Have I Got a Book for You!

I just finished a great book titled, “The Gospel of Ruth: Loving God Enough to Break the Rules” by Carolyn Custis James. I loved the book, because it allowed me to see the Book of Ruth for more than I and a lot of people in the past have given it credit for. Most of us, especially women love the book, because we see the romance of Ruth and Boaz and then Ruth's life being “made complete” after becoming a mother to Obed. I refuse to talk too much about the book, because I think that it needs to be read. However, I will say out of everything I got out of the book, one is that it reminded me once more I am supposed to be be God’s image bearer and in doing so, it means that I will have to go against the grain of my logic, my experience, and the viewpoint of society as a whole. Looking back the choices I have made thus far have been “unique” in some ways compared to that of my peers, but I have to admit, I have always been quiet and reserved about some of my convictions and beliefs of what God has called for me to do. So, for those out there who want to know what else you can get out of the Book of Ruth that wasn’t taught in Sunday Schools, learn about being God’s image bearer, learning what the word “hesed” means, learning if women are meant to play a huge and pivotal role in God’s kingdom with or without a husband,and whatever else God wants you to see and learn while reading this, this is the book to get.

Do I Really Have To?

Wow, the first week of August is actually here. The time seems to fly by so quickly, more than half of 2010 has passed and I’m left to reflect that some of the goals that I had my heart set on accomplishing this year haven’t been reached yet.:/ I could look back with disgust and disappointment by that fact, but I choose not to. I see that 2010, so far has not went the way I planned, but it doesn’t mean I haven’t learned a lot during this time. Although, I have to say that if I had used my God-given discernment in a few areas of my life, it would have prevented experience from being my teacher (words said by my favorite blogger--Shellie Warren). The sermon this past weekend at my church was definitely one I needed to hear. It dealt with moving forward in life and not becoming stuck in our mess and clutter that one way or another we have found ourselves in. During the sermon, I was thinking about all the “clutter”----emotionally, mentally, physically, etc, I have in my life at this point and how it is even starting to get on my nerves dealing with. One being Facebook---for me, it’s one of those things I love, but equally hate. I love keeping up with old friends, new friends, acquaintances, etc. and seeing what everyone is up to in their everyday life. On the same token, I hate how much time, energy, and attention it literally sucks out of my day looking at the site on my computer and phone. So last week I decided to take a Facebook sabbatical. Curiosity, does tug me every so often, and I’m tempted to “visit”, but I have to admit I feel liberated knowing that my time and attention isn’t consumed by Status Updates.

Earlier today, I decided there were some other things in my life I needed to get rid of, if even for a short time. By doing this, I am able to focus on the things that really need to be focused on --I am really good at avoiding things when I want. For a few weeks now, Holy Spirit has been telling me to do something that quite frankly, I don’t want to do. To be honest with you, the thing I should be doing is the Christian and godly thing to do, but pride has such a way of making one feel self-righteous, especially when we feel we have been wronged in one way or another by someone. Proverbs 16:18 says, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” I’m honestly not trying to get to that place, so humbleness I will do. Even after being reminded of that scripture it doesn’t make me happy to give up my feeling of superiority, but then I’m reminded of the scripture, “ Does the Lord really want sacrifices and offerings? No! He doesn’t want your sacrifices. He wants you to obey him.” - I Samuel 15:22 (Contemporary English Version) Again, doesn’t make what I have to do any easier on my part, but certainly makes it very clear. I already know when I done with this process, at the end, my heart will be as “silver is refined” (Zechariah 13:9) and a tad closer to resembling that of my Father.:)

So as I venture out my journey of being submitted to what God has called me to do at this point, I encourage everyone to do the same. Please don’t leave me hanging! (smile) My pastor made a statement this past weekend during his sermon, that sums it all up,“Pride is about clinging (to whatever you are not wanting to let go of), not releasing. We must bow our knees so we can be in the position to learn, because we become humble when we bow.”-Jim Stern

Until next time...

I'M BACK!!!

I’m back!

Didn’t mean to be gone so long in the first place. Actually, didn’t mean to be gone at all, but from here on out, I will strive to do better. More on why later. Anyways, I’m sure some of you are wondering where I’ve been. I had to ask myself that as well. Here it goes, I spent the month of January working, working out, spending time with Levi, family and friends, and anticipating what the year of 2010 would bring. Then in February, unbeknown-st to me, it brought a romantic relationship. Yep, I finally get to the point of being content being single and nowhere near getting and being married anytime soon and BAM! RELATIONSHIP! The relationship started off nice and wonderful, but at the end of the day, it just wasn’t meant to be. The break up happened relatively recently and I’m doing better mentally and emotionally than I did the first time I survived a break up. I wish I could credit it as being breaking up gets easier the more it happens, but I’m not convinced of that. I am convinced it’s easier to let go when fundamental standards and values were not compromised along the way. That’s not to say I reflect back, on the relationship and think everything was perfect, but I can look back with no regrets. Anyways, enough about the relationship for now.

Anyways, after the relationship, I had time to think with a clear head and begin to wonder, “What now?” Instantaneously, the answer was “Blog”. Not sure about the rest of you out there, but when I ask a question and get an answer out of the blue like that, from previous experiences, it was usually Holy Spirit speaking to me. Now, you all know that blogging isn’t a new thing for me, but being consistent and disciplined about it would be. So this time around if there are those out there who are keeping up with me (plan to blog at least once a week) and you start to see that I’m not typing on a weekly basis, I give you permission to hold me accountable. Okay??? Okay!!! Some are probably wondering why I’m making a big deal about this whole blogging thing. Well, I’m gonna tell you. To be honest with you, I believe at this point of my life it is one of the things I’m a called to do. I’m not sure if I wanted to say it’s my ministry, but I intend to treat it as such. Since, I was a kid I loved to write. Even thought about majoring in English in college. But me being the planner I was, was concerned that an English degree wouldn’t provide me with a consistent paycheck. Besides, I love helping people and watching them mature mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. What better profession outside working in the church to get involved in than social work? (Smile) Fast forward to more recent years, busy schedule, shift in priorities, distractions, lack of self-motivation and self-discipline has led me to blog on an very inconsistent basis. Although at times I’ve had PLENTY to blog about---not just the weekly happenings of my life, but also what Holy Spirit was/is speaking to me and at times wanted to speak through me. I know I have spent plenty of time procrastinating and avoiding going forth in ministry (small steps---Matthew 25:23) because of fear, laziness, discouragement, and so many other gamuts of emotions and thoughts that run through our human minds. I’m ready to see what the journey of being faithful, consistent, and obedient leads me. As I do this, I expect my readers to do the same.

Until next time....