The fire

I felt like I heard a spark, and when I turned around, there was a giant fire ablaze. To make it worse, the wind picked it up, coursing through the flames to strengthen it. On one hand, the warmth and beauty is stunning. On the other hand, it burns quickly toward destruction. Trying to put out the fire is a daunting task because I feel so unequipped and unable to pull myself together and actually do it. I feel like if I could just get the fire under control, it would be a nice bonfire instead of a forest fire. But I have no idea what to do or what is going to happen. When hearts and sin an flesh is involved, there's an uncontrollable force behind it. Of course the Holy Spirit is greater than all fires, and I pray He calms the fire just like Jesus calmed the sea. 

Celebrate in the waiting

Times that I'm good with waiting:

-When I'm waiting on someone who is late and I have a book to read or I have other things I need to catch up on, or when I'm actively doing something fun while I wait
-When I have someone I enjoy to wait with me
-When I need to process or think about something, and waiting gives me the opportunity to do that
-When I see the steps along the way that are leading up to an end result, or there is a specific end time (that isn't a ridiculous amount of time)
-When God gives me supernatural peace and patience
-When there are things to take pictures of while I wait

I do not celebrate the waiting itself, I celebrate IN the waiting. Same thing with the scripture about being thankful IN all circumstances, not FOR all circumstances.

There's a song called, "While I'm Waiting," by John Waller, and it's good... part of the chorus says, "While I'm waiting, I will serve You. While I'm waiting, I will worship." While I'm waiting I will be about the Lord's business, doing my best to run the race well, be obedient, and continue spreading the Good News. While I'm waiting I will use the gifts the Lord gave me, I will serve others, I will live life with friends, and I will write down all that God does so I can go back and remember it.

I know that God has great plans! And I know His timing is perfect. Scripture trumps feelings, and truth prevails through trials and attacks. His grace covers all my weaknesses and sins, and He still chooses to use a broken vessel (myself) to reach others.