Monday, December 31, 2012

I Wanna Remember

Definitely wanna remember this. Texas, Summer 2012



Happy Merry AFTER Christmas peeps!  Let me just say that I am not the traditional blogger.  I do not always acknowledge current events or even holidays—hence the lack of a Christmas post J.  You see, a long long time ago during my undergrad years when I had to write papers on boring assigned topics like Puritan Colonialism, I realized then that my best writing came from the heart.  Therefore if I don’t feel inspired to the point to write and share then it just doesn’t happen.  You should thank me for sparing you a diatribe of insincere posts.   But as it turns out, I have some thoughts to share today as we are on the eve of a new year.  Most people and even scripture advocate not living in the past (Philippians 3:13) but I’ve experienced a lot in 2012: loss, heartache, pain, facing fears, new beginnings, and obtaining victories to name a few.  So while I don’t want to perpetually dwell on the past nor have it control me, there are some things I want to remember from 2012…
  

I want to remember:
·        God is a God that makes all things new.
·        To Praise the Lord oh my soul and all my innermost being, praise his holy name, Praise the Lord oh my soul and forget not his benefits
·        That the Lord will keep in perfect peace those who steady their thoughts on Him because they trust Him---I must remain steadfast in this.
·        To acknowledge the Lord in all my ways and so that He will make my pathways straight
·        That without faith it is impossible to please God 
·        That faith is being sure of the things hoped for, and certain of what I cannot see
·        To seek first God’s kingdom and righteousness so that all other things will be added unto me
·        To bear with others
·        To forgive as I have been forgiven
·        To be anxious for nothing but in every situation pray to God with thanksgiving
·        That God’s unfathomable peace can guard my heart and mind (I don’t have to do it!)
·        That God is SO able through his glorious riches in Christ Jesus to meet ALL of my needs
·        To set my mind on things above not on earthly things
·        To put to death whatever belongs to my earthly nature such as sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed because these are forms of idolatry
·        To rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and in all things give thanks because this is God’s will in Christ Jesus
·        To not quench/grieve/suppress the Holy Spirit’s actions in my life

What will you remember from 2012?  I pray that you and your family have a prosperous and thankful new year.

Friday, December 21, 2012

Thoughts


Today I decided to share a page with you all from my prayer journal:


I am tormented day and night by thoughts.  Anxious about my future—near and distant.  I doubt if I am living right. How can I know for sure?  Everything I read seems to speak to my emotional state.  Everything I read seems to point out my flaws.  I am not sure if what I feel is righteous conviction or pangs of guilt.  So I search for answers.  I look to God.  I do not believe my Lord in Heaven desires to torment me.  Yes scripture corrects and enlightens the reader about what is truth.  I receive these benefits and more from scripture.  Does Satan twist God’s words? (Yes, think of the Garden of Eden).  How can I be more on my guard against this type of deceptive attack?  I am not enjoying or counting my blessings, instead I am anxious about when my “good fortune” will turn and when the blessings will run out.  What a way for the believer to live…confused, anxious, in doubt.  Lord Help Me.


Yep. Even a believer can become distraught in their faith walk. In fact, 1 Peter 5:9 guarantees that we all undergo the same sufferings.  And then I read this:


My PEACE is the treasure of treasures: the pearl of great price.  It is an exquisitely costly gift, both for the Giver and the receiver.  I purchased this Peace for you with My blood.  You receive this gift by trusting Me in the midst of life’s storms.  If you have the world’s peace—everything going your way—you don’t seek My unfathomable Peace.  Thank Me when things do not go your way, because spiritual blessings come wrapped in trials.  Adverse circumstances are normal in a fallen world.  Expect them each day.  Rejoice in the face of hardship, for I have overcome the world.
---an excerpt from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young 

I'm much better now. :)