a time for trials

I have conducted a lot of job-searching sessions lately; said sessions usually result in hot-air balloon sized frustration and my slamming the computer shut. It saddens me that the computer that stood by me through the tortures of grad school has to see me like this again; poor thing thought these moments of unfair treatment and neglect were over the moment I tripped across the stage at graduation. After all, he cannot help that he was merely the vehicle that drove me to this frustration! Sigh.

Anyways, after one such session this week I turned to my sweet friend and told her that I know God has something for me out there—but it’s probably not going to be dropped in my lap while laying by the pool. I know I need to persevere—but how much is too much, how little is not enough and what do I pursue?!?! Maybe you’ve been here, too. I would like to share a few verses and thoughts that have helped me sort through this season in life.

My younger sister emailed me the other day quoting James 1:2-8—this passage is on Trials and Tribulations; if you don’t know it go read it right now!

‘Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you fare trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.’—James 1:2-3

Welp, there we go :)

I know that in this season of my life God is teaching me patience and perseverance—my prayers to Him need to be for this very thing: patience. Vs. 6 says ‘he must believe and not doubt.’ Relying on Him to provide at the perfect moment is something I not only have to say but have to believe as well. ‘We must have confidence that God will align our desires with his purposes.’ Life Application Bible.

Another precious friend recently told me that God usually doesn’t give you desires of the heart that He is not preparing you for. Matthew 21:22 says ‘If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.’ Faith in Him is not a free ticket to our desires being fulfilled but these desires, if in line with God’s Kingdom, will be fulfilled if we pray and persevere.

Perseverance. This is a hard action verb for me to fully grasp the concept of. Because there are no boundaries or limits near or far I go back to my initial question: how do I persevere in harmony with God, letting Him do His work and I due diligence?

‘Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope’—Romans 5:4

I am confident that God is using this rough time as a character builder; who knows who may be watching me during this time in my life. Be it someone who does not know Christ or someone who does, I will continue to persevere and patiently knock on every door. It is my prayer that He will make clear what doors are open for me and those that are shut. I also must remember to thank God for this trial—vs. 2 ‘Consider it pure joy’—for I know that when I come out on the other side I will be a better, stronger person and the next trial will surely be barreling down my path at an insane rate of speed.

This is me...

I am not always put together; in truth, I rarely am. More often than not do my words come out right. I love the name Grace but am hardly graceful in my speech and general maneuvering though my physical world.

This is me; I am real.

I love the color pink—but don’t mind the other colors. I enjoy getting my toes done (and my fingers, too!). I love the sun and beach—but any large body of water will do!

This is me; I love the simple things.

I love to talk and could blabber for days and have frequent conversations with myself. I procrastinate in most things but the job or task is perfect once completed (and will be finished on time). I believe in the phrase “A place for everything and everything in its place” but rarely, ahem, almost never live it out on a day-to-day basis.

This is me; I am happy.

You will rarely find me sitting still; I have even been known to sleep walk. I almost never enjoy (nor stay awake through) a movie when watching it for the first time; I will, however, take pleasure in watching it the second and third time through. My brain is usually going in 17 directions at once; this should come as no surprise to you.

This is me; I am slightly (and only a smidgen) crazy.

I love to travel and see new places; if only I had a private jet! I am fluent in English, Ellen and, some might argue, crazy-talk but want to learn another socially accepted language some day. Sky-diving is on my Bucket List; zip-lining is the closest I’ve come so far.

This is me; I love to learn new things.

I have always wanted to be an actress though memorization has never been my forte. I want to write a book one day but pen and paper scare me! I have entertained the idea of being a princess; rubies, pearls and precious gems look radiant round my neck and hanging from my ear lobes.

This is me; I am a dreamer.

I do not like grocery stores but love to go with a good friend just to keep her company; it may be the only time we talk or see each other for the whole month. I am practically helpless in the kitchen but enjoy helping a friend prepare a meal or dish (and love to eat it, too!); I will gladly do her dishes. I am an avid list maker but ‘off-road’ frequently if a friend calls in need; frequent requests include retail therapy, need for a wing-woman, or just a listening ear.

This is me; Giving is my love language.

I play the piano and can carry a tune but am no Mozart or Mariah Carey. I listen to a lot of music but make up my own words ‘cause I don’t know (or understand) the lyrics. I dance when I can and often, usually to the beat of my own drum (or is that voices I hear?!).

This is me; I am expressive.

Children are my inspiration; I hope to have some of my own one day. Flowers make me very happy, but a hug and smile are even better (and free and always welcomed!!!). I studied architecture and interiors in college; studying peoples’ interactions with the natural and built environments interested me the most.

This is me; I have a passion for people.

Along life’s journey I have wronged and hurt some of my friends; my friend Jesus has never let me down and has forgiven me. I have made about one zillion mistakes and bad choices; my God has shown me nothing but mercy and grace. I am nothing close to perfect and have fallen to temptation; God’s son Jesus lived a perfect life and, though tried and tempted, never fell to sin—He loves me anyway.

This is me; I am in love with Jesus Christ.

the start of a new era

....and it is crazy, right?! I'm 205% sure that you agree with me. I have fun amidst my craziness; do you???

I am so excited to begin this new venture in blogging. Like most things in my life, I created this blog a month ago and am just now doing something with it; not to mention the fact that it just took me an hour to find it the URL and sign in. But nonetheless, I am stoked!!! I am anxious to see what happens with this; whether 100 people read it daily or no one reads it at all, I am going to have fun documenting my thoughts and experiences; rereading them later to remind me where I've been and how far I've come.

So, please bear with me as my brain flies and my writing skills straggle meekly behind.