Thank you Lord (and I mean it!)

Thank you Lord for :

My mouth that gets me into trouble for saying the wrong or hurtful thing.
My attitude which builds a gap between us until you lead me to repent.
My bank account which is never where it needs to be.
My abilities for they never quite meet or exceed those around me.
My mind which tends to forget about loving everyone I care for.
My lack of ability to properly manage my life, time, appetite, or finances.
My indecisiveness which leads me to missing out on opportunities.
My fears which remind me of my weakness.
My emotions which when uncontrolled take me on wild trips.
My lack of confidence which many times has stunted my actions.

Thank you for all of these things (and many more).
For all of these weaknesses and lacking areas reminds me all the more that I undoubtedly NEED you.
Be it through success or failure Lord - keep drawing me closer to you!

A Pilgrim's Heart Cry

You alone
are my true faithful friend.
I know no one else that loves like you.

So right now,
I lift my eyes to you.
For though it is large,
That mountain is far away
You will guide my every step.

Day by day
I vow to turn to you.
And with each passing hour
may my eyes of faith grow clearer still.

From you alone,
comes the strength to possess this faith.
So when I wander Lord,
direct my eyes.

Oh my worthy guide
I know that you will guard my heart.
So each passing day its fulfillment is found
in you.

With my eyes and heart
safe in your arms.
I know my steps will be firmly placed.

Though I fear in this moment,
help me remember
where my eyes should be cast.

Someday I will not need this faith,
when your glorious plans fall into place.
You will stand for all to see.
The King of kings and Prince of Peace.

But oh until that day,
guide me Jesus.
Guide me today.

Yet another letter

I'm sorry I've taken you for granted.
I'm sorry that while I despise how the craziness of our lives gets in the way - I sadly carry on as if it HAS to be this way.
I'm sorry that I don't cherish the precious few moments we have together.
I'm sorry that more often than not I'm looking around the corner for the next person or next adventure, never realizing that I'm in the middle of an adventure!
I'm sorry that I don't show you how amazing you are.
I'm sorry for the million and one kind thoughts, gestures or deeds that were left undone because I put them off.

I'm sorry that I stay so consumed into my world that I forget to look into your eyes and see how you are doing.

And if you are reading this...yes, this note is written to you, and my Savior, and all the rest I have neglected.

Facebook Letter

Dearest Facebook -

It's been brought to my attention that you are destroying my life and free time. While I am aware that much of this is my fault, I am afraid we have to break up. Yes, we can still be friends. I find you to be a useful social networking tool and event planner. I enjoy keeping up with my friends and communicating short messages to my friends. However, this constant connecting that you and I seem to be doing must come to an end. I know you have come to expect my little visits throughout the day and prolonged stays in the evening. I'm afraid this just cannot remain. I need to see other activities and people. For example, my best friend Jesus has been feeling much of the lack due to our continuous time together. He is FAR more important to me than yourself though even I have to wonder the truth of that statement based off of my recent choice of how I've spent my free time.

It seems funny how our relationship has progressed. At first, you were just a fun tool to connect and see how many people I could find. Then slowly but surely you continued to add gadgets and gizmos that allowed me to connect with friends from all around the world. You have allowed me into their world through their profiles, photos, shared links, and perhaps most profoundly their thoughts at any given moment through their statuses. While this has given me a felt connection into their worlds, I have continued to feel a lack of "true" connection and community. I know it may be hard for you to understand but relationships between people actually do exist outside of the mighty web of the internet.

I will still visit you, more than likely daily, but you may notice a difference in how I treat you. You are no longer the master of my time as I am now choosing to control the amount of time I spend online. I hope you understand. Please don't allow this to make you sad. After all, can't you hear what I'm really saying to you? It's not you, it's me.

Thanks for the memories,

Stacey

More thoughts on death

So often my mind is willing to embrace death as the final act. I'm a bit morbid, I'll admit and there have been various occasions where a clean jump off a cliff seems like an excellent idea. But that is embracing death as an ESCAPE. An escape from the troubles and problems of life. An escape from the emotions and feelings that threaten to haunt every action and decision I make.

There is no honor or integrity when death for the sole purpose of escape is sought out.

But then when I continue to ponder the death that Jesus spoke of, I realize that there is so much more to it than escape. Pursuing the death of self is about self-denial, love towards others, and the death of personal pride. The death of self is about walking for Christ and the betterment of others as opposed to myself.

Walking out a life (in death) is extraordinarily difficult but extremely worthwhile. For as you cease pursuit of selfish desires you open yourself up to love and sacrifice. The true way of our Lord.

Life through death

"Jesus promised us life unto the fullest!" - sings the preachers and well wishers

Yes, that is indeed true. Jesus's life, death, and resurrection does indeed mean that his followers will have life!

Unfortunately, we fail to sing forth the twin truth that Jesus taught us that out of death, springs forth life! Out of an obedience and willingness to deny self and follow Him will be the foundation of our life.

What does this mean?
First of all, it means there is more to life than our comfort and possessions. A lot more. It also means that while God has promises us many good things - we also MUST accept a life and calling that is difficult and hard.

Moments

There's a country song by Emerson Drive. Here is a taste of their lyrics for Moments

"I've had my moments, days in the sun
Moments I was second to none
Moments when I knew I did what I thought I couldn't do"

I had one of those moments today! One of those moments where greatness is literally at your fingertips. Only, it wasn't my moment at all. I just had the opportunity to be present for this moment for another person. I am so totally amazed at how God has gifted people! I'm still sitting here astounded by it all. To be in the present moment of greatness....amazing.

Greatness is truly reached when love and mercy triumph.