A New Name

This is the third time I have studied the book of Genesis and because there are so many years in between I seldom remember my key learning.  Through the process of blogging and journaling I hope to have a better handle on it.

This year I am struck by Jacob who named the places where he encountered the Lord.  This week Jacob struggled with God and his name was changed to Israel.  Jacob marked the spot by naming it (Genesis 32:30) He named the place Peniel which meant “It is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared.”

This stands out to me because if I had named my previous encounters with the Lord and revisited them, there would be little doubt to what the future holds in times of struggle. I have decided that this year I will name my encounters with God and leave markers behind that will remind me of His character.

I have finished the novel, Connections and am very excited about the story. I love how God used me to tell a fictional story.  The characters which are fun and real, deal with everyday life situations along with the extraordinary circumstances they are placed in.

As I said previously, this was not a project I had planned at the beginning of the year, it was something God brought to  me.  I am trying to be open to God changing my agenda because I know if He brings me to it, He will bring me through it.  I love how He brought me through Connections.

I look forward to the rest of the journey.