So, I thought I'd share my thoughts on what puzzles and life can be like- which may be a stretch of an analogy...But remember, these are just my scatter-brained thoughts.
Kennedy and I bought a 2,000 piece puzzle the other day...I chose to buy the more intricate-colored, difficult puzzle to give me something to do in the coming weeks while Kennedy is working and I have yet to find a job.
This puzzle is one of those that all the colors look the same, any piece could practically fit anywhere, it is...hard.
Last night we were putting some of the last edge pieces together after going through the 2,000 pieces TWICE to actually find all of the edge pieces and I caught myself thinking about "the bigger picture". Our reference, of course, was the box top and the "bonus" poster that came in the box. I thought to myself that as a believer, my "reference" is Christ and His Word. Does my life align with His truths?
Another thought crossed my mind as I got really frustrated because either I couldn't find the right piece to complete my row of edge pieces or what I was trying to fit together wasn't fitting together...until I found the exact piece I needed and my frustrations settled. This is how life can be...We all have pieces that we have in life that seem like they fit and some we question how in the world could they possibly be a part of God's plan? But then it's like an "aha" moment when we have that one experience or reminder of God's faithful hand in a particular situation...and we remember to go back to our reference...that all of the pieces fit as a part of His plan. Instead of focusing on the bigger picture of God's glory revealed and His name being glorified and made known, I tend to focus on those puzzle pieces that don't seem to fit and I get really frustrated when the puzzle isn't going my way.
I also thought of one more thing...It would be even more challenging doing this puzzle alone. We need each other.
I've most likely botched this analogy and made no sense of how puzzles/putting them together are like life, but the Lord was working in my heart and thoughts last night putting the puzzle together, and I had to share them.
Monday, June 30, 2014
Monday, June 23, 2014
And three weeks later
Three weeks ago, Kennedy and I started our "vacation/block leave" of traveling and celebrating our marriage with family and friends. I have to say that three weeks goes by really fast. The first week, we were at the beach, the second week we were in Memphis doing last minute wedding errands and spending time with family and friends, and the last week we were in Cloudland, GA, close to Chattanooga. We SO enjoyed our break, but again, it has been a whirlwind of different events. Last night, we pulled into Manhattan and talked about the fact that we were glad we were home. Kennedy is getting back into work, I'll be studying for my dental hygiene KS laws exam, and working on my resume to start applying for jobs. I'm thankful to take a deep breath in our home and start getting back into the swing of what everyday life will look like.
Our wedding weekend was perfect and everything we hoped it was going to be! The families got to meet for the first time, extended families were in town that we don't get to see often, close friends from all walks of life were there...everything flowed smoothly. Two moments I will never forget: 1) Seeing Kennedy before the ceremony after I read his letter and 2) When the doors opened and I was about to walk down the aisle with my dad...I started tearing up seeing the sanctuary in its beauty, and it was beautiful with flowers, but it was beauty that came from the fact that God was there and our hope was for our ceremony and celebration to be worshipful and focused on Him. I said to my dad as the doors opened, trying not to cry, "It is beautiful and what I wanted---worshipful". I also started tearing up walking down the aisle, seeing so many family members and friends who have walked life with us and shaped us into who we are today. Each person who was a part of our day has encouraged me and sharpened me in growing closer to the Lord. I finally gathered my tears together as we sang "Great is Thy Faithfulness". I looked around at our bridesmaids and groomsmen and could only see how God has been faithful in individual stories and also our friendships.
Instead of a guest book to sign, we had a Bible at the reception for people to initial by or sign their names by a favorite verse. We have so enjoyed reading what some favorite verses are and will treasure this as a gift forever. Here are some that different people shared:
Numbers 6:24-26 The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be STRONG and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 24:15 But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
Job 38
Job 42:1 I know that you can do all things and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.
Ps 18:2 the Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Ps 20:7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
Ps 23
Ps 25:12-14 Who is the man who fears the Lord? Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose. His soul shall abide in well-being, and his offspring shall inherit the land. The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant.
Ps 27:4 and 13-14 Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear, though war rise against me, yet I will be confident. I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!
and 12- Give me not up to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, and they breathe out violence.
Ps 37:4 Delight yourself in the Lord. and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Ps 61:2-3 from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy.
Ps 71:1-6 in you O Lord do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame! In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; incline your ear to me and save me! Be to me a rock of refuge, to which I may continually come; you have given the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. Rescue me O my God from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of the unjust and cruel man. For you O Lord are my hope, my trust, O Lord, from my youth. Upon you I have leaned from before my birth; you are he who took me from my mother's womb. My praise is continually of you.
Ps 91:1-2 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, "my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust".
Ps 119
Ps 123 To you I lift up my eyes, O you who are enthroned in the heavens!
Ps 139:17-18 How precious to me are your thoughts O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make straight your paths.
Proverbs 7
Isaiah 26:3-4 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.
Isaiah 40:3-5 A voice cries "in the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.
Isaiah 43:1-3 But now thus says the Lord he who created you O Jacob, he who formed you O Israel: Fear not for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire, you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Lamentations 3:22-24 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, says my soul, therefore I will hope in him.
Micah 6:8 He has told you O man what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.
Zephaniah 3:17 the Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
Acts 20:24 But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
Romans 8:1-3 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do.
Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
1 Cor 13
Ephesians 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.
Ephesians 1:15-17 for this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him.
Ephesians 2:8 for by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.
Philippians 1:9-10 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Philippians 2:4-11
Philippians 4:6-7 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
v 8 Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Colossians 3:23 whatever you do, work heartily, as for the LORD and not for men.
2 Tim 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Hebrews 12 Therefore since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith...
James 1:2-4 Count it all joy my brothers when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
1 Peter 1:6 in this you rejoice, though now for a little while if necessary you have been grieved by various trials so that the tested genuineness of your faith- more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire- may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Jude 2 May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.
Our parents' favorites were especially special to us. His dad underlined:
Joshua 1:8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it.
My mom underlined:
2 Chronicles 7:14 if my people who are called by my name humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
My dad underlined:
Ps 115:2-3 why should the nations say, Where is their God? Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.
Our wedding weekend was perfect and everything we hoped it was going to be! The families got to meet for the first time, extended families were in town that we don't get to see often, close friends from all walks of life were there...everything flowed smoothly. Two moments I will never forget: 1) Seeing Kennedy before the ceremony after I read his letter and 2) When the doors opened and I was about to walk down the aisle with my dad...I started tearing up seeing the sanctuary in its beauty, and it was beautiful with flowers, but it was beauty that came from the fact that God was there and our hope was for our ceremony and celebration to be worshipful and focused on Him. I said to my dad as the doors opened, trying not to cry, "It is beautiful and what I wanted---worshipful". I also started tearing up walking down the aisle, seeing so many family members and friends who have walked life with us and shaped us into who we are today. Each person who was a part of our day has encouraged me and sharpened me in growing closer to the Lord. I finally gathered my tears together as we sang "Great is Thy Faithfulness". I looked around at our bridesmaids and groomsmen and could only see how God has been faithful in individual stories and also our friendships.
Instead of a guest book to sign, we had a Bible at the reception for people to initial by or sign their names by a favorite verse. We have so enjoyed reading what some favorite verses are and will treasure this as a gift forever. Here are some that different people shared:
Numbers 6:24-26 The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be STRONG and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 24:15 But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
Job 38
Job 42:1 I know that you can do all things and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.
Ps 18:2 the Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Ps 20:7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
Ps 23
Ps 25:12-14 Who is the man who fears the Lord? Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose. His soul shall abide in well-being, and his offspring shall inherit the land. The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant.
Ps 27:4 and 13-14 Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear, though war rise against me, yet I will be confident. I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!
and 12- Give me not up to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, and they breathe out violence.
Ps 37:4 Delight yourself in the Lord. and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Ps 61:2-3 from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy.
Ps 71:1-6 in you O Lord do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame! In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; incline your ear to me and save me! Be to me a rock of refuge, to which I may continually come; you have given the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. Rescue me O my God from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of the unjust and cruel man. For you O Lord are my hope, my trust, O Lord, from my youth. Upon you I have leaned from before my birth; you are he who took me from my mother's womb. My praise is continually of you.
Ps 91:1-2 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, "my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust".
Ps 119
Ps 123 To you I lift up my eyes, O you who are enthroned in the heavens!
Ps 139:17-18 How precious to me are your thoughts O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make straight your paths.
Proverbs 7
Isaiah 26:3-4 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.
Isaiah 40:3-5 A voice cries "in the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.
Isaiah 43:1-3 But now thus says the Lord he who created you O Jacob, he who formed you O Israel: Fear not for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire, you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Lamentations 3:22-24 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, says my soul, therefore I will hope in him.
Micah 6:8 He has told you O man what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.
Zephaniah 3:17 the Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
Acts 20:24 But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
Romans 8:1-3 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do.
Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
1 Cor 13
Ephesians 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.
Ephesians 1:15-17 for this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him.
Ephesians 2:8 for by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.
Philippians 1:9-10 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Philippians 2:4-11
Philippians 4:6-7 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
v 8 Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Colossians 3:23 whatever you do, work heartily, as for the LORD and not for men.
2 Tim 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Hebrews 12 Therefore since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith...
James 1:2-4 Count it all joy my brothers when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
1 Peter 1:6 in this you rejoice, though now for a little while if necessary you have been grieved by various trials so that the tested genuineness of your faith- more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire- may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Jude 2 May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.
Our parents' favorites were especially special to us. His dad underlined:
Joshua 1:8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it.
My mom underlined:
2 Chronicles 7:14 if my people who are called by my name humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
My dad underlined:
Ps 115:2-3 why should the nations say, Where is their God? Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
