Inspired Conversation

I didn't have a chance to write on Thursday, so this can count as my thankful thursday, as it did happen on Thursday. :P

My family is having a reunion out in Jersey this weekend, so I was flying out to meet them. Once I made it to my connecting airport, I quickly ran to Arby's for food, then ran back to my gate. As I was eating my food, the man sitting across from me began to tease me about how I didn't bring him something. We chatted a little bit and he teased me throughout of being mean and cruel. Towards the end he asked where I was sitting and that it better not be by him. I didn't learn my seat until after he boarded. As I boarded, I found my row, and then felt a tap on my shoe. It was him. I just gasped "No way!", and he looked incredulous, "That's not possible, show me proof!"

Needless to say, it was possible. I sat down and he introduced himself. I knew this was no coincidence, God had me there for a reason. We talked the entire 2 1/2 hour flight. We learned a lot about each other. He told me funny stories about his kids, and life lessons he's learned. I told him about my year in Germany and how much I learned. I was able to tell him about IBC, my church there, and what a difference it made for me. That led into a long, very detailed discussion about his church - Church of the Latter Day Saints of Jesus Christ.

I am very intrigued by mormons and what they believe, because I've heard of some things, and I wanted to hear them from an actually mormon! I asked him a lot of questions, and he answered them to the best of his ability. He had many literary articles on his phone that he allowed me to read, like their statement of faith. It was a great tool for me to bring new questions into the conversation. He expressed his beliefs, and I expressed mine, and though many of them were different, there was no animosity or hard feelings either way.

I did not change any of his beliefs, and he did not change any of mine, but he inspired me to actually research other religions, find out what they believe and why, so that the next time I have an opportunity like that, I'll know more what we're talking about. :)

I know God had me there for a reason, and I think one reason was to show me areas where my foundation need to be strengthened so I can more easily communicate it to others. And another reason was to open my eyes to some other beliefs that people hold on to. It was very educational for me.

Our conversation ended very well with him hugging me goodbye at the baggage claim. It was a wonderful experience for me, and I'm still very excited about it.

Give Me Words

I cannot express in words how happy the Lord has made me. I want to sing and dance with joy. He's taken every trial and concern and just turned it completely around. He's taken everything that has been a stress to me, and has made it a blessing. He has reminded me that He is in control, and I can be safe and content in knowing that He has my best in mind. I keep having songs run through my head..

"I wanna sing of Your mercy, I wanna sing of Your love, and tell the world I'm grateful for everything that You have done!" ...

"My sin, o the bliss of this glorious thought, my sin not in part but the whole, is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more. Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord oh my soul!"...

"Amazing! You are AMAZING!"...

"Indescribable! Unattainable! Awestruck, we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim; You are amazing, God"...
"How great is our God! Sing with me, how great is our God. And all will see how great, how great is our God!"...
"Give me words to speak. Let my spirit sleep. I can't think of anything worth saying, but I know that I owe You my life"

I have all these songs running through my head. I have so many words that have come from the hearts of others. They proclaim what I want to proclaim, but I find myself wishing I could find my own words. Lord, You have given me a passion for music and for worship. I pray You'd give me words to sing that would be honoring to who You are.

Thankful Thursday - Street Fair!

In my town right now there is a street fair going on. It's where a bunch of vendors come and sell arts and crafts, food and drinks...there's also entertainment! It's really a lot of fun, but that also means that my job is a lot busier.

Today was the first day, and I was a bit nervous to start off. My back and neck hurt a lot, I was dizzy, and I had a headache...there were a few times that I was literally concerned I'd simply fall to the ground. Thankfully, that did not happen. The Lord helped me through the day, and He sent some of my favorite customers to lift my spirits.

I ended up working 9 hours today, and it really was a lot of fun, despite not feeling the best. When I was finished, my boss invited me to go with him to the booth his wife was running and get some smoothies (which were delicious, btw)! I'm so glad I changed my plans in order to do that with him. It was a wonderful time just getting to know him better and being able to share with him some things on my mind and get his opinions. I really loved how there was a mutual respect, even though we disagree on many points. It was such a blessing.

I managed to get to my small group in time for some praying, and was even prayed for! I just feel so...wow.. I can't even explain it. It's one of the feelings of just knowing I was in the right place at the right time..

God is so amazing. He really is. He is using me, and only He deserves the glory. It is so amazing to know that God is real, He's everywhere, He's powerful and mighty, He's wonderful, He's the Savior, He's the King! I just can't wait for Him to continue using me. All my thankful thoughts today are of Christ. He sustains, He gives peace, He fills, He gives wisdom freely to those who ask, He is merciful, He is magnificent. Really, there is no end to the praise that is due His name!

The Sun is Shining Again

I still have lots of questions. I don't think I'll ever stop having questions. They still weigh upon me in some ways. Despite this, I'm learning that my God is good and faithful. He is completely capable of taking my burdens upon His back. Yes, I have my own concerns and worries right now, everyone does. But, in the long run, I know that Christ is with me, He loves me, He's proud to have me be part of His family, and He always welcomes me with open arms.
Twice in the last week I have been told that I am "strong"; strong of heart, soul, and mind. I wouldn't have really claimed that for myself, but when it was mentioned I realized I really am strong. I am not strong because of anything I have done, but because Christ has been continuing to mold and shape me into the person He wants me to be. I have faith in Him that no matter what happens, He'll be there. I know I don't need to be afraid, I don't need to let my doubts and concerns dominate my life. I can have hope and joy because my God knows what's best for me!
Some days, when I'm feeling especially low, I'll say "when it rains, it pours", a phrase I'm sure we're all familiar with. Once when I told my boyfriend that, he calmly reminded me that though things may seem bad, the rain will end. The next morning I saw him and thanked him for his patience and declared brightly that the sun was shining again. That has become one of my favorite things to say now. I'm very happy to say that today.
The morning started out a bit rough, with a few different events just tearing me down. I went into work feeling already defeated. But God blessed me in my shift today. He gave me so many encouraging customers. He brought the music leader in, and he started telling my boss what a blessing I'd been for his church. I don't know what is better than feeling appreciated for hard work.
My 'grandpa' came in and said my smile made everything better. I found that though it was a rough day and the past few days, my God is so much bigger, and because of Him, I can have joy!
To top it all off, I had some customers come in who spoke German to each other. I was scared, but I did speak in German with them, and they said I spoke German better than they spoke English (I don't happen to agree, but I appreciated it). It was so exciting to me, I cannot even express it. I was pretty much bouncing off the walls at work, my boss can testify. :P I have been missing Germany dreadfully lately, and it was such a blessing to get just a piece of it here in my own home. *sigh*
To sum up, the rain has been pouring down on me a lot lately, but because of God's grace, the sun is shining again!

A First

I mentioned earlier in some posts that I've been going to a local church to play their grand piano after work. It has been such a blessing to play in that room with great acoustics and a beautiful instrument. I've slowly gotten to a place that I can truly play, and sing like I'm alone, even though I know people can hear me. It's taken a while to get here.
I went there on Friday after work, and honestly, I wondered for a few reasons if I should be there instead of where I'd normally be. Now I do believe sincerely that I was supposed to be there that day. I had a great time working on my piano piece I've been writing, and I recorded that and also recorded me singing a song by Lincoln Brewster, I also found their Sunday set list and played through it. While I was watching the recording, someone walked in. It happened to be the man who originally allowed me to come play. I see him sometimes when I'm there, so I wasn't too surprised to talk to him. We chatted about his set list for music this Sunday, and how I'd played through it, since I knew all the songs. Then he asked if I'd be willing to play for the service! I was quite surprised, but I knew right away that I definitely wanted to and would if I wasn't expected to sing at my own church.
I found out for sure that I wasn't expected to play at my church, so after some communication issues, I was able to talk to the leader and let him know I would play. At this point I was feeling oddly confident. It would be my first time playing for another church.
I went in early this morning to practice with the leader and the rest of the crew. It was so much fun!! They had drums, four guitars (bass included), and 5 vocals. A total of 9 people were on the team, and that's definitely the largest I'd ever been a part of.
As the time drew near for the service to begin, I began playing music on my own. That was the most nerve-wracking part of the whole thing. I made plenty of mistakes, and I got really nervous and shaky by the end, but through it all, I did it. I completed it, I succeeded, and it didn't matter that it wasn't perfect.
The service itself went so well! It was such a blessing to play with that group of people. They were all so welcoming, and at one point, the leader made me stand up and then introduced me to the congregation. They all clapped for me, and I kinda wanted to go hide, but it was fine. =P I don't know that I've ever felt so free to play in front of others. It was so comfortable. I don't think it was the actual piano, room, or group of people, but rather, there was that freedom because a change in my life and who I am. It was such a blessing to realize that.
The service was also very relevant to my life right now, which was perfect. I appreciated it a lot. It was very interesting to attend their church (Lutheran) and just note some of the differences from my church. Anyway, over all, it was a huge success and blessing. I'm so glad it worked out for me to do that. =) It was a very happy 'first' for me.