Well....I'm back. It's been a couple of months since my last post. While I've thought about writing again often, I've not had the time (or made the time) to sit down and do it. So, it's good to be back.
I've been overwhelmed for a while now by this: there's so much I'd like to do, but so little time to do it. Some things on my list are heavy, like finishing my masters degree. Some are almost as heavy, like doing more reading and study on being a better teacher. I've certainly got a good bit of info and material on that one, but it's just a matter of reading through it, thinking and praying over it, and deciding on a few things to try to do well. Then there's some lighter things, like just doing more reading in general across the board. Hey, I've even considered doing some more formal Christian writing...now that's really outside the box for me.
In trying to process all these "good" things, God has continued to remind me to focus on the "best" things. Those things that are consistent with His Word and His will for my life. He's reminded me that I will need to say "no" to some good things so I don't miss His best. This became especially true with two opportunities presented to me at school. These two things were something I have wanted to do for some time, but the opportunity had not presented itself. I desperately wanted to say "yes" to both of them. However, after much prayer and talking with Felicia, I declined the opportunities. As I considered them, God kept reminding me of other things that are more important in my life right now.
I was reminded of this again last Sunday, when our Pastor preached from Jonah. We as Christians get the idea that God will always open the door for what we should do and close the door for the rest. What we have to remember is that not every open door is God's will for us. That's why we pray and seek His face in all things. Then, when we have His leading and His peace, we proceed. I'm reminded of how even Paul in the New Testament knew he was in God's will even when there was tribulation and adversaries all around him.
So, I continue to seek the Lord in prayer and the reading of His Word. Trusting every decision, every choice to His good pleasure. Knowing that where He leads, there is peace and victory in all areas of life.
Pastor Randy
