I'm Stationed not Stuck

Do you ever feel like you're stuck in a season of life? Do you ever feel like you've prayed to God to remove you from this particular season yet you find yourself still stuck in the middle? I know I have. I've watched countless friends enter into relationships, become engaged, get married and now start families and yet I'm still 'stuck' here. I've prayed that God bring me out of this season for many years but He has chosen to keep me here. It really made me start to wonder if this was just supposed to be my lot in life. 

Now my life is completely fulfilled as it is, just because I am not married does not mean my life is any less of value. I have been incredibly blessed to have a life that has been full of wonderful experiences! Due to the fact that I am single I have had the freedom to travel extensively, take up new hobbies, and even gain another degree...opportunities that would be more difficult if I was committed to a relationship. That being said, there was (and still is) a desire on my heart to have more. As a young girl I always dreamed of the day where I would be married and have my own home and family. I've waited for the Lord to bring the right one into my life, but it just hasn't happened. I've always looked at this situation as being "stuck" but a recent message by Pastor Steven Furtick has changed my view of this season. I'm not "stuck" here, I'm "stationed" here.

This totally changed my perspective. It may not be Christianly to admit but often I felt abandoned by God in my singledom; I felt like I did something wrong to be 'punished' and left in this season alone. Is that wrong to admit? Maybe so. Nevertheless, I felt like I was stuck in this season of abandonment from God. Yet Pastor Steven's message completely changed my perspective on this season. What if instead of being 'stuck' in this place of singledom, God has stationed me here for a greater purpose? What if God has placed me here to be a warrior in His kingdom?

This perspective and these questions have changed the way I look at where God has called me. What does He want me to do in this station? What is my purpose? What do I need to accomplish? The military are stationed in one place until they have finished their mission, and now I believe that is exactly what God has placed me in this season of singleness! During my quiet time this past week I've implored God to show me the purpose of this station. 

If you feel like God has stationed you in a season, I encourage you to pray to Him to reveal to you His calling for you. Lord, I ask that you show me your purpose for this season in my life. What do you want me to accomplish? Who do you want me to reach? What do you want me to cultivate? How can I better serve the Kingdom in this station of life? Use me for your will, show me the plans and purpose you have for my life. The Lord has shown me a few things He'd like me to accomplish this season and it has given me a new outlook on the time I've been gifted by God. 

If you've been stationed in a season and just don't understand why, I hope this helps you. I hope that you find a new vigor and expectation for this station. Let us be warriors of God and expectant of the lessons, blessings and purpose in your season. 

The Thankful Project: November 30th

The Thankful Project: November 30th: The Birth of Christ

As November draws to an end and we look towards tomorrow, a new month dawns. This coming month will hopefully be a month filled with joy and love for you and your loved ones. One of the things I'm looking forward to is celebrating the Advent. The advent is a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of Christ. Maybe you're more familiar with the modern (non-Christian) interpretation of the 25-day chocolate calendar that leads up to Santa Claus coming to town. It's the same thought: you're waiting anxiously for a special day, preparing your heart and home for the day. 

I really like how The Voice put it Advent is marked by a spirit of expectation, of anticipation, of preparation, of longing. There is a yearning for deliverance from the evils of the world, first expressed by Israelite slaves in Egypt as they cried out from their bitter oppression. It is the cry of those who have experienced the tyranny of injustice in a world under the curse of sin, and yet who have hope of deliverance by a God who has heard the cries of oppressed slaves and brought deliverance!

It is that hope, however faint at times, and that God, however distant He sometimes seems, which brings to the world the anticipation of a King who will rule with truth and justice and righteousness over His people and in His creation. It is that hope that once anticipated, and now anticipates anew, the reign of an Anointed One, a Messiah, who will bring peace and justice and righteousness to the world.

Coming off a month of thankfulness, I'm looking forward to a month of preparation. Preparing my heart for a month to specifically focus on the special meaning of this season: Christ. The love of Christ, the story of Christ, the continued miracles Christ performs in my life, and ultimately the second coming of Christ. If you're looking for a good devotional and book to get you into the Advent season, I suggest checking out She Reads Truth. 

Take this moment to be thankful for the blessed and most wonderful gift anyone could ever give you: a way to have a relationship with God. God bless everyone & thanks for coming on this thankful journey with me!

Baking Adventures: Strawberry Season

May is my favorite month, and not just because it's my birthday month (although that is always fun), but for many reasons: first real month of warmth, fresh scents of peonies and hydrangea in the garden, crisp morning runs...and strawberries! Yes folks, it's strawberry season here and that means it's time to hit my favorite local farm Bernie's Berries and pick some fresh, ripe, juicy strawberries!

After an early morning visit to the farm, I have begun to start a baking adventure for the weekend. On the agenda: homemade strawberry rhubarb pie, homemade strawberry almond scones and maybe strawberry shortcakes!