Thirsting for a challenge

There are days that go by and I realize I haven't made an attempt to learn something, and I find myself in a depressed mood on those evenings. Today, however, was not one of those days. I have come to the realization, that I really enjoy a good challenge, stretching myself gives me that "hurts so good" kind of feeling. I guess it is equivalent to the high that an athlete feels after challenging themselves physically in say a marathon. I thoroughly enjoyed college, simply because it was a constant challenge for me, and I could study on what I was most interested in, not simply what needed to be learned.

So anyway, service was great this morning at Oasis, Phil talked about the Power of God, and how we can't expect God to just "bang" do something. First we have to be following His direction for our lives, problem is that isn't always clear. So obedience is a good starting place, and gradually He directs our path through circumstances, surprises, people we come into contact with, and every day life, and then somewhere along the line, while walking with God, He'll do the miraculous! But we must be diligent, have faith, and act on it by taking the first steps. God is willing to interject His power into the challenges we face in this life as long as we are willing to demonstrate and practice faith walking in His direction.

Today I spent the day reading. I just couldn't get enough! After cleaning up and making dinner, I turned on the tube, and it just didn't hold my interest... I have a lot of interests, todays topic was business I guess! I spent the afternoon reading this month's issue of Inc., the cover story focused on the actual sale of the magazine to a new owner. It discussed the value of the company, or selling price, of something that was difficult to determine, because there were no audited financials, because it was just a portion of the total business. It felt like I was back in my Finance courses, and I was loving every minute of it! I loved the college atmosphere because I was learning, not just the basics and the history, but also what was going on at the time. There are the days that go by at work, and while I am in a business, I don't take a look at the big picture about what is going on outside in the whole financial scheme of things, and I am losing out.

I also realize that I have a lot of interests, and I just can't seem to pick one to focus on. Sometimes this can be extremely frustrating, there are so many areas in which I would like to improve. I guess my prayer for today, is that God would help me to focus on the areas that He wants me to focus on. Also, the issue of becoming a small group leader, whether or not it is the right time for me, and what kind of group does God desire me to be involved in. I did have an idea, similar to what I am involved in, Relevant Media group is developing a mag called Radiant, for 20 something females, the first issue is due out in February 06. I kind of think that a group along the lines of the "Relevant Culture" for young women would be great, and I think Radiant would be an awesome name, if that is fair to borrow from them. Ginger has also had the idea to work with a series of short films called Nooma, by Rob Bell the Pastor at Mars Hill, a church in Grandville, MI (I would love to go home and visit that church one Sunday) they are 10 to 14 minutes long, and posses a Relevant-esque style, and along with each comes a booklet with scripture references and discussion questions.

If I do lead a group, I want it to be what God wants me to do, I am fully aware that I am not the best speaker or verbal communicator, however, if this is truly what God desires for me to do, He will be there to help me with that! Secondly, I don't want it to just be a social hour disguised as a small group. I want to learn, and grow, and deepen my walk with God, I want to be authentic in my faith! I want others to benefit from the group this way as well, and I want to learn from other women too. I have had the desire for longer than just a few months, probably several years in the making. Whether it has been bad timing, or fear on my part (which, by the way, I don't care anymore, it's just a stupid excuse now), it just hasn't happened. But the opportunity has once again presented itself, and I guess it's time to practice the message I heard this morning, huh! Anyway, it's getting late, and I need to have a talk with God about this small group stuff. Sleep well, I'll keep you updated!