Sunday, September 7, 2014

Counting Down!

25 days until I leave for Africa, I am so so so excited, and astounded at the blessings in my life. Here is where my heart is today.
Today is September 7th, 2014. I went to church today, and heard Greg speak on Samson. Samson is in the Old Testament, in Judges around Chapter 16. I have always know the story of Samson and Delilah. Samson took a Nazarite oath when he was born to follow certain rules, one of which was not to cut his hair. What they thought back then, was that his hair is what gave him his strength. It wasn't his hair, it was God. Period. Anyways, the story goes on that Samson was chosen by God to be a great leader, and he just needed to keep to his oath, and he would become a wonderful leader for God.  What happened is, Samson lost sight of what his purpose was here on Earth.
He had stumbling blocks that he did not overcome. He had many things that he thought were more important than that of which God had said was important. Delilah didn't really help the situation, by being selfish for a lot of silver shekels. She was enticed by the government to find what was it that gave Samson his strength, she failed more than 3 times, then finally Samson broke, and said if his hair were to be cut, then he would lose his strength.
What really got me today, is that Samson was enticed by a beautiful woman, who was only in this for her own gain, and others around Samson saw this. They started seeing the spiral downward towards a life full of sin. I believe that we see our friends or family spiraling and moving towards a life of sin, yet all we do is step back and let it be, because "It isn't any of our business" Or, "They won't listen to me anyways"
Recently, I made decisions in my life. I made some major life changing decisions to live more of a life like Christ. I am created in His image, why aren't I living like Him? So I made those decisions. Some more difficult than others, but I have stumbled. I have made decisions that I am upset that I made. We have been told that if we confess our sins, then we shall be forgiven. I pray for forgiveness and ask for strength to get through every day life.
I want nothing more than to serve God anyway I can, and I feel like I may have been a stabling block, or caused someone to see that I wasn't in this for real. I want to be the example that God expects me to be, but I am human, I have an old sin nature, yet, because of His son, who died for me, I am forgiven. That doesn't mean I can continue to sin as much as I want because I am forgiven. I am a Child of God, and he wants me to be me, but I am also His example here on Earth, and I never want to be a stabling block for anyone.
If you are still reading, thank you for reading. I am asking for prayer for Africa, for my team, Johnny, Myself, Julie, Brad, Ron, Andrea, Carol, and Gary. All of us need your prayer through this journey God has called us to do.
Thank you for reading, I love all of you, and I pray that you have a wonderful week.

Love Always,
Lisa

Monday, September 1, 2014

3 years already!!

What a crazy 3 years. Three years ago right now, I was wrapping up my first set of classes for my new job as a SAP Trainer in Cleveland. Tomorrow I head back to Cleveland to have a 1/4 meeting with all of my fellow trainers. It really has come all around hasn't it. I am still in love with my job, and I am so blessed to be where I am at. God has certainly been doing work in me! I have learned a lot, I have gained knowledge and maturity, and learned what I am capable of!
Thanks to all my fellow co-workers for helping me on this journey!
Cleveland or bust tomorrow!

Love to all!