So day 2...we started off with orientation and learned about how to defend yourself from a bear attack and what we don't do in the housing here. The talking of bear attacks kinda scared me a little bit I'm gonna be honest but I think its gonna be fine. I will never travel alone now!
The tough part of the day was the job hunting. I thought I had a job at Glacier Gardens which is a tour guide job in the mountains. But the lady there kinda didn't live up to her word and gave my job away. I wasn't mad at the guys who got the job I was just a little upset at Tina (the lady who told me to interview when I got there). So after that I was really discouraged and angry. And the day had only just started. Then I went around to every shop and store in downtown Juneau that didn't have jewelry in the name and asked if they were hiring project guys. I think I went to at least a total of 30 places. I filled out about 5 applications but I don't remember where because I went to so many places. It was just a day of a lot of failure so it seemed.
Then I went to the weekly cru meeting and I feel like God just showed up. He brought an awesome feeling of grace over me and the other project guys helped me to be in a good joking mood. One of the guys named Alex from George Mason has really been a good guy to get to know. He is a big jokester so he usually brings my mood up. And meeting some of the local Juneau college kids was great too. I got to see Kaitlin as well which is always a plus. I would be lying if I didn't say I enjoyed that.
So the day basically started off horribly but God really showed me that he has the job thing under control and I shouldn't let it ruin my mood. He just brought peace and a calm to me that I have really come to appreciate. I get way to stressed out so God being there for me has been great.
Pray for me that I would really be able to focus on the task at hand for the project and not my personal struggles as much. My mood and attitude have been bad lately so I want to improve upon that. God is really testing my faith in him and my will to focus on reaching the people of Juneau. Also pray that I wouldn't think about Kaitlin too much. I would be lying if I said I don't think about her everyday. I need to once again focus on building relationships with these guys and bringing the gospel to the people of Juneau. I want to make sure that Kaitlin and I's relationship is glorifying to God and not what I place my value in. She is a great girl and I hope that God guides me in our relationship. Also just pray for the people of Juneau that we would be able to reach as many people as possible through our movement. (On a side note we heard a local christian radio station give us a shout out on the radio...it was awesome!!) Pray that I wouldn't be nervous or feel awkward talking to people about the gospel.
Sorry for the long post again!! I just feel like God is tugging on my heart and working on me to improve my relationship with him and the people around me. Oh and I will try to post some videos if I have some spare time on Sunday. I am going camping for the next two days so I will update the blog on Saturday. Thanks again for your support and prayers and I'll update this bad boy on Saturday
Ginger out
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Hi James,
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the camp-out this weekend, and be cautious but not fearful of the bears. I only have experience w/ black bears, not grizzlies, but bears are more interested in your food then you.
I totally understand your discouragement over the job situation, and I like how you are turning your thoughts and moods over to God. In my devos yesterday (I blog my devos) in 1 Thess. 5:16-18 we are commanded to rejoice, pray and be thankful ALWAYS. That always thing is a "killer!" But God continually reminds me that it's not the circumstances that bring the joy - it's my obedience to Him inspite of the wretched circumstances. Since God works everything for our good (Rom 8:28) we need to be thankful - even when someone gives our job away. God is working in you to prefect you into the likeness of His Son - that's His primary goal for us. Jobs and money - He's got that covered, trust in His timing. The circumstances may have surprised you, but not Him. Not preaching to you - preaching to myself, and just sharing what God is continually teaching me. God is saying: "Be joyful - think about what I have done for you in granting you salvation. For that if nothing else you can be truly thankful. Praying without ceasing is an ongoing prayer - I take breaks here and there, but I am continually talking w/ God about everything that's going on in my life. You can tell when I don't because I become stressed and angry. Just a couple of verses, but they have a mighty impact on how God wants us to live the Christian life out in front of a watching world.
I'm very excited for this opportunity you have of sharing the gospel. Keep it real - don't worry about the "canned" questions or phrases. Speak from your heart. People want to know the difference having a relationship with God has made on you. How did you get that relationship? If God resides w/in you, and I know He does, His Holy Spirit will give you the words to say. When that happens, James, it's the coolest thing! God is faithful to do His part, He just wants us to be willing vessels that He can use. You'll do great!! I'll be looking on your blog for those opportunities God brings your way, and most importantly, I'm praying for you.
You're probably thinking - man, that's the most this lady has ever spoken to me! Just wanted you to know that I may not have said much, but I was watching. You're a fine young man, and I couldn't be prouder or happier than to know your heart is tender towards God and what He is teaching you.
Lord bless you this summer and continually,
Candy Williams
Thanks a lot Candy!! I really appreciate your encouragement. I don't find it as preaching I'm always tryin to improve so any advice I can get is much appreciated!
ReplyDeleteThanks again and I will try to update the blog tonight. And hopefully I will have a job by then.
Hey hang in there with the job thing. This time 34 years ago, I was on a beach project in Ocean City, New Jersey. Jobs were scarce and several weeks went by and some of us still did not have jobs. I finally got a job teaching arts and crafts at Jellystone Campground!! not my plan but turned out to be a good thing. The Lord knows. Your family had a great party today. Linda Morgan
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