Joy

I came upon a journal entry a few minutes ago and felt it worth sharing. It is about writing about joy that comes in life. I decided to set a particular journal aside for writing particularily about instances or thoughts of joy. Well, lately it has been used for writing quotes and verses...but that brings joy as well!

The journal entry is dated September 8th, 2007 and is as follows:

"It is a strange thing, my desire to write, yet my inability to write or think anything rational when pen and paper are in my hand. It is as if I am intimidated at the power of words-the power of words to teach, to exhort, to hurt, to encourage, to reveal, to understand, to kill, to love. The words in my head can overcome me, but when I put them on paper, they have power to overcome others. Do I want that kind of control? Or can it be used in a God glorifying way to turn hearts towards what they are created for.

"I have decided to dedicate this book soley to the writings of the occurances, experiences, lessons, feelings and anything of the like that pertain to joy. It must not be written in unless joy can be encountered and felt throughout the pages and words...ahh, there we go. Words. Words...of joy! How peasant those must be to the ear of God. For, joy is much different than mere happiness. Happiness is temporary-a fulfillment of the moment that gives one a sensation of joy. A mere taste. But joy...oh sweet joy. Joy is a complete fulfillement. It is a fulfillment that cannot be contained, seen, touched or bought. Joy is eternal. Joy is finding strength, endurance and hope no matter what the circumstances. And that can only be found in Christ. Christ is joy. 

"So why am I writing now, what joy have I experienced now. The joy of contentment despite the realization of reality. Life is not always how we want or think it should be. There are dissapointments, changes, disasters. But despite these things, joy holds fast. Why? Because there is still hope. There is no point, no reason, and no life in giving up or giving in to dissapointment because things do not turn out. God is sovereign. He has planned it all and has everthing in His power and control. Moreoverly, He works all things for the good of those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose. So tonight, as I sit and contemplate and desperately wish that the thoughts and words in my head might reside but a second longer so I may capture them, I am filled with joy; because I know that wherever God leads me and whatever He calls me to it is for good, and it is for His glory-and that...that fills me with joy."

I think that I need to be reminded of this more often. And to add to it: God desires us to have joy, He tells us in His word that He will "give you the desires of your heart"(ps 37:4) and He "satisfies you with good "(ps. 103: 5) and He knows that the only true satisfying joy, all that truely is good for us is Christ. 

"Indeed I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. " Philippians 3:8a

remember...

So I realized the other day...well, maybe it was like a week or two. I have not done anything to this blog since I returned from Taiwan, so I decided to start back up.

I have chosen the title "In all your ways..." as a reminder to myself, and by God's grace to those who read this. A reminder to: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths." Proverbs 3: 5-6. This is a commonly known passage, but if you look at the context in the chapter, it is a charge to remember and keep God's commands, a charge to remember God's steadfast love and faithfulness, a charge to trust and seek God, for true wisdom is found only in Him. I have clung to the passage of verses 5-6 since I was young. It was some of the first verses I learned and something about it, even in my young age, jumped out at me and clung to my heart. I have experienced some different things in my life so far, some hard, some very painful, some confusing, some exciting, some hurtful, some challenging; yet through each circumstance I am reminded, at some point, of this passage. And every time it comes to mind I am taken back to the feeling, the simplicity, the confidence, of faith like a child. So the title "in all your ways..." is exactly what it says. No strings attached, no hidden meanings, not even any deep theological concept, it is what it is: Trust in the Lord and acknowledge Him...in ALL your ways.

As life the last few months has taken a bit of a new turn for me...working full time...I am drawn, yet again to this charge. What a tremendous God my Savior is that no matter what state of life He has me in, this truth can and always will apply, I must draw upon it, I must remember to trust God, acknowledge God, in ALL my ways, why? He will make straight my paths.

"By steadfast love and faithfulness, iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the Lord, one turns away from evil." Proverbs 16:4

A Phase...a Change....Life!?

With so many things changing, I thought I might as well change my blog too.
I have been home for several weeks now. It has been such a joy to be home again, with the family, friends, church. Very refreshing. It is also great to spend time with my sister, Katy, before she gets married this summer! I am grateful for this time.

As much as I am enjoying this time of 'rest' for now, I am doing much praying about plan for the future and where/how God may be leading me. With many options and opportunities, things can get confusing and even frustrating. However, God is teaching me to take it one day at a time, and wait on His timing. In the midst of this He is teaching me and giving me opportunities to serve and to learn. I believe those are the two biggest things He has for me right now.

So as changes come in what I am doing in life, they are also coming in my heart and who I am in Christ as I draw closer to His heart. I look forward as God continues to guides me in the next phase of life. Where it is headed...only He knows!

i'm coming home

I have been told many times since I have been here that missionaries have to be flexible. I have experienced this several times, and am now faced with it once more. Due to visa issues and crazy travel times, I am now planning on returning, Lord willing, Jan. 11th. There definitely is a lot to do until then. Finishing up some things here, saying good-byes, packing and all those last minute things. It is going to be a very busy and somewhat hard week.

I feel as if God is continually placing me in situations and circumstances to strengthen my faith in His goodness, love, and guidance. Teaching me what it means to trust in Him, His sovereignty and His grace alone. It is difficult to leave. It has been a wonderful time here. I have formed many relationships, had opportunities to serve and help others, and have learned so much about life, myself, ministry, who God is and His amazing love. I feel a bit confused myself about why now and what next, but God, in His lovingkindness gently reminds me that I do not need to know the next steps. But that He will give the strength and faith to press on in the light that He gives me for each day.

I am so very thankful for all that God is doing to bring Himself glory. May I be faithful to follow His leading in the next days, weeks, and years to come.

Christmas in Taiwan!

So I have officially experienced my first Christmas away from home, pretty cool! Taiwan somewhat celebrates Christmas. They do some decorations and maybe some cards or gifts, possibly a tree, but nothing like America. A lot of that has to do with the culture, and Christmas (even though many do not celebrate it this way) is a Christian holiday. Most regular schools do not get off for Christmas, typically it is just another work day for most Taiwanese, unless you are American or go to an American or Christian school. And of course the Churches have Christmas programs and celebrations!

Sunday, the 23rd, there was a group of kids from an orphange that came to the church that I have been attending. The kids had prepared some Christmas songs to sing for us, and after it the service was over, the church suprised the kids with presents!! They quite enjoyed it!

Christmas Eve morning I got to see the fam on the webcam and open a few things, then spent the afternoon relaxing in Starbucks! Amanda and I had a nice Christmas dinner with at the Lyles and opened up some gifts. We went with the Lyle's to their church's Christmas Eve service. It was up on Yan Mi Shang Mountain and was held inside as stone church. It was a candle light service with a lot of scripture reading and Christmas songs!

On Christmas morning a group of 8 or so teachers (including Amanda and I) left at 8am for a visit to Hualien. We are staying in Toroko gorge, surrounded by huge mountains, a river, hikes to beautiful waterfalls, etc. It has been amazing! Today, a few of us took a day trip up to Hohuan Mt. It is over 3000 meters high (around 9000 ft.). It was amazing!! We even got to see a monkey on the way back! Being up here has shown me so much more of God's beauty and splendor. He continues to show me how amazing, how huge, how wonderful, how beautiful He is. Surrounded by these amazing mountains and rocks has helped me to really grasp what it means for God to be our rock, our stronghold, our place of safety and security. Our refuge. It has been a wonderful opportunity, and amazing to think that the Creator of all this, all this splendor and majesty, could come to earth, could live amidst all the dirt, filth, and hate of the world, and take that, our sin, upon Himself to save us, so that we live forever with Him. What an amazing God we serve!!!

(view from a trail we walked)

(waterfalls)

(on the way up to Hohuan Mt., almost there!)

(on the top of Hohuan Mt. , beautiful mtns and the white is clouds!)