to get up and go capture the land he is giving them, but they think it's impossible to beat the fearsome giants that inhabit the place. (Note: The result of their disobedience, that decision to disbelieve Him, were 40 years of wandering until the whole generation died out.)
But the trick is this: God was going with them! He already had the victory over those literal giants, and he already has the victory over my emotional and spiritual giants today! So, if he's inviting me to go up and fight against them, I'm in!

Later, in the book of Joshua, the Israelites chose to believe and act upon that faith. The result was that they defeated the cities and people groups exactly as God said they would, when they followed his instructions to a T. This year, I don't know what the strategy is, I don't know what He'll ask of me, but I know that I choose to believe, because my God is Bigger!


"Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose." Phil. 2:12-13

twenty-twelve

Another new year!

I'm pleased to say that I am becoming more of a "new years" person... I was able to enjoy a nice dinner with "family" and friends here in Colombia, and I didn't give in to the urge to sleep at ten o'clock. The night was gorgeous, with a clear, starry sky that we enjoyed looking at as we all stood around a bonfire talking, laughing, and praying for the new things that God has for the coming year.

There are Big Things on the horizon for 2012, friends. I'm still not sure what that will look like, but it's exciting, and I want to continue learning to live in the present and enjoy each moment.

In sad news, another kitten died. She got really sick with diarreah and her eyes were all gunky. After several days like that, she couldn't make it anymore! I took the remaining two to the vet today, where I bought some eye drops and got them de-parasited. Hopefully that will help their immune system get stronger and they will be able to grow big and healthy! (And hopefully their adoptive families will receive them SOON, because I'm tired of all the mess in the laundry room, and I want my cat back to normal again!)

I don't feel like I have much to write, honestly... is this some sort of writer's block? Patience, perseverance, living each day... is this part of the new "season" I've entered, where the changes are less dramatic? Even though I see big changes on the horizon, I think it may be a slow dawn, taking her time to revel in shades of gray and pale gold. May I (and you) learn to revel in the first light as well.