Battle

Yesterday I felt like I was battling all day. Well, not all day, but good portions of it. I still feel that way. I just keep getting these thoughts of fear, and although I know enough not to entertain them, it is still really hard. And it feels like it just crushes my spirit. It's hard to see the truth through all the lies. I know God is there, even if I have a hard time finding Him.

And that is comforting.

I also know that he will give me grace through this time.

Full

There is just something special about family gathered around, sharing stories, listening, loving...

My cousins are in town.  My brother and his family came over as well.  This evening was just so great.  I'm not a big talker when there are a lot of people around... but I love to listen.  

Just thinking about it now, I could feel something.  I can still feel it here.  Or should I say, Him. There is a presence that I can feel so clearly.  I can feel Him in my very soul.  

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for my family.  Thank you for gatherings that bring us closer together. Thank you for your presence.  

We did it!!

Brooklyn was such a big girl! She was so excited when we were headed to the mall. She started to look a little nervous when she was sitting in the chair. I asked if she wanted to hold my hand and she didn't really care... so I held it anyway. I will never forget the look on her face as the earring went in. Then the lady did the other one... Brooklyn was really worried by then, but so brave. She didn't cry, or move, or say a word. Which is completely out of character for her. So, when the last earring went in she got tears in her eyes.. and was really trying not to cry and the lady said something that made Brooklyn laugh. Then the tears where gone and she was fine. They are pink earrings, if you can't see them. He favorite colour is pink. The redness lasted about 1/2 a day. As you can see, she got an ice cream cone when we got home. She loves her new earrings and really enjoys showing people.

INFP

Introvert, iNtuitive, Feeler, Perceiver (INFP)


INFPs represent between 4 and 5% of the U.S. population


INFPs value inner harmony above all else. Sensitive, idealistic, and loyal, they have a strong sense of honor concerning their personal values and are often passionately committed to making sure their beliefs and actions are congruent. INFPs are also extremely perceptive about people. They value their uniqueness and typically seek unconventional ways of doing things. Sensitive and empathetic, INFPs tend to be exceptionally adept at reading between the lines. Although they demonstrate cool reserve on the outside, INFPs care deeply inside. They are compassionate, sympathetic, understanding and very sensitive to the feelings of others. They avoid conflict and are not interested in impressing or dominating others unless their values are at stake. INFPs seldom express the intensity of their feelings and often appear reticent and calm. However, once they know you, they are enthusiastic and warm. Feeling truly understood and respected for their unique perspective and strong values is important for many INFPs.


I'm actually surprised by how much this sounds like me... if you know me... tell me what you think.

God Intoxicated

I've started reading this book Just Like Jesus by Max Lucado. I am thoroughly enjoying it. It has brought me to a new level and has put a name to something I've known that I've wanted for a while, but didn't really know how to explain.

I guess it started when I was a teenager. My youth leader once told us about his friend who was in a constant conversation with God. All throughout his day he would constantly be talking to God. I thought that was cool. I've thought about it off and on through my life and have sometimes put it into practice. There have been periods in my life where I have been able to do this. No through the whole day, or all the time, but every once in a while through a day, I would just say a little prayer to God.

But now, I want to bring this to a whole new level.

Max Lucado talks about a man, Frank Laubach, born in the US in 1884. When he was 44 he wrote:

Can we have that contact with God all the time? All the time awake, fall asleep in His arms, and awaken in His presence? Can we attain that? Can we do His will all the time? Can we think His thoughts all the time? ... Can I bring the Lord back in my mind-flow every few seconds so that God shall always be in my mind? I choose to make the rest of my life an experiment in answering this question.

This man is my new hero. He kept a journal and I am going to try and get my hand on some literature about him. There are some more quotes of his that I have, and I am totally inspired. And by the way, this man was not a monk. He was a busy man who in Max Lucados words, "was a missionary to the illiterate, teaching them to read so they could know the beauty of the Scriptures."

For a few months now I have been wondering what the goal of a Christian is. Is it too be as good as we can? Follow the Ten Commandments? Love the Lord your God and Love your neighbour as yourself? Yes... but I feel there is so much more. And I finally feel like I have a goal.

At the beginning of this week, I was totally blown away by something I read and felt the need to start a new blog. I blogged twice. But have since realized that I don't want to separate my life. I don't want this blog to be about my family and such, while the other blog is about God. I don't want to put God in a box. The reason I was starting a new blog is because I felt God was pulling me in a new direction, but that doesn't mean it should be separate from this. It should be in this.. consuming it, if need be.

I need to hear things like this every once-in-a-while.