Contentment Learned

11Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty andhunger, abundance and need. 13I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Philipians 4:11-13

Contentment is learned. It's not a natural inclination but rather a lesson which only experience and trust can teach. I couldn't know contentment if I didn't continually experience how nothing satisfies as much as my flesh thinks that it will. Nor would contentment be attainable if I didn't trust in the One who understands my needs and desires far better than I ever will.

It's interesting to me that contentment is the context for Philipians 4:13, "I can do all things through him who strengthens me". This is one of the most quoted verses in the bible and can certainly be applied to many situations which makes perfect sense because contentment means being satisfied no matter what my situation because being satisified with Christ gives me strength for everything.

Small Space Living

I've lived in a small duplex for just over three years now. Friends and family have helped me make very good use of the space. I like living here, but there are certainly things that could be done to make it more simple and efficient. I even got a dishwasher last month!

1) Pull out cupboard drawers - for all that wasted space at the back of my under-the-counter-cabinets. Plus things would be more accessible.

2) A counter-top range. This would give me more storage where the oven currently is. I'd really like my trash cabinet back. I had to sacrifice it for dishwasher space.

3) An above the range oven. Yes, I'd have to use a step stool to use it, but the truth is I don't use the one I have very often (in fact it's broken at the moment). Maybe I don't even need an oven. My microwave does take up a lot of counter space, but I use it all the time and it is in a convenient spot.

4) A long narrow table (perhaps just a table top mounted to the wall) where my desk and (former) printer cabinet currently are (I recently replaced my desktop computer with a laptop, so the printer now fits on my desk). I could put filing cabinets underneath the table for document storage which would work so much better than my "grown-up box" which is not easily accessible.

5) A seperate long dinning table which could be pulled away from the wall for additional seating. This would replace my current round table.

6) I have a wonderful couch which Liz gave me this year for Christmas and the large ottoman is great. The long narrow table would give me more space and allow me to stow the ottoman if need be.

Will or Should?

9Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2: 9-11

This isn't the 'verse of the day', but this is the verse that came to mind when I read it. This verse is painted outside the entrance of the office. I pass by it every day and I could have sworn that it said, "and every knee WILL bow" not "and every knee SHOULD bow", but both are just as true. At the end of the age, every knee will bow whether in humble reverence or terrified fear. Or will they? Do you suppose that even then there are those who will simply refuse to bow. One thing is for certain. Every knee should bow in revenance to Jesus Christ, God himself, who would rather die a tortureous death, death on a cross, than to leave us to pay the price ourselves.

My Ultimate Goal

I'm being "spotlighted" in the next Parent Communicator. My boss was interviewing me and she asked what my ultimate goal was. She assumed that it was to be a missionary in Russia. She even offered me a few different wordings on the subject. Three years ago, when I came to PC, I probably would have said that, in fact I'm sure I did say something to that effect in my employment interview. And while I certainly wouldn't turn my nose down at the opportunity, it's no longer my ultimate goal. My ultimate goal is to glorify Him wherever He leads me whether I'm in Moscow or Phoenix. I simply could not have designed a more abundant life than the one that He has given me. As my creator, He knows far better than I do how I can most glorify Him.

24However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.

Acts 20:24

Blessed Assurance

“I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” (John 10:28-30)

I am His and He thinks that I am worth fighting for. He will never be through with me.

Overdue Update

A lot happens in eight months:

December - I went to Croatia to visit the Vuletics. It was a wonderful week. The Lord is certainly at work in Croatia.

January - Found out that Liz is pregnant! She's due in late September. While it is not the only thing going on in my life, it's certainly the biggest thing going on in my life. I think she's having a boy, but it could just be wishful thinking. This auntie already has two nieces and would love if a nephew were added to the mix.

March - Four of my dear friends were married. Dan & Sarah and Nathan & Susan. I was even a bridesmaid in Susan's wedding and I'll definitely be wearing the dress again (bonus!)

April - My 28th birthday. It was wonderfully celebrated. There is definitely no lack of love in my life. I also found contentment at the faculty/staff dinner. I am blessed and privileged to be a part of the Lord's work at Phoenix Christian. If I get to spend 30 years at PC, that would be fabulous. If I go Russia, that would also be fabulous. Either way, the Lord has given me a life more awesome than I could ever have created myself. WABC continues to be a God given source of encouragment, fellowship, and growth. While we're all far from perfect (as evident by the state of my sunday school classroom this morning), Whitton is a glorious example of what a Christ-centered church is meant to be.