The title of the devotional that I read for that day was "Step Out of the Boat." The verse that this day's message was based on was from the book of Matthew.
"You of little faith, why did you doubt?" ~Matthew 14:31
Here's what the author said at the end of the passage:
"If you want to grow, there will be times when God will ask you to exercise extreme faith, and step out of your comfort zone, and trust Him completely. And the only way He can do that is to call you to a fearful place--a place where it's just you and God, and you have to step out of the boat."
God used this verse and message to encourage me and calm my fears about going without Shannon. There is a reason that He wants me to go alone on this journey. My only prayer is that I honor Him on this journey. I pray that I would say and do only the things that He wants me to do. I pray that I fulfill whatever purpose He has for me on this unbelievable blessing of a trip.
Needless, to say, I am very excited.
My family and friends are excited for me as well.......My family is a little concerned about me being gone for twenty-four days in a row......Mainly because that is twenty-four days of cooking, laundry, dog wiping, and housekeeping that I won't be around to take care of.:)
I am looking forward to spending so much time with Melissa as well......We are both very curious to see what God has in store for us throughout this journey.
Shannon is a little concerned that I will go through serious "blogging withdrawals," since I will not be able to post or read blogs for twenty-four days in a row. (Sigh)
Well, there is so much more that I could tell you, but after four back to back posts, I'm sure you have had enough.........But there's a few things that I didn't mention, that I probably should. I leave on May 17th and I will return home on June 9th. When I leave for this trip, it will be my first time to ever ride in a cab, be on a cruise ship, or ride on a train.
As a matter of fact, it will be my first time to ever fly in a plane.......The End!:)
22 comments:
And just think of all the history you will see!!!! A truly chance of a lifetime! Melissa and her family are definitely special!
I love you!! MOM :)
Wow...you're going to have so many "firsts" to experience & to share.
I will be leaving on June 9 (actually June 8) for a week at church camp & since there are no electronics being taken or doubtfully any I can get ahold of :), I will not be able to hear about your trip until I get back on June 14! Just wanted you to know that when you get back and start sharing and don't hear from me it's because I'll be in the Arbuckle Mountains (Davis, OK) at Falls Creek youth camp with about 40 of our youth & a few thousand others from other churches.
I think I'm going to have serious blogging withdrawals during that week! It was hard the week I was in NYC.
I'm happy for you and I know this is going to be a trip of a lifetime!
Thanks for sharing.
Love,
Valerie
Wow...how wonderful that God blessed you with this message and calmed your anxiety about going without Shannon.
I love what the author said about having to exercise extreme faith at times to be able to grow...and that is to call us to a "fearful" place where it's just you and God. WOW!!! That is great food for thought!
Your statement of "there is a reason he wants me to go alone." That really struck me. In a marriage, one expects to do most all things with his/her spouse and we never ponder on the need to do things alone at times for God's purposes!
Great post! You will be missed in the blogging world.
Paula
Wow! First time on a plane...
1. check through everything
2. carry on...jewelry, contacts, medicines, a good book.
3. wear comfortable shoes
4. use a money belt when traveling internationally.
5. don't plan anything too strenuous the first day you arrive...you'll be really tired.
6. have fun!!!
God Bless
I will miss reading your blog everyday, but I know you are going to have an amazing time. You are going to love Rome! It was my favorite place we visited last year. Make sure when you are there you visit the Mamertine Prison. It is the site of the prison cell that the apostle Paul was held in while in Rome awaiting execution. It is near the Roman Forum, but you will probably not find it unless you are looking for it. It gave me glimpse into what the Holy Land must be like. Anyway, have a wonderful time! :)
Gina
I have too much to say, will send email. : )
I'M so excited for you. It will be a life changing experience for you. Just think what your family will be learning about themselves while you're gone. :) I bet they'll appreciate you even more than they do now.
Hey, you have been tagged! Check my bloggy. :)
I'm going to have Amy withdrawals!
Now that was a good read...
Enjoy your trip. Enjoy your many preparations for the trip. Enjoy each new experience within the trip. Enjoy your friend. And above all, enjoy your Jesus who has seen fit to include a trip across his waters into this journey called your life!
peace~elaine
PS: Amy, I added your blog to my "blogs for the journey." I hope that's OK. If not, please let me know.
That is a lot of firsts...how exciting!!! 24 days is a long time, I might go through withdrawls without you blogging for that long :) Can't wait to hear all about it.
Amy,
This was an absolute beautiful testimony of being content with God. Period.
Hebrews 11:6...he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
I love your heart for our Lord. When you are on your trip and your thoughts go towards your husband just thank God for him. Just like you had no envy in your heart for Melissa, God will reward your Shannon in a mighty way. Instead of feeling sorry for Shannon not going, be excited about what God is going to do with his content heart and stay out of His way so he can get to him! :)
You are an incredible woman & I loved reading all parts of this story!
HAVE A BLAST my friend and can't wait to read about what God shows you.
Thanks for the cry...I needed to see God's tenderness in writing.
Blessings & hugs,
Lelia
Wowee!!! Lots of firsts for you missy. cool!!
I'm sure it's awesome to have such support...I am so happy for you!
It's an amazing opportunity.
I will miss your stories terribly while you're gone. Go ahead and crank out 24 posts and schedule them to post while you're gone...come on, you can do it!! hee!
Amy...
I am speechless (which is hard to do) I loved the post about the gondola ride... and how God showed you that it wasn't selfish to look forward to a gondola ride in Venice. That ride is a delight He is giving you!
I am looking forward to reading about your trip - the preparations, the journey and how God blesses each moment of the journey!
I will definitely stay tuned!
K
What a blessing you have before you!! I can't imagine being gone that long from my husband either but imagine how great it will be when you are back with him. You said this trip is paid for in a previous post-just like God to bless you that way. He's into doing that kind of thing...paying for it all...enjoy your blessing and we will be anxiously awaiting your return report and pictures!!
In His Graces~Pamela
I'm so glad God gave you enough signs that you are gonna do it!! I am also green with envy but it could not happen to a nicer person!!
WOW! This is a first of many for you. I can't wait to hear about your travels.
Now for the traveling tips: Because I'm so experienced and all - ha!
DO NOT try to take liquids through the security checkpoint - they don't like that very much. ;)
I can't believe you are leaving so soon! I'll join your other bloggy friends and get you all prayed up! So many wonderful firsts to look forward to, my friend! Just reach up to your Daddy and hold His hand the whole time! He'll take good care of you, Dear!
What a truly amazing God thing, Amy! I am so very happy for you and thank you for sharing this with us. You know I will miss you and your posts so much while you are gone! I can't wait to read about and see lots of pictures of your trip!
hugs,
Amy,
I flew on my first airplane at 47 years old. I thought I was the last living American to board a plane. I'm glad to know I'm not! : )
When I was asking God about this trip I was invited on (to Colorado from Georgia), the song came rushing into my mind, "Come Fly With Me". I thought OK, did I think that up? I knew I didn't cause I NEVER think of that song. So I asked God, "Was that me?" Then immediately the song came flooding into my mind, "I'm Leaving On A Jet Plane".
I was beginning to laugh. I had not thought of that song in years. Obviously God was trying to say something to me, as I was not trying to think of songs about flying. I got on that plane and went to an adventure with God that I won't soon forget.
I know He has great things in store for you and you are going to have a blast.
Have fun!
Julie
By The Way....I found you through another blog... I think "Becoming Me's."....can't remember. I am a home schooling mom too. I will finish my 16th year of home schooling, next Tuesday, onto the 17th year! : )
quite simply... i love you dearly, my sweet friend!
This is such an amazing story, I was almost in tears. What a wonderful gift. I love that people get so excited about going and doing new things for the first time, even something as simple (to most) as riding in a cab. One day I will ride in a cab in the US too!
Post a Comment