Spiritual food

Sometimes I find myself very hungry, hungry for spiritual food that deeply satisfies.  The past week God has provided a steady diet of His Word and I want to share a few morsels that have stirred my thoughts and heart.  

     I recently joined a women's Bible study on Revelation.  The author has guided me through many years of study and growth.  Studying alongside her again makes me feel like I have a good friend in this new place.  She said that once we have received Christ, we are holding our chains, our chains are not holding us.  I found this to be profound.  Breaking an addition or simply a bad habit isn't easy, yet there is something empowering about knowing that once in Christ, we are FREE.  Let go of the chains.  Last week one of the women in my study pointed out the verse, "He is coming with the clouds."  Then she referenced another verse about how we are "surrounded by a cloud of witnesses."  I couldn't get over it!  I never would've connected the two together.  Are we the "clouds?"  Maybe, maybe not, but the possibility of it is stunning.  

     Last Friday, I attended a women's ministry talent show.  I was in awe of the gifts God has given his daughters.  Along with singing and dancing, there were skits, a violin player who hula hooped, etc.  God surely smiled on these women using his gifts, for his glory.  

      On Saturday, was a simulcast.  The teaching focused on Luke's friendship to Paul.  I never remember learning this in all my years of Sunday school.  It was sweet to think about Luke caring for Paul through his sickness and standing by him during his ministry, imprisonment, etc.

      Then something quite marvelous happened.  On Sunday the pastor announced that the former Christian bookstore was inviting us to come pick out something for free.  They needed help clearing out the store and wanted to bless their customers.  It was so exciting to go around the store and pick out books, music, and teachings full of possibilities for spiritual growth...like a dream.  

       I went in hoping to get the book Praise Habit by David Crowder.  Not only did I get that, but many, many more things.  Tonight I was reading a chapter in which David discusses a nun's attire (habit).  He talks about how nun's don't have to think about what they are going to wear, they simply get up and put on their habits.  At the end of the chapter he draws the parallel to our clothing and our habits:

      We have put on Christ.  We are found dressed in His rescue, redemption, and righteousness and, aware of this rescue, we spew forth praise.  We wear this very rescue into our relationships, into our interactions with pals and family and work and play.  It is present in our embodiments or neglections of justice, in our contention or ignore-ance of the poor, of the widows, of the sick, of those in need.  To wear the rescue of Christ into every moment is for every moment to become alive witht he possibility of revelation.  With the awareness of rescue, things unsuspected with begin to revelate redemption.

Let that settle on your heart as you wear His rescue today.  You are dearly loved.
     

Catching up and Sub stories

    I woke up this morning dreaming about the children in Tanzania.  Since I left, three children have been added to the village.  I wonder what they are like and can sense the joy the other children had when welcoming them to their new home.  They continue to be on my heart daily.   

     I've been back in the states for two months.  These two months have been full of transitions.  Most of you know I moved across the country at the end of July.  I quickly applied to substitute teach in several different school districts.  After a few weeks of waiting, I finally got back in the classroom. 

    Each day I've been at different schools and in different grades.  Everyday is unique and promises adventure.  My natural tendency is to compare teaching experiences, but I'm not sure what my frame of reference is.  Am I comparing to my years of teaching in VA or to teaching in Tanzania?  

    My Swahili students are now Spanish speakers.  The most recent class I subbed for only has 6 students out of 23 that speak English at home. Soaking up the diversity, I continue to consider taking Spanish.  On my first day of subbing in 3rd grade the students started asking me, "Are you from the country (rural area)?"   This past week a kindergartner told me, "You talk like a cowgirl."  I guess my southern accent stands out in these parts. 

     Life is sure to be full of adventures.  I am learning as I visit different classrooms.  I no longer need my GPS every day.  The seeds that I planted in Paul's garden last month have sprouted and the promise of flowers has me hopeful. God continues to grow me during this new season.  His faithfulness is constant in a life that is always changing and his Word is constantly applicable.  The verse on my prayer card from last July continues to hold true:

                                                           Colossians 2: 6-7

"And now, just as you received Christ  Jesus as your Lord,  you must continue to follow him.  Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him.  Then your faith, will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness."