Today was a GOOD day!

Oh it started out a little rough, I got up early not really wanting to, made my coffee and sat for a bit to wake up.

I took my shower, and I really need to start getting my clothes ready for church the night before.

I took out my beautiful green sweater dress, a thrift shop find, and ironed it, only to discover that the hem has fallen out.

I thought I would just tack it up quick, but of course a sewing needle was not to be found, not in my sewing machine, or even the pin cushion or even in my cross stitch stuff. Now I know I have needles, but where they may be is another story.

So I ironed my black velvet that DT bought me quite a few years back.

After doing my hair and makeup, I was running a little late, but I made it to church in time.

They made an announcement that they were still looking for singers for the choir.

Singers or would be singers were to see the music minister for a CD and book after services.

I said to Crystal, 'So you gonna drag me up there to sign up?'

'Nope, although I would like to, it's up to you, but you should just take the plunge and go for it.'

'This is a scary plunge.'

'Yep, but if you fall, Jesus will catch you.'

She is right, of course.

So I took the plunge and signed up, got my book and CD and told him I would try to make it Wednesday, I have to see if they will let me leave early from work.

I then came home, made dinner, so that DT could eat before he went off to work.

I cleaned up and laid down for a bit, setting the clock so I could go back to the church this evening for the new members tour. They were also looking for volunteers to help with the gifts for the shut ins.

Crystal called me at about 3:30. I was in a dead sleep.

'Are you going to church to help with the project before the tour?'

I blearily looked at the clock. I would never make it I thought since that was at 4.

I told her no, I wasn't gonna make it.

But then I thought, oh why not, I may be a little late, but at least I will be there.

I felt yucky from my nap so I dashed in the shower for a quick rinse, dressed and went out the door.

It took me way longer to get to church than I expected. The city was having their annual Christmas parade, and all the roads that I needed were blocked, I ended up turning around three times, had to come back by my house to get on the back road, and end up going way way out of my way.

But I did get there by 4:30.

I helped for a bit, then the Pastor gathered all us new members and we took the grand tour.

At the very end of the tour, I asked about the library/media room.

The Pastor started telling us about it, then mentioned that they need people to work in the library, cataloguing and sorting.

'PICK ME!!! PICK ME!!!'

I didn't hesitate a moment, I jumped right in and volunteered.

I have been stumbling around in the church looking for where I fit in, and now I suddenly have two things.

The singing thing has been thrown in my face over and over, the shy part of me just didn't want to accept it.

And suddenly another opportunity comes out just when I least expect it.

Music and books, my two most favorite things.

My sister told me the last time I talked to her not to worry that God would lead me to where I belong, and that doors would suddenly open. I see that she was right, and it's awesome!

I prayed about it and just let it rest in God's hands, trusting Him to lead me where He wants me.

Now if I could just find it as easy to let go and trust Him in ALL aspects of my life.

But I guess as long as I am taking steps forward in my walk, even if they are baby steps, it's progress.

And I feel good, really really good, I am excited and uplifted and praising God!

2 Samuel 22:47

"The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock!

Exalted be God, the Rock, my Savior!"

Jonah Moments

We all know the story of Jonah and the Whale. God commanded Jonah to go to Ninevah and preach against their wickedness. Instead, Jonah ran from God, ended up on a ship, then tossed overboard by a bunch of frightened sailors, to end up in the belly of a whale for three days and nights.

We don't know much about Jonah and what kind of man he was before this happened, but we can conclude one thing, he was frightened to do what God had commanded him to do, he was frightened more of the people of Ninevah than God. So much so that he disobeyed God and ran away from Him. The Bible uses the word, flee, in fact, a much stronger word than ran, a word that conveys a sense of panic and hurry.

Jonah tried to run away from God and his command as fast and furious as he could.

The only problem was, he really couldn't get away from God. No matter how fast Jonah ran, no matter where he went, God could find him.

Jonah was foolish, maybe, and definately a coward.

But don't we all have Jonah moments?

Even days when we are foolish and cowardly?

God can and does at times show us exactly where He wants us to be, what He wants us to do, and we will come up with a million different excuses not to do it. Or we ignore what is right in front of us, opportunities and open doors.

We try and run away from God just as Jonah did.

Sometimes God gives us opportunities that don't seem to fit us, so we discount them right away. A shy person having the opportunity to stand in front of others and speak, for example.

We think, "Surely, not I, Lord!"

But God's purposes are greater than ours, and He wants us to stretch and grow beyond our own self limited boundaries.

A number of years ago, in my previous church home, the pastor approached me about joining the outreach committee.

I didn't even think about it, I certainly didn't take time to pray about it.

Taken aback, I said a resounding NO.

No way, not me, uh uh, as visions of approaching people I didn't know filled my head.

Definately one of those Jonah moments in my life.

A couple posts ago, I wrote about how so many have told me to join the choir.

Another Jonah moment, but this time, I am thinking and praying about it.

God wants me to stretch and grow, He wants me to overcome my fears and shyness, and He wants me to serve Him by serving others.

Something that I have been praying about for a long time, where exactly I fit in the church. I have been asking God to lead me.

The thing is, it's been so easy to ignore what was right in front of me.

But too many people have said something to me, it's getting harder to ignore.

When one person says something, it's easy to discount it, it's hearsay, when many people say something, it's testimony and not so easy to ignore.

So I have decided that if I can work my schedule out with work, so I can attend practice, then it is definately where God wants me to be.

It's not exactly what I envisioned for myself, but God knows best where I need to be.

What a FRIEND!!

I just love when friends get a kick out of embarrassing you, don't you?

It all started some months ago, I was in church singing my little heart out. Directly after service, two different men that were sitting in front of us turned and asked who was singing so beautifully.

My oh so wonderful friend Crystal points at me.

Thanks.

Over the months, several others have complimented me.

I don't get it.

I never thought of myself as a particularly good singer, although I do like to sing.

Last Sunday, Crystal's mama went to church with us.

In Sunday School, she said and quite loudly I may add, that I should join the choir.

Ok, now wait a minute, this is going way too far.

My face burned as EVERYONE turned to look at me.

Then this week, three more people, all complete strangers, told me the same thing.

Then my oh so wonderful FRIEND, who I do love (sometimes), drags me up to the woman in charge of the choir and tells her, SHE NEEDS TO BE IN THE CHOIR!!!

No, I don't.

I am quite content to do my thing in the congregation.

I am feeling pushed and pulled into a direction I am not sure I want to go in.

In new members class, we talked about service.

I've been attending there for a year now, and have been a member since June. I am looking for where I fit in.

Surely, it's not the choir.

Please, Lord, not that.

I can't get up in front of all those people and SING.

Not me. No way.

*sigh*

Crystal said to me, maybe I am just fighting against it too hard.

OF COURSE I AM, I DON'T WANNA!!!

And what is the worst that could happen.

Uh, how about making a complete and utter fool of myself.

Choking, not being able to sing.

Turning beat red in front of everyone.

My voice cracking.

Tripping on the way up there and falling flat on my face.

See, ANYTHING could happen.

After all, I am NOT very graceful, I can't walk without my feet sticking to the floor, so I am sure to really embarrass myself.

Is this what You want of me, Lord?

Ya know, this would be a huge step of faith for me.

Ok, I admit it, this scares me to death.

"For God did not give you a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of self-control."

Point taken.

I'll think about it, K?

*sigh*