in control of all things.

John 14:27

This summer, I have been blessed with the opportunity to work with the Northside Church of Christ in Russellville, KY as a preacher intern—provided with the task of teaching several small group bible studies, visiting/studying with elderly folks in the nursing home, assisting in evangelism efforts in the local jail and community, and preaching God's word on first day of the week assembled together with the members of the church. 

It seems like just yesterday I was frantically running around town looking for a summer job before my first year at Florida College, unaware of what God had planned for my life the next 10 months. Little did I know at the time of how much He would teach me, where He would lead me, and what He would show me in the days to follow.

God is in control. This common phrase became one of the most recurrent expressions around the house as my departure to college quickly approached. Long before it became a purchased wall "decoration" for our bathroom, I started to understand the deeper meaning behind such a simple concept—to me, I wanted things to go my way, but when I was honest with myself, I could surely admit that there was no way I could handle everything on my own. Facing so many decisions and choices, who better to surrender all to than my eternal Father in Heaven?

Proverbs 3:6

Since I arrived in Russellville a week ago, I've come to appreciate the way in which God has (again) further taught me who's really in control. 

The Wrights have generously provided me with a comfortable place to live for the summer. It won't take long before you're captured by her fine culinary creations or his extraordinary stories of farm management over the past 40 years; these two Godly individuals have quickly become my best friends. They both continue to serve others with their time and energy, giving glory to God in all they do. I can't say I have ever become so familiar with farm equipment, crops/planting strategies, or land investments in such a short period of time! 

At first glance, their simple way of life may not come across as anything momentous, but by their humble, sincere, genuine love for each other and the Lord, they illustrate to me the way a real, deeply rooted, established relationship (with a little time) can be. By their example I have learned who to look for in a future wife. It really is possible!

Deuteronomy 28:8

I just recently had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Crawford, an older widow who's been in the nursing home here for quite some time now. During one of our recent conversations, she made the comment, "You sure do seem to know your bible well." Perhaps interrupting her afternoon nap could have prevented her from thinking very clearly to begin with, but what she observed that day really made an impact on me. In reading through the book of Philippians with her, we both gained a better perspective of life and smiled at the thought of how often we'd complained or had a bitter attitude about our circumstances. Truthfully, I don't know my bible as well as I'd like to, but this individual motivated me and challenged not only my thinking, but my goal setting.

At the conclusion of my run before bed each night of the week, I pass by a small home that sits far back off the road. The surrounding houses are all very well lit, and have beautiful gardens with colorful arrangements of flowers. However, I've come to notice that the single street light that illuminates the small home's property flickers on and off inconsistently with no evident pattern of repetition. 

I feel as if this street light resembles myself spiritually over the past few months—the small house and property belonging to it representing the world. In such a dark world, my light hasn't shown to the "wattage" that it should have. Perhaps at times it flickered on for a time, opening doors of opportunity that I may not have taken full advantage of, but wasn't consistent enough to maintain stable habits of talking to others about the LORD on a daily (or weekly) basis, reading my bible and praying, or devoting my time and energy wholeheartedly into serving others. 

Never have I ever been so thankful for a chance to grow and mature than right now. I feel like God has placed me here this summer to be used and challenged in many ways to further His Kingdom and glorify His name. Even after one full week, I can already see how much He's doing in the lives of those around me and in my own personal life. He really knew what He was doing when He blessed me with this incredible, life changing opportunity.

Because of these things, I can live each day knowing He is in control of all things.