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.