"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare (peace) and not evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11, ESV)
God can show us so many things when we allow ourselves to be in a place where it is only us and God. When we allow our hearts to be still, be prepared to listen for his voice removing the distractions of this world, giving God first place that he deserves then we can hear him speaking.
Recently I did a road trip with 3 small dogs and a cat in the back seat of my 4WD from Longreach to Brisbane ( without radio or cds), taking in the amazing landscape and small country towns along the journey. We live in an amazing country that is yet to be explored and documented. Living in the city all my life I never understood the beauty of Australia and how we can take the small things for granted. Moving into an outback town I have seen how tough it is to really survive on drought stricken land, but I am also amazed with the colours of the sunsets and sunrises the outback can give us.
God had shown me that from each town I visited or drove through there is a story for me to write. The stories that I write will be an encouragement to others that have gone through a similar journey to me.
My hearts desire is to serve God in missions, to write my book, to be able to travel overseas and Australia. I have also learnt that I need to surrender all my dreams totally to God so that it is not my doing but God's and he is the one where my success will come from.
I have wanted to go to bible college for several years now and in 2015 I have been accepted to study a Bachelor of Ministries at bible college by distance.
My road trip to Brisbane meant that I was able to meet with the bible college lecturers and other distance students.
The next three years will be an incredible journey as I take my walk with God to a deeper level studying the bible, understanding and trusting what he has planned for me and be able combine it with my writing.
I know God has a plan for me and each of us, a plan that he designed for me before I was born.
God gave me this love for words.
God gave me the desire to want to serve him.
God gave me the desire to want to write.
My life is like a jigsaw puzzle and God is the one who will put all the pieces together the way he planned.
Right place Right timing.
Hi Julie,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on beginning the Bible College course this year. I love the sound of your dreams. It sounds like 2015 will be a wonderful year for you.
thanks Paula
DeleteThanks for you post Julie. It was lovely to meet up with you on your recent road-trip. It sounds like an adventure, especially with dodging an cyclone on the way home. Wishing you all the best with your studies.
ReplyDeleteDodged the cyclone yes ..went back through Toowoomba
DeleteThanks for sharing your writing journey with us Julie. It's fantastic that God has taken your desires and talents and is weaving them into a wonderful plan for your life. I hope you really enjoy your studies this year. Take care.
ReplyDeletethanks nola
DeleteThats fantastic Julie. I'm at bible college part time and loving it. You won't regret going. All the best.
ReplyDeleteWow, wonderful. I pray for you and all He has to show you. Loved your post about being still in His presence. In this world, most don't understand that. I live on a farm in NC, USA, and I can GET that by being still he teaches us so much. Good luck. I look forward to hearing about your study, your writing, and your travels. :-)
ReplyDeleteYou're right. God can teach us so much when we get away alone and just give him our time. Congratulations on bible college.
ReplyDeleteLovely post, Julie. You will truly be blessed as you study God's Word. I still remember my Bible College days with joy. Taking it at a distance will be even better for you as a writer, because you will have more time to ponder over things, without being rushed or other distractions.
ReplyDeleteAnd all those pieces of your life will surely fit in together in His perfect timing.