The Lord called me into teaching Preschool aged Sunday School almost 50 years ago, and I loved it! I knew nothing about this, but He provided wonderful, encouraging, talented and supportive teachers to guide me. Plus, He gifted me with that ability. I had some pauses in this ministry throughout my life but for the most part this has been the Ministry that I’ve been involved in and felt so so-called to, until last summer. That’s when the Lord clearly told me to stop. I wrestled with Him for three months before I did what He ask; then six months later, I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Then I understood why He told me in advance to stepped down. But I’m still peeking through that ‘crack in the door.’ What now? Should I use this time to write curriculum? Do teacher training with Zoom? Or wait because He has a different direction for me? I somehow think I’m going in a completely different direction. But I don’t know yet. This is the time where I see, but not see. Where I wait, pray and question because the door’s shut. This was a very appropriately timed insightful Bible Study that Em just provided. It really hit Home! Thank you Em. Keep going.
This actually brought tears. I am there. Having the glimpse and yet the door still stays closed. Thank you for providing the reminder of what truly matters. The One who calls. The One who loves. The One who knows the destination and invites us to trust Him on the journey.
Once again you have provided so much to meditate on. Thank you. I created and taught Bible studies and classes for 35+ years to all age groups. It was my passion and I believe I was good at it. Then the complete arrogance and despotism of a new pastor at my church home of 40 years destroyed my efforts and made like I didn't even exist. I know. I need to forgive. I have tried, but the depth of hurt still resonates. I will author and teach again and I know that God will open a door for me. Your words always encourage. Thanks. -Michigan Guy-
Ah Ray, I'm so sorry that you were cast aside and rejected. I pray that the Holy Spirit will help you forgive where it still stings and feels so raw, may you guard against bitterness taking root. If God has given you that passion and gifting to open the Word with others, I pray He will bring the right individuals into your path so you can experience that joy of sharing again.
This is so powerful. A very timely message for me.
I was reminded of the time Jesus first called Peter. He gave him an abundant catch - what he most wanted at that point - and immediately asked him to leave it all behind and follow Him. Peter didn’t just follow Jesus because he was mesmerized by the miracle, he left behind the very thing he had strived for because he recognized the magnitude of Jesus’ call - more valuable than anything he could wish for.
We live in the tension of 'now and not yet'. Some things have become clearer in the last few years. It's like I thought I knew what was in my wheelhouse, but then a new vista opens up. I didn't know how to blog a year ago, and it's been super to learn more.
I'm in the midst of writing my memoirs. However, I have been in a busy season in another area of my life since March, so I have paused on the writing. However, I have an appointment this coming Tuesday with a friend who has agreed to read part of the manuscript and give me suggestions. I have also registered for a local writers' conference where the speaker will take a whole day to talk about how to find meaning in what has happened in your life. So, I have been on "Pause" for awhile, but it looks like things are going to pick up again.
In the meantime, I am finding again the importance of my relationship with Christ Jesus. As you said, Emily.
I'm so sorry, this must be a very hard dream to hold open-handed before Jesus. Praying that in the gap and pain of not knowing if you'll ever have this answer that He gives you a sweet peace and comfort.
The Lord called me into teaching Preschool aged Sunday School almost 50 years ago, and I loved it! I knew nothing about this, but He provided wonderful, encouraging, talented and supportive teachers to guide me. Plus, He gifted me with that ability. I had some pauses in this ministry throughout my life but for the most part this has been the Ministry that I’ve been involved in and felt so so-called to, until last summer. That’s when the Lord clearly told me to stop. I wrestled with Him for three months before I did what He ask; then six months later, I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Then I understood why He told me in advance to stepped down. But I’m still peeking through that ‘crack in the door.’ What now? Should I use this time to write curriculum? Do teacher training with Zoom? Or wait because He has a different direction for me? I somehow think I’m going in a completely different direction. But I don’t know yet. This is the time where I see, but not see. Where I wait, pray and question because the door’s shut. This was a very appropriately timed insightful Bible Study that Em just provided. It really hit Home! Thank you Em. Keep going.
Thanks Kathleen, so glad it resonated.
This actually brought tears. I am there. Having the glimpse and yet the door still stays closed. Thank you for providing the reminder of what truly matters. The One who calls. The One who loves. The One who knows the destination and invites us to trust Him on the journey.
Ah Danielle. Love and prayers as you again and again surrender all the desires before Him.
Tears here too... prayers 🙏🙌
Such a good message for my heart! Needed this!
Hugs and prayers my friend 💛
Once again you have provided so much to meditate on. Thank you. I created and taught Bible studies and classes for 35+ years to all age groups. It was my passion and I believe I was good at it. Then the complete arrogance and despotism of a new pastor at my church home of 40 years destroyed my efforts and made like I didn't even exist. I know. I need to forgive. I have tried, but the depth of hurt still resonates. I will author and teach again and I know that God will open a door for me. Your words always encourage. Thanks. -Michigan Guy-
Ah Ray, I'm so sorry that you were cast aside and rejected. I pray that the Holy Spirit will help you forgive where it still stings and feels so raw, may you guard against bitterness taking root. If God has given you that passion and gifting to open the Word with others, I pray He will bring the right individuals into your path so you can experience that joy of sharing again.
So sorry, Ray. Praying too.🙏
This is so powerful. A very timely message for me.
I was reminded of the time Jesus first called Peter. He gave him an abundant catch - what he most wanted at that point - and immediately asked him to leave it all behind and follow Him. Peter didn’t just follow Jesus because he was mesmerized by the miracle, he left behind the very thing he had strived for because he recognized the magnitude of Jesus’ call - more valuable than anything he could wish for.
This is such a great reflection Cynthia. Feel like I’m gonna need to go sit with this one for a while! 🙏🏼
Same here. My dream of having a novel about Him published is still unrealised….
Prayers that as you surrender that desire to Him, He will give you so much more than you could dream or anticipate or hope for.
We live in the tension of 'now and not yet'. Some things have become clearer in the last few years. It's like I thought I knew what was in my wheelhouse, but then a new vista opens up. I didn't know how to blog a year ago, and it's been super to learn more.
“A new vista opens up . . .” Love this.
I'm in the midst of writing my memoirs. However, I have been in a busy season in another area of my life since March, so I have paused on the writing. However, I have an appointment this coming Tuesday with a friend who has agreed to read part of the manuscript and give me suggestions. I have also registered for a local writers' conference where the speaker will take a whole day to talk about how to find meaning in what has happened in your life. So, I have been on "Pause" for awhile, but it looks like things are going to pick up again.
In the meantime, I am finding again the importance of my relationship with Christ Jesus. As you said, Emily.
I'm so sorry, this must be a very hard dream to hold open-handed before Jesus. Praying that in the gap and pain of not knowing if you'll ever have this answer that He gives you a sweet peace and comfort.