Every Step You Take

The Lord directs the steps of the godly.
    He delights in every detail of their lives.

Psalm 37:23 (NLT)

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Thank you again, Air1. Last night walking home I felt tiny little slips on icy patches a few times. I really had to humble myself because sometimes I think that the reason I haven't slipped and fallen on slippery spots has to do with how I walk or "good luck." Thankfully, most times, I shout, "Thank you, Lord!" when I almost fall but don't. But sometimes I get a little cocky. Though this verse has more to do with my whole life than just the physical steps of walking, I know that even in my whole life, God has guided crazy little things that I didn't notice in the moment but that later on I realized had a major impact on who I am or where I am. For example, why did I take French in high school instead of Spanish when everyone else was taking Spanish AND I was living in Texas where it actually made sense to know a little Spanish. Looking back, I don't remember it being a conscious decision, so I don't remember what influenced it. But when I got to Lamplighter where they actually taught French to the students and wanted us to reinforce it even a little bit in our classroom, I was grateful for that decision. I am so grateful that God delights in every detail of my life and I hope that I can give that delight back to Him in some tiny way through my appreciation of his love and caring.

I can't do it alone

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.

Proverbs 3:5, NLT
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From Air1 as usual. For the last few days I'd been struggling with this. I'd realized that I'd been "depending on my own understanding" for quite a while now (thank you Proverbs for the right words to describe my struggle). I'm reminded of the expression about the man who wouldn't stop sawing long enough to sharpen his saw...when the going was getting tough, I was erroneously thinking I didn't have as much time to pray when in fact that was the very time I should've been praying more. Thank you, Lord. Help me to trust in you more and spend more time with you.

"...reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching."...I need to do that!

And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.

Titus 2:7, NLT

Thank you again Air 1. And this came not long after I read the student evaluations of my teaching for last semester, so this is a great verse with great timing. God is like that. ;-)

Encourage others

Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

Ephesians 4:29, NLT 

Making Allowances

Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love.

Ephesians 4:2, NLT
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Once again, Air1 comes through with the very verse I need today. I was a little snarky yesterday and was NOT making allowance for someone's faults and wasn't showing much patience, love, or humility. Gotta work on this. Thank you, Lord, for your gentle and loving reminders!!

Dealing with Discouragement

Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again - my Savior and my God!

Psalm 42:11, NLT
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Air1 comes through again...I wouldn't say my heart is sad but there are definitely some discouraging things going on at work. Why do I think I have to bear that burden alone? I don't! I will put my hope in God. :-)

Pondering

How amazing are the deeds of the Lord! All who delight in him should ponder them.

Psalm 111:2, NLT
(from Air1 Verse of the Day)
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I need to do more pondering in my life. I used to be better at that. Time to go back to my old ways and then get even better.