Author: Elisabeth Elliot
Source: A Lamp For My Feet
How to Do the Job You Don't Really Want To Do
Certain aspects of the job the Lord has given me to do are very easy to postpone. I make excuses, find other things that take precedence, and, when I finally get down to business to do it, it is not always with much grace. A new perspective has helped me recently:
The job has been given to me to do.
Therefore it is a gift.
Therefore it is a privilege.
Therefore it is an offering I may make to God.
Therefore it is to be done gladly, if it is done for Him.
Therefore it is the route to sanctity.
Here, not somewhere else, I may learn God's way. In this job, not in some other, God looks for faithfulness. The discipline of this job is, in fact, the chisel God has chosen to shape me with--into the image of Christ.
Thank you, Lord, for the work You have assigned me. I take it as your gift; I offer it back to you. With your help I will do it gladly, faithfully, and I will trust You to make me holy.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Saturday, June 17, 2006
The Quiet of the Evening...
Today has been really quiet...boring, even. Tom is on mids right now so he leaves for work before 5 p.m. and will be home around 7-ish tomorrow morning and then has to sleep for most of the day. I haven't don't much today. I SHOULD have used the day to read several plays for one of my grad school classes; however, I didn't. I haven't done much of anything today and that may not be a bad thing.
Next Saturday I move to FSU for my second year of grad school. I'm a little nervous. I have NO idea how the classes are going to go. Michael's performance class has a monologue and directing assignment due the first week. (still haven't found a monologue, yet, or given much thought to the directing work) Page's Gender/Race/Performance class has an unusual reading list. I've purchased 10 of the books and we just got the rest of the reading list on Thursday. Ordered the remaining books from Barnes & Noble today and they should be here by Friday. (need to have the 10 titles I have read asap) Colleen's Creative Design class is an unknown right now. We had a posting on Blackboard about the class but some of the information was for when the class was offered last fall. They did quite a bit of work and had to do drawings and such. I'm glad I pulled out my pencils from 'Freehand Drawing I' and decided to bring them. If we don't end up needing them, no problem...they don't take up much room. I've barely starting packing...there is so much to do!!!
It looks like I'll be living in the same place as last year. It isn't a bad place. It is a little expensive but everything is included. I just hope any roommates there are decent. I wouldn't mind if a couple of them aren't there for most of the session, though. I guess if it gets too bad I can go to Strozer or give Dwayne a call. Worst case, I contact the floor RA and complain.
I still don't know anything about next year. Part of me just wants to quit CRHS and be done with it. I just don't know if that is what God wants me to do. I still have so much peace about leaving there and the thought of teaching there next year makes me ill. I haven't heard anything from CFCC, though. I figure I'll wait until the end of next week and I'll e-mail Dave Hartley again. I appreciate everyone praying about this whole thing. Right now I do know I want to go to CFCC and work as Mr. Hartley's assistant starting in August of this year. I know I have spent my fair share of time talking to God about all of this. I know I need to trust and wait on him...but, of course, I want the answers now. Anybody have any words of wisdom about this whole thing???
Next Saturday I move to FSU for my second year of grad school. I'm a little nervous. I have NO idea how the classes are going to go. Michael's performance class has a monologue and directing assignment due the first week. (still haven't found a monologue, yet, or given much thought to the directing work) Page's Gender/Race/Performance class has an unusual reading list. I've purchased 10 of the books and we just got the rest of the reading list on Thursday. Ordered the remaining books from Barnes & Noble today and they should be here by Friday. (need to have the 10 titles I have read asap) Colleen's Creative Design class is an unknown right now. We had a posting on Blackboard about the class but some of the information was for when the class was offered last fall. They did quite a bit of work and had to do drawings and such. I'm glad I pulled out my pencils from 'Freehand Drawing I' and decided to bring them. If we don't end up needing them, no problem...they don't take up much room. I've barely starting packing...there is so much to do!!!
It looks like I'll be living in the same place as last year. It isn't a bad place. It is a little expensive but everything is included. I just hope any roommates there are decent. I wouldn't mind if a couple of them aren't there for most of the session, though. I guess if it gets too bad I can go to Strozer or give Dwayne a call. Worst case, I contact the floor RA and complain.
I still don't know anything about next year. Part of me just wants to quit CRHS and be done with it. I just don't know if that is what God wants me to do. I still have so much peace about leaving there and the thought of teaching there next year makes me ill. I haven't heard anything from CFCC, though. I figure I'll wait until the end of next week and I'll e-mail Dave Hartley again. I appreciate everyone praying about this whole thing. Right now I do know I want to go to CFCC and work as Mr. Hartley's assistant starting in August of this year. I know I have spent my fair share of time talking to God about all of this. I know I need to trust and wait on him...but, of course, I want the answers now. Anybody have any words of wisdom about this whole thing???
Sunday, June 11, 2006
God is in control...
Author: Elisabeth Elliot
Source: A Lamp For My Feet
Scripture: Luke 23:47
Responsible to Praise
We cannot always or even often control events, but we can control how we respond to them. When things happen which dismay or appall, we ought to look to God for his meaning, remembering that He is not taken by surprise nor can his purposes be thwarted in the end. What God looks for is those who will worship Him. Our look of inquiring trust glorifies Him.
One of the witnesses to the crucifixion was a military officer to whom the scene was surely not a novelty. He had seen plenty of criminals nailed up. But the response of this Man who hung there was of such an utterly different nature than that of the others that the centurion knew at once that He was innocent. His own response then, rather than one of despair that such a terrible injustice should take place, or of anger at God who might have prevented it, was praise (Lk 23:47 NEB).
This is our first responsibility: to glorify God. In the face of life's worst reversals and tragedies, the response of a faithful Christian is praise--not for the wrong itself certainly, but for who God is and for the ultimate assurance that there is a pattern being worked out for those who love Him.
Source: A Lamp For My Feet
Scripture: Luke 23:47
Responsible to Praise
We cannot always or even often control events, but we can control how we respond to them. When things happen which dismay or appall, we ought to look to God for his meaning, remembering that He is not taken by surprise nor can his purposes be thwarted in the end. What God looks for is those who will worship Him. Our look of inquiring trust glorifies Him.
One of the witnesses to the crucifixion was a military officer to whom the scene was surely not a novelty. He had seen plenty of criminals nailed up. But the response of this Man who hung there was of such an utterly different nature than that of the others that the centurion knew at once that He was innocent. His own response then, rather than one of despair that such a terrible injustice should take place, or of anger at God who might have prevented it, was praise (Lk 23:47 NEB).
This is our first responsibility: to glorify God. In the face of life's worst reversals and tragedies, the response of a faithful Christian is praise--not for the wrong itself certainly, but for who God is and for the ultimate assurance that there is a pattern being worked out for those who love Him.
Friday, June 09, 2006
It Is Well With My Soul...
I may not understand what is going on in my life right now; however, I do know that God is in control.
Wednesday I had to have an outpatient procedure. That morning, I awoke early. Unable to go back to sleep, I lay in bed, dozing and praying. In the stillness of the morning I became aware of a hymn playing over and over in my head...in my body...in my soul. It is well with my soul...all day that played inside of me. At times during the day I felt like the rest of the world had to hear the music it seemed so loud at times.
I am at a cross road. I am increasingly unhappy at CRHS. There are so many things going on there that are making it increasingly difficult to do my job. I believe God is leading me to leave and I have such a peace with the thought. It is interesting how He can make things happen. There is actual, literal revulsion in me at the thought of returning to CRHS for another year compared to peace and tranquility with leaving.
I am praying (and believing) that God will open a position at CFCC. Going there to work with Dave Hartley would be a dream come true. I am trusting that God will provide the job by August of this year. (There...I said it) Presently, a job doesn't exist; however, that doesn't mean God can't make one appear...true? Mr.Hartley and I have talked many times about how he needs an assistant and how I would love to work with him again. People there have talked about wanting me there.
As I wait for God to show Himself in amazing ways, and deliver this poor soul from Egypt, "It is well with my soul" will continue to play in my heart.
It Is Well with My Soul
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
“Praise the Lord, O my soul.” Psalm 146:1
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be
removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be
troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. Psalm 46:1-3
Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and
forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life
from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with
good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for
all that are oppressed. Psalm 103: 1-6
Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at
hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be
made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and
minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be
troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27
Wednesday I had to have an outpatient procedure. That morning, I awoke early. Unable to go back to sleep, I lay in bed, dozing and praying. In the stillness of the morning I became aware of a hymn playing over and over in my head...in my body...in my soul. It is well with my soul...all day that played inside of me. At times during the day I felt like the rest of the world had to hear the music it seemed so loud at times.
I am at a cross road. I am increasingly unhappy at CRHS. There are so many things going on there that are making it increasingly difficult to do my job. I believe God is leading me to leave and I have such a peace with the thought. It is interesting how He can make things happen. There is actual, literal revulsion in me at the thought of returning to CRHS for another year compared to peace and tranquility with leaving.
I am praying (and believing) that God will open a position at CFCC. Going there to work with Dave Hartley would be a dream come true. I am trusting that God will provide the job by August of this year. (There...I said it) Presently, a job doesn't exist; however, that doesn't mean God can't make one appear...true? Mr.Hartley and I have talked many times about how he needs an assistant and how I would love to work with him again. People there have talked about wanting me there.
As I wait for God to show Himself in amazing ways, and deliver this poor soul from Egypt, "It is well with my soul" will continue to play in my heart.
It Is Well with My Soul
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
“Praise the Lord, O my soul.” Psalm 146:1
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be
removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be
troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. Psalm 46:1-3
Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and
forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life
from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with
good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for
all that are oppressed. Psalm 103: 1-6
Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at
hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be
made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and
minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be
troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27
Monday, June 05, 2006
What to do????
I am in the midst of a "life crisis". So much is going on and I hardly know where to start. I have a choice to make and I don't know what to do. The decision will have great impact on so many things. I see change coming and it is scary. God is moving in so many ways. I know He is in control (and thank goodness for that 'cause I'd probably make a mess of it all!) I am sure in the day's and weeks to come I will have more to say and the enigmatic quality of this post will become more clear. I do know if God wants me to continue on this path He will make all of the obstacles disappear. It will become clear the way He wants me to follow.
In the mean time, pray for me.
In the mean time, pray for me.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)