Blogging--an innovative verb born out of 21st century. A personal past-time from not so long ago I have dabbled in and noted as one of my own love-hate hobbies. In spite of my blogging fears, I will share.
So much to share. So hard to sort.
LENT. Today I celebrated and broke 40 days of abstaining from desserts. A wonderful journey! I didn't loose any weight or gain any profound knowledge, but I have treasured the walk with Jesus. He satisfies my cravings with a lasting sweetness.
ADDICTION. It may sound petty, but I have gripped tightly to coffee. I didn't want to let it go. I love coffee and I needed it. Patiently, God asked me over the years to let us go; to lay it aside. I said no. When I read,
"Satan dines on what we withhold from God" (Francis Frangipane),I knew it was time.
Granted, I still want coffee. I still enjoy the smell of the rich grinds when I pass a Starbucks. I still love it, but I would rather have Jesus than my sugar and cream (that's what I sing to my kids). Instead of being tied to this earth and dependent on something other than Jesus, I thank God for loving me enough that He wants me to never stop growing. So as of today, that part of me is dead and I know that I am alive in Him and a little bit less of this world stands in the way of keeping me from turning to Him for satisfaction and contentment. All credit to Jesus!
(On a side note: I do not think coffee is bad or people who drink coffee are doing something wrong...it's more about my own heart and the grip it had in my life.)
NOTHING. I have a dear friend that says, "I got nothing." I love, love, love that! In fact, I've stolen her line. Why, you ask. The sooner I recognize that I got nothing, the sooner I find myself turning to God. I will go all day surviving on my own, but I could go every moment thriving on the strength of God Almighty (if only I'd stop trying to barely make it and acknowledge my need for my Savior). Let's try it. Instead of blowing up at our kids, let's try crying out "I got nothing!" Instead of getting offended by our spouse, let's try voicing to heaven "I got nothing!" Instead of trying to fix our friend's problems, let's just admit "I got nothing!" Maybe we'll discover that God has SOMETHING!
STUBBORN. Anyone else out there have a stubborn bone in their body? You're in good company! Me too! A friend told my friend "Be stubborn against sin." Now that's a paradoxical way to look at it. So many times I don't feel like I have a choice. I feel mad; therefore, I express my anger. However, in my anger, I am not supposed to sin. One time I've tried this. It was so hard! I was so mad. I wanted to let it rip, but I had just heard to be stubborn against sin. So I decided I would say no to "fits" of anger and say yes to forgiveness. It was NOT easy, but in the end, I was so much better and not so messy. That was how to give love! Unfortunately, that same day something else made me upset and I ignored the voice that said "be stubborn against anger!"; regrettably, it didn't turn out so well and I showed anything but love. (Sigh) And once again, I got nothing!
It's so good to walk and talk with Jesus. I love Him and His Word more today than ever before!
Yours Truly
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