Perspective and Answered Prayer

If I had a dollar for every time someone said to me, "You know everything that's going on in my life, but I didn't get to hear anything about what's going on with you", I would have a good amount of money save up. This used to really frustrate me.  And at times I even felt sorry for myself.

But recently the Holy Spirit has been whispering, "Isn't this really an answer to prayer?  This is what you asked for."  Oh how right He is!!  Over the past 2-3 years I've prayed the words of James 1:19 over and over again. "Lord, make me quick to listen and slow to speak."  And If I'm constantly having the opportunity to practice listening, hasn't He indeed answered that prayer in a very tangible way?

And another blessing in it all.  That people trust me enough to talk to me about their lives, and that I have the opportunity to pray with them and share in their life's journey.  It has truly become a BLESSING to me!!  Oh how He loves us and knows what we need.  I'm a little slow sometimes.  Grateful for God's patience and grace.

Unplugged

I recently read Jen Hatmaker's book, "7: Experimental Mutiny Against Excess" and it's messed with my head... just a little... in a good way.  Who am I kidding?  I've been turned upside down.  It wasn't just that book.  I mean, that book was just the icing and dynamite on the cake that has exploded me into action.  The truth is, God has been after me for some time now.  Does that sound strange, "God has been after me"?  Well, if it sounds strange then it sounds strange.  But it's true.

I recently did a 4 week "7 foods experiment".  I'm not going to go into detail, because most people who are reading this already know what I'm talking about.  Let's face it, if we're friends you have not escaped my "7" craziness.  If you don't know what I'm talking about I would love to talk with you about it.  Shoot me an e-mail.

Back to the point.  This weekend I will be starting another experiment, this time with media and technology.  This is the area I feel prompted work on.  So starting Sunday, March 11th I will be unplugging from:

1. Facebook

2. Texting 

3. iPod

4. Music in the car

5. All books (except my Bible.  Heaven help me, I LOVE books!!!!!)

6. Kindle

7. All Internet (I will still check my e-mail occasionally)

I did not choose t.v. because it's not a huge draw for me.  All of these things consume much of my time.  Probably more than I even realize.  I'm hoping to better with this challenge than I did with the food.  

March 2, 2001

11 years ago today I went on first date with Matt.  We went to see the movie "Snatch".  Our elbows shared an armrest and my heart pounded through the entire movie.  I never thought I would meet a Christian guy who was cute and funny. (I'm sorry, but it's really how I felt)  Not only did I think I wouldn't meet someone, I didn't think I deserved to.  

Thankfully God doesn't give us what we deserve.  Instead he gives grace and mercy and dreams we never knew possible.  I'm grateful for an amazing husband who is funny, handsome, wise, hard working, a lover of God, and a lover of coffee.  And I'm grateful that God knows me and my desires better than I know myself.