God Gives Us Exactly What We Need

Trying to start blogging again. I

I have had a very different year. God has prepared me for this and I not sure if I did well. I sit here just before 9 a.m. at work after a rough weekend. My dad has been in and out of the hospital for the past 3 weeks. My biggest fear since I was three. I didn't want my parents to die and even at that age I knew they were older. AS I got older I realized the ramifications of being a only child to older parents. They aren't considered so taboo, but back in the 80's they were.

My emotions are on another level. But I am grateful to see God mercy and grace present in every moment. He's doing a lot better. But he's still in the hospital. I am very grateful to my church family. They have been such grate support to me over these past few weeks. Again, that is just the hand of God helping me through this rough time.

And yet at the same time, a former "friend" (if were actually ever friends) is in my mind and I am plagued by the awkwardness of being around him. I just really don't understand  why dislikes me so. I have apologized on several occasions to no avail. But, despite his ill treatment  my heart still goes out for his own personal pain in his life.  I unfriended him on FB yesterday, I have been wanting to do it for so ling. But I knew that I was allowing this hurt to consume me and at times I felt angry. So I let go. This probably doesn't phase him or anyone else, but I was frustrated and just did it. Several hours later sitting at my dad's bedside, I realize I was dead wrong.  I had to close my FB account because of my waywardness. I was dead wrong. Then the I recalled a scripture I came across on IG on Jessa Seewald's account that I knew even then that that was God talking to me. (She got married last weekend, probably the most happiest time in her life.) Why would she post this scripture. God sent this message to me. Here it is:

Same 'Ole, Same 'Ole

My Alpha group is surviving. There is a couple Tim and Sara, that always are able to spark lively conversation. I was able to share my transition from NY to NJ, just relying on the Lord.

The song that I have sang all day is Your Great Name by Natalie Grant.

I am working on the last wedding that I am involved with, Praise God. I don't think I can take any more.

I have the photo station and seating chart. My creative juices aren't flowing like they use to. I am now going to try and the bride says I am using her wedding as a test run. Yeah, that would be true if I was with someone.

I was suppose to do the 31 days of singleness. I didn't do more than one day, PITIFUL!



I can't wait til Saturday, Alpha Day Away at some retreat. Then I am going to a festival on Sunday. Can't wait. I love my friends.

I will try and post some pic soon,

Shakira

A Wedding in D.C.

I attend another wedding this weekend. It was one of the best this year!

I had a blast. I spent time with family.



Wedding Signage









He places the ring on her finger.....

Mor pics to come.



Christian Singles' Groups



I am part of a singles group and were are currently going through some issues. It's a co-ed group of singles, unmarried or single again. And of course, some people are interested in each other, and at times the feeling isn't mutual. So we try to mitigate the circumstances so either party isn't hurt. But sometimes it is not possible, but then there are times they are. But women can get catty and publicize the situation to the entire group. I detest that! I hate when people aren't discreet, or not considerate of other peoples feelings.

This happened to a dear friend of mine. I feel badly for him. I have even cried, IN PUBLIC, for him because of his situation. But I feel some of the ladies are a little to harsh. One woman was going to tell him to his face that he was socially awkward and use examples of an incident that didn't occur to her, to let him understand how he feels. I was apalled.

I know I have to speak up and put an end to this, somebody has to.

31 Days of Blogging Series

I have decided to do the 31 days blogging series. It didn't take long to choose the topic I would be blogging about for 31 days. This has been something I have been struggling with for some time. It has changed as I have matured and changed. My topic is Being Single and Loving Jesus.

I have struggled for sometime about being single. I prayed that God would protect me from men until the right one came along. But I have always loved my "husband" and "children" even though I don't have either. I been convicted of loving "them" and not loving my Savior enough. My recent prayers have been to feel the love that I have for the Lord. I actually felt it a couple of days ago. I woke up and felt immersed in the love. But I want to be in love with Him. At the same time, I for one time in my life I want to be content in being single. It doesn't have to be a long time. But I just want to be content in Jesus alone, because He is the only one who can truly satisfy my want and desires, that no husband or child can begin to quench.

So today is the beginning of a brand new me. I know I can't do it alone. But through Him, I know it is possible. The other thing I am working on is properly tithing  and tithing on time on time. I know so much can happen through tithing. But most importantly I want to be obedient to God. I can't wait to see what happens in the next 31 days. Please pray for me as I embark on this journey to walk closer with the Lord.

This morning, I read this Focus on the Family article about dating a divorced person. It is something that I have had many questions about. But I just want wisdom on. At the end of the article they have three circumstances, with scripture referenced, that they back are acceptable to divorce and remarry. That is something that I will have to work the courage to ask my pastor. This is a concern because, I am part of a group of men and women, and the majority of them are divorced. They are a great bunch of people to hang out with, but am I going to get married hanging out with them? I don't know. Only God has the answer. Only time will tell.
The article I was reading:
http://www.focusonthefamily.com/faith/christian_singles/being_single_and_faithful/reentering_the_dating_scene_after_divorce.aspx

But alas, my concern is me at my current status not what could be or should be.

I bid you farewell until tomorrow.

S

Singles Retreat & A Wedding

Oh, the retreat was great. I got to bond with Beth, Lizette, Corrie. We had a great girls weekend.

But to cap the weekend. I got an email on the way home, that Nic and Rachelle are getting married. I can't believe it! I am so excited for them. God has been talking to me about marriage, just getting a better understanding what a huge change it brings to your life, But it was phenominal to get this great news. I guess 2012 was the year to get married. I have been invited to at least 9 weddings this year (and attending 6). The best will be Rachelle's. They have been good friends for so long.

I can't wait until November 24, 2012!

Renewed

                                                                                  ** Originally composed 3/16/2012

I feel renewed today. Yesterday at church, I witnessed 7 baptisms and testimonies. It was awesome, truly a blessing. I laughed and I cried with the work God has done in these individual lives. I went shopping with my mom. WHich I love to spend time with her, she contiues to be a blessing even if her daughter is old. After I went to my small group at Pastor Andy's house. We started a 10 session video series taught by Paul Tripp. IT was very moving for a 30 minute session. It forces you to analyze yourself and