Thankful in "any" and "every" situation...

I have been camping out in Philippians all summer long and the words written by Paul have never rung truer to me than now at this point in my life, specifically his words spoken on humility and contentment.

It's crazy to think it's almost been a year since I've moved 600 miles away from Michigan to Charlotte, NC. God has stretched me in so many different ways, yet I still find myself oftentimes with feelings of discontentment. I have a lot to be thankful for, unfortunately I still desire so many things in life that I do not yet have.

This summer God has really opened my eyes to the meaning of humility and what a life marked by humility should look like...JESUS! In Philippians 2:5-6 Paul commands us "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus". Paul continues to explain the attitude of Jesus while He was here on this earth "...did not consider equality with God as something to be grasped...made Himself nothing...He humbled Himself and became obedient to death."

As I think back on Jesus' life and the things he did, the people he associated with, it had nothing to do with buying a house and worrying about all of the renovations and closing process. His life had nothing to do with searching for a soul mate. His life had nothing to do with figuring out which party He was going to attend on the weekend. No, Jesus was concerned with who could He serve! That should be my attitude.

I truly want to get to a point where "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:11-13

This should be our desire in life to chase after Jesus, to serve his people, and to be content in whatever circumstance we have been placed in.

Humility found in the God's Creation

As I was laying by the pool on this crisp cool evening relaxing with my bible, notebook, pen, and some delicious ice cream I decided to lay back and stare into the expansive blue sky. Tonight the sky was clear with the exception of a large cloud blocking the sun causing the rays to scatter across, it was breathtaking. I began to thank God for the beauty of His creation and how amazing even a cloud is, the way it floats through the air, swirls into different shapes and eventually dissipates. It make me think about how little control over life I really have and how much control over life I think I have.

I am in the midst of purchasing my first home and it is completely stressful. The pressure to get things done has taken a toll on me over the past few months and tonight God spoke to me and said, "Jenna, throw your hands up in the air! You're done worrying, you're done controlling the situation. It's my turn." Amazing I got that from a cloud right?

The clouds tonight reminded me that God is always in control in every circumstance. It's whether or not we choose to recognize it. God created everything, He causes everything to move, live, and breathe. Why wouldn't I want Him to have control over everything in my life? It was humbling to realize that I think I know what to do more than God. More than the God who created the world and everything in it in 7 days. It's craziness. Why wouldn't you want Him to be in control with that kind of power?!?

Everything in this life is meaningless when it comes to knowing and experiencing the love of God. Buying a house? Meaningless There are so many things in this life that are meaningless that cause us to lose sight of the true reason we are here. We are to exhibit humility and reflect God's glory, because without Him there would be nothing. Therefore, tonight I found humility in a simple white wispy cloud.

Philippians 2:5-6
"You're attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus who being in the very nature of God did not consider equality with God as something to be grasped."