Oh boy has this week been full!!! I just wanted to share a little bit of what's been on my heart and what new things the Lord has placed in my path.
1. Romans 6:4-5 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in a newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.
This verse I have heard every Wednesday from my girls in AWANA. Each one of them is working on memorizing it. So as I sit and listen to them recite it to me, it hits me. I LOVE this verse! Why? Well... let me explain. By the symbolic act of baptism I am showing that I've accepted His gift of a new life. I no longer live the life of darkness and meaninglessness. I can be raised for the dead, from a life full of nothing, death, darkness. Delivered into a life of fullness, joy, light and a clean slate. Wow! That me, a sinner, would be given a second chance.
2. I was presented with a new opportunity to be involved with ministry. I'm going to lead a small group of young girls through a study. This isn't something I would normally do, I don't really like teenagers and I don't like speaking in front of people, so why have I chosen to take on this new task. Well, I'm ready to take a leap of faith. So here I go... diving into something completely unknown. I'm very excited, yet at the same time I'm terrified. I'll have to be vulnerable and bold. I didn't think the Lord would ever take me down this road, and of course he did. I will be praying the He uses me, that His words are heard, not mine. May His Holy Spirit be the one who leads these girls.
3. On a side note... I love the Shellnut girls! My mentor's girls who are 10 and 15. They always make me smile and the oldest is always great about giving me hugs, she just brightens my day. She will be apart of my small group mentioned above and I'm SO excited to have her on board.
4. Now the boring topic of school. I'm overwhelmed this semester with a HUGE research project. I can't wait until I'm past this semester. Then next semester I'm trying to decide between taking two or three classes to finally finish this degree. But with my schedule picking up I'm not sure how I'm going to fit it all in.
5. And finally a prayer to bring all this to a close.
Dear Heavenly Father, I'm so amazed by the many blessings you give. Thank you for speaking to my heart and making things clear and giving me a second chance to be used by you in your kingdom. Thank you for your word and the truth that you give. Will you please be all over this new ministry opportunity? Will you please be preparing the hearts of each girl that will join? We are going to need you, need your wisdom, strength and direction. None of this is possible without you. Will you be preparing my heart as well, give me the ability to guide these girls to you? As my schedule picks up, will you give me the strength to give it my all? Help me to manage my time wisely, and take those moments of rest as well. And one last thing Lord, will you help me finish this project? Help me to focus, stick to it and do my very very best. Thank you for my mentor and her amazing family, what a blessing she has been in my life. Help me to have faith, to trust you moment by moment. In the end it's worth it all, all this will bring you glory in the end. I pray these things in your Holy name, Amen!
Tonya - I am so excited for your new adventure leading a small group! Way to step out in faith. Remember, you don't need to be perfect and you don't need to know everything. It's okay to tell them you don't know the answer but will find it for them. Then do it. You'll be great - just prepare, show up and let God speak right through you. THAT is a no-fail formula!
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