Must read book

I have found a "textbook" that is a must read for EVERYONE! Ok, so it's not a textbook, but it is required for one of my classes. This short 76 page book is amazing, and I'm only 30 pages in. The book: Understanding Who You Are, by Dr. Larry Crabb.

Now I know many of you will just shrug this off as a "psycho babble book" but I pray you do not. It is amazing how much this "psycho babble" is actually true, if you are willing to admit it. This is somewhat of a self-help book, but the only part our "self" does is realize our need for God.

I hope in the next few days, as I read more of the book, I can share some of the key points that have hit close to home for me. But I really want you to read it yourself. So much so that if you promise to read it, I will buy it for you. Seriously- leave a comment or send me an email and I'll send you a copy. Or you can be lazy and just read my comments on it.

My goal is slightly to help you in your life, but I pray the your relationship with God, wherever it may be right now, can grow. That is what I pray for myself as I read the book.

So go get the book! or let me know and I'll get it for you!

Trials, part 2

It is so funny how, in this life, the things of God seem so unstable in our lives. The peace of God, the faith we have in Him and His will, and our love for Him, all tend to come and go, sometimes on a daily basis. Yesterday when I posted, I felt God's comfort and love so strongly. Yet today, when my situation changes a bit, the pain comes rushing back in and finding that comfort and peace is hard.

It is such a struggle to live constantly in God in this world. We are humans, and not to use that as an excuse, but there are so many things that keep us from the things of God. There is this sinful world and our desires for things of this earth.

But one thing I can say, no matter how strong the pain gets or how many tears come to my eyes, I know that God is still there. I may not be able to feel Him as closely and the anger may outweight the comfort, but He is still there. And that's what makes me different than others. Look beyond the pain and hurt and the emotions inside of me right now and you will see this: a firm foundation which is God- His love, comfort, peace and....Him, the I AM.

That is what keeps me going, though the pain remains. He keeps His promises; He never leaves; He is the one I should hold on to!

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
is laid for your faith in his excellent word!
What more can he say than to you he hath said,
to you that for refuge to Jesus have fled?

When trials come

I have had a crazy past few weeks, emotionally. It has been a rollercoaster of amazing highs and terrible lows. I have felt so pleased and also cried more than ever. There have been pains I didn't expect. While I wish it all could have gone differently,
i have found a peace in the pain
i have found a hope in shattered dreams
i have found a strength in my weakness
i have found God here with me- and i'm not letting go!

There is something I have learned in all of this (actually many things, but for now I'll just share one) and that is how to view troubles, trials and pain. As much as we (and our parents for us) hope for a perfect, painfree life, that is never going to happen. First, we live in a sinful world. Second, we are sinful creatures. There is a lot we can do to screw up our own lives. Sometimes this is on purpose and other times we don't realize it- both times generally blinded by temporary pleasures.

But God can also be the cause of these trials. Hebrews 12:7 says "Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?" It is through these hard times, even if created by ourselves, that God can grow us to be more like Him. (Hebrews 12:10-11)

So what do we do when the dreams we have of a perfect life fall apart? First, cling to God. There you can find peace and comfort and joy, despite the pain. Second, take a look at the situation, with God and other believers you are close to, and see what happened. Was this your fault? Was it the sinful world's? Was it God's way to grow you? Third, be open to learn whatever God has to teach you, so that you can become more like Him.

In no way am I saying that this will make everything easier. What it will do is help you to carry on and not be overcome with the pain. For me, I continue to play "what if..." situations in my head and feel the pain. But I know that this is where God wants me and He is using this to make me more like Him. I have found God here with me and I am not letting go!!

To Whom it may Concern

Truths about the Christian life:
~~God created you and loves you (Psalm 139:13-16, 1 John 4:10)
~~God hates sin (Romans 1:18-19)
~~God grants forgiveness, but not exemption from consequences (Numbers 14:20-23)
~~A changed life doesn't happen in one instant (2 Peter 1:3-9)
~~When things get tough, we are not allowed to quit (Hebrews 10:35-36)
~~God's plan prevails

Ephesians 1:3-8, 11-13
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight.

In love He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will— to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the One He loves.

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding...

In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation."