In Every Season

Can I just begin by saying that I absolutely love worshipping Jesus! I grew up in a Methodist church singing hymns and can sum up my thoughts about church in one word - BORING :) It wasn't until I truly committed my life to Christ at 22 and began attending a spirit filled church, that I realized what true worship could be like!

Don't get me wrong I love hearing the message (Pastor Mike is awesome), but something about worship just stirs my soul! And, it doesn't hurt that we have a truly amazing worship team! And today they sang one of my favorite songs that goes something like this:

"All of my life, in every season, you are still God, I have a reason to sing, I have a reason to worship."

We have sang this song numerous times, but today it really resonated. For the past few months, Corey has been in a state of uncertainty with regard to his job. He has been working for Pre-paid Legal Services for almost two years now, and has been very successful, but is really unhappy. So, he has been seeking the Lord for the past few months about what to do next. Having not really gotten any direction, he decided to begin a 7 day water fast last Monday, hoping to really press in and hear from the Lord about where to go from here. I joined him by fasting television (a water fast doesn't work too well for a pregnant woman:) Unfortunately, as of this morning, we didn't have any more clarity than we did a week ago, and Corey was feeling a little frustrated when we arrived at church this morning. But, when this worship song began, you could see the weight of his decision lifted off of his shoulders, and it was quite emotional for me. It was so clear to us both that no matter what season we are in our life, that our God is still God, and we should worship him and praise him, regardless. Our Lord is limited by nothing, certainly not time. So, we left church rejuvinated to continue in our prayer for direction and trust that God is God, even in this season of uncertainty, and that he will provide an answer in his timing, not ours.

Taking Inventory

So, this past Thursday was Corey and I's four year anniversary! We started a tradition on our first anniversary of going away for a night or two and staying at a Bed & Breakfast, and we have really enjoyed this! B&B's are so quaint and really have such a different feel than a hotel. This year we stayed at the Fearrington House in Pittsboro! It was spectacular and is so far the best yet! The Fearrington House is a five-star Inn and Restaurant located on 1400 acres of privately owned farm land. They have Belted Galloway Cows and Goats, a handful of specialty shops, which includes a privately owned bookstore with fireplaces! We spent two hours just sitting by the fire with our feet propped up reading books we picked up off of the shelves! It was great!

In addition to visiting B&B's for our anniversary, we also have a tradition of taking an inventory of our marriage. On our drive to wherever we are going, we always share what we think we did well or didn't do well over the last year(s). Now this sounds like the perfect way to begin an argument, but our comments are limited to what we, as a couple, need to work on, not as individuals :) For example, we both agreed that we need to do a better job of praying together. We both make time for individual prayer time, but making time to do it together is something we constantly struggle with. So, this will be at the top of our list of things to work on as we begin another year of marriage. It has really helped us not become complacent and both stay focused on constantly improving our marriage!

New Beginnings

As we embarq on another new year (hard to believe) it has really gotten me thinking about new beginnings. I always love ringing in the new year because it always feels like a time of putting the past behind and starting fresh. And, I can't help but be reminded of when I first came to know Christ! It feels like it was yesterday, when in reality it has been nearly 6 years! Being born again is the ultimate feeling of washing away the old and starting anew. It is such an exciting time - I often compare it to the beginning of a dating relationship! Everything is new, you can't wait until you can spend time together again, you want everything you do to please him, etc. But, just as in a dating relationship or marriage, that newness will eventually wear off and you actually have to begin working at it. I have found the same to be true in my relationship with Christ. It is so easy to become complacent and take my relationship with Christ for granted, and think, "Well, if I miss my quiet time today, it will be okay" or "I'll pray later, when I have more time" - sound familiar? And then, I wonder why I don't feel as close to him. If only I were playing my part!!

So, this week as the new year kicks off, I have a renewed desire to retun to my first love. To return to that same passion and excitement that I had when I first came to know him and to "earnestly seek him" with all of my heart!