Jesus Journal

Today I'm kicking off a new little mini-series on the Hill for Girls.  I think I tried this once before, but it didn't end up working out because I only did it once.  Can you have a one episode mini-series?  I think not. . .

Anyway, I've been journaling about my walk with Jesus for about 13 years now.  I have compiled a pretty huge collections of prayers, devotions, struggles, and diary-like entries that could provide hours upon hours of entertainment.  Well, entertainment might not be the right word - depends on your persective I suppose. . .

All that said, once a week I'm going to open the door for you to catch a glimpse into some of my thoughts and prayers along the way.  Why?  Well, I'm hoping that you'll see things that offer hope or encouragement to your current circumstance.  I'm praying that some of the difficulties I have faced will speak into your situation and draw you closer to Jesus.  I believe that my own transparency might just give you the courage to be transparent with someone about your own hurts, failures, joys and longings!

I think its going to be great fun.  Maybe a little embarrassing at points, and definitely a lot humbling. . .  But you know what?  If it will serve to draw you closer to Jesus - even if just a little - then it is worth it.  I would seriously do anything to see you growing in your knowledge and love of God. . .

Anything.

So, without further ado: 

January 27th, 2000

Well, I need to pray about time management.  Today has been a bust.  Its when I actually have a free afternoon that I get nothing done. . . man.  Discipleship with Cathy was good.  Good just to catch up.

Praying about Rome - I have such a "its not gonna happen" attitude - but I know that God can do amazing things in order to bring about His perfect will!  I just need to TRUST!!

This entry makes me smile.  First of all, I STILL suffer from total laziness on days when I have nothing going on. . .  11 years later and God's still got work to do there! =) 

Second of all, Cathy was my mentor through out much of my college experience.  She is an amazing woman who inspired me and encouraged me in ways I cannot begin to express.  I am so grateful for the role she played in my life! 

Lastly, the reference to Rome was regarding a missions trip I wanted to go on.   I was at a point where I thought maybe God didn't want me to go.  I didn't know how I was going to raise the money.  Its so fun to share with you that God DID do some pretty amazing things to make that trip possible!!  I had a smack-you-in-the-face experience where God made it clear that He wanted me to go and that He would provide the means. . .  (I learned a lot that summer about what it means to trust in God. . .  funny how He answers our prayers sometimes. . . but more on that topic another day).

I love being able to look back and see God's faithfulness at different points in my life.  Its so good to remember those moments when the temptation to sink into unbelief presses in on all sides. 

We all face difficulties and discouragements.  In remembering God's past faithfulness we find the hope to continue to trust in Him to work all things out for our good!