Thursday, August 16, 2007

Getting my feet wet

"The priests will carry the ark of the Lord. He's the Lord of the whole earth. As soon as the priests step into the Jordan, it will stop flowing. The water that's coming down the river will pile up in one place. That's how you will know that the living God is among you. So the people took their tents down. They prepared to go across the Jordan River. The priests who were carrying the ark of the covenant went ahead of them. The water of the Jordan was going over its banks. It always does that at the time the crops are being gathered. The priests came to the river. Their feet touched the water's edge. 16 Right away the water that was coming down the river stopped flowing. It piled up far away at a town called Adam near Zarethan. The water that was flowing down to the Dead Sea was completely cut off. So the people went across the Jordan River opposite Jericho."

Dear precious sisters,

I hate that I can't be as involved in blog-land right now as much as I normally am, but moving is keeping me busy! And when I'm not busy, I need to be with my Jesus! I arrived home (where there's very limited internet access), and have been catching up with friends and family for more 'goodbye's.' My car is packed, bulging at the seams, and I am intending to leave for Boston this upcoming Wednesday.

In the past 48 hours, I have had two dear couples bless me financially (and love me), and received a letter from my Atlanta home-church (Northpoint Community Church) explaining to me that they have accepted my request for seminary assistance to help with my tuition. I sat on my floor, so overwhelmed, that the only emotional expression that decided to express itself was that of tears. I wept like a little girl. Wept - and my two small doggies came to make sure I was okay and help clean up the tears. The thought that the Lord would use others' obedience to bless me has knocked me off my feet and made me fall in love all over again with my Heavenly Father. I do not deserve one iota of His blessing or grace. But I never have. And yet He comes whispering His love to me - again, and again, and again. Girls - He is just too much for me. He is too much. But I love Him for that. I love that He is the unending 'more' for which my soul cries out.

Financially, I am still far from even being able to buy textbooks. (I wonder if they're really necessary anyway? Hehe. I'm kidding!) But I am still feeling the Lord calling me to step foot into my 'Jordan River', and watch Him part it. As New Testament priests (1 Peter 2:9) who carry the very Presence of Christ inside of us (Col. 1:27) , you and I are called to step out in faith to get our feet wet before He'll act sometimes.

So I'm standing on the banks. The heat is a little intense. The crowd behind me with whom I've said goodbye is mixed: some are cheering me on, some are thinking I've probably lost my mind. (Praise the Lord I have...I needed the mind of Christ in a desperate way!). And the waters are roaring a little ahead of me. Oh, but the hope of His glory (Col. 1:27). The privilege I have to lift up one foot, and then another, trusting that He will part the seas. Because then my sweet sister, I get to take another step, and another step until my feet start splashing into a dance of praise for the only One who would have been Able.

I have been moved to tears at each of your prayers, blessings, encouragements, and caring questions over this next step of faith. I hear your loud cheers ringing in the Heavenlies. And I cannot wait for you to get your feet splashing in praise with me in just a few short days. I trust my Jehovah Jireh to provide all that I need. For He is the "living God is among us..."


I had dinner tonight with some friends that I've known since elementary school. I'm thankful that these friendships will never really be a 'goodbye!'

33 comments:

Fran said...

Hey Shelly...
You go girl!! You are doing an amazing thing right now...I wish I had your wisdom but most of all your relationship with Jesus at your age.....it took me awhile, but boy is He the light of my life and the purpose for living. I can't wait to follow your journeys.
I know that you will be blessed beyond measure....you are being faithful and obedient.

I'm glad I stumbled across your blog. You blessed me....

Sharon Brumfield said...

You are going before me. Your testimony encourages my heart.I don't say this lightly--I would love for God to have blessed us in a way so that we could bless you. But I guess He is planning to give that joy to someone else.
I miss your posts-- but I am so anticipating seeing how God is going to blow your mind.
Please keep in touch.
My prayers go with you. You are blessed coming in and blessed going out. My you find that as your feet trod new earth--you find that you are walking on Holy preprepared ground.
Love ya girl
Your Sis

jennyhope said...

YES!!!! I knew and I still know that He would provide. My life has been a complete testimony of His provision in ways that I am so stinking astounded!! It just builds my faith. As I have prayed for you I just knew the Lord would come through. I can't wait to see Him continue to show off and I rejoice.

Unknown said...

Thank you Jesus! Still believing for complete provision...He is good Shelly! He will provide! Jehovah-Jireh

Heather said...

that's so cool! It's neat to see how God is taking you to the next step. We are waiting for him to move so boldly in our lives, honestly the waiting is hard and our hearts are heavy but we are waiting and trusting in the Lord. Thanks for posting your praise. Helps us hold on to see tangible ways he is working ... even in someone elses life!

Unknown said...

YES!! Girl, I have been praying so hard. God told me you were gonna be my roomie and I know that he wants you at seminary. And we are gonna have an amazing year! Can't wait to meet you in person-I feel like I already know you;-)

Toknowhim said...

Shelly,

My husband and I have our own story that is much likes yours. We call our last move, a modern day "Abraham and Sarah".

It was that initial step of faith that got the ball rolling. I know you don't have time now, but get a hold of me if you even need encouragement, and I would be happy to share what the Lord did. MIRACLES!!!

Blessings to you...

Toknowhim said...

PS....

A friend gave me this little card with a saying on it.. It has been on my fridge for about 3 years. She gave it to me when we moved.

Here it is for you..

WHERE GOD GUIDES. HE PROVIDES.

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you... For I am the Lord your God... you are precious in my sight... and I love you."
Isaiah 43:2-4

Hope that blesses you.. it did me..

Kelly S. said...

Good News!! Praise His Name!
You are such a special sista! I am still praying for you and complete provisions. Love you!

debra parker said...

I feel like we are experiencing a lot of the same things...

God is with you...all the way.

mandy said...

GIRL! you're BFF is THE Inter-Library Loan librarian... i can GET you textbooks!!!
;)
can't wait to see you
in.a.week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Darla said...

Hey sweet Princess! I just believe that HE is going to part those waters, and go before you and make your path smooth. One of the things i love so much about HIM is that when HE makes us walk in Faith...HE shows off tremendously for us (like reward for following)!! Praying for you to see HIM show off more and more..God bless you in Boston! Thats not so far from RI and I will be there the friday after you get to boston. LPL--alittle tempted to make a detour?? Love ya, Princess to princess!

Ms. Kathleen said...

I am so happy for you. God Bless You move, school, etc.... Have a great weekend!

Angela Baylis said...

Hi Shelly!

I'm cheering for you in Michigan! God will work everything out! Keep the faith, dear siesta!

Enjoy this time!
Miss you!
Angie xoxo

connorcolesmom said...

Shelly,
I am so singing and dancing for you my siesta!!
Praise God for He is All we Need!!

He has such BIG plans for you!!
I look forward to hearing how He continues to provide for you in this amazing journey of Faith and obedience!
Praying for you always!
Love ya
Kim

Kiran Thadhani said...

AH!!!!!!!!!!!! Jesus is INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love you!

Jackie said...

hey Shelly, I am a lurker, but want to tell you good luck in your travels. I will say a prayer for you. He will take care of your EVERY need..cling to Him above all else and the rest will fall into place. Take care.

Profbaugh said...

Shelly,

What a testimony to His provision!! I tell you girl, I got weepy myself just reading your post. Is God good or what??

So, keep wading in the water. I'm sure. . . . absolutely sure that He'll be there right in front keeping the water at bay.

Love you lil sis in Christ,
~Cheryl (the prof.)
P.S. I've got a few "tricks" for textbooks too. If Mandy can't help you out, feel free to drop me a line.

Little Steps Of Faith said...

Aww Shells( Yea, you are worthy of a nickname at this point lol), I am sooo happy for you:)
I start school wed, and don't have the finances just yet, and doing the same as you with the Jordan river.
You'll have to send us some more pics when you are up there, and its crazy, because this is blogland( like not like you ever lived close anyways), but I will miss you:)Hope to hear from you soon:)
Luv in Jesus:)

Angelina Bumbellina( a nickname my boss calls me lol)

holy chaos said...

I am praying for you!

THE SMITHS said...

God bless you Shelly... be encouraged!!! Oh my gosh, you're really going... praise God! You're in my thoughts and prayers lady.

Lyndy said...

I am blessed everytime I visit your blog. You are in my prayers. I can't wait to see what all God has in store for you.

Hugs, Lyndy

Deedra said...

Shelly, you are such a sweet blessing every time I visit! I pray that you have a safe journey. I know that God will bless you in your new quest!

p.s.....I tagged you for something!

AK said...

Praise the Lord! He's so good, He does give us the desires of our hearts! Don't worry a/b the textbooks, even if you can't get some of them I'm sure you can find some people to share with, or perhaps some people who used them last semester and would let you have or borrow them...no biggie. I'm so excited for you! It's gonna be great!

Michelle said...

I am late come to your dear blog and am just smiling after "catching" up a bit! Boston, eh??? Well, from another Southern Girl who made my way "up nawth" it will be a wonderous adventure. Prayers to you, dear one!

Janelle and Ella said...

Yea Shelly! You are an inspiration! Your story is incredible. The Lord is already showing Himself to you and us in so many ways. I can't wait to continue on this journey with you.

Lindsee Lou said...

Praise our sweet Lord for your gifts. I, unfortunately, just went and got all my books. I guess I'll have to go eat some Ramen Noodles now! ;)

Hope your drive goes well and your car makes it, even packed to the brim!

Let us know when you're there!

Linds

Sacchiel said...

I wish you the best and I'm praying for you.

Fast and Pray Tuesdays said...

Shelly,
WOW! God is so awesome! He will provide your textbooks and all of your other needs, as you trust in Him. What a mighty God we serve. There is no one like Him!
Peace,
Bonnie

jennyhope said...

I need an update on Shelly!

Profbaugh said...

How goes the packing Shelly???

Angela Baylis said...

I need an update on you too!!!!!!

Speaking Thru Me Ministries said...

all this and Jesus too!! He is knocking your socks off and just keep watching it flow!! He will not stop = He is so proud of you!!

Keep in touch!!

Love you! Leigh