Success?

So I am still studying Genesis and this morning came across the verse Genesis 39:23 which states, "The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph's care, because the LORD was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did."

I am sorry, but I couldn't help but laugh. Yes, I actually laughed at the Bible. But here we have Joseph who was sold into slavery by his own brothers out of jealousy, thrown into prison by his master based on a rumor that was not true. And yet, the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success? Yes, that is exactly what I was thinking as I read Joseph's story...what a success story...to be sold into slavery and put in prison. I can definitely see how the Lord was with him. If only I could be that successful. Yes, if you haven't caught on, all that was said with a sarcastic tone. But really, as I thought about it, what do I consider success? And what does it mean to have the Lord with you? Does it mean everything goes right and your way? Does it mean you become rich and famous? No, of course not. So why would I think that this verse is odd? Because, honestly, there I times where I hope that having God in my life means a life with no problems...or atleast fewer problems. I know, that sounds terrible. But sometimes I feel that way. So I needed to really think about this.

By taking the time to think more about this verse, I can see that the Lord was with Joseph in that he was able to find favor in the eyes of his masters. They entrusted him with everything and treated him kindly. He was successful because he was cared for by the One who watches over us during all times, even those difficult times. No matter what I face, I can be successful putting my trust in the Lord, the One who cares for me and is walking with me every moment, and helping me make it through even the difficult times.

I Am One Of Those People...

Okay, my last post was about being honest...so let me be a little honest with you. This is who I am. I am one of those people... Let me explain. Most of my friends and family know how much I love thunderstorms. Well we had quite the clash of storms yesterday evening. I run home and change out of my "professional" work clothes into my sweats. I grab my camera and out the door I go. Of course by the time I actually got outside, the rain had died down and the storm was ending. Or so I thought. I took a few pictures here and there, listening to my neighbors talk about how hard it had just rained and of course asking each other if their power was out as well.


My roommate and I retreat inside as the mosquitos were out an about searching for their next meal. Apparently I was on the menu several times. A few minutes later, the thunder starts rumbling and the sky once again gets dark.

And then it comes. Sheets of rain hit the ground, the street, the roof, the cars, anything and everything in sight.

I quickly grab the camera and shove it under my sweatshirt, and then start walking to the pier. Yes, I am one of those people who doesn't listen to her parents warning of being safe and staying inside, away from windows, during a severe thunderstorm. But on a good note, I wasn't near any windows :). I run through the puddles forming quite rapidly and finally reach my pier. I pull out my camera, which probably shouldn't be in the rain to begin with, and just start taking pictures. What an amazing moment. There is just something beautiful about a storm passing over the lake.

I thought I was alone for a bit and could have stood their for hours as the rain fell on me, but soon realized that I was joined on the safety of the pier by a bird.

Okay, I will leave it up to my scientist, environmentalist friends to inform me of the specific species of bird, although it is probably a very common one that I should know. But I am one of those people who will give an animal a name based on its size...therefore, the species of this bird is the big bird with skinny legs :).

As I begin my walk home, the rain breaks just enough to allow me to look up, and I see a cop car. Inside the warm, dry car is a police officer who is watching me...probably wondering what insane person would be out during this storm. I start walking towards him, thinking to myself, how did my parents know that I was out here and worry so much as to call the police officer to come check on me. Okay, so that wasn't the case, but I was ready for a lecture. As I walked towards him, he informs me that there is a live wire hanging down and that it probably isn't safe to be walking in the wet grass. And what do I say? Where? Yes, I am one of those people who actually questions a police officer who is trying to save her life. I get home, and show my roommate how drowned I am and told her I figured out why our power was out. I then head upstairs to change into some dry clothes, only to try to turn on my lights not once, but twice within five minutes. Yes, I am one of those people who knows that the power is out, but continues to try to turn on the light. All in all, it was a fun night, besides the fact that the power was out for eight and a half hours. But hey, I got to light my favorite candle...warm apple pie.

Honesty!

Can I just say how much I enjoy Mondays. I know that sounds crazy. It is the beginning of the work week. How can anyone enjoy, let alone look forward to Mondays? That answer is easy. It is because of this safe place that I have. You see every other Monday evening I get to join some fabulous women for a few hours of Bible study. I want to say that this group started two years ago, and still we are meeting and inviting others to join. What we learn is amazing. What we talk about is encouraging. Each one of these ladies brings so much to the discussion as we all have different pasts and experiences, but yet are similar. We may face different struggles, but we struggle. We may celebrate different blessings, but we are blessed. And when I am in this group, when I am sharing with this group, I can be honest. Oh honesty. So many times we try to play roles in our lives. And to just have that security to be real, to be honest about what we do, what we face, what we feel...to just be ourselves knowing that we won't be judged, but loved....isn't that nice. That is what this group is...honest. Isn't it time we are real with others as well? Shouldn't we be able to be who we truly are in every relationship...shouldn't we be honest with ourselves? I don't know if this post makes any sense, but it is just something I wanted to share.

I hope you find that confidence and strength through Christ to be who you truly are at all times, to do what you are meant to do, knowing that God is working through your weaknesses, blessed each one of us with special gifts, and adores the uniqueness of you, the One He created.

Let's just be honest...

Music...Enough Said!

I absolutely love music! Sometimes I get caught up in the busyness of life or feel like I am in a rut every now and then, but as soon as I turn on some music, things seem to be better. I have decided to take this week to just spend any free time I have listening to those musicians I have forgotten about or those I just discovered. Talk about inspiring as it just puts me in a positive and creative mood. I have enjoyed a variety of music so far...a little Roy Hargrove, Simon and Garfunkel, Jars of Clay, Building 429, Tree63, Jonny Lang, Natasha bedingfield, Jason Mraz, Gavin Degraw, Rascal Flatts, Coldplay, U2, etc... So I thought for a little change, I would throw a question out to those who take the time to read this.

What music inspires you? Anyone you recommend to listen to?

Hope you find that inspiration!

Opportunities

Wow! What a whirlwind week! But it has been amazing every step of the way. I have been wanting to do more, more to help others, more to reach out, just more. Not sure what to do, I just waited. After getting in contact with a past professor of mine, an opportunity to partner with an international nonprofit came about. I am excited about this opportunity, but must admit a little nervous. I have enjoyed learning more about this organization and excited to where it might lead. I will be traveling soon and am open to all that I experience and just praying that I will be used to serve others. I thank God for such opportunities to serve and for friends and family like you who I can share things with!