future glory

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us."

Romans 8:18

How comforting is it to know that no matter what we are currently enduring here on this earth, it will never even compare to the future we will have with the Lord? I can rest tonight knowing that the troubles of this life are like the snap of a finger in comparison to our future glory.

"Now if we are children, then we are heirs- heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ. If indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory."

Romans 8:17

snap, crackle, pop

Here's a little randomness for you. I got an hour massage this morning. I'm a self-proclaimed wimp when it comes to pain, my tolerance is seriously a zero, but I love me a good massage. Chick walks out and she's petite! Who wants a petite massuese trying to pound out the stress knots? Not me. I was expecting a large Swedish woman they called Helga. But let me tell you, that little woman knew what she was doing. And she was impressively strong too.

"Snap, Crackle, Pop..."

...went my back, seriously. I had her focus on my upper back and just below the shoulder blades. Then she did my arms and legs and I thought I had died and gone to heaven. When I go to heaven someday there will be angels, and harps, and mansions, and streets paved with gold, and there will be massages...for everyone! I've felt like a limp noodle ever since.

And since I'm tired of blogging posts with no pictures, here's one for you:

Simply because Liv looks amazing, and I would trade my next massage for that dress....

maybe.

new birth

Awareness born of love is the only force that can bring healing and renewal. Out of our love for another person, we become more willing to let our old identities wither and fall away, and enter a dark night of the soul, so that we may stand naked once more in the presence of the great mystery that lies at the core of our being. This is how love ripens us -by warming us from within, inspiring us to break out of our shell, and lighting our way through the dark passage to new birth. ~John Welwood

More like Him

I wanted to share some notes I took away from a sermon a few weeks ago. The message was on Living Like Christ.

Anyone who says he is a christian should live like Christ did.

Here are 4 key qualities we must incorporate into our lives in order to mimic Jesus:

1. Discernment: 75% of Americans claim to be christians, yet only 4% make decisions based on Jesus' teachings.

2. Integrity: What you see is what you get. If you mess up, you fess up!

3. Humility: Is not false modesty. It is total dependence on God.

4. Simplicity: Measure wealth in terms of relationships, not stuff.

Work on posessing these important qualities, so someday when you get to heaven and God asks "What did you do with my son?" You'll have a good answer:)

On Earth As It Is In Heaven

"James says that 'pure and undefiled religion is to love the orphans and the widow in their distress and keep ourselves from being tarnished by the ways of THIS WORLD'. Jesus says that anyone who welcomes a little child such in His name welcomes Him. He also says that at the end of time when He comes back, He is going to separate the sheep from the goats. He says He will put the sheep on His right and He will say to them 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' Notice he doesn't say to them 'Good job. You've lived a life without sin.' He already knows we aren't perfect. Notice he doesn't say to them 'Good job. You were intelligent, successful, made lots of money, and had lots of things.' He already told us to store up our treasures in Heaven. He said, 'I tell you the TRUTH, whatever you did for the least of these brothers of mine, you did unto me'."

These words were written by Katie, a 20-some-yr old mom of 13 Ugandan girls. I've been enthralled by her blog for the past 2 hours. I've smiled, and I've shed tears through the miraculous, and also heartbreaking, stories of following God's call on her life. His call on all our lives.

Today I'm thinking about forgiveness

We are all called to forgive, no matter who you are, what you've done, or what's been done to you. Jesus forgave us and we must follow in His footsteps. It is important to understand that forgiveness does not always mean reconciliation. Just because you have forgiven someone does not mean you are excusing their hurtful behavior, and it also doesn't always mean the two of you will remain in relationship. Here is an excerpt from "Boundaries" (my new fave book!)

"People must choose to own up to their sin and repent, then God will open himself to them. Reconciliation involves two. Do not think that because you have forgiven that you have to reconcile. You can offer reconciliation, but it must be contingent upon the other person owning his or her behavior and bringing forth trustworthy fruits."

Late Christmas Photos From A Rebellious Camera



Please forgive the poor quality of these photos, my camera is about to be retired. But that was our cozy christmas at the cabin in a slew of images :)

Happy New Year 2011

The start of the new year is a time to re-evaluate one's life. Where it's been, where it's headed, and what it's going to take to achieve future goals. I have several "resolutions" floating around in my head, but let's be honest, I'm never going to work out six days a week, or cut out carbs entirely, or sell all my posessions and travel the world, but there are simpler resolutions I can commit to.

I can commit to Love more,

Listen more,

Learn more,

Travel more,

Save more.

I can also commit to a healthier lifestyle,

To read one non fiction book a month,

and try my hand at simple recipes.

I can commit to Spend less,

Judge less,

and Analyze less.

And I can commit to making a difference. Even if it's in my own little town, in my own little corner of the world, or beyond.

(It is exactly one year since my first post. Happy 1st birthday, Peanut Gallerie.)