Today's Quote

Lord, help me to do great things as though they were little, since I do them with Your power; and little things as though they were great, since I do them in Your Name.

- Blaise Pascal

Now, Lord, what do I wait for?

Now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in You. Psalm 39:7

I've asked myself this question a lot lately, especially this past week. I feel like God is trying to teach me patience by having me wait, and wait, and wait some more. Seriously, I really thought I would know by now what I'm supposed to do after I graduate. I was nervous about not knowing the future when then end of seminary was months away, and here I sit, three weeks out, and I still don't know. I'm waiting, but I have no idea what for. Can I just be honest, and say that I'm frustrated?
I talked to a friend last night about our communication with God. He knows every thought of our minds, so we don't really need to tell Him when we're upset- He already knows this. But should we? Is it ok? Does God want to hear our grumblings? I shared that I feel guilty when I gripe at God, because I should be happy with whatever circumstance He puts around me. My friend reminded me of King David, that he was miserable throughout much of the Psalms, and he cried out to God, and then he praised Him anyway. I spent a lot of time reading through that book last night and today, and I can say with confidence that my hope is in the Lord, and I will continue to wait for Him.
The Lord is my portion, therefore I will wait for Him. The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks Him. Lamentations 3:24-25
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful- I know that full well. Psalm 139:14

INFP

That's me, or my personality anyway, according to the Myers-Briggs personality profile. Introverted, intuitive, feeling, and perceiving. My roommate, Erin, recently took the survey, and we're identical- she's an INFP too!! Which is really wierd, because less than 1% of the general population has these four qualities. Interesting....
Anyway, she brought home the paper that describes "our" type, and it was fun reading over this purely analytical report that pretty well describes me and the way I respond to the world. I think my favorite was, "INFPs see logic as something optional." Absolutely!! You can read more about INFP types by clicking here.
What are you??
Oswald's inspiring thought for today:

If you are rightly devoted to the Lord Jesus, you have reached the sublime height where no one ever thinks of noticing you, all that is noticed is that the power of God comes through you all the time.

(from Oswald Chambers' My Utmost for His Highest)

Sign from God?

I went to Birmingham, Alabama, for a few days to see some friends, help Julie pick out a wedding dress, and pray about the potential possibility of working at the University of Alabama-Birmingham's Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM).
My friend Megan took me driving around the campus at UAB Friday night. She pointed out most of the buildings and told me what they were, but she didn't know where the BCM was. No biggie, I thought. We parked in a lot for a few minutes and prayed there on the campus, which was wonderfully exhilirating. I didn't get an overwhelming feeling right away that I was in the middle of my new home, but it was a cool campus (in the heart of downtown, which I loved) and I think I could see myself there. Anyway, we went to eat in another area, and on the way home she offered to drive back through the campus again. We stopped to get gas while we were downtown, and at the gas station, there was a homemade poster taped to the light post on the corner. It said "Jessica" in bold green letters and had an arrow pointing down the street. We laughed that maybe God was sending me a sign, but really didn't think about it. Well, I went into the station to use the restroom while Megan pumped gas, and before I left, I asked the girl working inside if she knew where the BCM building was, and randomly enough- she thought she did. She told me to turn at the corner, and even described the building. We went back to the road, and realized the arrow on the sign was pointing down the street where we needed to turn, WHERE THE BCM IS! I can't tell you how big the chill bumps were, or how hard my heart was pounding at that point. I got really excited though, that maybe it wasn't a coincidence for me to finally find that building.
I wish I'd had a camera to prove to everyone else- and myself- that there really was a sign with my name on it! This job is still totally up in the air, but I'm completely excited about the possibility in a new way today. Please pray that it will all work out however it's supposed to.
And by the way- GEAUX TIGERS!!! #4 this week-- fabulous!! Maybe we'll finally get a chance to play USC and regain our national title outright!!

Random thoughts from a friend...

Sermon illustrations sometimes lead our thoughts in funny directions! I got this email from my good friend, Lorie, and have been meaning to share it... (you crack me up, lo! i love you!)

I was sitting in chapel this morning listening to our speaker when he began sharing about Jesus feeding the multitude in John chapter six. He shared how the Lord abundantly blessed the meager offering of fish and bread and allowed it to feed thousands.

However, as I read along with him in the Bible, I noticed that Scripture ONLY mentions that the disciples collected 12 baskets of BREAD left over after the feeding. NO FISH. In other words, those people "tore up" that fish! It must have been fried!

Of course, I found this humerous at a not-so-much appropriate moment!! I hope you all are having a wonderful day!