Books to Read

Have you ever picked up a book that others recommended, read a few pages and then put it down?

This has happened to me one too many times.

The book {below} has been on my nightstand for quite some time now, and I'm determined to finish it by the end of Christmas break:

I started it again today.

I've probably read the first page like 10 times now, but this stood-out to me:

How true of our faith journey.

In any relationship we know close intimacy and also distance. 

But what a beautiful image of being fully in His presence, close enough to see the lines on His face.

I think I'll keep reading.

http://www.donaldmillerwords.com/bluelikejazz.php

Walk and Talk

I was reading from Luke recently about the two disciples that were walking down the road after Jesus' death. Luke says: "They were talking with each other about everything that had happened".

What a common activity: walking and talking.

How often do we discuss with our friends the happenings of the world and our lives? I know for me, and I'm sure for you, this is a daily occurrence.

In this story, "[a man] came up and walked along with them". He joined their conversation and asked "What are you discussing together as you walk along?" None of this is super strange or unimaginable. In fact, it's easy to think that if we were walking down a secluded dirt road and met some others, we would more than likely invite them to join us.
But, this story is different. Different because, the man who joins them isn't just anyone, it's Jesus.

The men did not know at first it was He, because they "were kept from recognizing him". They continued to walk and to tell "the man" about all the things that had recently occurred with Jesus of Nazareth. Later on, as the three ate together, the two disciples "eyes were opened and they recognized him".

Their reaction:

I think I would have reacted the same:

"How did I walk and talk with this man and not know it was my Savior, especially if my heart was burning?".

As we walk and talk today, let us pray for our hearts to burn more ferociously and for the knowledge to see our Savior in all people we meet on the road.

*Luke 24: 13-35 

Morning Prayer

"For Your perfect wisdom and perfect goodness:

For the love with which You love me:

For the great and mysterious opportunity of my life:

For the indwelling of Your Spirit in my heart:

For the sevenfold gifts of Your Spirit:

I praise and worship You, O Lord.

Yet let me not, when this morning prayer is said, think my worship ended and spend the day in forgetfulness of You. Rather from these moments of quietness let light go forth, and joy, and power, that will remain with me through all the hours of the day;

Keeping me chaste in thought:

Keeping me temperate and truthful in speech:

Keeping me faithful and diligent in my work:

Keeping me humble in my estimation of myself:

Keeping me honorable and generous in my dealings with others:

Keeping me loyal to every hallowed memory of the past:

Keeping me mindful of my eternal destiny as a child of Yours.

Through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.

*Excerpts from a Diary of Private Prayer

John Baillie

It's official.

Yes. I am now 30 and to be honest, I do feel a little different. Different because if you had asked me 10 years ago, where I'd be in 10 years, I would have said something completely different from where I am today.

This causes me to think about Mary. I'm sure that Mary had a plan in mind of where her life would more than likely go. She knew she would marry, probably have a family, live, work and serve God. But, God had something else in mind, something better.

Isn't this how we grow and mature, by looking back and seeing that God always has something better? Although I didn't perceive of where I am today, I wouldn't have it any other way. God did and does have the plan for my life. It's so exciting.

Earlier this week, as I read about Mary and how see received the news that she would carry the Christ child, I was particularly struck with these words:

"Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished." *Luke 1:45

These are words for us too. Blessed are we who believe that what the Lord has said to us will be accomplished. He is with us. He loves us. He holds the plans that are the best possible. 

Only Grace.

 I heard this song this morning as I drove.I've heard it too many times to count. But today, I heard it ANEW. The reason: I realized how much I believe these words.

There's only Grace,

There's only love.

Let's claim this today and live into it.

“Only Grace” by Matthew West

There is no guilt here
There is no shame
No pointing fingers
There is no blame
What happened yesterday…has disappeared
The dirt has washed away
And now it's clear

There's only grace
There's only love
There's only mercy and believe me it's enough
Your sins are gone
Without a trace
And there's nothing left now
There's only grace

You're starting over now
Under the sun
You're stepping forward now
A new life has begun
Your new life has begun

An’ there's only grace
There's only love
There's only mercy and believe me…it's enough
Your sins are gone
Without a trace
And there's nothing left now
There's only grace…

And if you should fall again
Get back up, get back up
Reach out and take my hand
Get back up, get back up
Get back up again
Ohh…get…back…up…again…


There's only grace…
There's only love…
There's only mercy and believe me it's enough…it’s enough
Your sins are gone
Without a trace
And there's nothing left now
There's only…there’s only…grace…

There's only mercy and believe me it's enough…it’s enough
Your sins are gone
Without a trace
And there's nothing left now
There’s only…grace……
So get back up…get back up again…
Get back up again.

He will Act.

Loved:Approved:Valued

Embraced. Graced. Saved by God.

Press On

prayer

“God, open my eyes that I may know

 you better. Enlighten me to all

you have accomplished for me on

the cross and the sustaining hope

I can have in Christ. I need to

understand my inheritance in you.

 Help me make use of the awesome

power of the resurrection at work

in me because my sin seems so

powerful over me. Amen.”

Words to remember

Strength for today

and bright hope for tomorrow.

Great is His faithfulness.

Love never ends.

Let us kneel before our Father

In Thirty short days...

This little girl will enter a new decade. Over the next month journey with me as I say goodbye to my 20's and welcome with open arms the beautiful years of the Thirties.

I am asking the Lord to grace me with His word each day that relates specifically to aging, growing in wisdom and the changes we, His people, experience in this life.

Join with me as I share these words on this blog.