Good morning!!

A great friend of mine gave me a little book, My Utmost for His Highest, and I've really been struck by all the nuggets of wisdom and insight by this guy, Oswald Chambers. I actually was given it once before right out of highschool, but I don't remember reading it much then, and most of it would have gone straight over my head. Some of it still goes over my head, but alot of it has been speaking straight to my heart.

I was catching up this morning and read the page from yesterday. The title of it is "Nothing of the Old Life". I want to just include an excerpt from his thoughts.

"When we are born again, the Holy Spirit begins to work His new creation in us, and there will come a time when there is nothing remaining of the old life. Our old gloomy outlook disappears, as does our old attitude toward things, and "all things are of God" (2 Cor. 5:18). How are we going to get a life that has no lust, no self-interest, and is not sensitive to the ridicule of others? How will we have the type of love that "is kind....is not provoked, and thinks no evil"? The only way is by allowing nothing of the old life to remain, and by having only simple, perfect trust in God--such a trust that we no longer want God's blessings, but only want God Himself. Have we come to the point where God can withdraw His blessings from us without our trust in Him being affected? Once we truly see God at work, we will never be concerned again about the things that happen, because we are actually trusting in our Father in heaven, whom the world cannot see."

In the last couple of years, I've really struggled with my trust in God. I mean, who hasn't really. I know I'm not unique in this. But really. I want to trust God to the point that he speaks about. This idea of "not wanting God's blessings" is so counter cultural; even in the church. We all want God's blessings. And I don't think he's saying we shouldn't pray for certain things to be blessed. But to get to the point in my walk where all I really want is God Himself, and nothing more. Wow. And doesn't that feel so out of reach somtimes? Like only the great men and women of the Bible had that kind of trust. Oh I know they struggled too; but sometimes I feel like they were/are on a whole different level. It seems like we have so much more competing for our attention, time, effort here and now than they did. I'm thankful that He is getting me there. I may be kicking and screaming some days, but He's getting me there.

Father, thank you for your gentle knudges and whispers, and for your firm hand when necessary. I don't doubt that you love me. Help me to trust you more and more. Help me to surrender all of me to you. Thank you for the many ways you speak today. I love you Father.

In Jesus' name,
amen

Lifehouse's Everything Skit

Saw this on my friend Heather's blog; it's powerful. Some may pick up on other themes present, but the message is really about being passionately pursued by Almighty God.

OH Good grief.....

Alright, alright....I don't like these things too terribly much, but I'll do it because my two teammates keep ganging up on me. And I love them. So...here goes:

Here are the rules. 1)Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves. (2) People who are tagged need to write a post on their own blog (about their eight things) and post these rules. (3) At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names. (4) Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

1. I like to watch UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championships)! I admit it, I know it's barbaric, but I like to watch it. I even have a few favorites! It's probably from years of watching karate movies with my brother, who is older than me, and such.

2. As I commented on a friends blog the other day, when I go grocery shopping, I like to put things in a certain order in the basket so that they go in order on the conveyor belt, so the bags can be put back into the basket in the right order, so the bags can be placed into my van in the right order. Call it what you want people, but it is the only way to do it.

3. Sometimes I put my ipod on to wash dishes or pick up around the house when the kids are home, and when Todd is home. I inform him that I will be "checking out for a bit." Some days I don't think I can hear "mommmmmeeeeee" one more time. I love my ipod by the way. My favorite new song is "Everything" by Lifehouse. There is the coolest video on youtube right now of that song. Check it out. You'll have to google it because I don't know how to put links in.

4. I want to be a nurse when I grow up. I'm going to do it too.

5. I LOVE to eat toast for breakfast with my coffee. It's just the best.

6. I'm not the best housekeeper in the world, I admit it. If you have any tips on how to keep up with little people getting in your way and needing you, please email me.

7. My favorite Starbucks drink is a java chip frapp....but I only drink them every so often because it's like eating a meal calorie wise. But I LOVE them. I don't like the light version either because it isn't the same.

8. I own an antique shotgun that belonged to Todd's grandfather. It's a 410 and I like shooting it. Yes, we are adjusting to the ways of Arkansas. But I'll always be Texan.

Ok..I'm done. I tag Donna, Regina, Theresa, Desiree, Amy, Rachel and Shauna.