"Transformation, as it relates to spiritual formation, involves a thorough change in the nature of a believer's life as it conforms to God's will. The natural response of one who has been redeemed is to conform to the image of Christ."
"The problem is that our Christian walk and actions do not always conform to the image of Christ. This is the biggest source of frustration for those who seriously search for spiritual development. Paul expresses this same frustration in Romans 7:15. Why is it that we intend to be like Christ, yet we sometimes fall short? Romans 7:20 explains that even though we are redeemed (transformed), sin still dwells in us. It is this sin that indwells us that causes redeemed believers to struggle with sin in their pursuit of spiritual development. While there are no magic formulas that will guarantee we never sin again, there are tools that God will use to lead us in our journey to live and act like Christ."
"How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word." Psalm 119:9
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
Priorities, Self-Denial, and Post-Modernism
Recently, I had a conversation about purpose being for the glory of God. I thought I understood the concept, but it wasn't something I readily embraced. I preferred to think of myself as being created to "love or worship" God, rather than God desiring glory. I asked God to give me deeper understanding about this particular revelation.
It seems that God takes me seriously when I pray. His glory has been a "theme" lately through out my life, right within my daily routine. My first class today was Biology. I found it interesting that the professor was talking about the Post Modern Era, which is marked by self-experience and relative truth. He asserted that relativism is self-refuting and doesn't live up to it's own claim (if everyone's truth is true, then that's an absolute and therefore defeats relative truth). He talked about the decline in moral standard due to this epistemology. He talked about how this thinking is problematic and completely contrary to the Word of God. (I'm not sure what this has to do with Biology, but I did learn nonetheless).
Next was Spiritual Formation. The professor began with a short devotional in Psalms. It was about God directing David's steps (the sovereignty of God). Then he talked about Jonathan Edward's message "sinners in the hands of an angry God." I'll never forget what he said next:
"You can be saved and waste your life, but the purpose of your life is to bring glory to God and to make Him known." He talked about a man that returned money to kfc, and when the manager wanted to award him for his integrity, he replied, 'the woman I'm with is not my wife.' It's unbelievable that we can have integrity in one area of our lives, but be completely immoral in others. He said, "we always seem to be one decision away from screwing everything up." But he went on to emphasise the importance of representing Christ, even amidst the hypocrites. Ghondi said, "I can't be a Christian because of the hypocrisy." He quoted I Peter 3:15. Then he left us with these questions: "When was the last time someone asked you to give a reason for the hope that is in you? can others see Christ in you (even if you never mention His name)?"
Chapel was just as convicting. The guest speaker began by talking about marriage and expectations. How there is a difference between expectation and reality, and that creates frustration. He tied that in with salvation and the cross.
The text he used was Matthew 16:16-18 "And Simon Peter answered and said, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus answered and said to him, You are blessed, Simon, son of Jonah, for flesh and blood did not reveal it to you, but My Father in Heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."
The Rock that we build upon is the fact that Jesus is the Messiah. He talked about how, when we are first saved that we think that Jesus is going to make everything great. We confess our faith, and think that we will be blessed. We have false expectations. But our expectations need to line up with the reality of the cross. He said, "Jesus didn't die on the cross so that you could have 'your best life now.' " He showed how after this verse, right after what Jesus said in vs. 24:
" Then Jesus said to His disciples, If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me."
He went on to say, "The cross is not about you. It's about glorifying God with your life. It's about self-denial. To abandon yourself." He quoted A.W. Tozer: "Your fulfillment and joy will be in proportion to the extent that you deny yourself." Jesus is the Rock that we build our foundation upon, but even in building a foundation, we have to count the cost. When you got saved, you said to God: "Where You go, I will follow." God may lead you where you don't want to go. You may be challenged to die. Our priority should be to follow hard after Christ.
Interestingly enough, my professor in Christian Doctrine also talked about post-modernism and the truth of the word. Bringing glory to God in our lives. Sound Doctrine.
Pondering this in my mind, I've come to the conclusion that all of these things mean nothing if they don't challenge me to change. My priorities have not been to follow hard after Christ. I'm not living for the glory of God. I can use all the excuses in the world about being busy with school, work, and relationships; but the truth of the matter is that my priorities are not lining up with my professions. I talk about the cross and grace, and I can have every revelation there is to know about the Word, but still live unchanged by it. I would rather write this blog about "what God is saying to me" than to actually listen to what He is saying to me. I would rather have intellectual knowledge than live it out in my life. Some days, I would rather have no relationships at all (with God and people) than to deny myself in the relationships that I do have. I have false expectations and I would prefer that everything be easy. I'm really not into denying myself or giving glory to God, I would rather just float through life, thinking that everything will be okay. So, when it comes down to it, lest God change my heart, I am really no different than the post-modern society that I so venomously oppose (in concept at least).
It seems that God takes me seriously when I pray. His glory has been a "theme" lately through out my life, right within my daily routine. My first class today was Biology. I found it interesting that the professor was talking about the Post Modern Era, which is marked by self-experience and relative truth. He asserted that relativism is self-refuting and doesn't live up to it's own claim (if everyone's truth is true, then that's an absolute and therefore defeats relative truth). He talked about the decline in moral standard due to this epistemology. He talked about how this thinking is problematic and completely contrary to the Word of God. (I'm not sure what this has to do with Biology, but I did learn nonetheless).
Next was Spiritual Formation. The professor began with a short devotional in Psalms. It was about God directing David's steps (the sovereignty of God). Then he talked about Jonathan Edward's message "sinners in the hands of an angry God." I'll never forget what he said next:
"You can be saved and waste your life, but the purpose of your life is to bring glory to God and to make Him known." He talked about a man that returned money to kfc, and when the manager wanted to award him for his integrity, he replied, 'the woman I'm with is not my wife.' It's unbelievable that we can have integrity in one area of our lives, but be completely immoral in others. He said, "we always seem to be one decision away from screwing everything up." But he went on to emphasise the importance of representing Christ, even amidst the hypocrites. Ghondi said, "I can't be a Christian because of the hypocrisy." He quoted I Peter 3:15. Then he left us with these questions: "When was the last time someone asked you to give a reason for the hope that is in you? can others see Christ in you (even if you never mention His name)?"
Chapel was just as convicting. The guest speaker began by talking about marriage and expectations. How there is a difference between expectation and reality, and that creates frustration. He tied that in with salvation and the cross.
The text he used was Matthew 16:16-18 "And Simon Peter answered and said, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus answered and said to him, You are blessed, Simon, son of Jonah, for flesh and blood did not reveal it to you, but My Father in Heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."
The Rock that we build upon is the fact that Jesus is the Messiah. He talked about how, when we are first saved that we think that Jesus is going to make everything great. We confess our faith, and think that we will be blessed. We have false expectations. But our expectations need to line up with the reality of the cross. He said, "Jesus didn't die on the cross so that you could have 'your best life now.' " He showed how after this verse, right after what Jesus said in vs. 24:
" Then Jesus said to His disciples, If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me."
He went on to say, "The cross is not about you. It's about glorifying God with your life. It's about self-denial. To abandon yourself." He quoted A.W. Tozer: "Your fulfillment and joy will be in proportion to the extent that you deny yourself." Jesus is the Rock that we build our foundation upon, but even in building a foundation, we have to count the cost. When you got saved, you said to God: "Where You go, I will follow." God may lead you where you don't want to go. You may be challenged to die. Our priority should be to follow hard after Christ.
Interestingly enough, my professor in Christian Doctrine also talked about post-modernism and the truth of the word. Bringing glory to God in our lives. Sound Doctrine.
Pondering this in my mind, I've come to the conclusion that all of these things mean nothing if they don't challenge me to change. My priorities have not been to follow hard after Christ. I'm not living for the glory of God. I can use all the excuses in the world about being busy with school, work, and relationships; but the truth of the matter is that my priorities are not lining up with my professions. I talk about the cross and grace, and I can have every revelation there is to know about the Word, but still live unchanged by it. I would rather write this blog about "what God is saying to me" than to actually listen to what He is saying to me. I would rather have intellectual knowledge than live it out in my life. Some days, I would rather have no relationships at all (with God and people) than to deny myself in the relationships that I do have. I have false expectations and I would prefer that everything be easy. I'm really not into denying myself or giving glory to God, I would rather just float through life, thinking that everything will be okay. So, when it comes down to it, lest God change my heart, I am really no different than the post-modern society that I so venomously oppose (in concept at least).
Saturday, January 26, 2008
"Upheld"
You didn't die so that I
Would excuse my sin,
Your grace to cover all
You didn't sacrifice for me
to be entangled again,
To continue to fall...
You didn't suffer so that I
Would put You back upon the cross
Making Your blood spilled in vain,
You didn't pay such a price for me
to void the cost,
falling to my bane...
No, You died
This is why
You showed justice at Calvary
When You hung on that tree
So that I would be set free
From the sin entangling
For Your grace surrounding me
Upheld by Your mercy
You died
You sacrificed
You spilled Your blood
So that I
Would be set free
Upheld by Your mercy
Would excuse my sin,
Your grace to cover all
You didn't sacrifice for me
to be entangled again,
To continue to fall...
You didn't suffer so that I
Would put You back upon the cross
Making Your blood spilled in vain,
You didn't pay such a price for me
to void the cost,
falling to my bane...
No, You died
This is why
You showed justice at Calvary
When You hung on that tree
So that I would be set free
From the sin entangling
For Your grace surrounding me
Upheld by Your mercy
You died
You sacrificed
You spilled Your blood
So that I
Would be set free
Upheld by Your mercy
Revisiting Grace and The Cross
Jesus Christ did not die on the cross so that I would have an excuse to sin. He died on the cross because He is holy, and good, and just, and can not abide in the presence of sin. He demonstrated His love for me, a sinful fallen creature destined for His wrath and justice, by taking that sin upon Himself.
The cross is a demonstration of both the love and justice of God. It demonstrates His hate of sin. His desire for holiness and obedience. His desire for love and glory. His desire for me. His grace that gives us power not to sin.
It demonstrates His love. "But we know that we love Him because He first loved us..." And Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commandments [obey me]." Obedience is a result of what Jesus did on the cross. Because of who God is. Because He is holy and just. He will be treated as Holy by those who come near.
"We live in a society today where obedience is optional." Well said. But if we use Christ's sacrifice as an excuse to sin, have we not then missed the whole point? Haven't we made void that sacrifice...placing Jesus again on the cross?
Do we truly have a revelation of what the cross is about? God's love. God's holiness. God satisfying His own wrath and justice. God satisfying obedience. His standard of righteousness. Because of the cross, because of God's grace, we are no longer slaves to sin. We are no longer held captive by the world when we have a true revelation of God's amazing love and holiness. His Justice. The reason behind the cross.
If I struggle so much with sin, maybe I should go back to the cross. Maybe we haven't truly understood God's hate for sin. His desire for righteousness. His love. His mercy. His sacrifice. His glory.
He took responsibility for humanity's choice to be separated from Him. Sin. Restoration. He desires obedience (Righteousness) which is love, so much that He died to inspire (by His love first) to love Him (obedience) and give Him the glory due His Name.
If we think that Jesus died just so that we could emphasise grace, put Him back on the cross everyday by sinning, and make void His sacrifice, then we've missed what what the cross is all about. If the cross doesn't inspire us not to sin, then we've missed the whole point.
Did He not die so that we would no longer be a slave to sin [the very thing that separates us from Him]? Did He not die so that He could have fellowship with us [He can not abide in the presence of sin]? Did He not die so that we would love Him and give Him glory [obey His standard of righteousness]?
Oh, that I could live this revelation...
The cross is a demonstration of both the love and justice of God. It demonstrates His hate of sin. His desire for holiness and obedience. His desire for love and glory. His desire for me. His grace that gives us power not to sin.
It demonstrates His love. "But we know that we love Him because He first loved us..." And Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commandments [obey me]." Obedience is a result of what Jesus did on the cross. Because of who God is. Because He is holy and just. He will be treated as Holy by those who come near.
"We live in a society today where obedience is optional." Well said. But if we use Christ's sacrifice as an excuse to sin, have we not then missed the whole point? Haven't we made void that sacrifice...placing Jesus again on the cross?
Do we truly have a revelation of what the cross is about? God's love. God's holiness. God satisfying His own wrath and justice. God satisfying obedience. His standard of righteousness. Because of the cross, because of God's grace, we are no longer slaves to sin. We are no longer held captive by the world when we have a true revelation of God's amazing love and holiness. His Justice. The reason behind the cross.
If I struggle so much with sin, maybe I should go back to the cross. Maybe we haven't truly understood God's hate for sin. His desire for righteousness. His love. His mercy. His sacrifice. His glory.
He took responsibility for humanity's choice to be separated from Him. Sin. Restoration. He desires obedience (Righteousness) which is love, so much that He died to inspire (by His love first) to love Him (obedience) and give Him the glory due His Name.
If we think that Jesus died just so that we could emphasise grace, put Him back on the cross everyday by sinning, and make void His sacrifice, then we've missed what what the cross is all about. If the cross doesn't inspire us not to sin, then we've missed the whole point.
Did He not die so that we would no longer be a slave to sin [the very thing that separates us from Him]? Did He not die so that He could have fellowship with us [He can not abide in the presence of sin]? Did He not die so that we would love Him and give Him glory [obey His standard of righteousness]?
Oh, that I could live this revelation...
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Growing Pains
Growing can be painful. I was 6 ibs 9 oz when I was born. I grew up. I am now 118 ibs. That's a lot of growing. As I grew, sometimes it hurt. I remember when I was about 12 and my shins would hurt from "growing pains." I didn't like it then, but now I am glad that I went through that because, although I am petite, I am not a midget.
I also had "growing pains" in knowledge. When I was 5, despite my parent's instruction, I played with matches. I got burned. By making a mistake, I grew in knowledge. I learned obedience (and not to play with matches.)
These same learning processes are still applicable in my life today. God stretches me, it hurts, but I grow. I make mistakes, it hurts, but I learn.
It's like working out. I push myself to go further. My muscles get sore, but they get stronger because of it.
Thank you, God, for growing pains.
I also had "growing pains" in knowledge. When I was 5, despite my parent's instruction, I played with matches. I got burned. By making a mistake, I grew in knowledge. I learned obedience (and not to play with matches.)
These same learning processes are still applicable in my life today. God stretches me, it hurts, but I grow. I make mistakes, it hurts, but I learn.
It's like working out. I push myself to go further. My muscles get sore, but they get stronger because of it.
Thank you, God, for growing pains.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Something New
Hmm...what can I say?
I'm bored.
How pathetic. I'm talking to myself on my blog.
It hasn't even been one full day, and I already miss my beau.
Fasting.
Not much else I can say.
I'm bored.
How pathetic. I'm talking to myself on my blog.
It hasn't even been one full day, and I already miss my beau.
Fasting.
Not much else I can say.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Love?
Take the Love Quiz at QuizRocket.com!
Yes, You're In Love Yes, you've found a balance with him, you're comfortable around him, and you can be yourself around him. That's really important and is a pretty good indicator that you're in love! Giving up really important things for him is important, too. Hopefully you won't be in that situation, but if you're not sure if he's worth sacrificing certain things, then you're not sure you really love him. Giving up your friends, though, is definitely NOT one of those things, so your ability to maintain your relationship with them is really great.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Laundry
I absolutely abhor laundry. I absolutely love clothes. I think there must be a reconciliation between the two.
I must embrace the process. I think that I don't like doing laundry because it is such a long process. I throw all of my clothes into a couple different baskets, then when I muster up the courage, I sort through the clothes, putting them into different color-coordinating piles, upon completion of the piles, I put them back into the baskets, transport them to the laundry room and put them into the washing machine(if one is available), then I wait...and wait...then I put the wet clothes into the dryer, then I wait...and wait...then I put the clothes back into the baskets, sort them, fold them, and finally hang them. It seems so unnecessary.
I liken laundry unto my sin. It piles up, it stinks, and I hate to face it...but then I muster up the courage to finally sort through it all, repent, and ask God to cleanse me. It's a beautiful process.
I still think that the spiritual process is much easier than laundry though.
I must embrace the process. I think that I don't like doing laundry because it is such a long process. I throw all of my clothes into a couple different baskets, then when I muster up the courage, I sort through the clothes, putting them into different color-coordinating piles, upon completion of the piles, I put them back into the baskets, transport them to the laundry room and put them into the washing machine(if one is available), then I wait...and wait...then I put the wet clothes into the dryer, then I wait...and wait...then I put the clothes back into the baskets, sort them, fold them, and finally hang them. It seems so unnecessary.
I liken laundry unto my sin. It piles up, it stinks, and I hate to face it...but then I muster up the courage to finally sort through it all, repent, and ask God to cleanse me. It's a beautiful process.
I still think that the spiritual process is much easier than laundry though.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Love is Like...
Love is like a good cup of coffe, it keeps you awake at night.
Love is like fine China, it is delicate and beautiful.
Love is like a trunk, it is filled with sweet nothings.
Love is like a blanket, it surrounds you with warm fuzzyness.
Love is like a good pair of shoes, the right one fits so perfectly.
Love is like fine China, it is delicate and beautiful.
Love is like a trunk, it is filled with sweet nothings.
Love is like a blanket, it surrounds you with warm fuzzyness.
Love is like a good pair of shoes, the right one fits so perfectly.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Just what I need...(today)
God is so amazing! He always knows just what I need. I had been feeling a little down on myself today, but God brought someone into my life to remind me to "count it all a joy..."
My co-worker reminded me of my passion for pro-life by talking about hers. She confirmed what God has been doing in my life in special ways and different things. She encouraged me.
I am reminded by this that God truly is in control of our lives...He knows. :-)
" Consider [it] all joy, my brothers [and sisters], whenever you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patient endurance. " James 1:2-3
My co-worker reminded me of my passion for pro-life by talking about hers. She confirmed what God has been doing in my life in special ways and different things. She encouraged me.
I am reminded by this that God truly is in control of our lives...He knows. :-)
" Consider [it] all joy, my brothers [and sisters], whenever you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patient endurance. " James 1:2-3
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Jesus Help Me...
Jesus help me to be
a testimony of your glory
To see life as you see
The Cross that beckons me
I seldom get it right
I just need your light
To shine in the darkest of night
Make my heart to be upright
So often I fall
Neglecting the voice of Your call
Putting up these walls
They're getting really tall
Break it down
The foul ground
Suffocatingly they surround
Your Cross crushing this bound
I lay me down
a testimony of your glory
To see life as you see
The Cross that beckons me
I seldom get it right
I just need your light
To shine in the darkest of night
Make my heart to be upright
So often I fall
Neglecting the voice of Your call
Putting up these walls
They're getting really tall
Break it down
The foul ground
Suffocatingly they surround
Your Cross crushing this bound
I lay me down
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Sovereign Hands
My life is a story. An inter-connected series of events, not just random chance, but purposeful. Combining the past, present, and future: all to see the big picture as God sees it. If only for a moment, to look back and see that God's sovereign hands have directed my life, even up to this moment, to prepare me for all the wonderful things He has purposed for me. Oh, to have eyes to see and ears to hear as God!
Filling up blank sheets of paper on the book that He has written out for me, all part of God's sovereign design.
My life is a story. God is the author. Jesus is the author, perfecter, and finisher.
The character (person in the story) does not shape the story, but rather the author shapes the character by the story.
"You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place Your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!
You watched as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Everyday of my life was recorded in Your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are Your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can't even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! " -Psalm 139: 4-6 , 15-18
Filling up blank sheets of paper on the book that He has written out for me, all part of God's sovereign design.
My life is a story. God is the author. Jesus is the author, perfecter, and finisher.
The character (person in the story) does not shape the story, but rather the author shapes the character by the story.
"You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place Your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!
You watched as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Everyday of my life was recorded in Your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are Your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can't even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! " -Psalm 139: 4-6 , 15-18
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Dog Blog
Meet Holly. She is my beautiful dachshund-terrier mix. Isn't she pretty? Just look into those big, brown eyes...how can you resist?
Friday, January 4, 2008
There Comes a Time...
in my life when I must follow a meaningful blog with meaningless fun. I guess this is it.
I have so many book projects that I don't know what to do with myself.
I'm supposed to write:
"There Comes a Time in a Woman's Life..."
"The Wonderful Life of Chelsea"
Contribute the story to "Memiors of an Acorn"
Win out against an emotional "feeling book"
and rival a best-selling ego-centric book with an amazingly meek book on humility,
not to mention the book on my testimony...
I should definately "get right on these"... if I start now, I may be done in 20 years.
I have so many book projects that I don't know what to do with myself.
I'm supposed to write:
"There Comes a Time in a Woman's Life..."
"The Wonderful Life of Chelsea"
Contribute the story to "Memiors of an Acorn"
Win out against an emotional "feeling book"
and rival a best-selling ego-centric book with an amazingly meek book on humility,
not to mention the book on my testimony...
I should definately "get right on these"... if I start now, I may be done in 20 years.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Something Substantial
Lately I have been writing some really goofy blogs, which have been immensely fun, but today I think I will actually write something of meaning, and although I am accused of over-spiritualizing everything, I come with simplicity in mind. :-)
Light. Exposure. Humility.
God has been teaching me allot in these areas recently. I feel as though I have "come a long way" in exposing things in my life, namely my testimony. But God has shown me that it's not only my past that needs to be exposed, but my current heart condition.
All too often I feel like I'm putting on a fake facade by speaking the "great wisdom" that God has revealed to me, when in reality I find it difficult to actually live the things that I so adamantly profess to believe. I find it difficult to slay my flesh and take up my cross daily. I want the easy way out in situations that test my faith, instead of preferring God to mold me into a woman of character and integrity. I struggle with the balance between man-pleasing and being overly religious. I am apt to act like an "awesome woman of God" when I know that people are watching or listening, but all too often falter when no one is. I am weak in discernment, easily swayed by the opinions of others, instead of searching and studying the Word of God for truth myself. I don't seek God with everything that is within me everyday. I am overtaken by my thoughts and dishonor God in my heart. This is the condition of my heart.
I know that God has placed the desire in my heart to be a pure woman of God. I want to honor and love God, whether people are looking or not. I want to be strong in faith and stand for His standard of righteousness. I want to genuinely love God with all that is within me. I want to love others like Jesus. I want to be real, authentic, and genuine. I want to be strong in discernment and actually weigh everything by the Word of God. I want to honor God in my heart, in my thoughts, in my actions, and everything I do. I don't want to take the easy road, I want to have a radical life lived for Jesus. This is the desire of my heart.
Unfortunately the condition of my heart and the desires of my heart do not yet match up. That, my friends, is the truth of the matter. The light shed that now makes me responsible for the changes that need to take place in my heart . . .
Light. Exposure. Humility.
God has been teaching me allot in these areas recently. I feel as though I have "come a long way" in exposing things in my life, namely my testimony. But God has shown me that it's not only my past that needs to be exposed, but my current heart condition.
All too often I feel like I'm putting on a fake facade by speaking the "great wisdom" that God has revealed to me, when in reality I find it difficult to actually live the things that I so adamantly profess to believe. I find it difficult to slay my flesh and take up my cross daily. I want the easy way out in situations that test my faith, instead of preferring God to mold me into a woman of character and integrity. I struggle with the balance between man-pleasing and being overly religious. I am apt to act like an "awesome woman of God" when I know that people are watching or listening, but all too often falter when no one is. I am weak in discernment, easily swayed by the opinions of others, instead of searching and studying the Word of God for truth myself. I don't seek God with everything that is within me everyday. I am overtaken by my thoughts and dishonor God in my heart. This is the condition of my heart.
I know that God has placed the desire in my heart to be a pure woman of God. I want to honor and love God, whether people are looking or not. I want to be strong in faith and stand for His standard of righteousness. I want to genuinely love God with all that is within me. I want to love others like Jesus. I want to be real, authentic, and genuine. I want to be strong in discernment and actually weigh everything by the Word of God. I want to honor God in my heart, in my thoughts, in my actions, and everything I do. I don't want to take the easy road, I want to have a radical life lived for Jesus. This is the desire of my heart.
Unfortunately the condition of my heart and the desires of my heart do not yet match up. That, my friends, is the truth of the matter. The light shed that now makes me responsible for the changes that need to take place in my heart . . .
There Comes a Time in a Woman's Life...
when she must scrub her own carpet...
for 3 hours...
only to have her room-mate put it in the closet because the pattern is "too busy..."
When she must put up her own hardware for the curtains...
sweat coming down brow...
only to have the flimsy thing fall off the wall the first time she puts the curtains on it...
When she must climb up mountains in heels...
only to prove her beastly womanlyness...
When she must play football...
tripping herself several times...
learning to laugh about it...
only to wake with excruciateing pain reminding her of her lack of athleticism.
When she must get ready for work.
for 3 hours...
only to have her room-mate put it in the closet because the pattern is "too busy..."
When she must put up her own hardware for the curtains...
sweat coming down brow...
only to have the flimsy thing fall off the wall the first time she puts the curtains on it...
When she must climb up mountains in heels...
only to prove her beastly womanlyness...
When she must play football...
tripping herself several times...
learning to laugh about it...
only to wake with excruciateing pain reminding her of her lack of athleticism.
When she must get ready for work.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
The Three Musketeers (or something like that...)
I couldn't name it "The adventures of Clint, Chelsea, and Sarah" . . . That would have been too unoriginal. (side note)
As fun as "The adventures of Goose and Sheep (part 2)" would have been to write, sadly they are on vacation to a desert island called "The lovely land of Sarah's canopy-covered bed." So, I guess I decided I should appeal to the only audience that actually reads my blogs.
What can I say about our trio? Oh, yes...our fun-filled day at aunt Roberta's. It started off with a wonderful introduction to the fam, which left Chelsea and Sarah feeling internally awkward...but they got through it by cordially shaking hands, smiling, then running to the bathroom to hug themselves.
Then, after a wonderful meal, they all headed out to the pasture/back yard, dodging manuer in the meantime, to meet Scottie and Paco. Paco was definately a ladies man. He had Chelsea and Sarah swooning. Scottie kept to himself, but Clint kept him company. Poor Scottie.
Following the lovely encounter with the horses, a walk in the woods was in way. It was lots of fun frolicking through the trees and trying to run up the mountain gracefully in heels. Sarah just had to prove her tough beastly womanly-ness, which continued into the football encounter.
It was a tough game. Clint was the all-star quarterback of the Clan McFortner. Sarah was the awkward running back of Curt's Angels. No one had to trip Sarah, she was sufficent to trip herself, seemingly playing for the other team. Then she made a glorious finishing touchdown, faking Clint out. She stepped to the right, swirved to the left, and with breath flaring out their nostrils and sweat coming down their brow, they ended with a suspensful tie.
But, all good things must come to an end. After a long car ride discussing birthdays, friendship certificates, and Clint's uncanny similarity to Superman, we arrived back at campus...destined to go back to our daily routines. It wasn't good-bye for the trio, just "until we meet again."
As fun as "The adventures of Goose and Sheep (part 2)" would have been to write, sadly they are on vacation to a desert island called "The lovely land of Sarah's canopy-covered bed." So, I guess I decided I should appeal to the only audience that actually reads my blogs.
What can I say about our trio? Oh, yes...our fun-filled day at aunt Roberta's. It started off with a wonderful introduction to the fam, which left Chelsea and Sarah feeling internally awkward...but they got through it by cordially shaking hands, smiling, then running to the bathroom to hug themselves.
Then, after a wonderful meal, they all headed out to the pasture/back yard, dodging manuer in the meantime, to meet Scottie and Paco. Paco was definately a ladies man. He had Chelsea and Sarah swooning. Scottie kept to himself, but Clint kept him company. Poor Scottie.
Following the lovely encounter with the horses, a walk in the woods was in way. It was lots of fun frolicking through the trees and trying to run up the mountain gracefully in heels. Sarah just had to prove her tough beastly womanly-ness, which continued into the football encounter.
It was a tough game. Clint was the all-star quarterback of the Clan McFortner. Sarah was the awkward running back of Curt's Angels. No one had to trip Sarah, she was sufficent to trip herself, seemingly playing for the other team. Then she made a glorious finishing touchdown, faking Clint out. She stepped to the right, swirved to the left, and with breath flaring out their nostrils and sweat coming down their brow, they ended with a suspensful tie.
But, all good things must come to an end. After a long car ride discussing birthdays, friendship certificates, and Clint's uncanny similarity to Superman, we arrived back at campus...destined to go back to our daily routines. It wasn't good-bye for the trio, just "until we meet again."
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