Open Your Eyes And See...

I have found myself this week really paying attention to how God is working around me, in me and through me. It's so easy for me to get caught up in everyday life that I am not stopping and really paying attention to how He is working. Several years ago while doing the Believing God Bible study by Beth Moore, we were instructed at the end of each lesson to have a "Godstop". This was a place to journal in our books ways in which we were seeing God around us. Whether it was through circumstances, people, or even through simple things like the laugh of a child or witnessing His creation and worshipping Him through that, we were to write down how we had seen Him. I loved that particular section of the book each day because knowing I had to write something down ( I have a thing about leaving blank spaces) I forced myself to be a lot more aware and pay closer attention.

These last several months I have experienced Jesus in ways like never before. Not only do I want to experience Him, I want to recognize Him. I want to see with my own eyes what He is doing around me. Not because of a lack of faith do I say that but because I want to be one that doesn't miss out on His wonderful and divine acts that are taking place right before me. My faith is deepened when I am recognizing Him. In recognition, there is worship.Often when I am busy, consumed, overwhelmed, and distracted, I don't take the time to stop and take it all in. Take all of Him in.

God has really shown up in big ways in our family this week and I suppose it has a lot to do with the fact that I have purposed to be on the look-out again. To have those "Godstop" moments.

I have seen Him in friendships. My sister, Sarah and her husband have recently moved to a new area. Moving to a new place means that everything else is new too. Finding a new church, new places to shop, and of course making new friends. One day, while perusing blogs, I came across Monica's blog. From what I read about her, I knew that my sister somehow needed to get connected with her because of something very special they have in common. I immediately called Sarah and told her about Monica and to check out her blog. Come to find out, Monica and her husband were currently living in Ohio (where I live), but were planning on an upcoming move to Tennessee where Sarah lives. Would it surprise you even more when I tell you that they were moving within 30 minutes of each other! All this to say (as women, don't we just love all the details!), Sarah and Monica, along with their husbands have shared a meal together, spent time together and it is the beginning of a friendship.

A new friendship has been made for me as well. A friendship is developing with a woman in our church that I have sat by and said hello in passing for several years. One day in October, she graciously took me out to lunch and since then God continues to grow us together as friends. We can share our hearts freely in being vulnerable and honest, share our joys and struggles, as well as encourage and pray for one another. We are two women who are trying to figure a lot of things out and along the way we keep finding Jesus. I am seeing God in a new found friend.

I see Him in my children's faces when we are laughing like crazy over old family videos. I love those moments when as a family we are absolutely delighting in one another and every care in the world is of no concern.

I have seen God reveal Himself to me through my husband too. Whether it's been through his actions such as a much needed hug without him not even knowing how much I needed one, or if it's been through his words and spiritual leadership. We have talked about things that really matter and God has come and given us peace, direction, and perseverance. This past month has brought some significant revelations to us as a couple and with every ounce of our being, we are surrendering, walking by faith, and trusting Him for what He has in store for us.

Our daughter, Jessica received her application for YWAM (Youth With A Mission) this week and a new chapter in all of our lives is quickly approaching. After much prayer, Jessica is pursuing going to the Maui campus where she will initially take courses in discipleship training and then spend time out on the mission field. I see God working in her when her faith doesn't waiver and she is believing Him for many things. I see a passion to serve the Lord, no matter what the cost, that can only come from the Author and Perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

God has also revealed Himself in allowing us to be a part of someone else's spiritual journey. There is nothing like being with someone who is new in their faith or when God begins to make Himself known to someone who has lived their life without Him. To love, serve, and share life with those God brings into our lives is a privilege and I see God in that.

God is working and making Himself known all around us. All the time. Everyday. There are "Godstops" everywhere we look. Just open your eyes and see.

"And so I will show my greatness and my holiness, and I will make myself known in the sight of many nations. Then they will know that I am the LORD." ~ Ezekiel 38:23