At eighteen I was getting ready to graduate from high school, and I was worried because I did not have any real plans for what I would do next. I had always assumed I would go straight from high school into college, but as the time drew near, I became more and more unsure if college was the right choice for me.

Soon after graduation I got my first job and started working full time. I was a bit burnt out with book learning and decided to take a break. Though, the break from school was nice, I never stopped worry about what I should do about college. I looked at many colleges and many degree plans, but nothing seemed to be right.

I prayed and prayed asking God to show me what it was He wanted me to do. I always received silence, which I interpreted as a signal that I was to wait. So, I waited, worried, and worked. A year passed. "God, surely now is the right time. I am tired of not knowing. Won't You just give me a hint." Still nothing.

I kept working and I kept looking. Several times I thought, "Oh, this is it. I have found it!" Then as I pursued that path further every door was closed. This kept happening until I came to the point of, "You know what, Lord? I am not going to worry about this any more. This is Your deal, it should have been Yours all along, and I am not going to worry about it any more. I trust You. I will wait on You another ten years, just walk with me."

Then one day, almost two years after I had begun working, I knew. God showed me the perfect path, and not only that, but He also made a way where I thought there was no way. He proved to me again, that He is an awesome God. He knew His plan all along. He just wanted me to learn a lesson in trusting Him. Think of all the time and worry I could have saved if only I had trusted Him from the start!

In the next few months I will begin a new journey, called college. I know that there will be tough times, but I also have peace because I trust that my God can, and will, see me through.

This is just one more story about how God has revealed Himself to me. This is just one more reason why I know that God is real. It feels so good to say I have no worries, because my God is in control.

Valentine's, A Few Days Late

Due to my being busy with work, I was unable to post this on time. Hopefully it is just as enjoyable a few days late. :)

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Let me ask you a question. What is Valentine's Day about? Is it about getting flowers, candy, and sweet little notes? Are you single and pitying your plot in life because you have no lover, flowers, candy, or sweet notes? Let me shoot straight with you. You have got it all wrong. Valentine's Day is not about what you receive. It is all about what you give. It is a day to celebrate your love for others, especially your sweetheart or spouse. Valentine's Day is all about showing others how much you love them.

As a single it is easy to get all wrapped up in what you do not have. You fantasize about how your future spouse will bring you flowers and write you poems. It is so easy to get lost in dreams about "then." Sometimes it easy to forget that when "then" comes along things will not be perfect. Your love may not have money for dozens of roses or diamond necklaces. He may not be able to write a rhyme, much less a poem. He may forget about Valentine's Day all together. But those things will not mean he does not love you. Love is not about one day of the year when your man feels pressured by the world to buy you flowers. It is not about what he does or does not give you. It is not even about whether or not he remembers Valentine's Day, your birthday, or your anniversary. It is about his being there when you need him, and sticking by you no matter how hard things may get. It is about those little things he does for you, like washing the dishes when you have had a super long day, or holding you when you cry, or praying with you when you are worried. Love is not something measure in gifts, it is something measured by words and actions, and not just for one day of the year either, but for every day. I know it is tempting, but do not over fantasize about "then." Instead, focus on now.

Yes, I said now. Think about what you do have, not about what you wish you had. Think about how much you are already loved. Even without "Prince Charming." There is family, friends, and God. Even if no one else loves you God does. In fact, He loved you so much He sent His Son to die for you (John 3:16), and that is being loved more then you can even imagine. Dwell on that.

Are you smiling yet? No. Then it is time for step two. Think of ways you can show those around you how much they are loved. In loosing yourself in efforts to show others you love them, you will forget about how lonely you are. After all it is more blessed to give then to receive (Acts 20:35). When you get busy doing for others you forget about yourself in the joy of bringing them joy.

If you are still feeling a little down, pray. Pray for yourself, pray for your family and friends, even pray for your future spouse. Tell God all about the loneliness in your heart. Share all your dreams with Him. Ask Him to be with you as you wait. God is always faithful. He may not always give us everything we ask for, but He always answers prayers. And He will always, always be with us because He loves us.

Happy Valentine's Day! Share the love.

Kaomi

Happy Valentines Day!

Love is something we all need, want. Love is something
we all long for and, consequently, strive for.

We all know that we do not deserve God's love, and that it is the greatest love we could ever experience. But I was reminded the other day that we don't deserve any love. I have
heard all my life that there is nothing I could ever do to deserve
God's great, unconditional love. But don't I deserve to be loved by
my family and friends? C.S. Lewis said:

"There is something in each of us that cannot be naturally loved. It is no one's
fault if they do not so love it...You might as well ask people to like the taste
of rotten bread or the sound of a mechanical drill...All who have good parents, wives,
husbands, or children may be sure that some times and perhaps at all times, in respect of some one particular trait or habit, they are receiving [love]. They are loved not because they are lovable, but because Love Himself is in those who love them."

Wow! I love the way C.S. Lewis said this! I am not lovable, but Christ love, through my family,and friends, helps them love me. The opposite is true as well. Even those people that may seem hard to love, I can love because Christ loved me first. Even though I am so unlovable! Love loves not because of...but in spite of. Happy Valentines Day!

Hot Hats

Hot Hats

4 c. flour

1 c. scalded milk

1 1/2 tsp. salt

1 large egg

3/4 c. oil

1 tbsp. dry yeast

Dissolve yeast in 1/4 cup of warm water. In separate bowl, mix 2 cups of flour, salt, oil, and an egg. Add dissolved yeast and beat again. Pour in scalded milk. Beat while slowly adding the remaining flour, until dough is the consistency of stiff biscuit dough. Divide dough in half. Roll into rectangle, or just spread on greased cookie sheet with hands. Put spaghetti sauce and other pizza toppings on dough. Roll up ends and seal edges. Bake at 375 degrees for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown. Slice and serve. Quick, easy, and a good way to use up left over spaghetti sauce.