Wow...I can't believe it has been over a month since I have blogged. That should give you a little insight into what life has been like...B...U...S...Y!!! But honestly, I can't even complain. The Lord has been so good to me. He has sustained me through the incredibly busy and hard times and He has done some amazing things in my life in the process. I am having difficulty recalling all of the super awesome events of the last month to share with you. I'll share one of the most recent events and probably the most important one right now...
Last Friday, I left work in time to get up to Birmingham to go to the Wisdom Seekers small group at Johnny and Tammy Walker's house. I had been wanting to go every week since it started but it's just been too difficult to get there. I decided I was going on the last week no matter what and that I'd stay in Birmingham for the service project the next day and the grand opening of the Dream Center. I got to Birmingham and met a sweet friend and we went up to the Walker's. Man, when you drive on to their property you can feel the spirit of God...wow! I didn't tell any of my friends that I'd be there so everyone was shocked to see me (you know that feels good!) I truly enjoyed the fellowship but I must say listening to David and Shannon speak was, what I feel like, a spiritual turning point for me. I know they said a lot of things that everyone else says and even things I've said myself but something happened in my heart when I sat there listening to them and I am forever grateful. Shannon and David were completely transparent when they spoke of their spiritual journey thus far and, of course, that spoke volumes to me. Love REAL people. But the things that stuck out the most in my mind and have continued to stick are this:
First, they spoke about getting up real early some mornings to get into the Word and pray for hours at a time. Shannon said they didn't do it as often as they should but when they did, David was often late for work. Wow! This meant so much to me because I have struggled for years to have a morning quiet time. It's so hard for me. I am a morning person but I have never allowed myself to use that morning time to spend with God. It always got pushed to the end of the day and sometimes didn't even take place at all.
Second, they spoke about us, as singles, remembering to fulfill the vision God has given us. I was struck by this because I realized there are things in my life that I have put on hold while I wait for a spouse and that's just not what the Lord desires for me. So, what have done about those two things???
Well, this week I set my alarm for 5:00 like I always do during the week. However, I put a new rule in place: No getting to work before 7:00 unless it is a special circumstance. This allowed me to be free from that burden of feeling like I had to be there early to get things done. I know, it's silly that I set a rule for myself but those who know me know that I am a rule follower so if I set a rule, it has to be followed. This week I got up at 5:00, washed my hair and then turned on worship music, read my bible and prayed. I can honestly say this may have been one of my best weeks at work. I know it is a direct result of me getting up and giving the first of my time to the Lord.
I also have been doing a lot of thinking and soul-searching regarding the Lord's vision for my life. Yes, I want to be married and have a family almost as much as I want anything else in my life. But clearly, I'm not there yet. So, what does the Lord have for me right now? Where does he want me to go? What does he want me to do? I am trying to answer these questions now and actually I'm super pumped about it!
Some words of encouragement for anyone who reads this blog: "My dear, dear friends. I Love you so much. I do want the very best for you. You make me feel such joy, fill me with such pride. Don't waver. Stay on track. Steady in God." Philippians 4:1 I love Paul and how much he cared. I want to be that person for my peers.
You can see that the Lord has been truly great to me. I am glad I have opened my eyes to begin to see the fullness of it!
Until next time-
Les
A New Normal
1 year ago
