Thursday, December 30, 2010

2010 was a God-given adventure

2010 was certainly an adventure in following God. I compiled a list like this last year, and I wanted to do one again to track the rollercoaster God brought Brad and I through this year.

January--rung in the new year with friends from First Baptist of Lake Orion.

February--unexpectedly contacted Dr. Hubbard, administrator at Inter-City Baptist, about teaching at IC in the fall

March--was offered the job at IC, took more time to pray about the decision, and accepted the position, completely stepping out on faith that God would provide for the details

April--traveled to Florida for spring break with my family. Sunshine and vacation are always blessings. :-) Had to inform administration/teachers/students about our decision to leave Genesee. Saying goodbye was extremely difficult.

May--continued teaching at Genesee Christian and enjoying the last weeks I had with my kiddos and fellow teachers.

June--officially left Genesee Christian as a teacher. Brad was offered a job at Mercedes-Benz Bloomfield (not in music, but it paid the bills). We also adopted our cute little 7-week-old blue pit bull, Padawan. (She's now 71 pounds, but who's keeping track?)

July--house offers fell through left and right in Lincoln Park, but God provided a bungalow in Southgate for us to rent. He also brought a local pastor and his family to rent our Ortonville house. Huge double blessings. I began packing--again.

August--we moved from Ortonville to Southgate (fourth move in two years), and I began working at Inter-City Baptist School, my alma mater. The blessing of this month is that God brought us smoothly into the house and that the school year began well.

September--traveled to Oxford for school camp with the Sr. Highers. Getting to know them was so much fun. Our school finally got into full swing once we got back. God has really opened some of these kids' hearts to Him, and these students are huge encouragements to me every day.

October--This was a rough month financially, with some unexpected expenses. But God provided for us every step of the way.

November--Brad was offered a position with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in corporate fundraising. He accepted and moved back into a "musical" field. Having a husband who loves his job makes our home so much happier.

December--We celebrated our first Christmas in the new house. Being closer to my family was a blessing this year so that I could spend more time with my out-of-town family. I love them.

Like 2009, 2010 brought us closer to God in realizing He provides for us if we follow Him in faith. I've had the opportunity to step out in faith and point many of my family members to God's provision when plans fall into place. Both Brad and I love where we are, and I'm thankful for the God who has good plans for us.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Happiness is...

There's a song I learned long, long ago that goes something like this: "Happiness is to know the Savior, living a life that's in His favor, showing His love with my behavior, Happiness is the Lord."

I thought of that tonight while I was reading the January issue of Real Simple magazine. These authors were waxing eloquent about feeling happiness, the science behind happiness, and the psychology of happiness. Their definitions of happiness were about feelings and fun and "being all you can be." All were vain, empty definitions and methods of finding happiness.

Then I was reminded of Solomon. That man looked at everything for happiness--women, riches, kingdoms, etc. And how does he sum up everything? "The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: Fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person." Solomon tried it all--he could truly say, "Been there; done that."-- and he came back to God every time.

This has been a rough week, so I'm glad God brought this article across my path. He reminded me that circumstances will not determine my happiness. I can only truly be happy when I am living the life He wants me to live. Only God can grant true happiness. As I go into Christmas break, I'm praying I don't get caught up in the commercialism of Christmas (though I do love it) but rather focus on the true happiness He has for me--the message that Jesus traded the glories of heaven for a humble life on earth just so He could die for sinners. But He didn't stay dead. He rose and intercedes for me in heaven.

A living God who beat death and hell and has good things planned for me if I follow Him--now that's happiness.