Wednesday, December 29, 2010

New

I like new! This is why I rearrange often. I only rearranged my study today, but the newness is refreshing. I gave my blog a new look as well (as I had to get rid of my Christmas template since it is over!)

With this "new" template, I put one of my favorite verses up under my blog title. It is Phil. 4:8. As I desire to think on things that are right, pure, lovely and admirable; I realized this might change the tone somewhat of my blog. I have a tendency to be so very transparent that it can come across as negative.

I think there is a fine line here. I want to be an encouragement to anyone who reads these words. I want the lessons I learn to somehow help other people. I want to glorify God in the midst of any difficulty. But, how to do all of this without sounding like I'm moaning and complaining about the things that are hard for me? I have been rather silent on this blog these past 3 weeks as I'm prayerfully seeking an answer to this.

I was reading Paul's words in Romans 7 this morning and feel like he was being transparent without sounding like a 'complainer'. So, as I write (in the future) I will be prayerful with my words so as to encourage and lift up anyone who reads as well as display God's strength and power in my life for HIS glory!

Monday, December 6, 2010

My bout with pride

The bible tells me this:
Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord." - 1 Corinthians 1:31


As I have watched the hand of God clearly display His plan for us to be here in Oklahoma, I have had my socks blown off. As one who wants to boast only the Lord, I give HIM all the glory for keeping us here, for giving us two job offers in two weeks, for growing us up spiritually, for testing my "trusting God" muscles and for His provision.

A terrible taste of pride surfaced as I thought through my heart and attitude about living in Colorado. Wanting to be back in CO stemmed from pride for me. I have always had a Colorado pride that I knew was there. When I'd be on a ski lift (when I lived there) that pride would well up within me when asked "where are you from?". Now, when I visit and am on the lift and asked the same question, I find myself wanting to explain that I "used to" live in CO. There are many more examples that prove that I have pride about the actual place and it is wrong. It is distasteful to me.

God had to deal with me in this area to show me that it is about being where HE wants me and where HE can be most glorified. Where others can see more of HIM. It is about HIM and not about me. I get that now.