Starting in January I have been working on 4 different Bible reading plans/devotions. I have completed one of them! Also in January I did the Daniel Fast for 15 days. I have never felt closer to God other than in worship. I think God is honoring that commitment because he is doing some amazing things in my life.
My life group starting going through a study called Chazown to discover God's purpose for your life. The first thing we did was basically create a timeline of your life. Then, by looking at your history, discovering any themes or life lessons that God was trying to tell you. For me, I saw over and over again that not only has God saved me called me out of generational sins that have been passed down my family, but He alone has been so so faithful to me no matter how I've treated Him. The second lesson was writing down your core values and spiritual gifts. I discovered that my core values and spiritual gifts were all relational - meaning that I value people and my gifts are all about serving people. Within these three things, God revealed His purpose for my life. My mission statement: "To serve God's people through generosity and hospitality and to use relationships to draw others closer to Him."
Within two weeks of doing this, God gave me the opportunity to give 2 times and to open our home to a couple. He has such a sense of humor. Then on Saturday, I emailed one of the Kids Ministry leaders at church and told her that I had a bad attitude about the 2 year old class at church and if ever needed I would be willing to serve in that class one more time to give it a chance (I typically serve with the 1, 3, or 4 year olds...never 2!). Well, Saturday night I was trying to drop Connor off and one of his teacher never showed up. Guess who got to serve the 2 year olds that night! Very funny, Lord! Sunday I went back to church and heard a message that fit right in to how God is moving in my life. The message is titled "Who Do You Think You Are - Disciple." I'll link the message here because it is amazing! http://www.lifechurch.tv/watch
Now we are working on the next part of Chazown - lining up your life with your Chazown. We are looking at the 5 main areas of life - relationship with God, relationship with people, finances, physical life, and work life. Chazown suggest working on only 1 or 2 areas at a time so you are not overwhelmed. I feel like I have been working on the God area since January, but there is only one thing I lack and that is finding a woman to be my mentor. I have a woman in mind, but am nervous to ask her because I feel like she might be too busy. Prayers please!
As soon as that is done, I think I am going to focus on a little bit of everything (I know, totally disregarding the Chazown advice). I am working on my marriage - don't worry, we are doing well, we just know we can grow even closer! I also want to work on getting out of debt by December, working out 3 times a week and eating better (I have discovered I am a stress eater) and finding a job that I can serve God in.
Lord, I have set some goals before me that I am nervous I can't achieve and without You I can't. I pray that your spirit guide me and be with me and help me to achieve all that You have called me to achieve. Amen!
