Have you ever wished you had a chance to do something over? That you could go back into a moment or season and change a decision or words spoken? Maybe that you had a blank page to re-write a chapter or a page in your life?
These things questions were on my mind this morning.
Today begins a new teaching school year for me. My seminary classes kick off this evening. And for me- it feels like I'm staring at a big white wonderful blank page. A new semester of stories will be written in the months ahead. I'm excited. What a privilege it is to continue teaching here in Ethiopia!
The past few days, I've enjoyed seeing teachers posting pictures of their classrooms being decorated. And of parents posting pictures of their kids heading off to their first day of school. Lots of blank pages and stories to be written. I've smiled so much.
Many times in life though, it seems we often look back instead of forward. We're reminded of the pages already written in our lives. We all have history, both good and bad. Mistakes are there. Maybe regret. But- it doesn't have to define our now or discourage us from moving into a new season and chapter, beginning on a new blank page.
Every day is a blessing. A blank page. A new chance to live well and better in honor of God.
He is with us and can help us to experience amazing new places, new beginnings, and new depths in our relationship with Him!
One of the greatest pastors I know, Mike Bowie, used to say all the time: "life's setbacks can become God's set-ups for incredible comebacks." And I agree. Old chapters or pages of our life can't be erased or forgotten. But those times can be viewed as part of our redeemed storyline and our testimony. When our minds drift there- we can feel gratitude and humility instead of guilt.
God is the author and the finisher of our life story, what a great God we have! He is about redeeming us and carrying us through every season. The storms and trials we face can actually sharpen and strengthen us and our dependency on Him.
May this new school year, each day, each blank page I'm given- be lived better than the day before, in honor of God. This is my new school year prayer.
As it begins, I'm keeping these verses in mind...
Lamentations 3:23
Because of His great love for us we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning...
Isaiah 43:18-19
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.
Isaiah 54
Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back...do not be afraid, you will not suffer shame... For your Maker is your husband- the Lord Almighty is His Name...In righteousness you will be established....No weapon formed against you will prevail. ...This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord...
So grateful to be on the journey with God. And with so many of you!
Onward!
Praises/Prayer Requests
-I had a wonderful short few weeks home with my family and returned safely back to Ethiopia over this past weekend. Thanks to everyone who prayed for that and supported my trip.
-Please keep my seminary classes in prayer as I teach two courses this semester, beginning tonight- a Communication course and an Intro to Youth Ministry course.
-As Hope College is now on break time, please pray for our staff as we get organized for a new semester starting in late September and that I can use the break time to connect on a deeper level with students.
-Please keep my family in prayer- I love my tribe.
-Please keep praying for the global church- and for this deep call to prayer that many are feeling led to take. That a revival will happen in churches, families and in individual lives!
These things questions were on my mind this morning.
Today begins a new teaching school year for me. My seminary classes kick off this evening. And for me- it feels like I'm staring at a big white wonderful blank page. A new semester of stories will be written in the months ahead. I'm excited. What a privilege it is to continue teaching here in Ethiopia!
The past few days, I've enjoyed seeing teachers posting pictures of their classrooms being decorated. And of parents posting pictures of their kids heading off to their first day of school. Lots of blank pages and stories to be written. I've smiled so much.
Many times in life though, it seems we often look back instead of forward. We're reminded of the pages already written in our lives. We all have history, both good and bad. Mistakes are there. Maybe regret. But- it doesn't have to define our now or discourage us from moving into a new season and chapter, beginning on a new blank page.
Every day is a blessing. A blank page. A new chance to live well and better in honor of God.
He is with us and can help us to experience amazing new places, new beginnings, and new depths in our relationship with Him!
One of the greatest pastors I know, Mike Bowie, used to say all the time: "life's setbacks can become God's set-ups for incredible comebacks." And I agree. Old chapters or pages of our life can't be erased or forgotten. But those times can be viewed as part of our redeemed storyline and our testimony. When our minds drift there- we can feel gratitude and humility instead of guilt.
God is the author and the finisher of our life story, what a great God we have! He is about redeeming us and carrying us through every season. The storms and trials we face can actually sharpen and strengthen us and our dependency on Him.
May this new school year, each day, each blank page I'm given- be lived better than the day before, in honor of God. This is my new school year prayer.
As it begins, I'm keeping these verses in mind...
Lamentations 3:23
Because of His great love for us we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning...
Isaiah 43:18-19
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.
Isaiah 54
Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back...do not be afraid, you will not suffer shame... For your Maker is your husband- the Lord Almighty is His Name...In righteousness you will be established....No weapon formed against you will prevail. ...This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord...
So grateful to be on the journey with God. And with so many of you!
Onward!
Praises/Prayer Requests
-I had a wonderful short few weeks home with my family and returned safely back to Ethiopia over this past weekend. Thanks to everyone who prayed for that and supported my trip.
-Please keep my seminary classes in prayer as I teach two courses this semester, beginning tonight- a Communication course and an Intro to Youth Ministry course.
-As Hope College is now on break time, please pray for our staff as we get organized for a new semester starting in late September and that I can use the break time to connect on a deeper level with students.
-Please keep my family in prayer- I love my tribe.
-Please keep praying for the global church- and for this deep call to prayer that many are feeling led to take. That a revival will happen in churches, families and in individual lives!
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