I just realized today I am trying to rush past one of the most important seasons of this experience—the season of reflection. I am trying my hardest to immediately jump to the next thing, without taking into consideration how much I would benefit from just being in God’s presence and reflecting on our year together. Admittedly, it is difficult for me to rest long enough to reflect. I cannot help but want to serve God by doing something tangible. I am a doer and I learn with my hands and by personal experience. It is no wonder my favorite hobbies all involve activities with my hands: crocheting, painting, photography, playing volleyball and softball, cooking and baking, even making old things new.
It is incredibly frustrating to have such a strong desire to serve God without having a peace over where to serve Him. I know wholeheartedly the Lord is rising up a leader and warrior in me. He is asking me to be bold while living in abundant faith and trust. I am not naïve to the fact I have a lot more to discover in the area of faith, trust and even patience, but right now I am stumped on how to dig deeper and go further with God. My heart is in knots, my spirit’s fire is dwindling—needing extra fuel, but not procuring it. William Faulkner once said, “The only thing worth writing about is the human heart in conflict with itself.” How loudly that rings true in my life right now. My heart is in conflict with itself, especially when it seeks answers to the simple question, “What’s next?” So I decided to rip a few pages out of my journal regarding what I thought I knew about God’s plans for me after the race, and start from scratch. This is what I discovered.
What I know is, I love my family and my church home. I miss them both dearly and I am deeply looking forward to spending quality time with my parents, sister and with my church family. Next to God, these relationships are more important than anything else.
What I know is I love to cook and bake, especially for others. I miss ladies’ tea and life groups over apples & cheese. I want to keep food a part of the equation every day.
What I know is I am a natural writer and photographer. It is no surprise that the Lord has blessed me in both areas and requested I serve his kingdom through both mediums. The Holy Spirit moves when I speak, not because I am hot snot but because I am being obedient in my faith when He says “DO.” I yearn to learn more techniques and gain further understanding of communicating through both writing and photography.
What I know is I love encouraging the youth, whether through teaching, sports, ministry or just mentoring them. An energy and abundant joy flows through me whenever I get to work with youth, especially ages 13-18.
What I know is my dreams are important and achievable. God didn’t put dreams in my life to merely ponder or stare at on paper, but pursue. So I’ve broken my dreams down into three distinct goals. My short-term goal is to establish my own creative communication consulting and marketing firm, or work for a small firm in the same field, with a focus on promoting reputable, but not well-known Christian organizations, entrepreneurial ventures and non-profits who desire to cultivate God’s Kingdom, using my gifts in writing and photography. My mid-term goal is to become a university professor in marketing and sustainable community enterprise. My long-term goal is to write and illustrate children’s books.
What I know is I cannot achieve any of these goals on my own and would greatly benefit from your help. If I have learned anything from God it is that He did not create His children to walk alone, serve alone nor seek Him alone. We are in this world to love each other, encourage one another and serve together as one body of Christ. With that being said, I would love your help. If you know of or hear of any opportunities in the areas I described above: serving youth, writing, photography, working for a small marketing-firm, graduate school assistantships to earn my Masters or PhD to become a business professor, please contact me. I want to serve God’s kingdom more than anything.
Lastly, what I know is prayers are powerful. Prayer isn’t just what we do to prepare for ministry, it is a ministry in itself. I would not be the woman I am today without your prayers so please continue to pray. I appreciate each every one.
God bless!
Isa
