It's almost that time....

I just love this weather. The cool breezy fall days always make me happy. These are the moments indicating that winter is on it's way. Hooray! Fall and winter are by far my favorite seasons. I detest the heat and humidity of the summer months. I am so glad that they are finally over and it is almost that time for cool weather, crunchy leaves, sweaters, jackets, scarves, hats, and maybe even snow!

Today was such an awesome day. God was doing some definite showing off. I love seeing Him in nature. He has created such an spectacular world for us to live in. I am so thankful that He gives us days like this!

Patience

Ephesians 4:1-3 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

I just love this verse. I was reading over it today and I realized that I so often get caught up in life and forget this basic thing that Christ wants us to do. He wants us to be ever patient with each other and just show love. I know for me a lot of the time I get so caught up in how busy I am that I can be impatient and easily angered by others.

Christ calls us to love one another and be patient. To truly love each other. Not to hold any secret grudges or bad feelings against one another. In order to do that, we need to be patient and forgive others. That was actually one of the main points in Motion a few weeks ago. I WILL FORGIVE OTHERS! Now lets all stand up, do the motions and say this together....(just kidding).

I love being constantly reminded of these things. My favorite place that this happens is in Motion on Sundays. I have learned just as much, if not more than the kids by working in there. It's really funny how for a few weeks this series, what ever the main point was, the adults in the room struggled with that week. My favorite was the week when the main point was I WILL HAVE A GOOD ATTITUDE NO MATTER WHAT! This was the week that we were all so frustrated with each other that we could barely get through that Sunday. If only I would have remembered Ephesians 4 that day.

I just need to continue to ask myself am I truly loving those around me? Am I being as patient as I can? Am I acting in a humble and gentle way? Am I free of holding any negative feelings or anger against anyone? If not I need to pray about it and remember what Christ called us to do.

What I long to be

Tonight I was sitting on Chunk's couch watching his little girl when I picked up a large coffee table book about Billy Graham sitting to my right. I started reading it couldn't stop. It was amazing what this man did and still does. But what fascinated me most was his wife.

I first found out who the Grahams were this summer when all of the interns were taken on a tour of the Billy Graham Library and Evangelistic Association. Prior to that I had no idea who they were. (I know... who doesn't know who Billy Graham is. Well #1 I was still a relatively new Christian at that time. #2 I'm not from around here.) Well when we went I was shocked. I had no idea that one man had shared the gospel and lead so man people to faith in Christ. It was incredible. Ruth however stuck out to me the entire time. I was in awe of her life and dedication to her husband, her family, but most important Christ.

From the time I left that day, I knew she was someone I wanted to be like. She was such an amazing Christian woman who knew her scripture, prayed constantly, was a wonderful mother who raised her children to love and fear the Lord, and she was such a supportive wife. Not to mention she is quite an accomplished writer. But what impressed me most was how she never forgot to put God first. Her relationship with Christ was the most important thing to her.

I strive to.....
~always remember to put my relationship with Christ first above all else
~diligently study and know scripture
~pray continuously
~use the gifts God has given me to glorify him
~write as passionately as Ruth did
~someday become a godly mother who raises my kids to love and fear the Lord and put Him above all else
~someday be a supportive wife who loves, honors, and builds up my husband so he can do all of the amazing things that God has planned for him
~always grow

I have a hard time saying "no"

I always have. Most of the time this gets me into trouble. Most recently it has caused me to be extremely overcommited and quite frankly burnt out. I like to imagine I am incredible and can take it all on but clearly after this weekend I realized I can't. Everything that needed to get done got done, but I certainly paid for after.

I realized that in order to serve God in the greatest way I can I need to start prioritizing and focusing on the things he has called me to do. I need to not be afraid of asking for help and most importantly, I need to learn to take care of myself. I am not going to last very long if I continue at the pace I am at. I need to remember to slow down sometimes and enjoy the glorious world and the wonderful people that God has surrounded me with.

I pray that God opens my eyes to the things he has called me to do. I pray that I never take a blessing for granted. I pray that I use the resources He has given me and take more time to take care of myself. Thank you LORD for giving me such a heart to serve.

Starting Anew

I deleted all of my old blog posts. I am starting this blog over again. Too much negativity in the old posts. I also vow not make all my posts private. I am slowly learning that telling my story and sharing my life is essential. God gave me a powerful testimony that I unfortunately haven't had the courage to share yet. It's still very hard for me but I am trying to take baby steps to get me there.

I pray for courage and strength and thank Him for how far I have come.