Go be a witness
I think one of my favorite outcomes from this blog has been how many people reach out and share their Godwinks and stories of their own faith journeys. When I started writing this blog, I knew it was for a greater purpose than for me to see my words in print. I felt God calling me to share and in doing so, to encourage others to share. I have reminded us to be bold in our faith, that now is not a time to sit in the shadows. In the Book of Acts, Christians are reminded that the power they will receive from their faith is not for their own purpose, but for the purpose of being a witness to others, to spread God’s word. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witness in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8, NIV). In the past week, I have heard and seen the boldness of faith and many that have become witnesses to others.
We thrive in crisis
I am blessed to both work for one of the largest utility companies in the nation as well as serve in the military. In both these roles, when natural disaster crises arise, we are often at the forefront. I get to be a part of amazing teams that step outside of their day to day roles and orchestrate the most complex of responses while keeping our communities calm in the storms. Today, as I traveled from site to site, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride at my teammates, many of whom had to leave their homes to ensure the safety and well being of the greater community. They are the humble servants that give of themselves so others will have power, clear transportation routes, necessary supplies, and be comforted in the warmth of their homes.
God is the light of the world
I am sure some of you started the New Year with the goal of reading the Bible in a year. In previous years, when I had this goal I would listen to the audio version of the Bible while I walked or completed other tasks. Last year, I decided to spend more intentional time in reading the Bible so I would sit, and read, and meditate on what I read. I immediately noticed a difference as I read that “the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep” (Genesis 1:1-2, NIV). The next verse states that “God said, “Let there be light", and there was light” (Genesis 1:3, NIV). The world went from being formless and empty to being filled with light-can you imagine that moment?
Where do you turn when you are lost?
Not once, but multiple times today I heard a simple question…What do you do when you are afraid or close to losing hope? What do you do when you are lost? I shared where I too had felt lost or without hope and that I had to turn it over to God. I didn’t do it out of reverence or belief, I did it out of desperation and having no other hope. In that moment and the moments that would follow in my life, I saw God active in my life. The answer or direction may not have been what I expected, but it was and always has been God’s perfect plan.
Run the mile you are in
I am not a fan of running. Let me clarify, I sprinted on my high school track team because I needed a sport to get into West Point and no one would describe me as coordinated! I am not a fan of running long distance (anything more than 1/4 way around a track!) My husband, on the other hand, loves to run. So, running in races became part of our family bonding. I used to say I am not a runner, but a racer. I would sign up for a race with the best of intentions to train and would catch myself on a treadmill the Monday before a race, in my typical procrastination form, trying to cram in a one hour run before a ten mile race that weekend…never a good training plan.
Who doesn’t love Isaiah?!?
This past session, we studied the widow that gave her last two coins. We shared stories of not having much but finding ways to tithe in spite of not being sure when or where the next paycheck would come. The part that resonated with me most, was that in spite of how little she had, or how much she had lost, she still came to Temple, she still remained faithful and THANKFUL. Wow! I know there have been plenty of times in my life where I am not sure my first thought would have been how I can give back to God or how could I show my thanks.
The love of a parent
A parent never wants to see their child in pain. They would do anything they possibly could to prevent their suffering including taking the pain on themselves. That is what a parent would do if they could, but we can’t. The fact is, we will never be able to protect our children from feeling pain. We can never shield them from the hardships of life and the struggles they will encounter on their journey. We can’t control every aspect of their lives in hopes that we will make everything perfect and no harm will come to them…As I reflected on the day today, I became more and more grateful that God is our Father.
My Sisters in Christ-Boy am I thankful!
I shared that I am leading a neighborhood Bible Study on Lacy Rozell’s “What if We Pray”. I am thankful for the connections and discussion even on days when I feel so tired that I cannot imagine facilitating a discussion. I was excited for tonight’s study because the topic was on confession of sin and forgiveness.
Honored to Serve
Happy Veterans Day. Today I had the opportunity to speak at a local Veterans of Foreign Wars where one of my fellow combat veterans from 2004-2005 is a member. Throughout my military career, I have spoken at countless events, but today felt different.
To God be the Glory
I think anyone that has known me throughout my life would describe me as driven- goal oriented. I don’t want to say I always chased the next thing, but I rarely found contentment in any accomplishment. If I got promoted to Major in the military, it was always when do I make Lieutenant Colonel and what do I need to do to get there. If I graduate with a Masters, what is the next degree or certification I am going after? If I climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, what is the next mountain (just kidding-think I am done climbing mountains for a bit!)