Have I Learned my Lesson Yet?

Yesterday was just one of those days. It started out with a young lab technician who couldn't find a vein in my arm deciding to take eight vials of blood out of my hand. It started out ok, but after throwing up and being close to passing out, she decided she could make the five vials she had pulled work just fine. Thus began a day of mishaps...internet issues, ridiculously slow traffic while trying to get to a meeting on time, people not showing up for said meeting, misunderstandings, and car issues. Oh what a day! I think the only thing that made it better was connecting with my husband after work and finding out his day was just as bad. So, Kyle and I hunkered down for the night and had breakfast for dinner...one of my favorites...and hoped nothing else could penetrate our safe bunker for the night.

A lot of my time lately has been focused on what God has been teaching me these past few months, which oddly enough has taken me to a review of my last seven years in Germany. During our Bible study in Jeremiah these last ten months, one of the things that appears over and over is  who Israel/Judah are trusting in. They trust in their land, the temple, their position as "God's chosen people", false gods, and even themselves. This led me to the obvious question, "What am I trusting in- instead of God?"

There are three things that always stress me out (now four, since coming to Germany): car, computer, finances and health. Those four things became quite clear to me as I began to see a pattern emerge during my time here in Germany. Again and again (another repeating theme in Jeremiah) issues with the car, computer, finances and health would pop up. I began to realize that these are four things that I trust in- instead of God. Granted there are always varying degrees of trust, and I have learned my lesson from time to time...but as you can see from my first paragraph about my bad day...those lessons still continue to resurface. Some days are just bad days...but others are a reminder that I am trusting in myself and not God.

So, as God and I grapple with my trust issues...let me pose the question to you, "What are you trusting in instead of God?" If you think about the last several years or months, do you see a pattern where you are grasping for control of your life instead of handing over the reigns to your Creator? The Bible talks about trust quite a bit, but my favorite verses to look at are the Psalms. Here are a few verses to whet your appetite:

Psa 9:10

And those who know Your name will put their trust in You, For You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You.

Psa 31:14

But as for me, I trust in You, O LORD, I say, "You are my God."

Psa 40:4

How blessed is the man who has made the LORD his trust, And has not turned to the proud, nor to those who lapse into falsehood.

Psa 62:8

Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah.

There are Oh so many more! I hope you will take the time to talk to the Lord about where you are placing your trust. <3 h2="">

He's Still Working On Me

We all have them. Those songs that pop into your head and stick with you all day-no matter how hard you try. Most of those songs are a curse, but today's song is a real gift from the Lord and a wonderful reminder of Philippians 1:6,

"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." ESV

I hope you'll read the words or listen to the link and be reminded to be patient with others, as God is SO patient with us!

You Tube Video of He's Still Working on Me

He's Still Working on Me 
Chorus:
He's still working on me
To make me what I need to be
It took him just a week to make the moon and stars
The sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars
How loving and patient He must be
'Cause He's still workin' on me

Repeat Chorus

There really ought to be a sign upon my heart
Don't judge him yet, there's an unfinished part
But I'll be better just according to His plan
Fashioned by the Master's loving hands

Repeat Chorus

In the mirror of His word
Reflections that I see
Makes me wonder why He never gave up on me
But He loves me as I am and helps me when I pray
Remember He's the potter; I'm the clay

Repeat Chorus (x2)

A Sunny Outlook

The sun has been out and shining for two days in a row here! It's amazing what the sunshine does for people's attitudes here in Germany. Recently some of my friends were talking about an article in the German newspaper that said this has been the gloomiest winter in Germany in over 30 years! How's that for uplifting news? On Saturday we pulled up the rolladens and basked in the warmth of the sun for several hours. I joked with Kyle that Germany is the only place I've known where sunbathing inside was such a treat! :)

The sun has been a motivator for a few other things too...spring cleaning is in full force! Yesterday, I rearranged our bedroom. I'm not sure of the last time I actually lived long enough in one location to rearrange furniture. Oh, such fun. Now what to do with the other rooms? I was also motivated to wear capris yesterday. I really wanted to wear flip-flops, but my feet are still cold from our tile floors inside...I don't think they're ready for the (still) winter chill!

Kyle and I are talking about planting a garden this year. Neither one of us really know what we're doing, but the sunshine inspires hope for the possibility of fresh yumminess in our own yard!

Here are a few Scriptures about the sun:
Psa 50:1 A psalm of Asaph. The Mighty One, God, the LORD, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to where it sets.

Psa 113:3 From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised.

Isa 45:6 so that from the rising of the sun to the place of its setting people may know there is none besides me. I am the LORD, and there is no other.

Whether the sun is out where you live or not, may your day be filled with a sunny outlook!