Content

I think it is easy to wonder, will life ever get easier? But maybe it doesn't get easier. Maybe we just learn to be content. And contentment comes from finding joy in the little things. Gratitude is the secret to joy. I've said it before; I just don't have it down yet.

But today, I want to share a few things I am grateful for.

On Saturday morning, our contact and friend, Pascuala in Coya, prayed to close our discipleship class. It brings true joy to my heart to hear our contacts pray. Seriously, one of my favorite things. Six months ago, this woman didn't own a Bible. She didn't know anything about Jesus Christ. She had never experienced the love of God. Now, she is a transformed woman. She has quit drinking. She is much more patient. Her daughters have seen a change in her attitude. She is now a child of God.

And she prayed. It wasn't eloquent. It wasn't impressive. But it was beautiful. I fancy it a sweet, sweet sound in God's ears.

Then we have Genara en Lamay. She is trying to change. She already seems so sweet. But she told us, "You know, you guys aren't around all the time." It is easy to follow God's word when the missionaries are around. But when they are not, she says, it is pretty easy to fight with her husband. I am so thankful for her honesty. She confided in us her struggles, and it is obvious how much she still wants to grow.

There are women in these towns truly seeking God.

And it is a lovely thing to see, and to be a part of.

It brings joy to my heart.

Adulterous Heart

Take me captive, all the way through
Not just a piece, not just a part
What now seeks gold, may it just seek you
It is restless, this adulterous heart
Desperate for worth, but wrongly searching
Finding pleasure in things that just leave it empty
Never tied down, always looking and running
Chasing after every vain fancy

So tie me down, hold me captive
Like a prisoner of love I will just stay
Contented with you is the only way to live
Giving my heart, no longer to go astray
In you is my worth, and all that I want
Nevermore will I lift my soul to another
To love you most is the first commandment
"You must love the LORD, and there is no other."

REST

When all words have been used
When all music dies out
When the sun fades
And the moon and stars disappear
I will rest in you.

When my muscles have no more strength
When my voice is gone
When my heart caves in
And my mind is out of answers
I will rest in you.

I don't need anything found in this world
Possessions leave me more greedy
Time is not money, people worth more than cash
The hurt we feel doesn't go away quickly
So I will rest in you.

This body is like a rental car
I am not eternal; I fade like the wind
My limitations only leave me restless
And until I dance with you in glory
I will rest in you.

I Want Joy

I actually posted this quote to this blog last year, but as I think about how I want to live my life this year, it returns to mind:


You cannot be too gentle, too kind. Shun even to appear harsh in your treatment of each other. Joy, radiant joy, streams from the face of him who gives and kindles joy in the heart of him who receives. All condemnation is from the devil. Never condemn each other. We condemn others only because we shun knowing ourselves. When we gaze at our own failings, we see such a swamp that nothing in another can equal it. That is why we turn away, and make much of the faults of others. Instead of condemning others, strive to reach inner peace. Keep silent, refrain from judgment. This will raise you above the deadly arrows of slander, insult and outrage and will shield your glowing hearts against all evil.
-St. Seraphim of Sarov-


This year, I want joy.


Radiant joy.


I believe joy actually begins with gratitude.


So every day, I want to be thankful.


I want to focus everything on Christ, and him crucified. 


And the joy will come.


So here's to a new year.


New trials. New adventures. New difficulties. New joys.


But God is the same. 


And joy comes from him.


So, thanks, Lord.


          And so it begins...

Will You Go Out Without Knowing?

Devotional from My Utmost for His Highest.
Oswald Chambers
From January 2

 He went out, not knowing where he was going —Hebrews 11:8

Have you ever “gone out” in this way? If so, there is no logical answer possible when anyone asks you what you are doing. One of the most difficult questions to answer in Christian work is, “What do you expect to do?” You don’t know what you are going to do. The only thing you know is that God knows what He is doing. Continually examine your attitude toward God to see if you are willing to “go out” in every area of your life, trusting in God entirely. It is this attitude that keeps you in constant wonder, because you don’t know what God is going to do next. Each morning as you wake, there is a new opportunity to “go out,” building your confidence in God. “. . . do not worry about your life . . . nor about the body . . .” (Luke 12:22). In other words, don’t worry about the things that concerned you before you did “go out.”

Have you been asking God what He is going to do? He will never tell you. God does not tell you what He is going to do— He reveals to you who He is. Do you believe in a miracle-working God, and will you “go out” in complete surrender to Him until you are not surprised one iota by anything He does?

Believe God is always the God you know Him to be when you are nearest to Him. Then think how unnecessary and disrespectful worry is! Let the attitude of your life be a continual willingness to “go out” in dependence upon God, and your life will have a sacred and inexpressible charm about it that is very satisfying to Jesus. You must learn to “go out” through your convictions, creeds, or experiences until you come to the point in your faith where there is nothing between yourself and God.