Thinking Out Loud

Funny story, I’ve written this first paragraph about 3 times now because my first draft was deleted because my browser froze (good ole Microsoft, when do you not crash? still not getting a Mac, though), and my 2^nd draft just read like blobs on a page. So it’s true, then, 3^rd time’s a charm (hopefully). So here I am, and my attempt to start blogging again, in the midst of a crazy school semester and in dire need of an 8^th day in the week just to rest and recuperate from all the studying and work. Man, how can I make time for that Sabbath 

One of the reasons why I wanted to start a blog again is because I’ve realized that I like to think out loud. Actually, I NEED to think out loud. It seems that my metacognitive skills can only be tapped through written words and I seriously have difficulty obtaining that state of quiet, self-reflective qualities that most people seem to tap into so easily. It’s probably my loud personality that is just spewing out wherever I go. Plus, writing is so therapeutic, isn’t it? and I really do need to sharpen my writing kills for grad school apps in the future. =) Still trying to find that style.

Second reason is simple. My hope is that any of you reading this blog can find wisdom and encouragement through my various experiences with the Lord. In every post, I will tell you about God’s amazing work in my life thus far, and some snippets of what I’ve been learning through His Word. Of course, I am surely not the most interesting man in the world (because that’s the Dos Equis guy), but when I am thirsty, I prefer the living water that gives me eternal life (John 4:13 – 14). Haha. But really, I am just a sinner saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:4–9), and my desire is that if you haven’t placed your trust in Christ yet, at least my daily walks with God will help you to want to meet him, and hopefully, you too will taste this living water that takes away the thirst that we all long for.

 So, then, here we go. For my first post…

Lots of things have been happening. I discovered a passion for the speech therapy field in the summer of 2011, and by God’s grace, I am now doing a post-baccalaureate program for it at CSUF, and I am currently looking desperately for different volunteer/observation opportunities in different places (schools, nursing care facilities, hospitals, anywhere really). It’s been an awesome experience so far; I got the chance to meet about 15 + people whom I study with on a weekly basis, and we all encourage one another to get through each week. At times, there can be so much pressure at school because of the level of competition in this field, but we are taking it test by test, week by week.

I have also been leading a small group at church with a group of guys who are in their early 20’s, finishing up their undergrad years, or helping out their parents with work. It’s been a pretty amazing experience so far because we haven’t done small groups in so long at church, and it’s always refreshing to be able to share about our weeks and what we are learning from the Word. Furthermore, I am also leading a group at Bible Study Fellowship on Tuesday nights. That, too, has been a fun experience, not only in leading the guys in discussion, but in learning how to lead and becoming an effective leader for the kingdom.

Oh, and I am still working at TECC for my 8^th consecutive year now. To even begin to explain what I have learned/experienced there is another post in itself.

You ever feel tired because you’re doing just way too much? Or it feels like you’re doing too much?

Yeah, me too, I feel like I’m doing a lot. But it’s a “good” kind of busy, if you know what I mean. I believe that there is a stark difference when we are doing work for God and when we are doing work for ourselves. When I do work for God, I know that he fills and equips me with what I need, but it’s the times when I start doing work for myself… that’s when I know I feel overly tired and drained. I don’t know about you, but I need to be reminded daily that my responsibilities have been divinely given to me for His glory, not mine, and that I need to accomplish my duties with joy, instead of grumbling.

See, I can tell you that trusting God in your busyness has its invaluable rewards. On some occasions now, more often than not, I am given pockets of opportunities to share about God to a couple friends who don’t know Him yet. What an amazing experience. In my fatigue, in my weariness, in my heavy laboring, God encourages me through my faith. Whether it’s for school, work, or church… I need to remember to work heartily for the Lord in all and any circumstance.

To you and me, who are busy and tired, hang on to the verse at the top of this page. Trust Him and allow Him to lead you in your daily life, and make it about Him, not you.