Stepping Out

  I don't want to bore you all with day-by-day details of this new chapter of my life....but I've been asked by a few of you to make sure I keep you updated on what God is doing during this time of "stepping out" in faith.  So, I'll give a short update here.

  As of today, I have 18 days until I sign the paperwork with my intent to retire.  And still, for the most part, I'm very sure this is what God wants next for me.  In my human weakness, I allow myself to look at it from the world's perspective and I start to feel doubt and yes, even a tad bit of panic!  I said I wouldn't hide my feelings here....the good, the bad the ugly.  In full confession, at times I think I'm being totally crazy and that God would never ask me to give up something that without a doubt--He provided to me. I did not get this job on my own merit.  The job I have recommends a Master's Degree.  I don't even have an Associates!  It pays extremely well--way much more than I deserve (a lot like His grace and mercy).  So, when I get into that worldly mindset of what I have been given.....I do doubt greatly the wisdom of this decision.  

  But then, I pray.  And within a few minutes, my soul and mind and heart are comforted and I have total peace and JOY JOY JOY over what God is doing!  This morning as I was writing in my journal, a passage of scripture came to me that I'd not thought about in a long time time.  It's out of Isaiah 43:18-21

  “Forget the former things;
   do not dwell on the past.  

See, I am doing a new thing!
   Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
   and streams in the wasteland.
 The wild animals honor me,
   the jackals and the owls,
because I provide water in the wilderness
   and streams in the wasteland,
to give drink to my people, my chosen, 

the people I formed for myself
   that they may proclaim my praise. " 

 I can already sense that God is doing a new thing in my life.  In the past week alone, I've been more "available" because of light workload to just "be" with people.  Just this morning, another opportunity to fellowship with sisters who are in need of encouragement and prayer came about for tomorrow.  God is using my time, my house, my pool, and beautiful weather for His Kingdom.  This is EXACTLY my prayer :-)  I'm so excited to see how He grows me and whatever else He has in store for me in the future!

 I appreciate very much your continued prayer!