All I Want To Do

It has now been 8 weeks since we left Turkey.  Yes, it has been wonderful to be with family and friends, but I confess, I am already longing to be back overseas.  I am daily seeking His direction, but my heart is hurting to be back with the people and culture I have grown to love.  I know in so many ways this is yet another example in my life of trying to be in control and not being content with where the Father has me.  Why do I keep taking my life back into my own hands? I read a quote recently that said "It's only when you are tested that you truly discover who you are.  And it's only when you're tested that you discover who you can be." (author unknown)  1 Peter 5:10 says, "And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you."  James 1:12 says, "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."  I know my battle is between what I know in my head and what I often feel in my heart.  For the most part, I am a rational person that is not swayed in my life's walk just because of my emotions, but well, I ammmmmm still a girl.  Sometimes I let my emotions get the better of me.  I know that God has a perfect plan for me/my family.  I know that He desires to use this time to stretch and grow me.  I know that I can rest in His promises and the sovereignty of His scripture.  I am asking today that my emotions/feelings get in alignment with His truth.  My heart song to the Father today is "All I want to do is give this life to you." (Ginny Owens "All I Want To Do")  Whatever He has for me next, may I be completely surrendered.  AT

Picking Up A Pole!

Matt is spending a great deal of his time right now frantically reading and writing papers.  He had hoped to finish all of his work before coming State side, but, as you know by now, that choice was taken out of our hands.  SO, I would like to take the first part of this post to publicly thank him for all of his hard work for our family.  I am so proud of his dedication and ability to juggle so many responsibilities with integrity and love.  One of the books that Matt has been reading is, Tentmaking.  In this book, George Verwer is quoted as saying, "Most churches are keepers of the aquarium, not fishers of men."  Wow, that is quite a convicting statement.  We have now been in Texas over a month.  How many times have I shared the gospel?  What are my intentions over the next 5 months for sharing the gospel?  Yes, my "job" during my State Side Assignment is to encourage the church and share what the Father is doing around the world.  However, when should I ever put personal evangelism aside?  Yes, I want to encourage Believers to get involved around the world, but this statement is a good reminder that we all need to be actively engaging the "un-reached" right in our neighborhoods.  May we not be caught simply cleaning our own aquariums....may we be always working to add to the tank!!  AT