Lessons Learned from the Prequel: Before there was EAT PRAY LOVE there was REJOICE PRAY THANKS-REJOICE ENTRY #1

I am truly overwhelmed by JOY and Jesus right now!  This morning was Opening Convocation for my senior and his kindergartener!  In case you did not know, because I did not know the definition of the word, a convocation is simply a “calling together”- a group of people formally assembled for a special purpose.  In this case the “special purpose” was the beginning of the senior school year coupled with the beginning of formal school for kindergarteners.  The ceremony began with the whole school and many parents filling a gymnasium awaiting the procession of all seniors accompanying their kindergarten buddies.  Needless to say there were many tears, lots of pictures, and joyful hearts anticipating the coming year of firsts and lasts!  Joy and sadness danced together as I wrote that last word-“lasts”!

Once everyone was settled in the SGA president took the podium to offer a few words of wisdom!  As she began to speak I knew the words were specifically for me.  A GOD WINK at just the right time-imagine that:)  You see the gist of her talk was on “embracing the uncomfortable”.  She encouraged everyone to step outside their comfort zones.  She challenged them to try something new each week this year and in the process of doing that new friendships, new skills, new passions and new dreams would most certainly emerge.   Could God truly be that cool as to confirm this blogging pilgrimage through an opening Convocation speech?  And the fact that I remembered what I wrote is ever more shocking:)

I reread my first blog post marking the beginning of this REJOICE-PRAY-THANKS “Kingdom Journey”  and my heart skipped a beat!  I had literally written, “I want the script of this school year to tell the story of a woman stepping outside her comfort zone, risking everything simply to follow Christ every second of every day, embarking on a journey wherever “That Jesus” says ‘GO’ or ‘STAY’.  If you don’t believe me go back and read that blog entry!  I went back and reread it because I didn’t even believe it myself!  That an SGA president and a blogging mom would set out on a quest for the “uncomfortable” at exactly the same time is just too much for me to handle!  IN AWE OF THE MOST AMAZING GOD!  Coincidence?  NOT ON YOUR LIFE!

Joy Verse:  Nehemiah 8:10

“Go and enjoy choice food and drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared.  This day is holy to our Lord.  Do not grieve, for the JOY of the LORD is your strength!”

Dear God,

Today was literally HOLY for me!  Thank you for calling us outside of what we know! You tell us to go and enjoy but you also charge us to share our provisions with others.  Open our eyes to new people around us who may be in desperate need of an introduction to YOU or who may simply need a reminder of the joy that is in abundant supply as they trust in YOU!  I love you and I thank you for this amazing confirmation that you gave me today!  This REJOICE-PRAY-THANKS “Kingdom Journey” was your idea prepared in advance before the creation of the world! I am ALL IN!  Bring on the JOY!

GoGod