Thankfulness

Before I came to Spain, I was worried that I was going to slack off in my faith. That being in a different country was going to affect my patterns of relating with God. And in a way, it has. In a good way!

Last Sunday, I went to Mass for the first time in years (10+, I am not Catholic). And while I couldn't understand most of what the Priest was saying, God's presence was so real. Instead of being hung up on "oh I don't like this music" or "what is HE WEARING?! (I must admit, that is a thought sometimes)" I was focused on God. Before the service started and during the time of Communion (which I was not able to take part in), I was FINALLY able to still my heart before God. Let me just say, it was a good feeling.

I have also been working on studying the book of 1&2 Thessalonians. I am doing an inductive study on them and it has been really informative. I am working on a chapter each week that I am in Spain and then when I am back home. I chose these books because I a. haven't studied them before and b. didn't know much about them. By reading through them I am really able gain new truths about Christ and how to apply them. When I am not reading out of that book, I read Proverbs every morning (my favorite way to start the day).

In addition, Corey and I are working through a book for newly engaged couples. It's kind of our way of staying connected although we are apart. I read the second chapter that was all about your thought life and how your past memories can affect your present day. I often struggle with letting go of the past and learning to live in the present. By reading through this chapter, I realized that I was allowing myself to be held captive by my negative, self-defeating thoughts. Even though Christ died for my sins and my faults, I fail to give him control over this area of my life. By releasing them to Him, I can truly be free! And that is a good feeling.

I just needed to get these thoughts of my head so I can look back and see where I have been and where I am going. I am so grateful that God has given me this opportunity to study in Spain but also to connect with Him in a very real way.