through the eyes of a nomad

I am just continually amazed at how awesome GOD is! I guess I shouldn't be, but sometimes, the Lord sends people into my life that just remind me of his unfailing love for me - and it AMAZES me! WOW!

Have you ever just blinked, and your life just changes. There is no option, no fighting, relenting - you're just changed? I mean, goodness! I feel like I have had one of those these past few days. I mean, there is complete confusion, fear beyond belief, but at the same time peace and understanding that I know everything is going to be fine. What an amazing feeling that is.

I was at Lifeway on Friday night (they were having lots of sales, and staying open till 11...I'm a sucker for stores when they have extended hours like that. Ha!) and as I was walking around, I saw a green coffee mug that was adorned in a golf theme. I looked at the cup closer and on it was an excert from James 1:2-4: (2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.)

When I saw those words ("...the testing of your faith develops perseverance.") it hit me like a thud - a good thud. According to dictionary.com the word 'perseverance' means:

–noun
1. steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., esp. in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.
2. Theology. continuance in a state of grace to the end, leading to eternal salvation.

I really feel that's where I am at in my life - and the Lord has just thrown something at me for me to persevere 'in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.' And let me tell you, I have had A LOT of those feelings of discouragement lately.

Wow, and what can I saw about faith?! For starters, it can be the hardest thing in the world to do. Faith - have you ever thought of just how incredibly complex that word is? To TRULY have faith, w/o understanding. That's hard to do. I really believe that GOD tests us sometimes, just to see that we are willing to place all of our faith in him. I pr*y that I am like that and don't have to go through what Jonah experienced. Would you please pr*y for me? Pr*y that I will make the right decisions and follow my Saviour earnestly 'to the ends of the earth' if that's what he wants.

December 1 has finally arrived...well I guess it's not really 'finally' here, it's more like 'dang, I can't believe it's almost Christmas again.' My roommate April and I have been decorating for the holidays, wrapping Christmas presents and looking for tacky outfits for a Christmas party next week. I found a sweater today at Goodwill, it is terribly ugly - but perfect! :)

I have been in a weird mood over the past few days. Some may think I'm being morbid. I have been thinking about death, not MY death, just death in general. Maybe it's because it's the holidays and I am mourning for friends and family that are going to spend their first Christmas without a loved one. Or maybe it's because it's World AIDS Day today, and it makes me think about all those who have succumbed to this terrible, painful and unfair death.

When I was walking out of Goodwill today, I saw an elderly man walking into the store by himself. I immediately looked to see if he had a wedding band on - he didn't that I could see. What as my first thought? That he was a widow and his wife died and he was all alone. My heart immediately went out to him. Now, I don't even know if he is/was married, but this is where my mind has been. Have you ever found yourself in such a 'morbid' state? Feeling for people that you don't even know are actually hurting? I do it all the time.

On a happier note, I'm watching Harry Potter. I love these movies! Probably my favorite. Oh, and something else to be happy about - I am having a great hair day. Haha! :) Oh and I have some of my wonderful friends coming over to mine and April's apartment (we just resigned our lease, so we'll be living here for another year) to watch Christmas movies and eat good food! Yum!