Patience

Patience

(the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset) 

Do you ever hear God whispering in your ear

"Shhh my child, wait and I will reveal it to you in time"?

I hate sometimes that I am such a planner. 

 I  enjoy organizing my calendar and being aware of what will happen next.

 Sometimes its even color coded 

 There are times when I just want to put my pen down and be SPONTANEOUS.

I've noticed that my spontaneous moments are not really spontaneous.. 

just in my head they appear to be. 

I feel this challenge to be PATIENT.

 Allowing God to be my planner (leader) and I just appear where I need to be (follow).

The concept of being open to his plan in our daily lives can be a miserable challenge.

Our work schedules, school schedules, friends, family... balancing it all

But then, also allowing for divine appointments.

Patience  reminds you :

1. God is in control

He has a plan that wont change no matter what you do.

2. God is present 

His spirit lives and abides in us. He's working in us and around us. 

3. God is faithful

He provides and stays true to his promises. 

Surrendering my control and planning

my hope is I can grow in God's spontaneous nature.

I can't plan my life, because ultimately his plan prevails. 

Dear God,

 I pray that we as brother and sisters, work on being patient. 

It can be a hard challenge, but we should be willing to endure the trial. 

We want our hearts to become your heart. 

We want your desires to become our desires. 

We want your will to be our will. 

CMJ

I was blind, but now can see

  At church today, the sermon was on the topic of Jesus healing a blind man.

Have you ever thought about how miraculous this event is?

Can you fathom only being able to see darkness?

Everyday- whether day or night.

 I think about how easily I get cabin fever  or when its raining outside and how restless I become.

When the sky is gray and gloomy, our mood typically shifts, but not in a good way.

 If all you saw was darkness, would you be depressed?

How would you describe your everyday emotion?

"I am the light of the world"

 Jesus literally helped the man see the light, the creation and gave him life. 

 Jesus is my light and song in the midst of so much chaos. 

There have been so many times throughout my life where I was blind.

God reveals things to us at certain times.

 I sat in church today thinking and pondering all that God revealed to me.

All that He is revealing right now

and wondering what He will reveal to me next.  

 I think about when I thought my worth came from people and relationships.

I used to change my personality to cater toward those surrounding me.

 I was dependent on my own strength.

 I thought I wanted to be a nurse.

 I found out that I do not have to earn God's love.

 I am adopted as His child.

I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

 I was created with a unique purpose. 

I am dependent on his strength. 

Brave

  This past month, I have been on my oncology rotation. 

 I have learned so much on this rotation, but I've been amazed at how much God is at work.

 I am honestly in awe of his presence.

 God comes up in conversation often in the oncology world.

There are so many miracles, and so much gratitude to God's faithfulness. 

There is hope. 

 We tend to fear oncology, because so many people picture dying.

But, I see people living.

 A patient who is currently undergoing radiation has a theme song.

 Her personality and sweet smile reminds me this is why I do this.

 I feel like my passion to work with oncology patients is continuing to grow.

 The more time I spend in the oncology world, the more I want to be apart of it.

  

My inspiration:

Glen A. Johnson

Daddy's girl

 I still to this day remember when...

 I would hide behind a wall in the kitchen right before supper and the moment my dad opened the door,

I would yell "BOO!"

I probably did this just about everyday, but it was always so comforting to be in my father's embrace.

My time spent with him was limited, but the vivid memory provides me with a picture of how much my heavenly father loves me.

Trust

 This morning, at church a man handed me this heart. 

 He told me God wanted me to have it and to trust him.

 After a week of being emotionally and physically drained, I see why God wanted to remind me to trust him. 

 Yesterday, I was reading Philippians 4: 12-13

 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. 

It was such a great reminder that I can be content despite my circumstances and that God is helping me get through them. The secret is trusting and placing your faith in what you do not see at the moment. The things that have yet to unravel. The truth is I am weak and inadequate without him. Through him, I have strength to overcome my circumstances.

 My internship is emotionally and physically draining, yes that is a fact. 

 But, the end result is worth all of it. 

 God is reminding me that he has a plan and to trust him. 

 Whatever you are facing and struggling with, remember God is with you. He is close to you. Just reach your hand out and he will guide you through.

Christian Dating

What are you searching for in a potential mate?

When you were younger did you write down a list of attributes?

How specific did you get?  

Blonde hair, blue eyes, athletic, tall. 

I think my prince charming was my Ken doll. 

 Our society believes we can pick and choose what we get in our mates.

 When you date in society, boundaries often do not exist. 

Relationships are formed and demolished quickly.

Why do we always seek these unfulfilling relationships?

We are not willing to wait for God's timing. 

We often do not talk about God's desire for dating and allow society to shape our perspective.

** Based on my experiences and revelations that God has revealed to me:

Relationships are challenging.

And when they end, you face heart break.

God does not want us face heart break over and over again.

 He wants us to be able to give our hearts intact to our mates.

 During my time in Korea, I discovered God's design for dating.  

 I was jumping into relationships and not pausing to listen to God.  

 God wants us to pursue his design for dating. 

How?

1. Prayer- actively communicating with God about relationships. 

Seeking direction and discernment 

Guarding your heart

 Waiting on God's timing

 It is so easy to jump into relationships and express feelings before receiving clarity from God.

We forget that emotions change and are not constant. 

Rushing into relationships is often related to why so many marriages end in divorce. 

.

2.  Mentors- People who are older and wiser.

These people are crucial to assistance in searching for clarity. 

They always provide support, prayers and use scripture to assist you.

3. Setting Boundaries- we all have weaknesses and struggles. 

Examples: Creating a curfew for dates.

Limiting how often you see each other. 

It is easy to start dating someone and that person consumes your life.

Balancing the person you are dating with your friends is important. 

4. Accountability partners

 Friends who can help assist in keeping you accountable during your relationship.

 Assist with keeping the relationship christ centered. 

 they are available to witness the relationship as it progresses

 Pray before you act and seek counsel.

 Be clear about your intentions.

Finding your mate is a journey not a race.

Thanks for reading my blog!
Stay tuned for things I'm discovering as I walk with the Lord.
-Courtney

  

Subtle

Have you ever experienced a moment where you can't help, but smile?

God has an interesting way of revealing things to us. 

Often times it takes three times for me to get what God is saying. 

I start questioning if it is clarity from God. 

He knows us better than we know ourselves.

 It is so reassuring that someone understands me. 

He gets my strengths and my weaknesses.

 He knows how my mind works and speaks uniquely to me. 

Recently, I start feeling overwhelmingly homesick.

God answered my prayer for friendships and community.

I am so grateful for his timing and his constant faithfulness.

 I walked into a random boutique and started talking to an employee.

We became friends instantly.

God is so strategic.

This was my moment to smile. 

 God continues to challenge me to rely more and more on him no matter how difficult the situation. 

 I feel challenged to share my roller coaster life with others. 

  

- Courtney 

P.S. Weekly Posts are on there way :)

Reflecting over the Past 8 Months

After graduating, I moved back home for eight months. Yes, the typical college graduate who moves home. At first, I was overwhelmed with the feeling of being alone. I had only kept in touch with a few people since high school and it seemed like it was going to be a long eight months. Little did I know I would meet some amazing brothers and sisters who completely took me by surprise.

It all started one Sunday in the College Group. I walked into a room full of guys and one other girl. Somehow the Spirit gave me peace that I wanted to get involved. The only girl in the group ended up becoming a really great friend of mine. I'm so grateful for her friendship!

As the group grew and our relationships built, we created great memories. What a blessing it has been to hang out with you all!

Thank you guys! You each made these past eight months a great time of fellowship and accountability. I have enjoyed getting to know all of you. I have witnessed many of you cultivate a huge desire for the kingdom. It is so encouraging to see the Lord being glorified through each of you. Keep pursuing the Lord in all that you do and know He is Faithful and full of Grace. His character never changes and how marvelous is that. He has a plan for each of you and enjoy the journey to discover His plan.
I am starting a new chapter and as scary as it is to leave such an awesome chapter behind, I know there is so much to discover in the next. Thank you for overflowing words of affirmations and encouragement.

Courtney

Challenges

I feel God is currently challenging me more and more to follow him intently. A constant battle of my mine is to be patient for wants to come. I like to plan and organize. This is way I can always know what to expect and be prepared for things thrown my way. I realize I am not living life like God has intended and boy, does He remind me often. This past weekend one of my closest friends was in a car accident. Shocked at first and unsure of how to handle the news, I informed so many of my friends about it and asked for prayers. I was amazed at the overwhelming response of prayers and just reminder that God is with her. It was rocky for about a day or two of what was happening, but the good news is she is no longer in the hospital. Praise the Lord. But when things were rocky I just started thinking about how short life is and how we really have no clue about when we will be taken home. I just thought about our future plans that we have always wanted to do and just how precious our friendship is each and every day. Life is short and I surely do not need to plan my entire life. I'll miss out on so many relationships and opportunities to share my beliefs. So, all I am saying is live passionately, intently, wholeheartedly for Christ. We are not going to be able to predict what happens in our lives, but what we do know and can predict is that God will be with us the entire time. No matter what comes our way or what we do, He is faithful. -----Courtney

My name is Courtney and I am a sinner!

 To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. ----- Ephesians 4:22-24

Do you ever feel like you need to announce to the world that you are far from perfect?

Sometimes I want to go to a SA meeting, so that I can get it all off my chest. 

Whats SA? Sinner Anonymous Club. 

Okay okay, I am being very dramatic, but at least you get the picture.

So many Christians hide their imperfections and flaws because they want to appear perfect. I do it too! 

Reality is that we are all far from perfect!

We all have things to work on. 

We all sin daily.

We all make mistakes. 

We all have flaws.

We all have idols.

We all face temptation.

Accepting Christ into our lives is acknowledging, we are not perfect.

We cannot rely on our own strength. 

He is constant. 

He is with us.

He is never disappoints.

He does not forsake us. 

Sometimes I feel like I am neglecting the conviction I feel from the Holy Spirit.
I allow the negative thoughts to sit and eventually become regular thoughts.
Why is this... well I am letting the thoughts consume me and become a part of my identity..

This is NOT good. To cling to Christ as my identity, I thought of a creative way to challenge the enemy.

First off, It is important that through prayer and surrendering areas of our lives that we neglect to give to God is vital for our convictions to be overcome.

 A way that helps me is through the use of scripture.

 Make a list of your idols or characteristics that often bring out your consistent sins.
Gather up 3-5 verses for each.
Get some index cards and write them down.
Then, carry these cards around with you.
 Place them in areas where you can grab them when your thoughts start.
Use the verses to counteract your thoughts.



Another way to do this is make a list of Identities in Christ.
Place them each on a index card to remind you of who you are throughout the day.

Target the enemy in the areas of your weakness.

 Check back weekly for my blog posts :)

CMJ

Enjoy the journey

 I absolutely love being outside and embracing nature.
 Living in the mountains has some great advantages, there are hiking trails everywhere.
The moment it started warming up outside, I hit the trails.
When hiking, do you ever think that its going to be this long.. and then it ends up being triple the length?
When you hike up a steep hill and you think this is the end only to find six more steep hills ahead?

Here's something to think about:
This experience is very similar to life.
Instead of walking the path set before us joyfully and contently, we get frustrated with the journey.
We don't embrace the seasons we are in. We neglect to trust that God has everything under control.
We decide to complain each step. We miss out friendships. We forget who we are and where our identity lies.

God is constantly challenging us to lean on him and know that there is nothing we cannot get through without him.

Don't focus on how you want things to go. Focus on the way things are going.
Don't focus on what you don't have. Focus on what has been provided.
Don't focus on the negative or circumstances.
                                                       

Embrace. the. journey

Trust. in. his. plan

Singleness

 Our world and society today views singleness as bad. 

 People feel like they cannot find happiness without having someone in their life.

There's a feeling of loneliness and dissatisfaction. 

The world thinks that dating continuously leads to the best relationship, somewhere down the road.  

The more you date, the better- at least that is what our society thinks.

I disagree. A year ago, I would have probably agreed. 

 Some of you know my silly stories on dating, or they witnessed it.  I know your smiling :)

 I am no expert at dating. 

But, I find that the way I looked at dating previously was not the way it was designed to be by God.  

 I'll blog about dating another week, but back to singleness.

Its hard to be patient for the right person to come along, I know. 

Some of us are called to be single, but God will reveal that to you.(Don't fret, its not a large percentage)

I think its important though that we embrace each season of life.

When we are single, there is so much flexibility.

You can focus on your relationship with God, deepening your trust in his timing and plans. 

You can work on your identity. Who are you and what is important to you?

 When you have your foundation, and secure in who your are, you can give so much more to the relationship in which you form later. 

 When I became single, after a long relationship, I struggled finding who I was. Most of who I was involved the other person. My identity took a toll. When I went to Korea, I redefined who I was and now I'm so confident in what my future holds. The moment I found who I was I realized the important things I need in a future relationship.

Again, I am not an expert.

  I am just a blogger sharing parts of my life and what God has revealed to me. Its never the same for everyone, but different perspectives can assist us.   

 If you are single,  live each day embracing this season. 

God has so much to reveal to you!

 Don't let  "singleness" become something you want to zip through. 

 The below books are great books to read and focus on singleness and a little bit on dating. I recommend When God writes your Love story to everyone!  The other two books are for women. :)

Resources:

1. When God Writes Your Love Story- By: Eric and Leslie Judy http://www.amazon.com/When-Writes-Story-Expanded-Edition/dp/1601421656/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1366729324&sr=8-1&keywords=when+god+writes+your+love+story
2.  A Man worth Waiting For- By: Jackie Kendall http://www.amazon.com/Man-Worth-Waiting-For-Avoid/dp/0446699713/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1366729624&sr=8-1&keywords=waiting+for+boaz
3. Sacred Singleness- By: Leslie Judy http://www.amazon.com/Sacred-Singleness-Set-Apart-Purpose-Fulfillment/dp/0736922881/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1366731150&sr=8-2&keywords=singleness

Believing vs. Seeing

Are you looking to God by the things you see or the things you know? 

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Often times, we are faced with difficult situations that seem impossible to handle.

We fix on what we are seeing at the moment and not looking at what God could be doing. 

For example: Cancer has been a disease that has reoccurred throughout my life. 

It started as far back as I can remember when my grandmother, passed away from cancer.

Then, it proceeded to several more family members from me.

Its easy to get overwhelmed with frustration and anger with God.

But the thing is events in our lives sometimes are not always explainable until you see the big picture.

God has a plan for each of us. 

After years of reflecting, my purpose wouldn't be the same thing if I hadn't experienced all the thing leading up to this very point. As I plan to work with children and their families in the hospital, I know that my experiences are going to help them just as much as me. 

Experiences are what cultivate who we are and become our testimonies. 

Have you looked back and thought about the times when you thought God was far away only to figure out now that, he was carrying you through it?

Your circumstances are not in control of your life, God is. 

Remember what God's character is like and constantly remind yourself of his goodness.

This is a video of cardboard testimonies from a ministry called Emmaus.

Each persons testimony is powerful, just like your testimony. 

They really focus on God's character.

What part of God's Character do you hold on to each day?

http://vimeo.com/64069322

Hungry for More

    I am constantly hungry. I always love to snack and eat things to pass time.   It is almost as if everything I digest vanishes with in minutes.  Are you hungry all the time?  What are you filling yourself with?
      When we dedicated our lives to the Lord, sometimes we think that because we are saved that life is going to be great all the time, sometimes we think we have it all and don't need anything more. Then when life get confusing and complicated or we feel unsatisfied, we start the blame game. Instead of blaming, start seeking. Seek and find that He is Good.
      My life has not been perfect nor have I been joyous in every season, but I know that seeking the Lord despite my circumstances is necessary.  I have come to realize the importance of running to God for more. More wisdom, more patience, more love. I go to him for MORE because he never runs out. He is filling me up and I can always come back for more.
      I just finished a series called Hungry for More from  Summit Church in Naples, FL. Prior to my adventure in Korea, I lived there for about two months. I often go back to listen to some their series. This series was amazing and made Psalm 63:1-8 of my favorite reminders of God's promises when we seek him.

 Here is the Link:  DETERMiNE is the first of the series
http://www.summitlife.com/sermon-archive/naples?page=1

Bye Chains, Hello Freedom

 Chains

They are heavy and they are a burden. 

They keep us trapped under the deception that we are not good enough.

 We quickly forget that they are on us, but they slow us down more and more each day.

 Think about it, are you carrying chains around?

 Or in other words, is there something you have swept under the rug?

Are you feeling dark, alone and just not good enough?

 Chains are not meant to be keeping us tied down and from moving forward.

 In fact, they aren't meant to be carried on our shoulder day after day.

You. can. experience. FREEDOM. 

Tell God about the things weighing you down.

 The chains that are rusting and are preventing you from growing closer to God.

God will remove those chains and you will break free. 

Surrender your heart, and you can experience freedom from the past.

Remember that Christ died on the cross for our past, present, and future sins. 

 This sacrifice opened a door for us to have an intimate relationship with God. 

 Accepting Jesus into our lives allows us to live in freedom from the chains. 

 God, no longer remembers our wrongs, but views us as righteous.

We are FREE!

New chapter, New blog

 Hello there! My name is Courtney. I recently got this thought of starting a new blog. My last blog was about my adventures traveling to Korea and living there for four months. I was adopted from Korea and it was a unique experience learning further about who I am. God really worked in my life and heart while I was abroad really re-cultivating my identity in him. As I came home, I realized the huge need to encourage my fellow brothers and sisters. Walking with God that is challenging and why not provide some of the things that God reveals to me.  My hope is that I can provide a variety of resources and a new perspective of what you think about things that we face each day.  Also, feel free to comment and ask questions about my posts.  I want to encourage you as you seek the Lord each day. Be reminded we are to live out our testimonies and share them.