Today is going to be a great day. Christmas break is winding down. Yesterday I had a great time sipping coffee with a friend of mine from school, followed by a drive to Goshen for lunch with some friends that didn't go exactly as planned (the sad part is that I decided to focus on the negative almost the rest of the day, rather than the fact that I got to eat a pretty good lunch with some great friends I haven't seen in quite some time, and that we were able to pray together... it's not like that everywhere in the world.) , followed by singing until I couldn't anymore with a friend who will tell me how I am doing for real, and ending the day with the Sugarbowl... oh ND... Hugs to all of you... Anyway, last night one of my most amazing friends called me and said she was in town and asked if she could take me up on an offer I gave her earlier to come hang out.... She made my whole day... Her coming over and us playing board games forever, and just talking, just for a few hours, made my entire day. Sure there were some good things throughout the day, but her calling to say she was coming over, made the entire day. 9pm-12am were the best moments of my day... The Lord provided. It is all to Him I owe. Thank You, Lord Jesus. Here's what I think... Why as Christians do we often tend to focus on the bad parts of the day...or even the boring parts of the day? We go up to each other at church and school, asking how one another is doing, not really wanting to hear a real answer because that takes time out of our own day... We don't want to be authentic people because it's scary, yet we long for authentic relationships. When was the last time someone asked you what the Lord was doing in your life? When was the last time someone asked you how your devotionals were going? Or even how they could be praying for you. Those are things we are missing. When was the last time you asked some of those questions to people around you? So change is necessary, but perspective is essential. Why don't we look at everything through the eyes of Christ. Take out all of the great things and be so thankful for them. We should look at every single moment as a moment to become more like Christ. Our goal should be godliness. Try it. Before you do anything today, pray that you will pursue godliness. In your speech, how you respond to clerks and waiters, where you are serving others...Allow Him to work through you. How bad do we want this godliness... we say we do, but do we actually pursue it?? That is my challenge for you and I today. As I start this next semester in a few days, I intend to have a journal that has already been started of the things that the Lord is doing, and how He is moving, to focus on His attributes, rather than the sin nature of our world. Everything from a close parking spot, to being able to talk to a friend about Him. in yesterday alone: (this is just a QUICK summary... ) 1. I had a great time with my friend as we talked and drank coffee together. 2. I had safe travels on my way to and from Goshen. 3. I was able to see friends I havent seen in a while. 4. I was fed. (simple, but true) 5. I was able to pray in public with friends. 6. I was provided for... cost of lunch, a car, etc. 7. A friend waited for me because I was a bit late to help me with my music. 8. She stayed with me for an hour to go through my music. 9. She encouraged me. 10. Jon, the clerk at Copy Max, was very nice, and was willing to go the extra mile for me in making some posters for the Recital... including copying and pasting things just so he could change the text without changing the background picture... I told him I will just bring in the picture again tomorrow, so we can start fresh... 11. My dad got new windshield wiper blades for me. 12. The weather was gorgeous! 13. Amanda called. 14. We played game after game, while watching the sugar bowl and laughing and having a great time together. 15. I had a nice bed to sleep in. 16. I had the Lord to look to. 17. My mom provided a great dinner. 18. The Lord provided so that I could have food, games, a house, and everything else. 19. friends. 20. laughter 21. hugs 22. family Praise the Lord. Great is Thy Faithfulness. Today, I desire to set my sights on godliness. | 
