Sometimes it speaks to me

Our pastor delivered an AWESOME sermon today based on the Gospel Matthew and the failing of Peter to walk on water. He told us how many preachers will use this lesson to tell us that our job is to have faith, hold the faith, squeeze the faith. He was quite irritated that this is what MOST people will focus on when reading this lesson: if only Peter had kept the faith he wouldn't have fallen. Pastor Luckey said, "We know we are supposed to have faith, preacher-man. We know what we are SUPPOSED to do. The trouble is that you are asking us to do what is not within us." You see, Peter failed to walk on water towards Jesus because he became more focused on the storm brewing in the ocean. Pastor Luckey pointed out that this is our natural tendency and that we ALL do it. But, he wanted us to know that the lesson he was preaching on is that Jesus still steps in to save us, He still reaches to us even when our faith seems flawed and THIS is the lesson or the point of the scripture.

Today's sermon really spoke to me because of the struggles I have been facing. Almost every day someone would kindly tell me that I needed to keep the faith. And almost everyday, I would pray that my faith would remain strong because I know that God has a plan for me. I believe that God has a plan for me- I have FAITH that God has a plan for me. However, almost everyday I would find my mind wandering to the "what-ifs". What if I didn't find a job? What if we have to sell our house? What if this ruins my career? What if I have no choice but to change careers? What if this impacts my health to the point of an MS relapse? You see what I mean.... I would focus on the brewing storm around me.

I learned today, however, that even when I am not fixing my eyes on Christ as He waits for me on the water, standing there encouraging me as He did Peter, He has His eyes on me. That is my FAITH; that I KNOW GOD will never take His focus off of me. He will ALWAYS have one hand outreached to me for when I stop being distracted by the storm- there is always a storm isn't there?

Thank you Lord for helping me today see that I haven't lost faith. It was with me all the time. Thank you Pastor Luckey for delivering this sermon today- it really spoke to me!

New Days

I have been thinking a great deal about letting go, acceptance, and making the best of a bad situation. Jeremy and I have had many long and difficult conversations about the situation we found ourselves in... me without a job.

I have had a great summer- I went home for a week and brought Julia with me. We had a BLAST! Some special people made time to hang out with me for a while and gave me lots of hugs! It was awesome! I recognize my blessings.

So as I struggled otherwise, I had to continuously remind myself of the many many blessings I have. I have a wonderful husband, and amazing family, a strong group of friends (even though they are mostly in Texas!), and a Lord and Savior whom I believe in completely. Jeremy and I made a plan should the unemployment continue. I reached out to my Pastor and asked for support and I continued to litter the region with my resume and applications!

Look what happened! I landed a job- one that I will be good at. One that I would like to do and one that relieves the financial strain we were feeling. I am more confident than ever that new days are ahead which means that I am solid in my foundation and am grateful for the continued reminders of how fragile life is.

Thanks for listening.