Back to the writing desk

I’d spend time apologizing for the duration of time between my last blog and this one, but there are more important subjects for discourse.

I love writing, and thinking, and exploring. But I have been rather busy, which, may I remind you, is a terrible reason to cease doing what you love. With that said, I made the mistake of writing much less because of my schedule changes. This morning, during worship, God asked me to write for Him again. And so here I am!

First, I’m going to share with you the entries from one of my many journals. This journal was given to me by one of my greatest mentors, and favorite high school teachers and in it I write whatever I feel is worthy of residing in such a lovely leather journal.

Keep in mind these are thought processes and are by no means new found facts. I highly recommend that you take any of your questions back to God’s written word, and I promise to do the same. Also, since these were written a while ago and God has continued to teach me since, anything written in the red parentheses indicates updated additions or comments. One at a time. So here we go:

Saturday, May 15^th 2010

Philippians 4:11-13 (this passage has since become one of my life passages from the Bible. I love it!)

“11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living with plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”

Lately, I have realized that I tend to enjoy myself no matter where I am. Knowing that a difficult (/challenging) situation is ahead I get excited. I love the challenge to bring joy into that difficulty. I love the chance to “suffer” for Jesus. In the volunteer guide for my trip (to the Dominican Republic) reading warnings about uncomfortable sleeping arrangements and tiring work makes me fund raise that much more. I am so excited to leave this country for a little while. Everything is so easy in comparison  to the rest of the world. We have so many luxuries that we tend to view as life necessities. Cars, houses, roads, and grocery stores are almost as common as people in the United States. Then there are people living all over the world who have not even seen a store, or a paved road. There are many who have not even seen a store, or a paved road. There are many who have only seen a car once or twice in their lives. I can assure you, though, the majority of these people are content, joyful even. They don’t need worldly conveniences to enjoy life and be satisfied all the way to the end. Then there are those in the U.S. (and much of the western world) with all this, and even more, who are still unhappy. They are marvelous examples of the idea that things of this world have and will never satisfy.

1 Timothy 6:6-7

“6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.”

Fire Bible study says, “The key to contentment is realizing that God has given you in your present circumstances everything you need to endure, grow closer to Him, and remain victorious in your relationship with Christ” (1Co15:57; 2Co2:14; 1Jn5:4). The ability to live steadily and triumphantly above changing circumstances comes from Christ’s power flowing in and through you. This ability does not come naturally, however, it must be learned and developed through dependence on and obedience to Christ.