Silver lining

So you know the phrase, "Every cloud has a silver lining"? It means an optimistic and hopeful prospect in the midst of a storm or difficulty. I heard it in a few songs recently that have brought me encouragement. I always loved looking up into the clouds and seeing the sunrays bursting through the clouds. It makes me think of Gods radiating presence and is like getting a glimpse of heaven on earth. These past few months a storm has definintely been all around me, but God has not allowed it to consume me and has been faithful to provide. This past week I had a glimpse of that silver lining.

I have been diligently searching for employment over the last three months. I actually considered that my full-time job! Last week there was a major breakthrough and all my long hours of "work" finally paid off. I had two final interviews last week and was offered both jobs on the same day! One job is in Columbus and the other job would take me out to Kansas City. Many of you who know me know how indecisive I really am. I can't decide what restaurant to go to or what movie to watch, let alone which job to take! I recruited several of my close friends to listen to my dilemma and help me figure out which option was God's best for me. I wanted to chose the position that would bring the most honor and glory to Him and help me continue in the healing process.

Some verses that really spoke to me during this time:

"Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you." Psalm 25:4-5

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you." Psalm 32:8

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take." Proverbs 3:5-6

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33

I flew out to Kansas City on Tuesday morning and went straight to the Christian Foundation for Children and Aging to meet with the staff in person. As soon as I arrived there, I felt a peace I hadn't felt in a while and just knew this was where I needed to be. It is an international non-profit sponsorship foundation which deals with impoverished children, youth, and adults in helping them reach their highest potential. I will be mainly on the phone talking both in English and Spanish with the sponsors and translating material from the field and the sponsors. I'll be moving in with one of my dear friends, Anne, and her husband and 5-month old baby girl and have another close friend and her husband that are only 40 minutes away. I will also be 15 minutes from the prayer room and will be going to the church services there. I feel this will be a time of receiving, resting, and healing.

I will be leaving next Friday the 8th, and starting on Monday the 11th. I know this is all happening incredibily fast and I only have a week to get everything together and move, but I feel God has opened these doors and has provided this opportunity for me to take and I don't want to hesitate any longer. Prayers are very much appreciated as the drive next friday will be quite painful and long. It's still surreal to me that I am actually moving and employed. It will be difficult to leave my family and friends once more, but I am filled with excitement for what awaits me in Kansas City!

Healing in solitude

I first want to apologize for the lack of blogging and silence in the past month. The truth is I have been experiencing so much healing and lessons learnt that I didn't know where to begin! This time in my life has by far been the hardest, but the most exhilerating! God has been so faithful and has revealed more to me in this time of solitude than all the years of church sermons, mission trips, and school combined!

As God did with Elijah in 1 Kings 17 when he took him to the Kerith Ravine for a time set apart before his ministry, I feel that he is doing the same with me. God provided for Elijah with a stream to drink from and birds to bring him food, and it has been true in my life as well. God often takes us aside for a season of solitude and allows us to experience pain so that we can draw even closer into his strong arms, listen more deeply to his voice, and grow in strength to do his work for the future. We can't run to our Mount Carmel experiences without first spending time in the desert!

These past few months have in no way been easy, but I have had the support of my loving father and close friends to help guide me along the way. I have spent the majority of my days praying, reading, and job searching. I feel that I have sent out atleast 50 resumes and have only had 4 interviews! However, I refuse to allow discouragement to set in because I know that as it says in Romans 8:28, God works for the good of those who love him and who have been called according to his purposes!

I have enjoyed the bonus time as I call it with my family and friends. I have learned to be content in all circumstances and to blossom where I'm planted. I even told my mom that I was happy to be home. She thought I was being sarcastic and didn't believe me, but I finally convinced her that I really meant it! For those of you who know me, you know that is proof that God has been doing some work in me!!

I'm not exactly sure what tomorrow will bring (or even the next hour), but that is perfectly ok with me. As I wrote in my last post, I eventually want to go to IHOP, but the timing is totally up to God. Please continue to pray for clairty and direction in this time. The excitment and anticipation of God's future plans has finally returned! I'll definitely keep you all posted on where I am planted next :)