Forgiveness

I have always had a great memory. Which is usually a helpful thing, but sometimes, it is an extremely hindering thing. I've never been able to "forgive and forget." Heck, it's sometimes a challenge for me to even "forgive." Usually, when I forgive someone, a few days later an urge to hold on to a grudge surfaces. I have to remind myself, "Wait, it's been forgiven. Move on." And I do, but it's definetely a conscious effort, and it's something I honestly struggle with.

People have been asking me about Russia. Laurin, the missionary gave us questions to help us evaluate the trip, and really make us think about what we learned. One question was regarding areas the Lord had been making you grow in. Forgiveness was one of them.

We had devotions about forgiveness, the team had to practice forgiveness, a sermon at church was on forgiveness. And we were preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, which is entirely about God forgiving us.

"And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." Matthew 6:12

Forgive, Move on, and Carry On.

Highlight

A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.

I feel this is the only adjective to adequately explain what happened in Russia. The 18 days I was gone felt like a year, and a week at the same time. The Lord did a work in me, and I think I can say everyone on the team, and some at the camp.

The primary purpose of the trip was to serve at Carpe Diem camp, in Losevo, Russia. The camp is a Christian English camp. Meaning, many kids are sent to refine their English skills, but in the process are loved on, and hear the gospel of Jesus Christ.

For every 10 kids, there are 2 Americans, a Russian counselor, and a translator. 5 boys. 5 girls. 10 kids who all have a piece of my heart.

I personally got to share the gospel with 3 girls, one who was a Christian, and 2 who went to church but didn't have a personal relationship. There was a night where the gospel was presented to all the campers, I had the privilege to lead a sweetheart, Vlada, to the Lord. The four girls who weren't Christians gave their lives to the Lord. I felt absolutely blessed to be a witness to this.

That was the absolute highlight of my trip. If I could remember only one thing, the 20 minutes that this blog described would be it.

delighting in parking spaces

Recently, I read this verse :"For the LORD delights in his people; he crowns the humble with victory." Psalm 149:4. And I though, sweet! The Lord of the universe takes delight in me?! Awesome. But beyond that minor epiphany, didn't really think much more of the verse.

Yesterday, I went back to work for the first time after my mission's trip to Russia (which was amazing, and will be blogged about soon!) I pulled into Barnes and Noble about a half an hour before the store opened, and got a sweet parking space in the lot. One of the closest to work, and I thanked the Lord, and went in.

I went to lunch, and came back and as praying for the same spot, so I didn't have to run across the parking lot to make it back in time. I look and it was taken. D

ang it. But I look to my right, and literally THE CLOSEST PARKING SPACE to my work is open. And this verse popped into my head.

I'm not saying this because I'm lazy or don't like to walk. I really love to walk. But the Lord wanted to bless me. And while I was parking, He said to me very distinctly;

"Don't always assumed because what you think is perfect it is. Even if something second rate is awesome, it's still second rate. Wait for my best."

The Lord almighty, maker of the Universe delights in me, and blesses me with amazing parking spaces.

"Not even the smallest detail of life happens unless God’s will is behind it"Oswald Chambers

in the wittle things

Sometimes, I think we miss some parts of following God. At least for me, I think I need to convert the whole nation, heal the sick, move a couple mountains, and still make it home for dinner to really "serve" the Lord.

But this is not always so. C.S. Lewis states,

"Sainthood lies in the habit of referring to the smallest actions to God."

I'm not saying to not heal the sick, but pay attention the smaller details. If someone is planting a church, but neglecting their family, that is not right. Obedience to God, especially in the small things, is greater than any sacrifice we need, because sacrifice is encompassed within obedience.

Obedience>Sacrifice

be prepared to hear

If you ask the Lord something, there is a good chance He will answer you. And not always the way you want to know. Sometimes it can be a very blunt delivery.

For instance, this last week. I was praying about a situation in my life, and asking the Lord to direct me in His ways, showing me...somehow.

I was texting a friend, just like we did other times, and then a text came. And confirmed what I was praying about. It was not the outcome I wanted, but it was total confirmation to what I had just prayed. So, I wrote in in my journal as an answered prayer and moved on.

God puts all of us in situations where we may necessarily not "like" the outcome. I wouldn't want to burn my son as a sacrifice, or go before a giant with a few stones.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord." Isaiah 55:9

Be prepared to hear what He has to say, and be prepared if it's not the answer you wanted.

thrive

"The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low, and we reach it." -Michaelangelo

I think it's safe to say I fall into this category, and I worry about everything under the sun, and then I remember.

"Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither." -C.S. Lewis

Do the unthinkable, stretch yourself, walk in God's will. Your mind will be blown. Don't just live. Thrive.

Confirmation

Knowing you're in God's perfect will is about the greatest thing ever. I feel so content with things right now, and even though I can get busy, and stressed, I know I'm in the right place. I have a peace that surpasses understanding, and knowing where I'm supposed to be.

A few examples:

-Getting a job I LOVE

-Getting funded for a mission's trip

-Having friends I can run to, and tell everything to

-Having a roof over my head

-Having a bed to sleep on

-Having a family that loves me

"However, as it is written: 'No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him'" 1 Corinthians 2:9

True thatttt