6.1 What is your soul revealing to you?

    A few weeks ago while in my time of morning devotion, the Lord convicted my heart on control. I am not controlling of other people but I am controlling over my schedule. This is due to my struggles with anxiety. I tell my clients who struggle with anxiety that anxiety is a feeling that stems from a feeling of loss of control. I often tell them to ask themselves, "What are you trying to control in this moment?" when they feel anxious. This will help them switch to the more "logical" side of the brain rather than the emotional. I have been working on taking my own advice. Daily I have been giving up my desire to control my anxiety and my worries to the Father. I have seen a lot of improvement in just this short amount of time. 

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (Philippians 4:6).

    The Lord has also revealed to me that he desired for me to spend more time with him in nature. Since he gave me this word, I have been doing my morning devotions outside on my front porch. It has been very healing and has reduced my anxiety even more. I look forward to this time with him every morning. I love hearing and seeing his creation while I read his word and talk to him. 

SPIR 8/29/24 My hope for this class

 My overall hope for this class is to grow closer to our Father. Through this class I want to continue improving myself for the Lord. I want to learn healthy skills not to get lost in academics but to strive to know more about him, to learn. I am really looking forward to the mentoring. Since my mentor and I, to this point, have not had a consistent meeting schedule. This forces us to be consistent, and I really appreciate that aspect. I look forward to the “self-care” side of this class. I am excited to walk along this path with my classmates. My biggest concern is that I am new to the pastor world, so all of this feels daunting. Being so new, at times I question my capabilities as a pastor, and I hope that this class helps bring a sense of confidence in that area. 

I want to commit to God, an openness to learn, let go, and let him take full control. I want to commit to myself, a never-give-up attitude, grace, and understanding. I want to commit vulnerability, honesty, and humility towards my classmates. I want to commit respect, a teachable spirit, and a heart of learning to my professors. I am anxiously surrendering to the Lord. I am so excited to see what he does in my life and all of my classmate's lives during our time together in seminary. 

YHWH, grant us the wisdom we need to do seminary and work with those in our mission fields. YHWH help our hearts to be open to learn and help us to stay humble. YHWH help us to continue to have teachable spirits. Let us love and respect one another. YHWH we love you and give you thanks for this opportunity. Thank you for calling us into this position. Thank you for creating us for such a time as this. YHWH we thank you for the opportunities that you have given us. May we never take these opportunities for granted. Amen!