I am reading a book that was written hundreds of years ago that is so relevant to my spiritual walk right now and wanted to share a sentence or two and hope that it will encourage you as well.  It is the book, The Imitation of Christ, by Thomas a Kempis and on page 83 it says,

 

"You are not the better because you are praised, or the worse because you are blamed, for as you are, you are, and whatever is said of you, you are no better than Almighty God, the Searcher of men's hearts, will testify that you are."

 

As I read this, it convicted me that I am very often wanting people to see me as good.... whether that is as a good Mom, a good wife, a good friend, a good neighbor... Yet I am reminded that what God sees is what really matters.  So, I am humbled.

 

Also, as I typed the quote, I was reminded of the book by Max Lucado called You Are Mine, where the main character, Punchinello, goes to His Maker to find out the truth about Himself.  His Maker assures him that he is HIS and He loves him very much, no matter what people around Punchinello think of him. 

 

So, my hope is that in thinking on that quote we can do three things...

(1) Really search our hearts and seek our approval by seeking the Lord.

(2) Find the Lord and His amazing love for us, knowing that He sent Jesus to pay for our sins and now sees us as righteous...  and then,

(3)  PRAISE HIM!!!!  Inwardly, outwardly, all day longingly!!

***This is from my most wonderful Aunt Beth.  I am most encouraged and it goes right along with what I was convicted of at church on Sunday in not pleasing others, but pleasing my Saviour.  We get so caught up in things of this world that don't matter compared to living fully sold out for Christ.

Transparency.

(art by crystalshea)

Oh my goodness, my mom forwarded this youtube video to me and I watched it with a huge lump in my throat the whole time.  I could not believe the transparency of these people in front of their church family.  If only we were all so transparent in sharing our sin and the way Christ has truly changed us and saved us.  I love this video and all the "related" videos of the different churches that have done it.  Watch and be inspired to not pretend to be perfect, but to be lovely in Christ.

Cardboard Testimonies:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_5__o0LoUc

HEART OF LOVE.

"They were obsessed with the mission while oblivious to the heart of love that is to motivate the mission." -The Great Commandment Principle

Forget About Your Water Pot

Forget about your water pot
You've come to fill today
And get the living water

And your thirst will go away
You may have come at noontime
You may be feeling shame

But there is one that's waiting
The one that knows your name
The water that Christ gives you
Is all you'll ever need

No matter what your wickedness
No matter what your deed
He'll clean you up, so trust Him
His healing water's pure
A life that's everlasting
In Him you can be sure.     By Gerri Aylor

My Grandma sent me this poem this morning and I love it.  Especially the first four lines.  Every day I have things in mind that I need to get done that will make me feel fulfilled.  Most of the time those things aren't accomplished and for a self diagnosed ocd-er...this leaves me very unfulfilled.  I am unfulfilled with my day, with myself, with....If I would just FORGET about those things and turn to the Lord, if I would just remember to get my fulfillment from him DAILY...  HE is so fulfilling.

Thank you GG for this poem this morning.  You are wonderful.