"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
As we finalize our preparations for our trip, we are reminded that this very extravagant, completely unpredicted, and truly incredible adventure is a gift from God. When I refer to this voyage, I often refer to it as "God's trip." There is no possible way that we could of dreamt up and executed an adventure like this! It was completely in His plans and there is a peace that surrounds us.
There is no better time then now to serve as a testimony to God's goodness, grace, and love. He is giving us the opportunity to be surrounded by witnesses and run the race (football in Milan) for Him. We are reminded to keep our eyes on Him and walk in His light and most importantly; share the truth about the sacrifice He made for us on the cross. It has never been so clear to us before, the calling He has set before us, and we are convicted by the thoughts that God has a bigger plan than just "football in Milan."
We are excited and anxious to see what intricate situations He has in store. Maybe our only reason for going is to share the word with a lost player or touch the life of one family woman. Maybe He is sending us to strictly change Brock and my relationship forever and make us more dependent on Him. Whatever the plan, whatever the reason, we know one thing to be true: It is His race and our eyes are fixed on Him to strictly do His will.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Monday, January 4, 2010
"Grow Where You're Planted"
As Christians we often "tell" God where we feel we are most usable. "If you give me this job, at this specific place, with this amount of money, then God, I will do the work You have called me to do." It's funny how many times, when I honestly reflect on my heart and my own attitude, that I have told God that very same thing. "If this happens God, then I will ________..." It is like we reason with God and make "deals" with Him, as if WE are the ones who are in control.
A very kind and special woman gave Brock and I the best advice..."Grow where you are planted." Often times it's as if we are a plant, and we are the ones giving the perfect conditions that will help us grow perfect, strong, and beautiful. (In His glorious image, of course.) But for the best results, we need to stray away from our selfish nature and allow God to give us HIS perfect conditions for our growth. This whole time I thought: "Sun, sand, and the beaches of Florida are the perfect conditions for my glorious growth for God." In God's perfect plan, He is planting me far away from my ideal conditions, where I am far away from my comforts (family and friends); that way, my only comfort will be Him. And that is the only perfect way to grow where I am planted.
When I heard about the possibilities on Milan, my original, and very immature reaction, was to go and pout because this was against MY plan. I laugh now when I think about it. "Pouting in Italy!" hahaha I thought the perfect recipe for a beautiful and confident, successful and happy, and Holy and motivated Lauren, on fire for Christ was MY conditions for a "comfortable" life. I've realized that being uncomfortable allows God to become my security blanket. It also allows me to reflect on the comforts; sometimes unusual ones, that He gives me. My husband, this blog, pictures,communication with family and friends, and who knows, maybe a new friend in Italy; these things, these people, will allow me to grow into a better woman, friend, and wife in Christ's image.
Thank you all our friends and family who continue to motivate and support Brock and I during this very exciting and somewhat "uncomfortable" time. We love you.
A very kind and special woman gave Brock and I the best advice..."Grow where you are planted." Often times it's as if we are a plant, and we are the ones giving the perfect conditions that will help us grow perfect, strong, and beautiful. (In His glorious image, of course.) But for the best results, we need to stray away from our selfish nature and allow God to give us HIS perfect conditions for our growth. This whole time I thought: "Sun, sand, and the beaches of Florida are the perfect conditions for my glorious growth for God." In God's perfect plan, He is planting me far away from my ideal conditions, where I am far away from my comforts (family and friends); that way, my only comfort will be Him. And that is the only perfect way to grow where I am planted.
When I heard about the possibilities on Milan, my original, and very immature reaction, was to go and pout because this was against MY plan. I laugh now when I think about it. "Pouting in Italy!" hahaha I thought the perfect recipe for a beautiful and confident, successful and happy, and Holy and motivated Lauren, on fire for Christ was MY conditions for a "comfortable" life. I've realized that being uncomfortable allows God to become my security blanket. It also allows me to reflect on the comforts; sometimes unusual ones, that He gives me. My husband, this blog, pictures,communication with family and friends, and who knows, maybe a new friend in Italy; these things, these people, will allow me to grow into a better woman, friend, and wife in Christ's image.
Thank you all our friends and family who continue to motivate and support Brock and I during this very exciting and somewhat "uncomfortable" time. We love you.
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