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| Answering God's Call |
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19:21 Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will be established.
Well. It's official. I handed my registration in today, along with a check for tuition. I am now (finally) answering God's call on my life. I am going to be a pastor.
This is certainly not what I would have planned for my life, and is certainly not what I had in mind. Had you told me 5 years ago that I'd be going into pastoral ministry, I would have laughed it off. I knew many years ago that God was calling me into a life of ministry... in one fashion or another... but I was downright opposed to being a pastor. Counseling is what I'm good at. That's where I'm comfortable. And I DO feel that God plans for that to be a major part of my ministry, but it's been on more than one occassion that He has spoken other plans to me. I've said no.
I would not have been the only one to laugh it off, or think it impossible... so would most of the people in my life at that time. "WHAT?! KYLEEN? A PASTOR?! Not likely..." A drug using, anorexic, self-harming mess... one day a pastor??? Just goes to show that we really do serve a great and powerful God, and that His plans for our lives far surpass any of our own! No matter what plans we lay out for ourselves, God's purpose and plans are greater, regardless of where we've come from, what we've done, or where we think we're going. God knew long before I did, and has been preparing me all along.
8:28 We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose. 8:29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the first-born among many brethren. 8:30 And those whom he predestined he also called; and those whom he called he also justified; and those whom he justified he also glorified.
He has called, justified, and glorified... and so my only response to that can be to follow and obey. Even though I'm still not clear how He is going to use it, or what the big picture looks like, I'm trusting in the fact that God knows and God is ordaining my footsteps.
What about you? What are the plans of your heart? What has God called you into? Do those two line up? Have you answered the call yet? If not, what are you waiting for?
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Deb |
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February 05, 2008 at 9:42am |
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| May God give you the strength for whatever lies ahead. If He wants you doing it, you will be a success! |
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| Hey I just did something simular at age '51. Congrats and good luck. |
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Cheryl |
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February 06, 2008 at 7:51am |
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| Its a beautiful thing...answering God's call! And you know what...people like us make for great testimonies and even better pastors. I wish you all the best on your new venture. Know that it won't be easy but the rewards far outweigh anything that Satan can (and will) throw at you! I love you Ky! |
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FrankE |
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February 08, 2008 at 8:45am |
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I think your desire to pursue counseling will make you a stronger pastor. I am sure you have much to give and a congregation needs that. Your responsibility as shepherd of your flock is not only the leading of them but the spiritual caretaking too. That requires more than just giving them words to ponder. People need someone that will lead them but also listen to them and be a help in time of emotional crisis. God has called you to do far more than just preach and I have faith you will fullfill your call with much courage and love! God bless you in your new path.
SHALOM |
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| Thanks to everyone for the support. Everytime I start to warm up to the idea, doubts and fears jump in. The encouragement certainly helps combat those. So Deb, Dave, Cheryl and Frank... thank you. I know you're right Frank... that a pastor needs to be more than just someone who preaches from the pulpit on Sunday morning. I've been blessed with AMAZING pastors at my last two churches, and this one especially... pastors who took time to personally counsel and pray with me. It made all the difference in my life. I think seeing it helped me realize that my call to be a pastor didn't mean I would just be a preacher (which is something I"m still not sold on)... it's a lot more. |
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Gene |
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February 12, 2008 at 10:46am |
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Well, Kyleen, Congratulations - again!
You know, much of "pastoring" is about providing comfort so your counseling background will be great! I only wish you'd end up closer to where I live so I could get you referrals.
I wish you all the best, keep blogging.
(Who knows what secrets of seminary life may end up as a blog - lol)  |
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Cheryl |
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February 12, 2008 at 10:48am |
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| Congrats~you sound perfect! Will be praying, Love~ |
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Haha, well Gene, one of these days I will end up back that way I'm sure. Wherever God calls me... and if it's up in your part of the country, I'll be hitting you up for one of those referrals! Of course, I'll be an AG pastor instead of a Lutheran one, so keep that in mind! :-p
And Cheryl, I'm FAR from perfect! Thanks for the prayers... I'll take all I can get.
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Gene |
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February 13, 2008 at 8:00am |
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| No prob, Kyleen. Like I said I know a few AG folks around here and my brother (in Baltimore) is AG too. I know that wherever you end up, they'll be blessed as a result. |
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| Aw, well thanks Gene! :D God bless. |
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| A little late, but I'm repenting of my non-blog-commenting life in recent months. Way to go, Kyleen! I love having the privilege of watching God continually transform you more and more into His image. We serve an amazing God! |
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| WHOA!!?? WHAT? A blog comment from Pr. Dave?! Thanks Dave. :-) You are forgiven, and I'm glad that you get to be here to see it too - especially since you are one of the people who have been a catalyst for God's healing power in my life. |
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You are so beautiful sweetheart..... Truly a reflection of the beauty, life and courage God could create. I am so happy and proud for you to be reaching and grasping what your life holds in the future.
You touch so many lives already, but now there will be rays of light and hope spreading from your little patch in the world.
*hug*
I love you <3 |
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If God takes you to it,He will take you through it,
He does not move us from somewhere unless He
has a better plan ahead for us,
God bless |
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