Well-said...

Here in "Blogland, USA" I do have a few regular-reads. One of my all-time favorites and daily reads is Elizabeth Esther, writer/blogger/mother of five and self-proclaimed "recovering evangelical" which just cracks me up... maybe because I can relate to some of her thoughts and experiences? Plus, her twin babies are just so daggum cute!

Anyway...today's post really got the wheels turning. I don't keep up much with the news media, unless there's a major catastrophy in the world, and even then I sometimes don't find out till my momma calls! I end up shaking my head, feeling like all hope is lost, as I hear about global warming, iffy government policies, the economic crisis, and even the news of the latest evangelical pastor, someone like Ted Haggard, leading a double life, as it were.

As I reflect on Elizabeth's post today, my resolve is renewed to try to spend less time shaking my head about these situations and more time praying about them. Praying that God would ready me to respond in love to anyone who might need it.

Also, what am I doing to cultivate the roots of faith in my heart so that I can be sure to obey God and seek his will and plan for my life?

In this busy season it's so easy, so natural to just fill every minute with "good things"cleaning, playing, organizing, bible studies, playdates, researching, talking to friends, blogging.......oh I could go on! Taking a few minutes each day to reflect, pray and listen to God through his Word, often seem like a "unique and rare opportunity" rather than a "a given". This becomes evident in my heart in how I respond to others.

And Lord forgive me when I look at another person with eyes of judgement or pride....this passage from the Bible just speaks to me and humbles me today...

"Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else. But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. " Ephesians 2:1-10

There is hope....in God alone.