The purpose of the valley

I've been reading in My Utmost for His Highest and there was a key sentence that struck me. "Peter thought it would be a fine thing for them to remain on the mount, but Jesus Christ took the disciples down from the mount into the valley, the place where the meaning of the vision is explained." Chambers also says, "We see His glory on the mount, but we never live for His glory there."

I know for me personally I thought of the valley as always being this place of separation. I felt like I was supposed to avoid the valley. I'm learning that this viewpoint isn't necessarily right. If you think about it, valleys are picturesque. They are the beautiful view you look at while on top of the mountain. A place of abiding and growing. A place that is beautiful, lush and green. A place of reflecting on the climb or looking ahead to the next valley and, eventually, next mountain peak.

Personally I have been through a lot of growth in multiple areas of my life. I know I wouldn't be where I am now without having lived in the valley for a while. While in that place I started learning to abide in Christ and have begun to see a glimpse of the vision He's placed in my heart. I'm excited for the continuing journey!

"God matches the perfect dream with the perfect dreamer"

The Awakening

"Thirsty hearts are those whose longings have been wakened by the touch of God within them." ~A. W. Tozer

Up to this point my life has been very "drama free". I've always heard that it's harder to see the bigger picture when you are in the midst of a crisis. Boy, did I ever learn this lesson! The past months since my last entry have been a wild ride to say the least; never before have I been challenge and stretched to such lengths. November was plagued with illness and paralyzing doubts that caused me to question my calling. Through it all I was blessed by my mom and close friends who constantly redirected by fearful thinking to the glimmer of light provided by my Savior. The month of December provided a paradigm shift in my relationship with God. Every week God opened my eyes to a new lesson causing me to draw closer to Him. I would go to church and the sermon would confirm this lesson. Then someone I knew would always provide another confirmation regarding the lesson God was teaching me. It's almost like he had a plan... ;)

I finished my first placement, finished my work sample, transitioned home, and started at a new placement all towards the end of December through the beginning of January. My mom then fell and broke a rib. The veil was lifted as I came to the realization that God intentionally had me go through the trials of the past couple months in order to find strength in Him during this time.

Now life is starting to settle down a bit more and I am just SO excited for the mysteries that He will continue to unveil during this new season - a new season of thirsting and awakening!