deeper thoughts of dependance on God

It's now been one week since I left home to fly over here, to China, to spend time with my family. It's been a crazy awesome week. I love seeing their country, their home, and their friends. They have really made it comfortable over here, and have built some really great relationships. Seeing their happiness, and that they are taking their place over here, I feel like will make it a lot easier for me to live at home, happy, although they are missing. Now, I won't worry as much about them, because I see how they fit in so well. They continue to draw from the Lord for strength, and for joy, and it shows. 

You know, I've learned a lot lately about how we as humans use the concept of God. It's usually either one of two ways:

1) When things are really bad, we cry out to Him... asking Him why, pleading for a miracle, wanting Him more.

OR

2) When things are really well, we thank Him, praise Him... almost like," Good job, God! That's how it should work!"

I've thought a lot about this lately, because in the past few months, I have travelled through the hardest season of my life, and now through a season of blessing and joy. I don't want my relationship with God to change based on my circumstances. i hate this, and I believe strongly that He does too. God is not a concept, my friends, He is IT. He is the "I AM", as described in the Bible. It doesn't matter if like sucks worse than it ever has before, or if you've hit it big and are thriving with success, friends, finances, happiness, the whole shebang.. Or, as sometimes it is, if life is at a standstill, balancing in between these two scenarios. Okay, but not great. This is how I DESIRE to be towards this:

1) When things are really bad, I lean on Him, I continue to build that relationship by letting Him overcome things, by trusting in Him to see HIS will fulfilled, not my own, and my letting Him search me, daily, to purify me.

AND

2) When things are really well, I constantly praise Him, and continue to build that relationship by sharing my happy moments with Him, listening to Him, and celebrating WITH Him, as my God!

I want God to be a part of every decision, every situation, every moment, day and night. I am in a season in my life right now and I feel like I'm floating above the clouds. I don't have many sad moments, I feel connected with Him, I anticipate what's to come in the next month or two, and I want to share this joy with all of my friends. I know though, because 'tis life, that this season will soon pass away and will lead me into a season of trials. I'm prepared for that, I feel. I know if I spend this time drawing from God, and receiving all that He has for me, I will be equipped to not only handle but to THRIVE during the seasons of doubt, trials, and fear. It will not gain a hold on me. 

These are just my current thoughts. He's GOT to be numero uno, or else, it's going to be a rocky journey for you! Trust me, I've seen people try to do this thing called, "LIFE", on their own. It doesn't work. It doesn't impact the world. It doesn't bring fulfillment inside. 

Love from Abroad, 

Kathleen