May 22 -Oswald Chamers

"If you are going through a time of isolation, seemingly all alone, read John 17. It will explain exactly why you are where you are- because Jesus has prayed that you "may be one" with the Father as He is. Are you helping God to answer that prayer, or do you have some other goal for your life? Since you became a disciple, you cannot be as independent as you used to be.
"God reveals in John 17 that His purpose is not just to answer our prayers, but that through prayer we might come to discern His mind. Yet there is one prayer which God must answer, and that is the prayer of Jesuse- "... that they may be one just as We are one..." Are we as close to Jesus Christ as that?
"God is not concerned about our plans; He doesn't ask, "Do you want to go through this loss of a loved one, this difficulty, or this deaft?" No, He allows these things for His own purpose. The things we are going through are either making us sweeter, beter, and nobler men and women, or they are making us more critical and fault-finding, and more insistent on our own way. The things that happen either make us evil, or they make us more saintly, depending entirely on our relationship with God and its level of intimacy. If we will pray, regarding our own lives, "Your will be done" (Matthew 26:42), then we will be encouraged and comforted by John 17, knowing that our Father us working according to His own wisdom, accomplishing what is best. When we understand God's purpose, we will not become small-minded and cynical. Jesus prayed nothing less for us than absolute oneness with Himself, just as He was one with the Father. Some of us are far from this oneness; yet God will not leave us alone until we are one with Him- because Jesus prayed, "... that they all may be one...""

I am glad that God desires/loves me so much that He is willing to make me like Himself.
*Things that stood out to me while I read this morning.

God you are crazy

I found out last night that I need a suit for an upcoming interview. The next day my cousin happens to be going suit shopping with some friends. Amazingly, I am able to find a nice pant suit and blouse at Anne Taylor's for under $100 in two hours! Thank you God!

Recent Joys

I ran 4 miles in 30 minutes

Made my first tye dye t-shirt

Screen printed a pillow case

Recieved a graduation quilt

Ate an entire pint of Ben & Jerry's Fro Yo Cherry Garcia

Prepped a church for painting all before noon- Yep, I feel accomplished.

Refreshment

In times of chaos... Go to the campus fair, buy a beanie, listen to a'cappella, play a new game, attend the art walk, watch a dance performance, tye dye, rock climb and bike.... Oh, and then study like mad!

Post Graduation

Not many things are certain in life. For me the things that are, seem to already have dates attached. June 5th: my final day of extern. June 12th: I graduate college with my Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences. June 15th: travel to Alaska to be with friends and explore/adventure.
Beyond these dates is when the uncertainty of the future resumes. In one frame of mind, I feel free to try new things and pursue education in Spanish, art, travel and perhaps a part time job. Then the responsible mind reminds me that money runs the world; and to pursue any of these options, I might as well use my degree to make some and afford next months rent.
Oh, The ball and chain that nails dreams to the ground. I wonder what will be the deciding factor that will pull me from this time spent languishing in a quandary of non-commitment.