We constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. – 2 Thessalonians 1:11
So far my race, as a whole, has been a journey of refinement. Refinement in my faith, in my heart, in my perspective and in the truth I believe about myself. And throughout the Lord’s refinement he’s slowly revealed to me why he created me and what he created me for, or as I like to explain it, his purpose for my life. And though I’ve touched a little on his call for me to be a writer, writing is only one piece of the magnificent puzzle God is creating for my life. Up until this month, the revelations I’ve had about my future have focused around my personal and professional life.
Professionally, the Lord is directing me toward a career in photography, writing and entrepreneurship. I have a deep desire to share stories that will stir a passion inside individuals, young and old, to selflessly love each other well. I also have a huge passion to promote the work of local entrepreneurs, non-profits and Christ-centered programs through personal and creative marketing strategies. There are so many wonderful services being offered that are just not well known of, yet. I want to sustain the great ideas already happening and help small businesses, non-profits, churches and life-building programs earn recognition that will allow them to continue their dreams into the next generation.
Personally, the Lord has reassuringly shown me a future wrapped in hospitality and family. Hospitality runs in my veins and it stems from a love of fellowship and food. I absolutely love food, in every way. I love the feeling of burying my hands in the soil when I plant new seedlings and harvest root vegetables like carrots. I love the sound of a sharp knife gliding through an onion and the color it turns when it caramelizes in a pan. I especially love the smell of a fresh pie or a batch of cookies emerging from the oven. Plus gathering family, friends and new acquaintances around a table covered in homemade dishes, while sharing stories, laughter and dreams is irreplaceable and more than worth all the effort of each preceding stage. I cannot imagine a week passing by when my future husband, children and cherished guests are not gathered around the dinner table for this priceless [unparalleled] time together.
With all this said, I honestly didn’t expect to be shown another piece of that magnificent puzzle during the last third of my race. The Lord had already surpassed both promises he made me in January. In case you are brand new to my blog, God said,
1) “I promise to refine you into the godly woman I created you to be.” And,
2) “I promise you will know, without question, my calling on your life before your race is over.”
So, just when I thought God had already outdone himself, his dreams collided with my heart once more. This month, in Ocotal, Nicaragua the Lord unlocked his calling for me in ministry.
Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthen in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had the power to do what he had promised. -Romans 4:20-21
