I just spent the past 2 weeks in Thailand for my Christmas break. It was the BEST vacation I have ever had, no exaggeration. I got to spend time with one of my really good friends and make a few new ones. It was awesome! Now, I am back to work for the long haul! 4 months down...7 more to go. I have such mixed emotions about that. I am so thankful to God for the "mountaintop" vacation I just had, and now I am back in the "valley" of life and reality. I was so refreshed and nourished spiritually while in Thailand and now I know that those things I learned and experienced there are to be used as fuel for being back here in Taiwan. I just pray for a spirit of endurance. I long to be so sensitive to God's voice and heart so that I can truly "be all here" in the moments and not be wishing I was somewhere else. I want to learn to bloom where I am planted with selfless faith, love, and passion for His glory and for these people here in Taiwan, whether it is my students or strangers on the street. I just want to be ignited with passion for HIM! And I feel like Thailand was a catalyst to bring me to that point again in my relationship with the Lord.
But at the same time it is so lonely here. It's so weird how life has so many twists and turns, especially in our emotions. How deceiving they can be! Especially when we choose to dwell on the ones that are not truth or fact. I am being reminded of Philippians 4:8 right now that says, "Finally my brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-- think on these things" (or in the NASB is says to "dwell on these things"). I read a book a while ago that revolutionized my thinking patterns. It is called "Loving God with All Your Mind" by Elizabeth George. She uses that verse in her first three chapters basically giving insight to the command of dwelling on truth...dwelling on things that are fact and reality, not the "what if's" or "If only's" of life.
So as I am sitting here thinking about these things....I think I will go spend some time with the Lord. It is something much needed in life. For He is the Ultimate Truth, Fact, and Reality. He is so good.
2 comments:
Hey Misty! Good to find your blog! How are you girl??!! We miss you! We're doing pretty well. Our son, James, is almost 19months old! It's so hard to believe! You can see pictures of him at www.redeemed2001.com (my college website). Hope to see you the next time you're in town... any idea when that will be?? =o) Love you girl and praying for you!
Karen (& Matt) =o)
PS- I tried to click on the picture to see all your pictures from Thailand but it didn't work... it just made that picture bigger! I'd love to see them so see if you can fix it! =o)
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