by | Faith Lived Out, Life Application
I woke up this morning with a task list in my head of things I wanted to get done. I had been productive two days in a row, and was pumped to do it again. After reading some devotions, I posted on my Facebook status that I wanted to be real today. I have no idea where the thought came from; it popped into my head and so I posted it.
My friend instant messaged me later this morning, telling me to prepare myself because she had a few assignments for my heart. I have learned over the past six months that when she usually tells me something like that, I better listen. It seems when God is trying to talk to me, He tends to do it through her quite often.
She called me with the assignment that I was to bless someone today who had hurt me in the past. I had her repeat herself again just to confirm what I was hoping she hadn’t said. I was to bless someone who had mistreated me. Was she serious? Was God serious? I sat there for a moment, then I read Luke 6. I read it again, then went for a walk. I was determined to avoid this subject and focus on my task list for the day.
Halfway through the day I let her know I was avoiding the subject, and she kindly let me know that perhaps it wasn’t such a great idea to rebel against God. Perhaps she was right. I read Luke 6 again. Who was I supposed to bless? Was I supposed to make a list of those who had hurt me? I didn’t want to be reminded of that. I definitely wanted to rebel against God at this point, and slap her for bringing it up.
Here I sit at Panera on a Thursday evening, drowning my thoughts with carbs. I haven’t blessed anyone, and today’s task list has barely been touched. I’m thinking I’ve figured out the reason behind that. For the record, I have swallowed my pride and asked God to forgive me for being such a pain in His butt.
One task I did accomplish today, being real. I didn’t work on my Bible study this morning, I didn’t get half the things done I wanted to, and I didn’t work on the assignment God put on my heart. Does it get more real than that?
Tomorrow: Blessing someone who has hurt me. After that, figuring out where to go from there.
by | Faith Lived Out
I was visiting a friend yesterday and we decided to put together one of her wedding presents, an AeroGarden Space Saver 6. For any of you that have never seen or heard of one, they’re pretty amazing. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t jealous.
How does it work? It uses a unique method of hydroponics called Aeroponics that allow the plants to grow significantly faster.
As we began assembly, I began to think about my faith. What if it could grow as fast as the herbs in this garden could? What if in 5-7 days my faith could be as beautiful and green as the parsley will be? If only it was that easy.
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by | Faith Lived Out
Love this. From Jennifer Rothschild’s Me, Myself, and Lies.
May I say something to my mellow, unruffled, easy-going friends? Just because you don’t express anger in an overt way, like an overheated, menopausal, stressed-out woman, it doesn’t mean you don’t experience anger. In fact, it would probably be wise to define what anger truly is.
What is anger? A strong feeling of displeasure or hostility.
The kind of anger we’ve been considering is the fruit of rebellion, the opposite of submitting, and the net result of selfishness. That means if we haven’t tuned in to our sin and Enemy, if we have not held high the shield of faith, we most likely have the sparks of anger in our thought closets…hmmm. Agree?
Ponder that today.
by | Faith Lived Out
I couldn’t help but post this today – very inspiring. It’s from Beth Moore’s Breaking Free study.
Somewhere in the midst of my morning time with God, I ask Him to satisfy all my longings and fill all my hollow places with His lavish, unfailing love. This frees me from craving the approval of others and requiring others to fill my “cup.” Then, if someone takes the time to demonstrate his or her love to me, that’s the overflow! I am free to appreciate it and enjoy it, but I didn’t emotionally require it! See how the love of God that permeates the life through His Holy Spirit brings freedom? Not only am I freed, I am able to free others from having to boost me up emotionally all the time. Hallelujah! Where the Spirit of the Lord’s lavish love is, there is freedom!! Try it and see!
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by | Faith Lived Out, Life Application
Wow! That’s the way to start this blog. That’s the only word I can think of at the moment actually. For those of you who know me, being speechless is not a word that suits me well. Today I am speechless!
A gentleman came in today to get a loan. I unfortunately had to turn him down. Instead of getting up and walking out the door, he began to talk about his faith. I was up for the conversation. He talked about God being his rock; his safety. His faith was undeniable.
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