I'm really happy right now. I should be working on an essay (and it's an essay I like writing), but I am SO happy I can't sit still to write, haha :)
These days, I've been trying to stay more attuned with God's will for me, because it is really hard when what I want to do and what God tells me He wants me to do is different. The only thing I can ask for then is for him to make me want what He wants.
But there are currently three things that God has put into my life that I am thankful for. I'll try to keep things short and to the point.
Identity Revolution
God is on the move. I love identity revolutions not only because God gets glorified, but also because people need it so they can live their lives peacefully, happily, and purposefully. I have been praying for this for quite some time, and I SEE IT happening, especially in Nashville. Bring it, God. We need it so much in this place...especially in VanderBubble.
This week, one of my favorite moments was when I told a girl that I liked her shirt. I almost never comment on people's clothing, because I usually don't find it that important. But something inside of me just really felt I needed to say something--it was just so unique to her. It was interesting too, since her shirt had flowers on them. I think flowers are fine, but after being in China and Hong Kong for a while, I got so tired of flowers. They were everywhere. It's like all the girls in the country had some part of their lives revolving around flowers. But for some reason, her flower shirt radiated her and radiated truths. So I said, "I like your shirt. It's really you." After I said it, I was like: "Wow, did I actually just comment on someone's shirt? How long has it been since I've done that?" Then she replied, "Thanks. It's actually my favorite shirt." She talked about how she usually didn't feel good about herself when she usually went shopping and how she finally found a few stores that made her feel good about herself. I really wanted to respond, but then class started. I always love it when people are true to themselves, because they completely embody truth in what they believe.
Recently, God has been showing me how even outer appearance (clothes, etc.) can glorify Him. Whenever I buy people something to wear (I love shopping for kids stuff) or even things that they can use, I make sure that the item will reflect something I like about them. If I've ever had a (what I call) "gift fail," it's usually because I was thinking about what I liked...aka something that would fit me, was my color, but not theirs. Whenever that happens, the thing I bought just looks completely unfitting on that person and sometimes I can't even pinpoint why. It just is.
Recently, God has also been showing me that my life is not my career. I inherently know that, but I don't think I embody what I believe. I also feel as if God is telling me to switch careers because I can better glorify Him that way. We'll see. I'm still on a little struggle bus, but what can I do? Only obedience to God leads to happiness :)
Boxing
The words "Michelle" and "boxing" (actually kickboxing) just don't go with each other. But ever since I've came to Vanderbilt, God has been showing me through others just how important health and taking care of the body is to Him. I'm really thankful for those people, but without them, I would never have stepped inside a gym or athletic facility. Recently, I started kickboxing. For the first time in my life, I had sweat dripping from my hair and my hands felt like Jello. I had to keep myself from laughing at jokes or smiling because my stomach area hurt too much. But I love the people who have encouraged me to do this, because I have finally found something where I can get an effective, full body workout. It has also shown me that people who scream at the top of their lungs and have tattoos down their entire arm and back also have a more gentle side to them. Appearances are always deceiving :) But my main point is that I am so glad God has allowed me to participate in this activity.
Here's That Bible
A month or two ago, I realized that technology was getting the best of me and I didn't even have a print Bible with me. With my poor eyesight, distaste for carrying things around (I dislike bags as well), and need to write/take notes during sermons, my electronic Bible was just not up for the challenge. So I told God that I really wanted an imitation leather journal Bible in the NLT version, because it helps me best understand His Word and can be durable. Well, that Bible didn't exist. But today, as I log back on to Amazon, guess what? Tyndale Publishers is releasing the Inspire Bible with those EXACT SPECS. God clearly heard my prayer. I can't even believe that the bible is titled "Inspire," which is one of my favorite words--hence the title of this blog, Encountered Inspirations. The only downside is that I have to wait until February 1, 2016 to order it. But man. I am ready to get that beautiful Bible.
These days, I've been trying to stay more attuned with God's will for me, because it is really hard when what I want to do and what God tells me He wants me to do is different. The only thing I can ask for then is for him to make me want what He wants.
But there are currently three things that God has put into my life that I am thankful for. I'll try to keep things short and to the point.
Identity Revolution
God is on the move. I love identity revolutions not only because God gets glorified, but also because people need it so they can live their lives peacefully, happily, and purposefully. I have been praying for this for quite some time, and I SEE IT happening, especially in Nashville. Bring it, God. We need it so much in this place...especially in VanderBubble.
This week, one of my favorite moments was when I told a girl that I liked her shirt. I almost never comment on people's clothing, because I usually don't find it that important. But something inside of me just really felt I needed to say something--it was just so unique to her. It was interesting too, since her shirt had flowers on them. I think flowers are fine, but after being in China and Hong Kong for a while, I got so tired of flowers. They were everywhere. It's like all the girls in the country had some part of their lives revolving around flowers. But for some reason, her flower shirt radiated her and radiated truths. So I said, "I like your shirt. It's really you." After I said it, I was like: "Wow, did I actually just comment on someone's shirt? How long has it been since I've done that?" Then she replied, "Thanks. It's actually my favorite shirt." She talked about how she usually didn't feel good about herself when she usually went shopping and how she finally found a few stores that made her feel good about herself. I really wanted to respond, but then class started. I always love it when people are true to themselves, because they completely embody truth in what they believe.
Recently, God has been showing me how even outer appearance (clothes, etc.) can glorify Him. Whenever I buy people something to wear (I love shopping for kids stuff) or even things that they can use, I make sure that the item will reflect something I like about them. If I've ever had a (what I call) "gift fail," it's usually because I was thinking about what I liked...aka something that would fit me, was my color, but not theirs. Whenever that happens, the thing I bought just looks completely unfitting on that person and sometimes I can't even pinpoint why. It just is.
Recently, God has also been showing me that my life is not my career. I inherently know that, but I don't think I embody what I believe. I also feel as if God is telling me to switch careers because I can better glorify Him that way. We'll see. I'm still on a little struggle bus, but what can I do? Only obedience to God leads to happiness :)
Boxing
The words "Michelle" and "boxing" (actually kickboxing) just don't go with each other. But ever since I've came to Vanderbilt, God has been showing me through others just how important health and taking care of the body is to Him. I'm really thankful for those people, but without them, I would never have stepped inside a gym or athletic facility. Recently, I started kickboxing. For the first time in my life, I had sweat dripping from my hair and my hands felt like Jello. I had to keep myself from laughing at jokes or smiling because my stomach area hurt too much. But I love the people who have encouraged me to do this, because I have finally found something where I can get an effective, full body workout. It has also shown me that people who scream at the top of their lungs and have tattoos down their entire arm and back also have a more gentle side to them. Appearances are always deceiving :) But my main point is that I am so glad God has allowed me to participate in this activity.
Here's That Bible
A month or two ago, I realized that technology was getting the best of me and I didn't even have a print Bible with me. With my poor eyesight, distaste for carrying things around (I dislike bags as well), and need to write/take notes during sermons, my electronic Bible was just not up for the challenge. So I told God that I really wanted an imitation leather journal Bible in the NLT version, because it helps me best understand His Word and can be durable. Well, that Bible didn't exist. But today, as I log back on to Amazon, guess what? Tyndale Publishers is releasing the Inspire Bible with those EXACT SPECS. God clearly heard my prayer. I can't even believe that the bible is titled "Inspire," which is one of my favorite words--hence the title of this blog, Encountered Inspirations. The only downside is that I have to wait until February 1, 2016 to order it. But man. I am ready to get that beautiful Bible.
Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise. Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is theLord’s purpose that prevails.Proverbs 19:20-21
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