L I F E Update
Oh my gosh, you guys it's been a month since I've lasted blogged! I can't believe this! Last year I was so diligent and this year, I have all these goals, told you all about them and then I fall off the map. But I've been trying to vlog more lately on instagram because I've been really enjoyed connecting with you all that way. And it's been really rewarding so far. I'm amazed with how the Spirit moves me to say something and then someone says, "That's exactly what I needed to hear." God is pretty cool.
So I should like to catch you up on what I'm up to! And for those of you who have been following along devotedly, thank you so much. It means the world to me that my words should reach at least one person and it's you! How lucky am I!
1. School:
This is not necessarily the thing that keeps me at home but it is something that I've been working very hard on. My Statistics deadline is rapidly approaching and I've been understanding the new information quite well! I have 2.5 units left! We'll see if I have to get another extension. I hope not! Anatomy is going well but has been put on the back burner for math. I never thought I would use math in a sentence like that!
2. Work:
I do a great variety of things like working at a lumber store, clean house, and my favourite: a Developmental Aide. This job really allows me to find the right exercises that work for my client so that I can help her overcome some challenges and achieve her goals! And guess what, she's rocking it! It gives me a little insight on what being an Occupational Therapist is going to look like and I can't even wait.
3. Conversations with God:
This is the last and most important thing. God is taking me an a wild journey that requires a lot of patience and a lot of trust. And through this process, I have learned lots of things (some of which I have been sharing about on my Instagram stories). What else is cool is that God has been showing me that I'm fully capable of being everything He made me to be, which includes being an Artist. I thought I had to say goodbye to that completely but a couple weeks ago I wrote three songs in seven days. So that was pleasantly surprising!
I wish I could let you in more about what this adventure entails but I fear it's too early. But if I could be so bold, I would love to share the important things and tools that I've picked up along the way!
+When God speaks to you, you MUST listen. Some days I hear Him very clearly, other days the Spirit and I have big conversations, and some times I think, "That was definitely my own thought trying to get in there." But what I do know is that you cannot rush God's timing at all or misinterpret what He says. Just be still and listen.
+Trust Him. I listened to this sermon series on Job (Part 3) that was about Trial & Trust. Job is my favourite book of the Bible. It was so eye opening! What stuck with me the most was that at the end of Job's trials, he demands an audience with God and God shows up because He is graceful. And Job asks, "Why me of all people? Everything I do, I do for You, I seek You first, I pray only to you, I'm a righteous man! I don't understand!" And God's reply is not to answer Job's question but to talk about the glorious things He has done and who He is. And then God says, "Job, don't trust me just because I'm mighty (all the things He just said). Trust me because I'm good." So while I do not understand why my journey has been like this, I will continue to trust God because it will be good.
+I've been listening to another sermon series about Joseph (Trail & Trust) and it's been so informative as well. The Lord revealed a vision to Joseph in a dream, Joseph tells his family about it but then nothing happens. So what do you do in this waiting time? Why does God do this? The Pastor articulated the answer something like this: God reveals a vision and then nothing happens so that we become so discontented with how we can get there by ourselves that there is no other way but God's way. And I would also add that it's not so much about the plan that God has for us, it's about the person He is shaping us to be. We are to use this process to become stronger in Him and for Him. That doesn't exactly answer the "why" question either but it does quench a little understanding.
+The other thing is that on those days where the patience and trust run extra thin and the frustration sets in, get on your knees and talk to God. Have it out, whatever it takes, but do not shut Him out of the conversation because it's only from Him did it begin. Once you've had a good chinwag, be still and listen. Meditate on His promises and who He is. And then don't fill your head with garbage while you're in a vulnerable state. Fill it with goodness. Talk to someone who listens and challenges you or listen to a sermon that gets you out of your head.
I realize that I was long winded at the end but what the Lord has been teaching me is so crucial to how I move forward and I know that many of you are in trial and know what that feels like. I had to share because, again, you never know what battle someone is fighting and you may have the experience and wisdom to help. That's what it's about, we're all one body. We're all on the same team.
I'm so grateful for those of you who have indulged me! What have ya'll been up to? I wanna know!
Love & Prayers,
Lauren xo