Getting things rolling!

I have been back for over a month now and things are really rolling and picking up steam.  I can't say that I am too busy yet but I am enjoying more activities and seeing progress in many of the areas I am working with.
I have had 2 prosperous meetings with the music team at church and I am excited about the future for this team.
I taught my first english class as a substitute teacher and will now be better prepared for teaching english next semester.
I also have begun my training with Tributos, the smaller music group, here at the Seminary. And am working on my portuguese at the same time as I try to explain musical concept and voice training.

I praise God for His hand guiding me and giving me grace in each of these situations and I am excited for what is right around the corner.

God bless you all!

Be Anxious for Nothing.

Mat. 6:34 "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." (ESV)


I wouldn't say I am anxious as much as I am contemplative.  I do not know what my future looks like and at time that can be disconcerting.  Now that I am back in Brazil I have to face the question of what I will do after this year.  I am committed to serving God here in Brazil until December. But what happens after that?  I know that my God will supply my every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Phil 4:19 emp. mine), and I know  that I need to "not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let [my] requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard [my heart] and [my mind] in Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:6-7 ESV)

I am glad that in times of distress God brings verses to mind and guides us with His wisdom, I am praying to know God's will for today and to fulfill His purpose for me daily, and to trust Him with the future.  Would you please pray with me that God's wisdom would guide me as I make decisions daily and for the future?  

The question of what my next year will look like is a big one, but the daily questions of how best to spend my time and how to fulfill the tasks he has given me is daunting to me as well.  I find myself pre-occupied with thoughts of what ifs, and how comes, and need to school my thoughts back to Him.  Do you find yourself doing the same thing?  Let's lift us each other in prayer as Christian brothers and sisters so that we can all have victory over the mind and be drawn closer to Christ.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable,whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely,whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Phil 4:8 ESV)

Thanks for reading, I think I am quite contemplative today and maybe my next post will be something much lighter.  Please let me know how I can pray for you.

God bless you!  ~Joy