Externship search: Waiting, trusting, hoping...

I'm in the midst of searching for and applying to 4th year AuD externship positions. During this time, I am also trying to review audiology related materials as much as possible in hopes of refreshing my memory and building on my current knowledge base. The Lord is faithful; the only other things that I can do are wait, trust, and hope to see where he takes wifey and I. Should be exciting! :D Josh

Today: I will rejoice and be glad in it

One of the most prevalent indicators of our status as dependent humans is our inability to know what our future on this earth holds. We can certainly anticipate the direction that the circumstances in our lives are taking, but ultimately the future is continually out of the perceptual reach of our minds. Personal affirmation of this fact generates one of two responses: gratitude or fear. The only way that gratitude is obtained is when one realizes that the loving Lord and Savior continually works all things in accord with his purposes. Since His purposes are far greater and better than ours, not knowing the future is actually a tremendous benefit to us. As Matthew 6:34 says, "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." I see our inability to know what the future holds as God's way of protecting us from knowledge which would certainly overwhelm our feeble minds. So rejoice today in knowing that God knows what He is doing; trust in Him. "This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24 Blessings in Christ, Josh

By taking heed according to God's Word

I've been very encouraged lately by the variety of scenarios in which the Lord has involved Heather and I in the lives of other people. I think that as Christians we sometimes look for a reminder of why the Lord has us in a particular place or season in our lives, at least I do. It is always encouraging to see physical "evidence" although it is best to trust in the Lord's purposes regardless of whether or not our circumstances make sense. One thing that I've noticed is that many people are quick to compliment Heather and I and how they can see that the Lord is working powerfully in our marriage. I find this to be very encouraging but I try to be quick to give the glory to God for what He has done and continues to do in our lives. Some people give me glowing accolades about being a mature, wise husband. While I appreciate these remarks, my thoughts quickly shift to, "How can I grow as a loving leader for Heather?", "How can I balance life well?", and "How can I keep my way pure as a young man in the midst of such a twisted and perverse culture?" I know that I will always be susceptible to being blinded by pride or losing focus of where I should be spiritually; especially if I get caught up in all of the hype. The truth of the matter is that God has been good to me in so many ways and has given me a heart that desires to honor Him. Plain and simple, it all comes from Him. I struggled tremendously with rebellion as a teenager and it took some very difficult circumstances for the Lord to break my heart and show me that my heart was corrupt apart from His grace. I struggled tremendously with despair and discouragement as an undergraduate and the Lord imparted grace to me even as I struggled with bitterness and continually questioned the circumstances that He placed me in. Graduate school has been much easier (because the Lord has blessed me with Heather:) but I have still faced some challenges and roadblocks. Since trials and difficulties will inevitably be a part of life, how is a young man capable of remaining steadily focused on Christ as circumstances constantly change? Psalm 119:9 gives a perfect answer to this question: "How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word." So does Micah 6:8: "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" These verses are such an encouragement to me as I strive to stay focused on Christ in the midst of the circumstantial roller coaster of life. I hope that they encourage you as well. Many blessings in Christ, Josh

The triumphs and trials of a Christ centered life...

Wow, I haven't blogged for a few years now. I was reminded tonight how helpful blogging is in allowing me to express my thoughts and refocus spiritually. It's probably a habit that I should get back into. It's funny because I often find myself restless after a spurt of business. That's how this semester has been so far, super busy. But, I'm so thankful to have the opportunities that God has blessed me with so I have nothing to complain about. Recently I've been thinking a lot about how the Lord takes His children through different stages in life. Although external circumstances may change, ultimately there will always be that longing for heaven but contentment to be on the Earth and serve in whatever way the Lord has called. I don't always feel like the day to day activities in my life carry that much meaning. Sometimes, I really have to fight for contentment because things start to feel mundane. However, the interesting thing is that; though many times I can't see it, even the most minute part of each day have some significance in the picture of my life that God is painting. I might not always feel it, but it's true. For instance, during the "down" years of distance learning high school leading up to college, I often felt that my life would probably be pretty predictable. I figured that I would spend the foreseeable future in my parents' backyard jumping on the trampoline. But then, the next minute, I got my driver's license! Then I got a job at Arby's. I worked at Arby's for a few months and then, after planning to attend a local charter school for my senior year, watched as God somehow brought me through considering going to The Master's College to definitely going to the Master's College to skipping my last year of high school to go to The Master's College in the matter of a few weeks. Then came that wonderful preparation summer. Hope, excitement, and anticipation brimmed from my countenance. And now I wait. Looking over the horizon, wondering what the Lord could possibly have in store for the future. My circumstances and my life have changed continually but the constant in the midst of all the change is God's faithfulness. He has kept me, protected me, provided for me, blessed me, encouraged me, and guided me. I make the best plans that I can with what God places in front of me but ultimately I am carried whatever direction He takes me in. My heart is not always encouraged; I don't always feel great. But two things I know: God allows and God provides. I encourage you to seek the Lord wherever you are at in life; He will give you direction and place you wherever He wants you to be in this world. “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress." Psalm 46: 10-11 Josh