Let God Love

This title was SUPER easy to come up with, but has been my struggle for a long time. Let God love. Let Him love what you ask......me. It's that simple. And it seems strange that this is a struggle. I am a very loving person, and I know that is something people would say about me. And, for anyone that knows God, love comes straight from him. 1 John 4:16 says, "God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God." So how is it that I am able to be a loving person and at the same time be a person that struggles to let God (who is love) love me?

I just finished reading Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge. Here are my final comments:

I am blown away. I am most blown away with how much, how often God pours his unfailing love on me. My eyes were opened to why I long for love, relationships, comfort from people. that is who God created me, Dina Coverstone, to be. But, before it can happen with people, it MUST happen with God. He needs to be my main man, the one I run to in all circumstances.

So, I have been reflecting on my life since October when I really seemed to hit rock-bottom. I have been noting how God showed this unconditional, unfailing love to me and I want to share some things with you.

1. He loved on my through people. I have 3 friends who were in contact with me daily! It was inevitable that one of them would call or text me every day just to remind me of who I am, who
God created me to be, and that I was loved.

2. I live with 2 amazing friends right now that I can freely talk about my struggles and hopes and
dreams with. I do not doubt that God placed me here for this season as His hedge of protection
and encouragement.

3. I was able to go to Colorado over Thanksgiving to spend some time with my best friend and her
husband (hadn't seen then since June). Karissa and I were able to spend lots of time together
talking, laughing, and sharing some struggles with one another. And the best thing about it
all...she (nor Luke) did not condemn, frown, or bat an eye at what I shared with her. Instead, I was
encouraged and love in the midst of what I was going through. No better example of the love that
Jesus pours over us.

4. I saw the Rocky Mountains. How does God show His love through mountains. Well, if you have
seen them you know what I mean. If you haven't, you need to. As I was flying from Denver to
Dallas, I was completely captivated by these mountains. I could not stop staring out the window of
the plane. They were majestic. There was a slight covering of snow. They stretched as far as my
eyes could see. God did not have to make them, but he chose to reveal himself that way. He
loves us enough to make the earth a place of beauty.

5. I have spent so much time with my family. Despite the fact that most of them don't want anything
to do with God, they are very loving. I have never spent time with them and not felt loved for just
being Dina. Funny to me how that works, yet God knew I needed loved on.

6. Christmas Break. I have been able to spend time with some fabulous friends that I don't get to
see very often. It was so good to just love and be loved on by people.

There are many other ways that God has loved on me, but these are some major things that couldn't be ignored. I have been learning so much about God's love. Some days it is a no-brainer and other days it is a struggle. The God of all creation (did you catch that) loves me. He loves me in a way that no one, no thing can ever love me. Now, if I would just let Him.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son..." -John 3:16

I've Been Tagged

50 questions to answer and then tag your blogger friends. Tag as many or as few as you want, whatever works for you. AND...try to put some added info into your answers, no "one worders" please :) We're trying to learn about each other here PEOPLE!

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Yes. I'm proud to say I got the family name. When my older brother was born, mom and dad flipped a coin to see who got to name him. Mom won and Ryan didn't get a family name. So, when I came along, dad got to name me. Dina D. - named after my dad, Dino and my grandpa Dean.

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? Today....I went hiking in the Rocky Mtns. with Karissa and we just had a great conversation. I got pretty teary-eyed talking about some things.

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? I love my handwriting, cursive and print. I don't know why, I just do. :)

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Virginia Baked Ham....I especially love it in an omlet.

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? None that officially belong to me, but I teach 23 amazing students! And I call them "my kids".

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Pretty sure I would, I make myself smile alot and my friends too. And, I love to be around people that make me smile.

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? Never! Hahahaha, I am totally sarcastic. I get it from my daddy.

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? sure do unless they were mysteriously taken without me knowing about it.

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Never in a million years. Too terrified of heights for one. And why would you jump off a perfectly stable structure just to get flung through the air. And I'm concerned as to how one gets unhooked from the bungee cord.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Cocoa Dino-bites. It is Walmart bag cereal. (I'm trying not to eat as much....it's not very healthy).

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Nope, but I untie them to put them back on.

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Most of the time. I've been working out and my muscles are getting rather beastly. I like the definition of them.

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Mint Chocolate Chip. But during the Christmas season, I will choose peppermint. Yummy!

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? their smile and eyes.

15. RED OR PINK? i think i prefer pink (no comments from Darcy). Although, I like a good true red every now and then.

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? struggling to like myself on a daily basis.

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My grandma (aka Gram). She died when I was 8 or 9 and was the most loving person ever. And she always made time for us. And, she laughed ALL THE TIME...so much that she would inevitably pee her pants.

18. WHAT IS THE WORST QUESTION PPL ASK YOU ALL THE TIME? Are you seeing anyone?

19. WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? i'm wearing luke's brown sandals right now (he's my BF's hubby and he let me borrow them to walk down to dinner)

20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? Fresh pineapple, grapes, and figs - it was desert after dinner.

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? people talking, tv in background, Karissa making cookies!

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Green. it is my favorite color. it is so fresh and clean. and reminds me of spring

23. FAVORITE SMELLS? freshly mowed grass, leaves burning, campfires

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Tim. I had to remind him to pick me up at the airport tomorrow.

25. MOUNTAIN HIDEAWAY OR BEACH HOUSE? tough choice. due to being in CO, I would have to say mountain hideaway. it is so majestic and peaceful here.

26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Basketball, primarily women's college bball. Actually, any bball will do. i just love to watch bball.

27. HAIR COLOR? dark brown. right now there are some blonde and red-tinted streaks

28. EYE COLOR? brown

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? yes and I can wear them for 30 days/nights straight! I love them.

30. FAVORITE FOOD? cheese pizza from Pizza Hut or chicken

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? happy endings. I really don't like scary movies because I will, inevitably, have nightmares.

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? The Kid. And I laughed just as hard as always.

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Black Huntington University T with a pink long sleeve underneath

34. SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer because I love to be barefoot

35. HUGS OR KISSES? HUGS all the way!!!! Nothing that makes me happier than a good solid hug

36. FAVORITE DESSERT? anything chocolate. I really like warm brownies or warm choc chip cookies (which I will be eating in about 15 minutes)

37. STRENGTH TRAINING OR CARDIO? I do strength training, but like some good cardio....make the lungs burn!

38. COMPUTER OR TELEVISION? I prefer neither, but since i have to choose, I would go with computer. it's how i keep in touch with my peeps.

39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? Captivating by John and Stasi Eldridge. It is so good and much needed at this point in my life.

40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? I don't have one here. At school it is an advertisement for Splash Universe waterpark

42. FAVORITE SOUND? a perfect "swoosh" in a bball net

43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Beatles all the way. They are my favorite band of all time (Jeni...I can't believe you don't know these bands! You best be putting some on your Itunes)

44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Australia (from Sydney to Cairns) I went there the summer before my Sr. year of highschool.

45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? Hugging. I know it doesn't sound like much, but people refer to my hugs as "Dina-hugs" and that has it's very own meaning.

46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Goshen Hospital, Goshen, IN

47. WHERE ARE YOU LIVING NOW? Syracuse, IN with some great friends.

48. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR HOUSE? White with green shutters

49. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR CAR? light khaki (that's what the sales slip said)

50. DO YOU LIKE ANSWERING 50 QUESTIONS? It was kinda fun. It took a while too. Makes me think and I love sharing things like this with people.

I would like to tag...
Jenn, Jess, Hannah

In the Midst of Crap

The title came so easily because that is where I am. But the words aren't coming out (my appologies if this is a little scattered as I get things out).

If you are reading this and wondering what the stink is wrong with Dina, please read the previous post - it gives a little background. Yes I am doing so much better and am slowly coming out of a self-deficating pit, but it is not easy. I feel like I climb and can almost see out of the pit and then I slip and fall back down. It is amazing how God is right there though. I'm speechless most of the time to think about just how God is 24/7 involved in my daily life.

Still, I find myself in the midst of crap. But, I am encouraged. I just had Fall Break from school - total blessing. I spent 4 days driving around the great state of Indiana and visiting so many people.

Wednesday night I got my hair cut and colored by my dear friend Erin. So good to spend time with her and share my struggles and joys. She is such an encouragement and just pours out the love on me. I needed that. Afterwards I hung out with AJ at B-dub's. It was encouraging to know that I am not alone in my struggles and questions and frustrations.

I had lunch with my old roomie. First we hugged and cried just because we miss each other so much. We spent 2 hours catching up and sharing all that God is doing in our lives. Both of us are dealing with BIG things, but it was so encouraging to know that God is right there in the center of it all...growing us, shaping us, molding us for HIS divine purpose.

Next I traveled to Huntington University and Taylor University to visit 2 of my girls. Nothing could have made my break better (but it got better). I got to hug them and see their lives and meet their friends and just be loved on. I shared what's been going on with me and they just loved and encouraged. ....So good!

Friday I had lunch with another friend, Jamie. We just spent time laughing and hangin out. I love her so much.

Then I headed for Indy to see Jenna. She and I just met this summer at camp and hit it off. We met up with another friend from camp, went out to eat, saw a movie and just hung out. Saturday she studied for school and I did school work. Then we ate pizza, watched a movie, and just enjoyed the company of each other.

So, you are probably wondering about my title as of this minute. This all seems well and good and it was! Please don't read this and think that my weekend was such crap. It was so good. But, Saturday night I fell back into an old habbit. At the time it was fun and I can look back and say that I had a good time, but I know that God was not glorified. I know that I wasn't being Jesus to so many people that don't know him. And I slipped back into the pit.

So, I'm in the midst of crap. Personally - I'm dealing with losing weight. I have been working out with a personal trainer, eating better, and running (which I absolutely despise) only to get on the scale and see a 6lb gain tonight. Nothing breaks me more than that. It hurts deep down in places that I didn't think could hurt. And now I face the challenge of the morning...get up, get ready, and look myself in the face and tell myself that I am beautiful. Some guy is out there who will think that of me. And then I put on my happy face and go into my day. Spiritually - I'm wrestling so much with God right now. My days are filled with highs and lows. I struggle to believe the promises that I know to be true. I wonder if God really is hearing my cries for help, saving, love. Emotionally - I am drained at the end of each day. I pour myself into teaching, and it has been good. I work out with such anger and feel some release doing that. I feel like I constantly have a well of tears ready to spill over.

In the midst of crap. . . I'm encouraged to know that this is a season. And I'm encouraged to know that these trials, crap, will strengthen me. And I know that God must have a huge plan in store and that satan is attacking in new ways. All this I know, but it doesn't make the crap easier, just more real.

1 Peter 5:8-9 "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings."

Me

October 21, 2008

I'm so blah....I don't even know what I am. I'm angry, bitter, alone, selfish, hungry, needing, fat, ugly. Did I mention alone?! I hate getting to this point. More than that, I hate how I can't focus on God. I am so focued on me right now that all I see is me. And my image of myself freakin sucks! So I'm beginning to realize that because all I see is me, and "me" is not very pleasing right now, I am struggling to find any hope at all.

Bible study was the most uncomfortable place I have ever been tonight. But, so much of it resonates in me. I know that is God digging in so why do I keep pushing back? Why can't I just surrender, back down? For the love of Pete, why can't I just let God do His thing? Ahhhh......

Well, it all goes back to me. Like a hall of mirrors where you get lost and the only thing you can see is your own, distorted self . Yuck!

I want to change me but I have to look at why. Do I want to change because me isn't glorifying God? Or because I want to be surrounded by a better me?

Seriously looking at me tonight (couldn't be avoided), I realized a huge fear...that I will never be desireable to anyone. That really sucks to realize such a fear as that. But it is me and it is very real to me.

Such a crappy pit to be in. Especially when I can't seem to find a way out.



Today, October 26, 2008

This was me just 5 days ago (actually I was still feeling this way as of Friday night when I went to bed). I know I am not the only person to be in a pit. But, here is the really cool part. God did not leave me there. He was there all along waiting for the right moment to grab me. And He did just that. As I closed my eyes to go to sleep Friday, I was overwhelmed with clear vision. My eyes were opened to the pit that I had allowed myself to get into. He let me see where I had taken my life and it was not good. Then, in all of HIS redemptive glory, he scooped me up, cradled me in HIS arms, and loved me right where I was.

I am overjoyed to say that I love GOD! That's right, you heard me, I LOVE GOD! I have never known another being to love me right in the midst of a pit of crap that I have jumped into. I have never experienced mercy and grace to the extent I have this weekend. I have never seen so clearly as I do right now. And I have never, without a doubt, believed that God has/does/will always have my best in HIS plans. What an awesome God!

So, praise be to Jesus Christ for his sacrifice. May HE get all the glory for this amazing weekend, my life renewal, and the overwhelming love that is pouring out of me.

kids

As many of you know, I am a teacher. I love my job, and I mean it, I LOVE my job! I seriously cannot think of any better way to spend a day than with 23 students who are so awesome. I teach 5th grade and am doing this for the second year in a row. It is the first time I have taught the same grade two years in a row and it rocks. My kids are absolutely amazing. I am constantly learning from them. They are so honest. Therefore, it is a privilege to be accepted into their lives - humbling actually.

So, this year, I am faced with some things I never thought about encountering. I have some students that come from homes that I cannot fathom. When they step into my room, I can see the hurt in their eyes and can feel their desire for love. And, every day I ask God, "What is my role in this child's life?" Because, honestly, I know that I need to be more than a teacher. Maybe I need to be a listener. Maybe I need to be a disciplinarian. Maybe I need to be the person that shows these kids that someone does love them and care about them. Maybe my classroom is the only safe place that they have. Maybe school is the most positive environment that these kids will ever know.

I came home today with a heavy heart for my kids. Am I doing what God has planned for me each day? Am I showing these kids the love of Jesus? Am I teaching my kids to be compassionate and understanding of kids who don't come from a home that "has it all together"?

So, I pray. Lord Jesus, help me to love these kids while I have them. Open my eyes to what each student needs. Make it clear to me, the chances that you are giving me to impact the lives of each child. Lord, help me to provide a place where each person is valued as a human being. And Jesus, remind me constantly that these kids are a blessing (no matter how the day goes). Amen

football with a friend

Today was a good day. I got up, ate some Cocoa Dinobites, worked out, took a nap, and hung out with a good friend.

Over the last few years AJ and I have become pretty great friends. We both love sports and that is so nice to have a friend to share that with. We spent the day together watching college football and it was great. The other thing I love about my friendship with AJ is that I can completely be myself. We share our lives with each other and always talk about how God is working in our lives. It is a great encouragement.

So, why am I posting this . . . God is so good. This girl, AJ, is someone I have known since highschool. She played bball for a rival team. And, I really didn't like her in highschool. But, isn't it just like God to take two changed people and place them in one another's lives at a totally different point down the road and connect them. It is awesome to have a friend that I can share my heart with or sit around and laugh with.

So, thank you God for an amazing friend and for opening my eyes to a changed person. You are wonderful!

Moving on

So many changes have come my way recently. Some are big and some are small, but it is reminding me that God does not want me to get comfortable. I know I disappeared from the blog world this summer, but it was good. Actually I didn't spend much time online at all and it was nice - not to have this and myspace and email and facebook to worry about. But, more on that later. Like I said earlier, lots of changes.

1. I moved! My roomie sold her house, so I had to move. I know it was a huge blessing for the house to sell, but I am a little sad. Sad that I will be leaving the bond that Jenn and I had. The past 2.5 years as her roomie have been a true blessing. God totally knew that I needed to be there. Jenn was the best roomie I have had (and I have had some great roomies). I will miss knocking on her door every morning of the work week to say "bye, love you, have a good day". I will miss our unexpected roomie nights. I will miss hearing her laugh at the simple things. I will miss finding her asleep on the couch for an after-work nap. I will miss her jogs in the living room. Most of all, i will miss her company. I know we will see each other, but it won't be the same. The move has not completely registered with me. I am living with some friends of mine for a few months and then planning to buy a house in Syracuse.

2. No more middle school bball coaching! This is a shocker to most of the people who know me. I have coached for 5 years and have felt a call to move on for a time. For some reason my heart was not in it last season. I love bball, I love coaching, and I love the interaction I have with the girls. BUT, something was missing last season. I have always promised myself, in working with kids, that I will take a break when my heart isn't in something. I don't know if/when I will coach again, but I know that God has a plan.

3. School is back! This makes me so happy. I LOVE MY JOB! I am blessed to be in a profession that I love, that God has molded me for, and that I look forward to every day. This is the first year that I have taught the same grade as I did the previous year. It is strange, but it is a good strange. My new group of kids is fun and we are beginning to get settled in and develop a comfort with one another.

4. I have a computer again! I know this may seem odd, but I have missed (at times) not having a computer. The people I am living with had an extra laptop and they have wireless, so they hooked me up. Hopefully I will have my own computer in the next month or two. It is good be in touch with people again.

5. (this is probably the biggest one for me) 5 of my girls are in college! Many of you know that I led a girls' Bible study the past 5.5 years. Well, of my 7 girls, 5 left for college a few weeks ago. We had one last hurrah this summer and went to Chicago for the weekend (and saw Wicked). I have spent countless hours with these girls over the last 5 years and it has come to an end. God blessed my life so much through each one of these girls. What a blessing to be a part of each of their lives, watch them grow up, see them develop in their relationship with Jesus, and become young women.

6. A call to ministry! The Lord has placed a burden on my heart for jr/sr high girls ministry. What does this mean for me? I have no idea. But I have been praying that God will lead me, provide opportunities to minister, and help me to reach out to these girls. It is sure to be an exciting journey.

So, lots of moves happening in my life. It is so good. I'm grateful that I serve a God that allows me to be uncomfortable. It is my prayer that HE will lead me and direct my every step as I head into the next season of life.

Chaos

Many of you know that I am a 5th grade teacher. Well, the end of any school year (we have 10 more days) brings SO MUCH CHAOS! I feel like I am going hour-by-hour and sometimes even minute-by-minute. Last night I got to bed at 1:00 AM! Today has been rough. My kids are getting super chatty, knowing that summer is just around the corner - I can't blame them. However, we still have things to get done.

This week has been exceptionally busy for me. Here's the rundown (mind you I have been at school by 6:45 AM at the latest each day):

Monday - school (begin lit. circles), McDonald's Teacher night, walk with mom

Tuesday - school (Middle School orientation, nails, staff retirement dinner (missed Bible study)

Wednesday - school (testing, DARE dog, DARE Graduation practice, DARE Graduation), visit friend who had a baby, HS small groups, stayed and visited way too late

Thursday - school (testing), work out, walk with mom, basketball practice, grade papers

Friday - school (Field Day, games, snake program), crash at home

Why am I running down my list you ask? Well, notice what is missing from every day but one....God time. I hate when I get so busy that I miss out on my God time. Or should I say, "I hate when I push my God time back to make room for other things." It has been evident to me too. I am grouchy and moody and emotional and tired. I am not ever being refreshed.

Chaos. It makes me crazy. I just want to stop and make myself make time for what my soul needs. I wonder when I will really do it?

blog frustrations

If you read my tagged post, you can see that it didn't space between paragraphs. I have no clue why and I help searched it and everything. If anyone can help me out, I would appreciate it. It may help to know that I am pretty much computer illiterate and you will have to spell things out for me.

Thanks, Dina

I've Been Tagged...

...by more than one person. I have been on Spring Break - away from school and computers and it was WONDERFUL. But, I will be headed back to school tomorrow and thought I should get this post done since about 5 people have tagged me. So, here goes (and you may not hold any of these facts against me)!

Weird Fact #1

I fold my underpants. So many people just wad them up and throw them in a drawer. Not me...I actually take the time to fold them all and place them neatly in a dresser drawer. Some of my old roomies thought it would be funny and actually took the time to mess up my drawer. I tried to live with it and that lasted about 36 hours - I couldn't take it any longer and folded them all back up.

Weird Fact #2

I don't mix my food. I generally eat one thing off my plate at a time. Sometimes I will mix things up, but I generally eat all of one thing on my plate before moving to the next.

Weird Fact #3

I shave once a week. I don't do this out of laziness, I just don't have to shave more than that. Now, in the summer, I will shave at least 2 and sometimes 3 times a week, but the hair on my legs just doesn't grow that much. It may not seem too weird, but it definately has caused some slight envy from my friends. Hahaha!

Weird Fact #4

I don't like scalding hot food. If I make something in the oven, frozen pizza for instance, I put it in the fridge or freezer to cool off before I will eat it. I also put ice cubes in soup to cool it off. I know it is strange, but I don't burn my mouth!

Weird Fact #5

My CD's are insanely organized. First I arrange them by genre (christian, Beatles, soundtracks, other, Christmas). Then, within eat genre I alphabetize them all. If I have more than one CD per artist, I arrange them by their release date. It is so strange, but at least I know right where to find them. (it makes my roomie a little nervous when her neice and nephew come over and knock them off the shelf. oh, the laughs. And don't worry, I don't throw a tantrum or anything like that.)

Weird Fact #6

I love shoes - not so weird. The weird thing is that when I buy new tennis shoes, I plan to wear my favorite jeans to be sure that the shoes look good with the jeans. I also must have squishy tennis shoes. I wear them A LOT so they have to be comfy. (mayday...I found some great insoles that I bought with my newest tennis shoes. They are amazing...it feels like I'm walking on a gymnastics mat all the time.)

Weird Fact #7

I can't sleep in silence. I grew up in the country and always had the sound of outside to put me to sleep. In the winter, I listened to music. Well, now I either have to turn the sleep timer on the TV to fall asleep or have music on. If it is silent, I can lay awake all night no matter how exhausted I may be. There have been times in my life when I didn't have TV or music to fall asleep, so I talk myself to sleep. I know, you are probably thinking, "this girl is whack" and I might very well be, but at least I get good sleep at night.

So, I totally won't tag anyone since they have all tagged me. I hope you enjoy my strangeness!

Psalm 139:14 "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."

getting there

This post is nothing profound. I've been tagged. I just haven't had time to post - school is crazy busy. Only 1 day and 2 hours til Spring Break! I promise my tagged post is coming soon!

Smooches to all....Dina

Pain

Sometimes it hurts: physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually.

Pain from exercising.
Pain from losing a loved one.
Pain from wondering.
Pain from caring.
Pain from realizing that things don't always go as planned.

But, then comes that really crappy, unexplainable pain. And I wonder how long will it last? And I ask Jesus if/when he will heal me. And I wish there was an explanation for wanting to break down every time I blink.

But . . . I have no reason.

It just hurts.

Waiting

My phone's banner says "Wait on Jesus". Why do I need this constant reminder? I guess its because I am a gung-ho kind of person. When I want something, I go after it and I don't always wait for God's timing. Inevitably things don't work out so well.

So, I put a reminder on my phone, "Wait on Jesus," because I see that reminder at least 15 times a day (I've seen it 3 times already today). I know there are things happening in my life right now that could fall apart if I don't do just that . . . Wait on Jesus. There are opportunities, doors that are cracked open, and I want to push through them but I can't. I need to Wait on Jesus.

Knowing in my heart that I need to wait on him, I looked to my Bible for some encouragement. Here is what I found:

Psalm 27:14 "Wait for the Lord: be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."

Psalm 130:5 "I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope."

Isaiah 30:18 "For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait on him."

Acts 1:4 [Jesus commands] "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised."

1Thessalonians 1:10 "...and wait for his Son from heaven - Jesus who rescues us from the coming wrath."

Romans 8:19 "The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed."

You know what I've learned? It is good to wait! It is hard to wait. Psalm 130:5 says while we wait we need to put our hope in HIS word. Seek God out . . . maybe that's why he wants you and me to wait. Romans 8:19 says we wait eagerly. If I am constantly jumping into things, the excitement can't build. I don't give God time to prepare me for what lies ahead. You can't jump into a battle or a game without preparing for it! When we get pumped up and train, we are SO much more driven.

I guess waiting on Jesus is hard, but it is SO worth it. Where is God saying in your life, Wait on Jesus?