Another Day Along the Way
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Another day,
The second month of our year is almost here. January is ending.
So, how are you? How do you describe this New Year – one month in?
What books have you read? What songs are you singing? What dreams are you willing to dream again? Which of those dreams are you willing to turn into a reality? What five steps should you take to do that?
What fears are you facing and fighting through? What friends are you choosing to speak to with transparent honesty? What are you doing for your physical health, mental health, relational health, spiritual health?
I can ask you those questions. I can’t answer them for you.
I can ask myself those questions. I can choose to answer them with honesty.
Today, let’s begin. To dream and believe.
Along the way,
Chris Maxwell
Pause: Study the life of one biblical character. Seek to discover more about his or her life, and think of how you can apply what you’ve learned through them. (Pause for Pastors: Finding Still Waters in the Storm of Ministry)
I would say that I am doing well so far this year. School is going well and I am seeing God’s hand at work in my life. I would say that I have had some pretty big dreams here lately that God has been speaking to me about. I have a job lined up after graduation to be a youth pastor. Something that I believe God has truly called me to. I have been having dreams while I wrote about city 5&6 about how I can grow the youth in my future position. God is speaking to me about how everything that I am dreaming about growing the youth ministry both numerically and spiritually can be accomplished as long as I seek His strength. What I am going to do to accomplish this is to get to know Him better. By spending more time with Him and learning His word better. God is desiring to work in and through me I just have to be sure I am on His agenda.
Kendall,
Sounds like you’ve got a good handle on your purpose for the stage of life you’re in (I wish more people your parents’ age had the wisdom I see in these comments).
Just remember that your purpose is really God’s purpose being made a reality in your life. God is so macro and micro at the same time that He can set the purpose of the Universe in motion and the purpose for you personally in motion and they’re both intimately integrated and depend so much on each other. You fulfilling your purpose is very much a part of God’s purpose in the entire Universe. You’re that important to Him. Pretty scary. Pretty humbling. Pretty cool.
January has started with a bang. It seems like the worst start of a new year yet, for me and many others, but I think that means there must be something amazing around the corner. Sometimes it’s good to be in the valley….it certainly makes me appreciate the mountains more.
I think it is funny how this post starts off, because it is crazy to think we are already 1 month into the year. My life seems like it is going so fast sometimes that I forget to realize that the time I have right now, I won’t get back. So what am I doing in this time that seems to slip out of my hands just as quickly as it slips into them? I can already tell that the theme this year (at least for me) is “listen”. I think its fitting that it is that word because it fits perfectly with the whole idea of “pause”. Stopping my busy life to just listen to what God says, listen to the silence when he chooses not to speak. To BE instead of to DO. I think that is what God is pushing me towards this year. One month in, it is pretty cool to see that pattern arising.
Unfortunately, with change sometimes comes fear. For me that fear is that I will screw up, maybe forget my routine one weekend and then everything will fall apart. I fear that I will feel like I am failing God because I haven’t made time for him or I haven’t been taking the time to truly listen instead of sitting in the silence waiting for my internal alarm clock to help me move on to the next task of the day. When I contemplate these fears I am reminded that God just wants a relationship with me. He just wants a genuine, deep relationship with his creation. I think that as long as my heart wants the same thing, then my fears won’t be much to talk about anymore.
One month in to 2015, doesn’t seem possible. This year started off with many new changes. A whole new set of classes. A new relationship. Redefining old relationships. For a girl who doesn’t like change there has been a lot of it. But it is all worth it. The Lord is teaching me so much about Himself. In addition to the many new textbooks I am reading, I am currently reading Radical by David Platt. I am throwing it back to the classics with my music. My dream this year is to make it to Africa by this time next year. I am in the process of finding connections to make this dream possible. It’ll take quite a few people, a large amount of money, and whole heaping helping of faith in Jehovah Jireh, my provider. I cannot wait. In the next few months my goal is to run 3 miles straight in under 30 minutes. I am surrounding myself with women of God who I can meet with on a regular basis for prayer and accountability, mentorship and mothering, laughter and love. I am excited to see what the next eleven months hold.
The year is speeding by and I’ve already seen my share of blessings and struggles arise for 2015. So far this year God has already done great works in my life, with the classes I am in, and with the people he has surrounded me with. Having strong Christian leaders to guide me as I seek to guide others, is something that I have been praying for and that God has delivered. I am excited to see how God will work through a bible study that I have recently joined and helped establish. I feel like I am at a point in my faith where I too need to just listen, and not always speak. God has great plans for my life and I don’t want to miss out on those blessings because I wasn’t listening to Him. Praise Jesus that even through the struggles and uncertainties, He is there. He was with me in January and He will be with me the rest of my days.
This year is starting out in such a different way. 2014 was a year of productivity, and book ended on each end with a rapid pace. Transition is something that I find refreshing. It breaks up the monotony. However, 2015 has started out in such a relaxed way. I find it so refreshing to sit, and be. I have encountered the Lord in soothing, and replenishing ways. I find myself being able to unwind more fully and relax in God’s presence and the many blessings He has bestowed on me. This semester I am training for a half marathon which I will do in February, and have the goal of completing my first full marathon in December. I recognize more and more that running is my testimony. I run for those that cannot. I run for those plagued with drug addiction, and brokenness. My goal is to raise funds for Teen Challenge so that I can give back to the the program that the Lord used to change my life. This is my dream. Each month I want to step further into what it is that God would have me do for those that are crippled by addiction. I am excited to start this process in the year 2015. In the midst of God working through me, I have not lost sight of the fact that He is working in me. I know there are areas in my life that still need refining, and this year, I am willing. Willing to see how God will shape, and mold, and refine my character. He has begun with my rapid pace, and at times anxious persona and is working steadily on more and more of me. I know that this year will be one of “eternal things.”
It’s hard to believe that it has already been a month into 2015. This year so far has had its ups and downs but overall really great. I have been dreaming about becoming a teacher and what God has planned for me when that time comes. I am nervous about what he has planned but I am trying to learn to just give the control to him and know that he is going to give me the strength I need. Just this month alone has shown me that God is going to do great things with my life and through me; I just have to give it to him and do what he wants me to do.
It’s crazy how much time flies. I cannot believe that we are already in February of 2015. I would describe the new year- one month in as “refreshing.” So far, the new year has been really great. Ever since New Beginnings weekend, I have had a fresh fire and renewed feeling in my walk with God. I am trying to intentionally walk in the Holy Spirit every day.
I am turning 22 in a few days and I am excited to see where the Lord takes me in this new season of my life. I am currently reading The Masculine Mandate by Richard D. Phillips. It’s a great book that’s having a huge impact on my walk with God. I’ve been listening to We Will Not Be Shaken by Bethel Music and Housefires II by Housefires. These two albums are incredible collections of raw, pure, and authentic songs about Christian life and various expressions of worship. I anticipate some challenges this year, but I’m not going to let them taint or mess up my semester like last spring. This semester is a lot busier that the last one, but I am eager and determined to make the best of it.
It’s hard to stop and think with how fast time is going by. Being one month into the New Year and already stressing classes and what not and also volleyball for me. It’s hard to slow down time and think, “well it’s not as bad as it seems” when we’re so busy saying, “I want this day to be over already.” or “Wheres the weekend?”
So far that’s how my year has been. Always asking where the weekend is and hoping the day goes by a little faster so I can go take a nap or go to sleep at night. It has been stressful. I need to slow down and realize what is going on day to day instead of wanting it to be over. Before I know it the year will be over. I need to sing the songs that are on the radio and enjoy them instead of skipping through the stations and try to find a new one. I need to dream my dreams and make them happen and begin to plan on how they are going to start happening. I need to rethink about drinking that third pepsi or coke a day and switch it out with water or juice. I need to tell my girlfriend I love her more and my parents that I love them even more everyday. I need to slow down time even though that’s impossible. The way I carry myself however I can slow it down in my mind and live healthier in every aspect of my life.
This year God didn’t waste any time showing His hand in my life and the lives of my peers on the campus of Emmanuel College. In the first month, my podmates and I have been brought closer together as He showed us His genuine love and the deeper things of the Spirit. A harvest is being reaped. Prayers prayed over a year ago are being answered. My heart’s smile is grinning from ear to ear seeing lives changed. Spiritual infants have been born. People who have not grown up with the expectation to fall in love with Jesus are being swept away in not Christianity but love that came down from heaven and called out their name.
It’s not always easy. I feel unworthy being a part of this spiritual change. When God is calling me closer, I move away because His glory is so great and I am a sinful man. But through prophetic words and encouragement from His Holy Word, He tells me that His love is for me too. This new year, I am open to wherever the Spirit takes me and will not hold back anymore.
To honestly say where the year is heading for me by talking about the first month of the year, would mean that I have to admit that all the changes I wanted to make will not happen. I wanted to start do some things and stop doing other things. I wanted to be healthier and I wanted to study more. If January has been any indication of what my year will be like, I won’t accomplish any of my goals. I am thankful that it has only been one month and that I can reflect on what I still need to change to be able to reach my goals, but it’s still hard to only see the small changes, instead of the completion of the overall goal.
The new year has been one of revelation for me. God has opened my eyes to new experiences, new relationships, and new situations that i never thought possible. One of the main things he has done in my life is really show me what it means to seek Him earnestly and passionately. I have changed my study habits, whether in the Word or in my daily devotional with Him. I have begun a process of continual and frequent prayer for any and all things as He shows me His plan for my life. Jesus has also mainly placed more spiritual friendships and encouragement in my life than ever before, and it has helped me to be accountable in my life as a follower of Him 🙂
These months go by quicker every year. The closer I get to God, the faster time seems to go. Time can go as quick or as slow as it wants. As long as I find myself growing deeper with God, that is all that matters. It is exciting to see the continuation of God’s work in my life. January has been filled with new insight of the future, stronger reliance in God, and deeper friendships. With that comes greater responsibility, greater pressure, and greater expectancy. The closer to the end of college I get to, the more real my desire to be a missionary becomes. That is my dream. But that is also my fear. Doubt fighting desire, faith fighting failure. Can I really do it? Can I really be a missionary? But what I often forget is that I am not the power behind the work getting done, God is. He equips the call, and He has equipped me. God can really do it and He can do it through me. He is the power behind the work, I am just the vessel. Praise be to God that I can do nothing of worth without Him.
this month went by pretty quickly. just last week it felt like i was moving back into my dorm room. if i had to sum up this month in one word or a theme it would be learning. Learning how to regain chemistry with my teammates who i haven’t played with in a couple months. also learning the tendencies of the new players who i never got to play with till this month. also learning bout my classes and professors. i have never had these guys before so its new and a learning experience. I’m learning a lot about myself also my friends and the people around me. the main thing i have learned is more about who God is, by what the bible says and also how overs view God. which is pretty cool i think. when it comes to dreams i really don’t do that. maybe i should start. i also am not reading any novel at the moment
This first month of 2015 can only be described as a month of cleansing. The entirety of 2014 was muddied up by my own stupid decisions and bad relationship moves. As I move further into this new year, I continue to ask God to free me from being bogged down by those things. I just want to be free. I’m approaching my college graduation at a breakneck pace. I’ve stepped into a worship pastor role. I’ve allowed God to take control of areas in my life that I wouldn’t dare give to Him a year ago. My musical palette is totally different too. After my adventures in Europe last summer, my main playlist is one of worship. I’ve gotten more serious about learning guitar and I play every day. I’ve been reading different blogs and articles on worship. I find freedom in glorifying our King. Freedom is what I need. Freedom is what I desire. I have great hope in such freedom and yet it’s frightening to be out of what was comfortable, even if that comfort was poison. I pray a paraphrased version of the prayer Jesus prayed in the garden before His betrayal. “Father, if You will, give me what I want. But, if You do not, I’m up for whatever else You have in mind.”
2015 has been a heck of a journey so far! So much spiritual growth has taken place in the lives of so many. For myself, I value my friendships that I have made over the past semester. Y’all heard that song ‘No Turning Back’ by Brandon Heath? That’s my jam!! This month seemed so long because if you choose to do a 21-day fast… you’ll experience looonggg days. Having a great year so far, can’t wait for the rest of it!!
This past month has went by so quickly. I feel like they go by a lot faster, because we are getting older. January 2015 has been a month of learning and refreshment. I’ve learning about who I am and how God sees me. I’m also starting to learn how to let go of things in the past semester and not let them effect this new semester of what I will learn. When it comes to refreshing, I was very ready to get back on campus. For a girl who started out my time at EC very homesick, this is a new thing for me. It’s been a refreshing month, because I’ve been able to rest and take the time to relax.
I’ve been singing many songs this past month. One of my favorites is Clear the Stage by Jimmy Needham, It talks about clearing anything out of our lives that takes the place of what is really important in life. There’s a part of the song that says “Anything I put before my God is an idol. Anything I want with all my heart is an idol. Anything I can’t stop thinking of is an idol. Anything that I give all my all my love is an idol” Every time I hear these lyrics, I think about what I need to “clear” out of my life so that I can focus on what really deserves my hear, love, and thoughts.
I have a wonderful group of friends that I speak to on a daily basis. I’m able to be open with them about daily life and the things that I struggle with throughout the day. I’m looking forward to seeing what the rest of 2015 has in store. If it’s anything like this past month, then I can’t wait!
It is crazy to think January is over! This year kind of tip toed into my life. I was not really prepared for a new year. So far this year much has happened though. I feel like I’m doing well. I am experiencing wholeness this year and reformation of my spiritual life in more ways then just in this class. God is doing something new in me. I have had hard days already. With so much to do I sometimes get overwhelmed and have to push through. Although they are somewhat rare I have had a few really good days this month. I have found a joy that is “different” then last year. It is hard to explain, the difference is the only thing I can point out. I find myself listening to music that makes me smile and singalong. Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder and Jimmy Cliff are this month’s playlist. These old, catchy tunes express the joy that is in my heart right now. The joy I think comes from some of my dreams becoming a reality. As graduation gets closer and closer I see some of my labor producing fruit. I can not wait to see what this next month holds.
It’s crazy to think that we are entire month into 2015. Though it has flown by incredibly fast, yet it has been filled with lots of change. After getting back from a life-changing trip, I was excited to see what this new semester would bring, but it has been difference than I imagined. This has been a transition into a season of trust, more than I have known. Allowing Him to lead you out of one place and trusting that He will open another door can be the scariest thing, yet such an opportunity to rely on Jesus. I have been reading the Cost of Discipleship by Bonhoeffer and that has completely rocked my view of following Christ. I am learning that my identity must be found fully in Jesus and not the things of this world. I do not want to chase my dreams and a certain “call” I feel that Christ has given me, but I want to follow the one who calls.
I started this month out with a fast. A fast that wasn’t just about eating better, but a fast for spiritual reasons and growing closer to God. The first month of this new year was extremely challenging. I chose to distance myself from people that I felt like we’re sucking the life out of me and it caused some loneliness, but at the same time it caused me to face a time in my life where I had all eyes on Jesus. It opened a door for me to really spend quiet time with him and put him at the center of my focus. No, it hasn’t been easy, but has it been worth it? Absolutely. God has moved in my life in this first month of this new year in a way I never thought to expect. He has challenged me in so many ways and it truly excites me. He has revealed himself to me in a new way, as well. It has been a constant reminder to remember my connection to him and with him and to step out in faith.
One month in and so much has happened. I brought in the new year praise His name. “our God is greater. our God is stronger. God you are higher than any other!” It was a powerful service and wouldnt want to bring in the new year any other way. Coming back to school was different this semester. I was excited for classes. I mean who gets excited for that? I was determined to excel and do my best. I guess you could say I hit the ground running for like the first week. Then life hit me in the face. I began to get in a funk. I wanted to go back to the things I did last semester and almost did but I didnt. It was tough. Turning away people I was friends with since stepping foot on campus was probably the hardest thing. One day I just decided I wasnt going to let stupid things get me off track from what God has in store for me. Since that day it hasnt been easy. I have faced trials but Ive also seen so much beauty in it all. God has brought me an amazing group of ladies that I can talk to about any with and know they wont judge and that they could be going throught the EXACT SAME THING! So much happened in just one week. I had a super crap day and wanted to give up. Was all up in my feels and felt myself falling deeper and deeper into the darkness but something pulled me out of it. God brought a good friend to me and she was going through the same thing. Then something as simple as a starbucks trip happened and God showed up. Then the crap hit the fan with a different friend and i got hurt but God reminded me that people mess up and I needed to forgive and learn from it. Then I traveled to Accelerant and God rocked my world. I was set free from some things and shown his love in many ways. And he showed me how passionate I am about going to Africa and opened a few doors for me to make it there. I’m so excited for the months to come. If this much happened in one month then I can only imagine what is in store! I am just so overwhelmed with his love and how passionately he has be pursuing me! I have challenged myself to seek his face more and spend time alone. The time alone will be the hardest part about it all but I know he will speak to me when I take the time to spend with him.
And that’s just a little of what has happened in the month…
This year thus far has been bittersweet. It’s awesome because I have entered into my last semester of college. I have finally reached a height in my academic career that I can now have the honor of receiving a bachelor’s degree in biology. God is so great! 🙂 It’s a sad year also because I am graduating and leaving my home away from home. I love EC and the people that populate it. It’s sad leaving this place!
Also, this year I will embarking on an adventure of a lifetime. I am going on the World Race. I will be gone for 11 whole months. It’s going to be an amazing, life-changing event. I can hardly wait!
Everyone seems so surprised that the month of January is already over but i am not. It seems like all my years here at Emmanuel have flown by that it seems i’m getting used to it. I don’t really read that often but I am at the moment reading this book called “pause” and another book called “crazy love”. There are plenty of dreams and aspirations in my mind that i want to achieve but I question too often if it is possible because the extremity of the dream. I would love to turn them into reality but the reality is I don’t seem to have the faith in myself or God to achieve these dreams. These are the fears I am facing and fighting through. Everyday I workout and get physical exercise so my physical health is good. I try to have positive people around me all the time and I try to be positive at all times so that helps with my mental health. I have been listening to good, uplifting music and i have been opening up to others and asking for prayer which helps with my spiritual health.
I have learned to not always be on edge and trying to force things. This past month i was so consumed with trying to please God that i forgot to just live life and be a son to Him. I learned how i seriously just need to pause in His presence and let Him fill me up so much where i can live in an overflow of His love. I would always pray for more of His Holy Spirit ad forget to just to stop to look around. I forgot to just be thankful and what He has already gave me. We must all learn to pause and rest in Him throughout this fast track life.