Let My Shadow Prove the Sunshine

For some reason, today I was looking at pictures from people on Facebook and realized that I am really desiring to do something fun, something adventurous.  I don't know if that is coming from not being able to go to India right now (meaning actually travel outside the country) or it's because I am bummed because I'm not going so I want to get out and do something (so maybe just an emotional get away).  Going to New York sounds fun (minus any drastic weather) or even somewhere in Europe.  Maybe it's also wanting to spend time with friends in going on such an adventure.  For now though, I may have to settle with a day at Disneyland (lol).  Anyway, this week has been enjoyable and has also definitely had its challenges.  But the good thing is that I have a great family who cares about me, loves me and encourages me and makes me laugh a lot.  I have great friends who I am blessed to care about and who care about me; and God is helping me so much.  This week at my Lifegroup (small group/Bible study) we were reading the story about Abraham sacrificing Isaac, Noah building the arc, as well as the Isrealites marching around the walls of Jericho for seven days (Hebrews 11:8-123).  God spoke to me and gave me some insight.  These people were bold in following God, but they did so with amazing faith and trust in the Lord... they did not know what would eventually happen with what they were being called to do.  What a scary thought, but it is something that I personally can relate to and realize that it's okay if the "ends" isn't known yet.  But I am called to have hope, faith and also be faithful along the way and rely on God for strength and understanding (and that starts with simply going to Him first!).   His plans always, always end up better than my own.  So, I'm excited to see the closeness that will take place and what other insights, adventures and growth is going to happen along the way!  I'm really looking forward to this Christmas as well...spending time with family, letting people know they are loved, and celebrating the birth of Jesus (and also realizing the significance behind his birth and the humility in it as well on a newer level).  I hope everyone is able to be still this Christmas and really "prepare Him room" in our hearts.

Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. (2)Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (3)Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.   --- Hebrews 12:1-3