Gentle and quiet spirit

As I look forward to big changes in our life, I have also been struggling with fear...

• Fear of making a big mistake.
• Fear of being out of God's will.
• Fear of things left undone as we move on.
• Fear of accidents, disease and death.
• General unease in the pit of my stomach that keeps me awake at night.

So this morning I have been looking up verses on fear in the NT. Thankfully, I decided to camp out in 1 Peter. So many verses reassured me...

1 Peter 1:17
Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear.

My fear should be reverent fear of God--not of disaster, ruin or fantastic thoughts.

1 Peter 3:1-6
1Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, 2when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. 3Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. 4Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. 5For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful. They were submissive to their own husbands, 6like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her master. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.

I was struck by the connection between a gentle and quiet spirit and not giving way to fear. As I submit myself to God and He quiets my anxious thoughts, my gentle and quiet best self will shine through, and I will not be overcome by fear.

1 Peter 3:13-16
13Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." 15But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

I do not neeed to fear as those who do not know God. I have Him to guide me and save me. From that flows a gentle and respectful confidence that can guide me through changes or trials.

And of course one of my favorite verses from elswhere in the NT:

1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

God is love and perfect love drives out fear. As God makes me perfect in His love, the fear must flee!

Micah Girl

The Promised Land AKA Lexington, KY

I am finally here visiting with my family and I must say I love this city. So clean, so green, so well-organized, so affordable! There are so many interesting things to do and learn. The Kentucky Horse Park and Keeneland are unbelievable! And so many parks throughout the entire city in addition to the famous postcard-perfect horse farms. I am eager to study horses with my kids now.

I spoke to someone at the University of Kentucky and am excited about my possibilities there for doctoral work.

When we return home we will be making plans to move. We are in love.

Micah Girl

End of semester--beginning of work

My life is freer--workwise
Busier--householdwise

Our roadtrip to KY is in 2 short weeks and I have to have the house in good order because when we return my in-laws will be staying with us. Also, we might even start preparing to put our house on the market and if the clutter isn't gone it will be hard to start painting and deep cleaning!

I also have to finish my "scintillating" CV which is only the roughest of rough drafts as I have an interview with academia to discuss my doctoral ambitions.

And I need to continue with my usual routines of schooling kids, exercising, daily maintenance of my household and plenty of work at church.

To me this list is fascinating. To you, whoever you are, you probably feel as if you found my to do list on a scrap of paper blowing in the parking lot.

Micah Girl