Finding The Silver Lining

Yay, I'm actually making a third post. The past few weeks there has been a lot of changes going on in my life: I've decided what to major in, I'm realizing my nitch, changing jobs, and God is teaching me time management. Change is extremely difficult for me, being that I like to use Tony Shaloub's saying in Monk: "I like change, I just don't like being there when it's taking place." Yes, I am that person who doesn't want to rock the boat. I'd actually prefer a set routine, that rarely changes. Although I love to be spontaneous when it comes to food and certain situations, I still like to have a system. It can be a good thing, but when change does arise, I am learning to trust Him and not worry.

About three weeks ago I realized that I needed to find a new job. I loved my coworkers, but I felt too comfortable there, and I want to grow, not just stay where I'm at. So, I gave my two week's notice without getting a new job first--yeah, kinda irresponsible, but keep reading. The very next day I went into my favorite Starbucks that is in a Target. While getting my drink, the employee there asked if I was still looking for a job. "Yes!" I exclaimed excitedly, this has been my dream job since I was 16. The very next day I applied. Rumors spread throughout the place that I applied, so the employees put the good word in for me to get the job. But I couldn't bank on just a "maybe", so I continued my job search....

About a week later I had an interview with Tim Hortons, and I got the job! Definitely not what I wanted and it was further away, but thankfully something opened up. I was supposed to start last Monday, however, I received a call from the Starbucks, "We want an interview!" They said. I was centimeters from my dream job as a barista, oh so very close. I went through the interview, I got a job offer to pay .50 more than Subway did, plus it's five minutes from my house, and there are a few Christians working there. I haven't started yet, I have orientation on Friday. 

I'm excited, but it leaves me at this place: I don't have a lot of money. Which actually at this time, it is a good thing, in an odd way. I had wanted to take this weekend and hopefully go on my first road trip with my brother to the west side of Michigan to visit my grandma. It wasn't set in stone, but I just feel like I need some time away, preferably in the middle of nowhere up-north. But there's no way I couldn't done that with my budget at the moment and the missions trip coming up. So, for that reason I didn't go. On the flip side, I took my two little brothers to Sonic today after church for lunch, and my car decided not to drive well for me. I am not sure what's going on, and while I almost want to be irritated that I don't have enough money in my bank, haven't started my job, and have other things I must do this week which require a car--it could be much worse. How? Imagine this: Me and my brother head up-north, and in Lansing (or somewhere), my car decided not to work. How terrible would that be to be stranded out that way! I'd rather be stranded at 19 & Hayes, a few miles from my house, rather than in Lansing which is a couple hours from my house. Just a thought of mine. How interesting though I just got done telling someone how you need to look for the little blessings God sends your way. Whether I believe it or not, feel it or not, know it or not, I'm thankful that I didn't go up north, that I didn't have enough money in my bank, and that I have to rely on God. Ahhhhhhh, I wish a snap of a finger could make me understand everything, but He knows what He's doing, I don't. 

Anyway, have a lovely night and happy Memorial Day.

May we remember (and pray for) all of the soldiers who have sacrificed their lives, their will, their time for this country. Unashamedly: God bless America.

Psalm 62:10 Do not trust in extortion or take pride in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them.

Upcoming Trip and Thought Rambling

In about 41 days I will be heading to New York City for a missions trip. I'm super excited and nervous for this trip. God is going to do some amazing things! Be praying the funds come in, which if He calls me there, He'll make a way, even when it doesn't look possible. 

While I really don't have much to say at the moment, I just want to put this in here. Last night I went to a college group, and the speaker talked about hunger--what are you hungry for? What are you filling that hunger with? And I do find myself filling it with other things: food, friends, work, business, approval, ministry--while all those things can be good, to ultimately look for my meaning in those isn't good. "Why look for your meaning in something as flimsy as a shirt, which will not make it through the fire?" One thing that grabbed my attention was this: Don't expect to have epic revelations while listening to 95.5, while yes that is on my car preset, am I really filling my mind with lasting hope? Or is it ultimately bringing me down and causing more harm than good? 

While I may not feel YOU all the time, I trust YOU.

Proverbs 19:27 "Stop listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge."

What it's all about, in case you were wondering.

Let's not even get into the mushy gushy stuff about how this is my first post. But it is. So I can't help myself but to talk about what this blog will be for. Firstly: in a real talk way, express my love for my Jesus; which includes the life I live, how it's lived, and who it's lived for. 

I'm just an average girl, but I don't want to stay average. To stay average would be to live like everyone else, to be okay with the mundane in life...but who wants that? I'm not going to dress like a clown with a bullhorn and proclaim the Gospel on the streets, although that would be interesting. In fact, I want to share the Gospel rather in life's actions, thoughts, relationships, family, work, school, and wherever else I may be entangled. However, it would be so easy to get "too comfortable" with my Christian life. We are called to spread the Good News. And while to many it may seem too radical to go on mission trips, give up TV, or go to a grocery store with the intent to tell someone about His love, it is what we are called to. Now, the action may appear different in each person's life, but it shouldn't stop anyone from being radical--all for the Cause. 

What is "The Cause" anyway? I'm currently reading this book by Hannah Farver called "uncompromising", which is extremely powerful. In this book, she is unraveling all of the things we get caught up in--whether it be praise, beauty, relationships, etc...I'm only on the fifth chapter! But "The Cause" is Jesus Christ. We need to make Him our ultimate Cause, and stop chasing the small "c" causes, that distract us, leave us brokenhearted, and steal our hope and joy. Why not follow Him? Why not give Him our all? Well, I at least am stubborn and I like to control things. It is very difficult to give Him everything, but more and more I'm finding it to be the best thing ever happening to me in my life. There's nothing like it in the whole world. It may not make sense, but He gives the grace and courage to do His will. 

The second reason I'm starting this blog is because I want to major in journalism, and this might be a great way to start and see if I even like it. Excuse my grammar on occasion, I'm still getting the hang of it. My mom's the editor, I just love to write crazy stories and thought provoking pieces. Hopefully this blog will contain both of those elements, and as well, you'd see me as a real person--who is flawed--but finds her worth in Jesus Christ alone, even when everything else tugs at her.

 Yeah, I may have overdone all that, but oh well. I hope you enjoyed my rambling and I'll be back!

Proverbs 19:21 "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." (NIV)