Thoughts!

Obviously, I haven't done this in a while. I guess a year and 1/2 counts a a while. Goodness, what a change has taken place in that time.

Quick update:

I bought a house. A cute little 2 bedroom with a fun porch on the back. I love it. It's small, but it serves all of my needs. It is a huge blessing to me. I changed jobs. Most importantly, I got married. I have a wonderful husband named Brad. He is sweet, smart, and funny. I fell in love with him because he wanted nothing more than to seek after our heavenly father. I can't wait to see where life takes us. I love him.

I went to a funeral yesterday. Stephanie Phillips, a local high school girls basketball coach, died after battling sage 4 colon cancer for 3 years (read the blog for inspiration stephsgonnawin.blogspot.com) . I didn't really know her well. I had met her on several occasions, but I would not have considered her a friend, but rather an aquaintance. He story just touched my heart. She was a fighter, but her fight seemed to point people to her Lord. She said that she felt peace and the presence of God even as she struggled in pain her last week of life. She never cursed God, even though she knew he was taking her from her precious little boys. She praised him. WHAT FAITH! I am convinced that faith is trusting in God's plan, no matter the outcome. She demonstrated that. I am blessed to have experienced even a small portion of her story and I know that God is smiling as she is welcomed into his presence. I pray those touched by her faith will continue to seek our her Father!

I want to follow God with out any reservations. I want to be all in. I pray that God puts me all in. I am scared of what that means, but I want it. I want my God and my family to come first. I don't know what the future holds, but I know my future is in the hands of the Almighty. I pray that I can become more like Him, more like Jesus, (Phil 2:1-11).

I pray this blog reflects following and growing in God. I pray it shows growth and maturity in all areas. I am blessed beyond measure!

Such a time as this....

I have been wondering why God put me right where I am. What is His plan in this? What do I do next?

I don't know the answers to any of these questions. I don't know what is next or why I am here. I don't think that is God's plan. I don't think He set it up for me to know where this path is going to take me.

The last month or so we have been studying the life of Joseph, not Mary's husband, but the other Joseph. The one found in the last chapters of Genesis (convenient since we have bee studying through Genesis). What an amazing man of God, I mean really read his story and think about it. Joseph was sold into slavery, promoted to the lead slave, accused (falsely) of rape arrested, promoted to lead prisoner, dream interpreter promised to be remembered, forgotten in prison, remembered, and promoted to Governor of Egypt (second only to Pharoh).

Joseph had to wonder why God put him in slavery or in jail. I mean he was a slave and in prison for 13 years. That is a LONG time and it would seem like God had abandoned him, but that is not the case. God's plan was better than Joseph's. God had a plan to put Joseph in power to SAVE THE LIVES OF MANY PEOPLE. Joseph's plight ultimately saved God's people. He was a redeemer of sorts, a type of Christ found in the Old Testament. The Israelite nation would have perished, as well as all the surrounding nations if not for Joseph finding his way into Egypt. (And God had told Abraham that his family would spent 400 years in Egypt and there had to be a way to get them there.) So God's plan is working in EVERY situation.

God is working in my life. God is working in your life. God has a plan for us. He has a BIG plan, the redemption of man kind through Christ Jesus (the death on the cross paying penalty for our sins and the rising from the dead defeating death for eternity). And he has a plan in each of our lives to test and refine us.

So no, I don't understand why I am here at this spot on my journey. I don't know what God has next, but He is working and He is fulfilling His plan!!!

Ramble Ramble

I am unemployed...at least for the time being. I don't enjoy being broke, but hey at least I am good at something. :)

Actually I just got hired working for a large banking company. Yeah, banks are failing left and right and I choose to work for one. I guess that could be incredibly smart...or really stupid. I actually would like to get a job with an health insurance company...yeah for better hours.

I am so sick of the campaigning. I am way too caught up in all the hubub. I know who I am voting for, and I know the reasons why. I sometimes find it fascinating the people decide who they will vote for, but have no understanding of any of the policies.

Church, do people really think it was meant to be a building with a steeple?

I can't wait to see what tomorrow holds. Probably a two by four waiting to whack me in the head......:)

Slipping

I am slowly slipping down a rocky terrain trying to get my footing and yet I keep slipping, sliding further and further. I was told yesterday that my services would not longer be needed. That's right, I am expendable. Now, don't misunderstand me. I am not upset about the job itself. I actually didn't really enjoy it. And, I interviewed for another job yesterday that I feel confident I will be offered. The job is not the problem.

What is next is the problem. Why can't I figure out what is next for me. Why can't I be one of those people that always dreamed of being a teacher, doctor, lawyer, mom, recreation specialist...whatever. Why don't I have a goal or a dream or a desire for something specific in my life. I think I am afraid of failing, so I don't do anything. I think I am afraid of disappointing, so I set the expectations so low I can't be a disappointment.

God, help me to see the potential you built into me, or else I will find myself at the bottom of a very rocky terrain with no way out.

It's Raining

It's a rainy day. I love it. The rain seems so refreshing to me. The earth is replenished and somehow so am I. I really do love the rain.

Last night was my church's regular Tuesday Night Bible Study. (I know really creative.) This one was a little unusual for me though. I was teaching it. Steve was out of town, so he asked me to fill in. I read Acts 23 several times and was a little uncertain what to do with it. I mean Paul started yet another riot and was held by the Romans. But one verse stuck out to me, verse 11, it was amazing. Jesus STOOD near Paul in one of his darkest moments. Paul had failed to reach the Jews as he desired. He was sitting essentially in prison and Jesus STOOD near him. He told Paul to "Be of good cheer, as you have testified in Jerusalem, so you will testify in Rome!"

Just the encouragement Paul needed. Paul had failed by his own standard, but Jesus didn't call him a failure. Paul's failure wasn't a fail in God's eyes. Paul's willingness to testify about Him was a success. The results are not what God was looking at, it was Paul's heart. The results were God's responsibility, not Paul's. And if that weren't enough, Jesus said get ready you are going to Rome. (Romans 1:9-12, this was a huge desire of Paul). Paul had encouragement and a promise from God to cling to. He had an appointment waiting for him.

If you finish out the chapter, Paul is escorted out of Jerusalem by 470 soldiers, and his is mounted among the Calvary. He is taken into the custody of Governor Felix and is held is Herod's PALACE! Amazing, Paul goes from his darkest night to a Palace! The Lord does work in mysterious ways.

Wherever you find your self, God is waiting to meet you there (like Paul in prison). He is not looking to berate you for your failures, but encourage you with His promises. Don't listen to your accuser, as he belittles you into believing yourself a failure. God is waiting with an army to fight off the accuser and take you to your next appointment.

Yes it is raining!

What a Day!

Carter Anthony Callaway!

My new little man, my precious baby nephew, I am so excited to welcome you into the world. You are so small and fragile now, but it won't be too long before you are a young man towering over your crazy Aunt Betsy. I pray God will protect you as you grow. I pray that you become an example of a godly man. I pray that you are annointed with a special blessing from God. I know He is going to use you in a mighty way. Surrender your life to Him and allow His Spirit to guide you. I pray for your future wife. A little girl who may not even be born yet, but one who God has picked out for you. Yes, my precious baby nephew, someday you will be a man, and I pray it is one walking in His ways. Amen!