Trust and Obey

There is something very unsettling about the end of a year, and the beginning of a brand new one. With the beginning of a new year, there are set before us a whole new set of unforeseeable circumstances, difficulties, problems, and frustrations. Of course, with that, there is also the joy in surprises, delightful events, and the suspense of the unknown. Whichever set of circumstances will ring in the new year, here is a wonderful thought on 'trust' by Sarah Young: 

"Trust ME with every fiber of your being! 

What I can accomplish in and through you is proportional to how much you depend on Me. 

One aspect of this is the degree to which you trust Me in a crisis or a major decision. Some people fail miserably here, while others are at their best in tough times. Another aspect is even more telling: the constancy of your trust in Me. People who rely on Me in the midst of adversity may forget about Me when life is flowing smoothly. Difficult times can jolt you into awareness of your need for Me, whereas smooth sailing can lull you into a stupor of self-sufficiency. I care as much about your tiny trust-steps through daily life as about your dramatic leaps of faith. You may think that no one notices, but the One who is always beside you sees everything- and rejoices. Consistently trusting in Me is vital to flourishing in My Presence."

-God-

As I approach the coming year, there are many things I will strive to accomplish, flaws I will endeavor to change, and things I would like to occur in my life. It's a rather powerless and humbling realization that I have absolutely no idea what will happen in the coming year. Yes, I have a vague calendar of academic events, but as for day-to-day happenings? I have no idea. I may not be able to control the circumstances and happenings in 2013, but I can control my response to them, and maintain my connection and trust in the One who approves the coming events. 

"Trust and obey, for there's no better way to be happy in Jesus, than to trust and obey." 

Happy 2013! 

Going Amish

Well, it's FINALLY the end of July- an exceptionally busy month. Hooray! My absence from the world of Blogspot.com is truly founded...and have yet another resolution to do it more often. Not just for readers, but for my own enjoyment. (not as selfish as it sounds.)


SO, I am thus blogging on vacation. Somewhere in Virginia. Near Staunton, I think.


Now, I know why you clicked on this link..."Going Amish:" it's kind of a strange, strong title, no? During our vacation these last seven days, we have visited beautiful and incredible places. Philadelphia, PA: first US capitol, signing of the Declaration of Independence/Constitution, home of many founding fathers, Liberty Bell, Chinese food, Philly Steak 'n' Cheese(s) a plenty, etc.

Independence Hall, Philadelphia

China Town, Philadelphia. Home to David's Mai Lai Wah. 

Next stop: Lancaster, PA: home to enumerable Amish families, delicious Dutch food, Sight and Sound Theatre (went to see 'Jonah'), relaxing drives through the country, and more Dutch food. (You get the idea.) Here are a couple of photos from Lancaster to give you an idea...

Amish family working in the fields near their farm. Isn't it lovely?

Through the corn...

It's just so captivating and enchanting...

Amish workers finishing in the fields at sunset.

Now, do you see why it's so lovely? Thought you would. Anyways, 'Going Amish:' here's how it fits in. Nope, I'm not going to start wearing a long, dark colored dresses, aprons, black stockings in summer, and large mesh bonnets. And no, I'm not going to move into a house without electricity, running water, or car. And I'm certainly not going to trade my car for a horse and buggy. But honestly- I'm tired of life (in general) being so complicated, cluttered, and well, complicated! We Americans have so much material 'stuff' that sometimes it's easy to become centered on 'stuff' instead of the important things. That being said, I'm not going Amish. It was just a catchy title. :) But I am planning on stepping back and de-cluttering life when I return home from this vacation. Life is too short to be spending time, energy, and emotion on things that are unimportant or lacking in eternal value. May God help me. 

Ah well, soap-box #1 for today- check. :) 

One last thought from C.S. Lewis: "It remains true that all things are possible with God...but nonsense remains nonsense even when we talk it over with God." Perplexing, no?