The Lord is your Keeper: Psalm 121

It is amazing to me how faithful our God is. Yesterday evening I was really stressing and feeling so alone about traveling by myself and not knowing what to expect on this mission trip. I had trouble sleeping last night, which usually never happens (as I am one of the deepest sleepers alive- just ask Brittany). I prayed throughout the night that God would calm me and give me peace. Just the other day I purchased another Beth  Moore bible study called " Stepping up- a journey through the Psalms of Ascent". I hadn't been doing one for a while and I really was hungry to get into the word and to feel closer to God. WOW- did I pick the right bible study! It just shows me that God is sovereign...I mean he knew that I would pick this one and that he wanted me to read these psalms at this time. As I was going through today's study just a little bit ago I was really just in shock. I guess because I hadn't had one of these moments in a while. God was obviously answering my prayer and speaking to me so loudly that the words seemed to be jumping off the page! Today's main focus was Psalm 121. I have known this chapter and actually almost got it all memorized a few months ago. But today, it really became real to me. Beth explained that the writer of this psalm was a Pilgrim leaving Babylonian captivity and traveling back to Jerusalem. If you have did one of her studies you know she likes to ask you questions about your personal walk and what God is personally saying to you. Well she went on to talk about how this Pilgrim was fearful because he was traveling in an unknown land and didn't know what to expect. This related to me because I am really afraid to be traveling by myself and to be in an unknown place where I really don't know anyone! I am so grateful that God speaks to us through his word. It seems like just at the right time he directs me to read what I need to hear and what I really need to believe! I have this overall feeling of peace now and I know it is God answering my prayer. I pray this for my sister, Brittany as well. I know she is stressed as she will be leaving to begin her training on Friday. I pray that Brittany and I both really believe this promise that God is giving us in psalm 121. We have no need to fear! God is our protector, both now, and forever! How can anyone not be excited about that!?!?! I will leave you with the HCSB translation of psalm 121 that was in the bible study today. I hope this encourages and gives someone confidence today!!!

"I raise my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber. Indeed, the Protector of Israel does not slumber or sleep. The LORD protects you; the LORD is a shelter right by your side. The sun will not strike you by day, or the moon by night. The LORD will protect you from all harm; He will protect your life. The LORD will protect your coming and going both now and forever."


The word protect or keep comes from the word transliterated "shamar", meaning "to keep, guard...to preserve, protect; to watch." -BM

A week before the Trip

I have about one week until I leave for Dallas Texas for 2 days of orientation. I am getting excited! I bought a book and audio dvd to help me learn some Spanish before I leave. I will probably just have time to learn the basics, but that will help out a lot. I took a year of Spanish in High School but that was so long ago that I needed  a refresher. I can't believe I will be flying for the first time by myself! I am excited but nervous...I will probably be best friends with the person sitting next to me because I won't be able to shut up. lol. I am going to start packing all my stuff tomorrow...now that I finished studying for my local exam I am ready to focus entirely on the mission trip! I have almost got all of my dental licesensure stuff completed. I still have to turn in a few things for Virginia and I wish I could make NERB hurry and send my clinical results to DC and Virginia! I will be moving to Fairfax just 6 days after I get back from the border. Thank goodness the townhouse I am moving into is already furnished! I will only have to figure out how many clothes I want to bring...which will still be a very hard decision to make. Well, I'm going to keep studying some Spanish while I am motivated to do so. Bye!