Sunday, June 17, 2012

Summer Sabbatical

Last week I took some time to quietly reflect on the Lord. After some thought and prayer, I have decided to take a summer sabbatical away from my blog so that I can concentrate on polishing up the manuscript I have been working on since 2004. I will resume blogging later this summer. Thank you to those of you who read my blog. If you enjoy reading my blog and would be able to connect me with a publisher, I would be grateful for that opportunity. I am also seeking more opportunities to write outside my blog. Thank you, have a blessed summer, and I look forward to reconnecting with you soon!

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Counted

I have the highest respect for those who live their faith out loud. And I esteem all those who make Christianity feel contagious as they live their lives with the type of compass that calls heaven home. I also admire those whose ultimate adventure leads to eternity. And I only hope that when this life is all said and done, I will be counted among them. "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us...(Hebrews 12:1)"

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Pushed

I love how the Amplified Bible enhances scripture, particularly in 2 Peter 3:18, "But grow in grace (undeserved favor, spiritual strength) and [a]recognition and knowledge and understanding of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (the Messiah). To Him [be] glory (honor, majesty, and splendor) both now and to the day of eternity. Amen (so be it)!" When I read this, I feel thankful that I have not only tried to remain as a student of Jesus Christ, but also as a student of life. As a result, I have learned that refusing to change means trying to keep what should no longer be kept. Still, there are times when I don't feel like changing just as much as I don't feel like letting go. So I have learned to allow myself to be pushed in areas where there is potential for growth. And while some areas seem more obvious than others, I can confidently stand on the threshold of a new opportunity and take a step forward. Sometimes that step toward change and growth allows one door to close in order for me to walk through another door, but just being okay with that shows that I have been learning something significant. How do you remain open to what God wants to teach you in life?

Friday, June 1, 2012

Intersections

Many times we intend to take the gospel to those in need, but other times God takes those in need of the gospel and brings them directly to us. He just seems to have a way of taming that independent streak that keeps us going our own separate ways. So when his divine plans prevail, causing our paths to cross with certain people in ways we could never have constructed, we start to pay attention. The Bible makes sense of this in Proverbs 19:21, "You can make many plans,but the Lord’s purpose will prevail." Do you have a story of the seemingly invisible movement of God showing up in a very visible way? How has he allowed your life to intersect with the life of another at just the right place and right time?