Blessings

Blessings -- I can't stop thinking about them since yesterday. I had the privilege of hanging out with some of my favorite people last night. And all I could think was "what a blessing this time is." It is overwhelming to me how the Lord works in the lives of my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Each one of us has a story of how He brought us out of darkness and into His glorious presence.

The coolest family of all is moving soon and so last nights dinner/hang out time was a time that we got to know them more and be encouraged by them and vice versa. What a blessing. This morning our sermon was on 1 Peter 1:1-12 and it was a blessing (you need to listen to it @ www.capitolhillbaptist.org). What a reality check it was for me. Kurt posed the question - "In what ways am I living for this world and not focused on the next?" BAM! That put my fears of the next job, who I'll marry, will I ever lose the 45 lbs., and many others that I think about daily in such a different perspective.

Suffering than glory
Suffering for His glory

May the words of Peter encourage you to stop trying to "fit in" to this world and prepare yourself for the life to come! No matter what trials you may encounter - look through the perspective of eternity.

The weather :)

This morning it sure looks like it's going to rain. I love thunder storms! It's such a great observance of the control the Lord has over the earth. Today I am going to read over the following passage. As I have been stressed out from job searching - it's an encouragement to know that even though I focus on circumstances, they are all molding me in the image of Christ and sanctifying me. Take heart!
http://www.weather.com
Jesus Calms the Storm

Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!"
He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
The men were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!"

This seriously looks sooo fun! How I miss sailing - racing! That's about all that I miss about Ohio. Sailing on "Maverick" my sail boat and the Valley. So much has changed in the 6 years I've been out in DC. The Lord has been faithful and has stretched me beyond what I thought possible. Trials aren't really that fun, fun like flying on the side of a main sail in a regatta -- but, He is the One who rules the wind!
Mark 4:39 "He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm."

The past few weeks as I've been job searching day and night (literally - me and my Mac laptop have bonded :) I have forgotten who rules the wind. Even the wind obeys our Lord! The wind - ya know, the thing we can feel but we can't see. And yet, I keep finding myself acting as though the Lord has forgotten my circumstances... I'm broke, I need a job! Do you hear me???? What are You doing? That's been my thoughts.

I pray that whatever you are going through at this time in life, that the Lord will remind you that He controls all that happens this side of heaven too!

arifleischer

arifleischer
Originally uploaded by jenniferfedor.

So, last night was my first Nats game (thanks to my sweet new roommate Sarah -- she doesn't yet know her new nickname will be S-dub :) Anyway, we saw Ari getting a grilled hot dog while we were in line as well as Sheila Jackson Lee. Baseball, good times :)

starbuckscup

starbuckscup
Originally uploaded by jenniferfedor.

Wow! #92, what a good thing to read today. I was so blessed this weekend by a dear friend of mine who will get an extra jewel in her crown when she gets to heaven.

Look at all the blessings around you - sincerely look. There are so many things that on an everyday traffic packed, long work hours, and long commutes days.... we get distracted. Yet, God is in the midst of it, all that craziness and sress. I was reminded this past weekend as I actually took the time to slow down (and got a latte of course :) -- God is so gracious and He is so faithful and trust worthy. I need to trust Him more than I do today and yesterday -- I am being stretched and I'm loving it!

So, go get yourself a latte and think about what the Lord has blessed you with in your life, all of it!