Working In You That Which is Wellpleasing...

As of this coming Monday, I have only two months left in Germany! Its hard to believe that I've been here for eleven months! Its hard to believe that I'm leaving soon! As I look back on the time I have spent here I think of all the wonderful memories I've made from traveling, working, and meeting some wonderful people along the way.

But I also look back on the time I spent here with lots of regret for not using my free time better, to be honest, the computer is a major distraction and I have lots of regrets for spending *way* too much time on here. I know I would be much closer to the Lord if I had directed my time more wisely. So as I was thinking about lost time and how I felt like I would never be what God desires me to be since I'm so easily distracted, and so many sins sway me this way and that, I was reminded of Hebrews 13:20-21- "Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." and also Philippians 2:13- "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure." These verses are such a huge encouragement to me because when I feel that God isn't working in my life or get discouraged at the slow progress I seem to be making spiritually, I am reminded that God works in us in spite of our failings and He is all-powerful to mold us into what He would desires us to be. The main job on our part is continuing to run towards Him. Its very simple but I really needed this reminder from the Lord.

I have to leave for Rome in a few minutes so I don't have time to write more but I hope to update again next week when I return. I am sooo pathetic, I can't believe I've only updated my blog about four times! *cringes* I have quite a few more things I need to write about including: turning 25, discovering white hairs on my head, a book I'm currently reading called "The Shallows," my trip to Israel, my dreams for the future, jobs I am seeking or not seeking, my remaining trips, favorite memories from travels, things I have learned, how I have changed, the gospel, running, and plans for this summer. So I will save that for next time if God continues to keep me breathing. May God shine His face upon you all, thanks for reading my blog!

Thoughts On My Imminent Departure

I hate goodbyes.
I will miss my family and my friends, quite *dreadfully!*
I must be crazy to be leaving my sweet little nephews. Miss them *much.*
I dislike missing out on things, I had better get used to it.
I am a bit nervous, scared, frightened.
Thankful that God will never leave me.
I hope I make friends.
I kind of wish I didn't sign up, but I have to work!
This will look good on my resume (the bright side).
I've always wanted to work for the government!
I wonder what life will be like there.
What job will I be assigned?
I hope that I won't freeze to death. I hate being cold!!
Hoping I will return a gourmet chef after cooking for myself for 13 months.
Potatoes are inexpensive and there are multiple ways of preparation. I think I will be eating a good amount of potatoes.
I wonder what will happen between then and now. Will some of my friends get engaged? Anyone I know die?
I am excited to visit all the places I have always dreamed of traveling to.
My agenda: London, Paris, Geneva, Jerusalem, Ephesus, Rome, Normandy, Greece, Spain, St. Petersburg, Beethoven Festival, Berlin...
Looking forward to Daniel coming to visit me (during his spring break in March), Felicia (maybe?), Heather (hopefully), and Katie (idk?).
I am thankful there is a Bible-believing church in Garmish, it is good to be among the redeemed.
It is clear now that this was the Lord's good intention for my life.
This gives me peace.
I am so thankful that His purposes always come to fruition.
I am looking forward to what He will do in my life and how He will change me.

There are so many areas I need to be strengthend and sharpened in:
Confidence in the Lord
Maturity
Better disciplined
More trusting in the Lord
Prayer life
Have a gentler, kinder heart towards others
Peaceableness
Humility
Minister effectively with resources I have
Be a better blessing to other Christians
Reach out to non-Christians with patience and without intimidation
Write better
Learn more through books I am taking
Be a good witness for the Lord
Prioritize better
Use my money wisely
Invest in others more
Overcome the fear of man
Openness and vulnerability with others
Love Jesus more
Surrender and submission to the will of God

This is not an exhaustive list, and I realize that I will not come back perfect, or even close to it. But, I am hoping to stand more firmly and faithfully in Jesus Christ. So if you think of it, I'd so appreciate your prayers on my behalf!