June 19, 2007

Wow! It has been a very long time since I've blogged! I must apologize. The last few weeks of May were crazy with report cards and K graduation and the first few weeks of summer I feel like I've been playing catch up. I'm amazed at how busy I'm staying when not working! Of course, much of the time is spent in devotions, running, reading, and working on my internships. I still haven't done my official ritual of the start of summer....watching Lord of the Rings...so let me know if anyone wants to join the ritual and prepare for a one or two nights of nothing but LotR!

God has been doing some AMAZING things in my life lately. The first big news is I'm going to school full time! (YEAH!) I can't believe that this time next year I'll probably be taking my last class with my diploma by August. Getting my masters has always been such a dream and I can't believe that I'm finally going to have it. I've been wanting to go full time, but had been praying that God would give me one final push because I wasn't sure I could do it finacially. In his infinite wisdom...I didn't get a push but a gift. Last month I received a scholarship for my tuition and books and then a few weeks ago I received another scholarship that will cover some of my housing cost. I am always amazed at how God cares for me... and ashamed about how I often complain.

This weekend I was amazed as I got to spend time in his creation (hence the backpacking pic) and reflect on the things he has been teaching me. I've been reading a book about a missionary who was imprisoned in a Japanese internment camp during WWII. It has truly reminded me and help me fully to understand to "rejoice in tribulation." As I read this book and reflected on my own life it became so clear how during tribulation God has the opportunity to show himself on a level that we can never reach in our comfort. In the good times we have little need for prayer. In tribulation, the spiritual battle often becomes clear and we take our post as soldiers. God reveals himself, his love, and his protection in ways that you can never see we life is easy.

Lately the tribulations of Christians in other parts of the world has struck deep within me. I've found myself praying for the Christian women in an islamic world who fears for her life and can't leave her house because her culture dictates it. It has been my prayer that God turn all of this conflict in the Middle East to turn the people's heart towards him. For in tribulation, we see God.

These thoughts have circulated my mind: The harvest is plenty. The workers are few. If they will persecute me they will persecute you. How long will we cling to our wasteful lives to change them for hardship....and a chance to reach those who live in darkness? A chance to see God work in ways we will never see if we do not suffer. This is not a question for others, but for myself.