Rejoicing Too

Hi all you. I realized tonight that I've only been writing about hard times for my last few blogs entries. Well, it's time for that to change! Today is a great time to realize all these blessings in my life that God has given me.

First, I got the funniest phone call! My old roommate Susan gave me a call tonight... from my parents' barn!!! Go figure. Susan never got to visit while we were at OBU, and she and my sister were at a wedding in Wichita today, and she was able to come by. How fun is that.

Second, I just had a lovely date night. We went to Panera Bread first. (This is the site of our first date, and Matt's favorite chicken noodle soup.) Then we headed off to play mini-golf at HeyDay Entertainment Center. Matt and I went to a going away party there soon after we started dating. We got to share a game with another couple from our church. So there were a lot of good memories, and a lot of good memories made.

Third, I start my new job on Monday.... new job you ask? My dear Emily decided to take a job at UCO. She resigned from her position as Circulation Librarian, and they decided to offer the position to me. The last two weeks have been a whirlwind as Emily has been teaching me the ropes... You should see my to do list. It's still over 5 pages double spaced typed. I could probably write more as well. Say a prayer for my supervisory skills. That's my biggest concern at this point. Nevertheless, I did receive a raise, and my bills will enjoy that. :-)

So I have a lot of blessings to be thankful for. It's been a lovely day!

A Hard Week

Hi friends. Last week was a hard week. There was flooding at the building I work in. A roommate moved out of the house and left a void of homey-ness. I had a cardiologist appointment and found out I have to have more tests. I'm so glad it's over.

I'm still struggling over theological issues as well. This morning in church, I took away the message that I'm not good enough. That wasn't the pastor's intention, but it's what I took away. So the service ended with the first hyperventilation/ panic attack that I've had in a good while.

What's different about this time is that I have a great guy to help me through it. Matt helped me walk outside and breath until I started getting my emotions under control, and then he let me talk through some of my worries. I felt so cared for and looked after.

So if anyone is out there reading, please pray for my health, my car, my work, and the money related to all of that. Also pray for my sister's radiation. Jill is about to start radiation for 4.5 weeks.

3:00am Musings

Guess what... another bout of insomnia. I'm terribly saddened by an incident yesterday when I said the wrong thing. You know the type of situation... You're trying to be supportive and encouraging, but then the words come out the person is more discouraged than when you started. It saddens my heart.

Beyond that, I'm just in a period of spiritual dryness that won't stop. I've been struggling with sadness and my eating habits. I miss Christian fellowship, but I'm so tired all the time that I feel like I don't have time to nurture Christian relationships.

It's also been hard to read my Bible, and when I listen to Christian radio, I just want to turn it off. I justify turning off the radio by disagreeing with whomever is speaking, but I fear that my heart is hardening and that I'm moving away from God.

So what is a girl to do? I am taking hope in this verse...

Eph 3:20-21 -- Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

God can make this right. I know that I can't, but God can.

I'm going to include the lyrics to one of my favorite hymns, Have Faith in God.

Have faith in God when your pathway is lonely.
He sees and knows all the way you have trod;
Never alone are the least of His children;
Have faith in God, have faith in God.

Have faith in God when your prayers are unanswered,
Your earnest plea He will never forget;
Wait on the lord, trust His word and be patient,
Have faith in God. He'll answer yet.

Have faith in God in your pain and your sorrow,
His heart is touched with your grief and despair;
Cast all your cares and your burdens upon Him,
And leave them there, oh, leave them there.

Have faith in God though all else fall about you;
Have faith in God, He provides for His own:
He cannot fail though all kingdoms shall perish.
He rules. He reigns upon His throne.

Refrain:

Have faith in God, He's on His throne,
Have faith in God, He watches over His own;
He cannot fail, He must prevail,
Have faith in God, Have faith in God.