Control & Planning

I like to know the plan. My dad must have told me, "Stick around and find out," hundreds of times when I was little. Even if it's going to change, I like to know what the plan is so I know what to expect (in fact, I've been known to plan to be spontaneous in certain instances just so there is an official plan in my head).

I often wish God would tell me what the plan is. I know that in reality, knowing what He's got planned would overwhelm me, and I'd probably try to do things my way so they wouldn't work out the way He wants them to. But I still like to know what the plan is.

I was recently reminded (yet again) that there's a lot I don't have control over. What I can control is my attitude and actions. The Bible doesn't specifically say, "Emily, this is what you should do in December 2011 or January 2012," but it does provide three actionable items that are what God wants for all of us:

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

I guess that gives me three things to focus on until I find out more of the plan... 

Photo Credit: SuperFantastic

Someday I Want To See...

Israel! Okay, I know I haven't done one of these posts in a while (looking back, the last one was in October 2009 - wow). Anyway, I would love to visit Israel for a couple of reasons:

1. It just so happens one of my best friends from high school lives there. Just from her talking about what life is like for her, I think it would be really eye-opening to visit an area so different from the communities I've personally experienced.
2. I think it would be a great way to put various Bible stories into perspective. I'm more of a kinetic learner, followed by visual, so physically seeing and experiencing the region would go a long way for me.

Matt and I actually talked about visiting Israel on our honeymoon, although it didn't work out. Maybe someday we'll have an opportunity to check it out, though. 

Have you ever been to Israel? What are the must-see or must-do locations & activities you experienced?

Attitude is Important

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18


I think that’s one of my favorite Bible verses. Granted there are a LOT of good ones, but I like that it actually spells out three things to keep doing over and over:

1. Be joyful
2. Pray
3. Give thanks

I had these on my mind this morning when I woke up to go to crew. I didn’t want to go because I knew we’d be erging (using the rowing machines), which I really didn’t feel like doing. As I was getting ready to go, with a very bad attitude of course, I realized that going through the motions was only a part of the task. I wasn’t grateful or joyful, and my prayers were definitely full of complaints. That realization, coupled with the decision to enjoy myself, made the morning (and the whole day) so much better! Yes, we had to erg, but we got to do shorter sprint pieces (the type of workout I prefer) and I was able to enjoy the company of my teammates and coach. Overall, I would say I had a good morning – all because I chose to follow God’s instructions!