Keys To A New Life

Read. Read again. And read again.Each time I went over the document I found something else needed for the citizenship application.  How is that I can read a document over a dozen times and still be finding new elements?Honestly, it felt like I was having to learn a new language and my mind could only comprehend one action at a time.  Each page contained important information and required actions.  As I completed the instructions, it led more to more important information and required actions.  With each page my understanding expanded.  With each action my experience grew.After a week of compiling our submission, it was ready to mail!  Checked. Double checked. Triple checked.  And mailed! Ta-da!  Got home, unloaded kids.  A light-bulb went on in my brain, and I realized I'd made a mistake.  Jumped back in the car, raced to the post office, and retrieved the package!  Changes made, package resealed, and mailed. Ta-da!  Phew.  An hour later, I received an email from the Embassy.  It contained information I had not noticed.  Cue: emotional meltdown.  Long story short: Somehow (Thank you Yahweh!), late in the afternoon, our overnight express package had not left our local Post Office! For the second time we retrieved the package.  This time it came back home so we could add some more supporting documents.Suffice to say, I am now an expert.  I learned the long and hard way.  And now I know the deepest layers of what it takes.  If anyone needs help with citizenship forms, I'm your girl.  I should add Immigration Paperwork Coach to my resume.That's what I needed!  A coach.  Someone who knew the language and the process.  To guide me how to apply the concepts and directions.  This application affects my family's future and cost us over $200.  Getting it wrong would be costly.  But getting it right yields a big change in the opportunities for the future.  For in the words of this application are the keys to a new and different life._ _ _I can't help but see a beautiful illustration that stirs my heart.The Bible.Every time I read it, I find something more.  Something I'd missed before.  Each time, another layer of life and meaning. It is in a new language.  A language of eternity and Spirit.  With each page my understanding expands.  With each action my experience grows.And I look to Biblical coaches and teachers.  I read commentaries and studies.  I purpose to have discussions about theology and Biblical application.  I look towards the wise and mature in Faith for insights beyond my years and experience.  I am part of local church that has deep Biblical teaching.  I listen to podcasts of Biblical teachers from around the world.  I am looking to know God's Word and to know how to apply it to its fullest!  And layer by layer, my understanding grows.  Each day, I learn more.  Each day, I experience the Grace and Love of Yahweh as I take the small steps.  Each day, I fail and see my need for Him even more.  Each day being transformed by God through His Word.It is my life quest.  To understand the language.  To apply the concepts.  To follow the directions.  For in the Words of God are the keys to a new and different life.  A Life of Love and Joy and Freedom and Healing!And so I read.  Read again. And read again.

Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another - showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us. (2 Tim 3:16-17 The Message)In simple humility, let our gardener, God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation-garden of your life.  (James 1:21b The Message)