2011 the year of Confusion

Not sure how many of you who read my blog have ever had a year of confusion. For me this year has been a struggle mostly with 3 questions. They are "Will I get married/Who will I marry?", "Where am I going to live?", and "What will I do the rest of my life?" It seems like these 3 questions hit me all at the same time. The most recent time I have had these struggles was this last weekend and this week. What happens most of the time is these questions can cause me to be very lonely. I feel like I am alone in facing these decisions/questions. For the most part I have been turning to Christ, through reading my Bible, to realize the I am not alone in processing these questions. All I can rest in is that Christ is the one who can help me and guide me through these rough times. There are times I feel like giving up, but Christ is always there for me.

I would like to add that in addition to the confusion I have a few memories that I wish I could forget. There were a few times in 2011 that I was not performing at my best. I think part of my problem, was that I tried to live my life by my own strength and not depend on Christ to lead me. Some of those bad memories have come out of some of my times of confusion. I am still confused, but I feel that through it all I have come to a point where I depend more on Christ's strength than my own strength through those confusing times. It isn't always easy.

A Nation of "Ethiopians"

Those of you who are reading this are probably wondering about my title. I am comparing those who live around us in the US to the Ethiopian that Philip talked to in Acts. This idea came to my attention as I was watching many videos on youtube of all the flashmobs that happen during the Christmas season. I wonder how many of those people really know what they are signing about. One song that is very popular is Handel's Hallelujah chorus. That chorus has many lines that are easy to sing, but not really understand what is being said. The lyrics that stuck out to me were "King of kings", "Lord of lords", and "He shall reign forever and ever." Those three lines along pretty much speak for themselves. So I challenge you if you have friends that do not follow Christ and enjoy Handel's Hallelujah Chorus ask them what they think the words mean. I think that we would find that we live with many "Ethiopians" around us in the church and outside of the church.

I hope that post makes sense. It sounded a lot better in my head before I wrote it down.

Challenge

Earlier this year I undertook a challenge to, donate $.50 for each mile I rode on my bicycle, to a charity of my choosing. I am starting that over for the winter months. This time I will be donating $1 for each mile I ride to my friends Pete and Ashley Greenwald to help them get to the mission field. I would ask all of those who read this to join me and for each mile I ride you would donate a certain amount to a missionary, mission, church, or non-profit of your choice. I would also ask the your donations not be out of your extra, but that you would give sacrificially. Also when I ride I will be rounding up to the next mile for my total mileage for the ride. Thanks again for those who will join me. I would really like to know who you are supporting.