"...For it is the power of God..."

  Well, its been several weeks at home now, and I LOVE it. I have been enjoying the time with my family, and I hadnt realized exactly how much I missed them. Its sad to think that nearly half of my stay is over. :(
But amid all of the fun there still is the whole "relationships with younger siblings" thing. haha. I remember my mom telling me after this last year (Christmas break), that I seemed to "easily be irritated" with the younger ones. But the thing is, I didnt notice that, I didnt feel like I was irritated at all. I do know that it was much harder to get along with them at times...
  When she told me that I was really surprised. And in the weeks leading up to this year's Christmas break, I really wondered how it'd be for me...if I would be able to be a good example to them...I had been praying that He would allow me to be. In the last few weeks here at home, I have noticed that the times when a sibling tries to annoy me (like little siblings enjoy doing ;) I have been able to respond kindly. Its weird, because I seemed to have little control over that last year...but this time, its been almost natural to be kind for the most part.
  Then God showed me what it is: It is because I truly have been in His Word. He reminded me that the He truly does honor His Word and His promises. He just pointed out that I cant love anyone, in the slightest degree, as He loved them unless I am in the Word. Like meditating on it. It never ceases to amaze me the difference from "walking in the Light, as He is in the Light" and "walking in darkness". It effects every area of life.
  And on top of that, I have been really thinking about JN 12:24, Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground, and dies, it abides alone. But if it dies, it brings forth much fruit. Learning the importance of surrender when HE asks of it. Learning how to die...apparently there are many ways to die.

Stay in the Word yall! Lord bless you all!! Happy Holidays!! :)

Josh

My worst nightmare, His perfect plan...

The month of November was a long one, but a good one. Then came December, even busier than the previous month. I was looking forward to a time at home. Was gonna be awesome! Then I got news one morning that my mom was being admitted to the hospital for lack of blood. (Okeeyyy....last time that had happened, she was told that had she come in any later, she would have died) So, I prayed, my awesome friends were praying, etc. It was pretty frightening because I heard nothing all day...nothing at all. My siblings at home heard nothing. I know this sounds terrible, but near the end of the day, I was wondering if she was even alive. At around 9pm, i got a text from my mom!!! Nothing can describe the release that was. :)
I talked to her yesterday and she was telling me just how serious it had been. Her body had been running off of 1/4 the oxygen that it needed. Oh my, she nearly had a heart attack at one point, her heart nearly collapsed at another point. Good grief...it was all God. It was all God. It was all God. He did indeed do all things well. I had a friend ask me, "If God decides to take your mom, will you thank Him anyway?" That was  eye opening...I didnt want to think about that. I didnt think it would happen, but what if my worst nightmare was His perfect plan? Would i still thank Him? Thankfully, He never called on me to do that...not yet. I am at home with my family now. I have missed them so much. :) Thank you all for all your prayers!! God heard you!!

So let me ask you all, what if your worst nightmare is His perfect plan? Will you thank Him anyway?
Do you trust Him that much?

Lord bless you all,

Josh