The Year of Almost

This has been the Year of Almost for me. It seems that every time I get to a spot where things look promising, there is a disappointment. I get almost to the top of the mountain and then I'll stumble downward. I start seeing the silver lining and then the clouds begin to backfill. I don't know what this is about.  The last time a similar situation happened with so many almosts, I was a Senior in high school. I don't care to repeat that now 20 years down the road. I'm trying to glean from this experience something even deeper than I did at 18. I haven't gotten to that thought yet, but that's what I've been talking to God about.  I'm hoping it's not the next lesson in pride or control, but it very well may be.  Humbling experiences and out of control moments seem to be around every corner these days.  I continue to cling to Jesus and let Him take me through. I'm assured I will eventually reach the mountain top, it just might take a little longer than I thought.

Under the Weather

Feeling a bit under the weather today.  I'll be back online tomorrow.  Sorry y'all.

One of My Favorites

Romans 8:31-39 What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all--how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died--more than that, who was raised to life--is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Psalm 42

Psalm 42: 1-6 As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, "Where is your God?" These things I remember as I pour out my soul; how I used to go with the multitude, leading the procession to the house of God, with shouts of joy and thanksgiving among the festive throng. Why are you down cast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

The Living Word

Matthew 10:39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

I read all of chapter 10 today. It was a good read and something I need. Jesus tells his disciples about persecution and following him. He reminds them that they are with God and have no need to be afraid. Honestly, the best part about reading this passage was that I felt the living Word.  Something about just simply reading the chapter made my soul feel whole.  There were lots of powerful statements by Jesus and many good teachings, but the truth is in the Word itself.  The Bible speaks to our souls if we will open our hearts and allow Him in. I encourage you to take time to read some scripture in the next few days.  As a matter of fact, over this Labor Day weekend, all I'm going to post are scriptures.  Enjoy the your long weekend and make some time with Jesus.

An Air of Activity

I'm having an overall feeling of not knowing what's coming and it's making me very excited. Typically I would be in a bit of a panic, but not this time. I have no clue what's coming and I don't know when, but I just have a feeling it's something great. There seem to be so many things in the works and God is detailing each of them so beautifully.  He is molding hearts and building relationships. He's opening doors and closing them. There is just an air of activity and it's invigorating. I'm trying to stay focused on Him and not get distracted. I love how God knows us so well that He knows exactly what we need to keep pushing forward.  He knows what draws us near and He knows what transforms our hearts. You know I love anticipation, and this is a big ol' heapin' helpin' of it.  Go, God, Go!

Slow Down

I'm noticing that once a week I feel the need to just sit with Jesus. I don't want to pray or read my Bible or listen to music or think deep thoughts. I just want to sit with Him. I'm pretty sure this desire is the Spirit in me saying, "Slow down and just be still." I'm following His leading.