To 'go forward'...and 'hold on', or to just 'stand still'...and 'let go'.

I love the quote I just posted to EP's facebook page...

"There is no ongoing spiritual life without this process of letting go. At the precise point where we refuse, growth stops. If we hold tightly to anything given to us, unwilling to let it go when the time comes to let it go or unwilling to allow it to be used as the Giver means it to be used, we stunt the growth of the soul."

~"Passion & Purity" by Elisabeth Elliot~

I remember reading that quote a couple of years ago and the impact it had on me then.  And now to come across it again, right at this time, it has an even greater impact on me today.  My thoughts on why it's impact is greater on me more today than the first time I read it, is because of the growth of my spiritual walk with the Lord.  Which is a very encouraging thing to actually be able to see...your own spiritual growth that is!

Now not to sound like I've 'come so far' in an arrogant way, it's just fact.  I'm able to say that simply because of input from friends who have walked with me and have seen the transformation within me first hand.  Most times, though I've been encouraged by their insights of my growth, I haven't been able to see it for myself.  However, I'm at a place where I can look back on my walk and truly see the work the Lord has done in my life (and know He'll continue doing)!  Thank you Jesus!  This gives me the strength to continue walking on the path He has laid out for me; by faith not by sight, because He's proven faithful time and time again.  This should not be surprising to any Christ follower, but it should be of great encouragement!

Although at times I really don't see it (or feel it!), the one area I see God's hand in, off the top of my head, has been strength.  We all have situations that are trying in their own right, but the one's I've been facing the past handful of years I know without a doubt, had I tried to get through those times on my own...well, I just don't even want to begin to imagine what it would have looked like.  I see myself as a weak person (as most of us I would say are), so all the glory goes to God Almighty for His strength being made perfect through my weakness!!  I can't count the number of times I was sure I wasn't going to make it through, but by God's grace and mercy I haven't merely 'survived', I've persevered through and overcome!

As for the quote and how it fits into this blog...well I think a lot of times we see strength as something we need to be able to 'go forward'...and 'hold on'.  That's not always the case.  Sometimes it takes a great deal of strength to just 'stand still'...and 'let go'. 

It is written in scripture that if we follow Him, we are to 'let go', to 'give up' everything He has given us here on earth... 

"Anyone who wants to be my follower must love me far more than he does his own father, mother, wife, children, brothers, or sisters -yes, more than his own live - otherwise he cannot be my disciple.  And no one can be my disciple who does not carry his own cross and follow me...So no one can become my disciple unless he first sits down and counts his blessings - and then renounces them all for me." (Luke 14:26-27, 33)

...when we fail to do so (which is likely most of the time for all of us), we don't really realize that we are hindering our spiritual growth.  I'm by no means saying this is a simple, easy or even a natural thing to do...but it's going to have a crucial impact when we arrive at the judgement seat of Christ.  I think at the very least we need to be challenged on this constantly and reminded just how serious we need to be about following Christ. 

Ask yourself, are you in it for what He can do for you?  Or are you in it for what you can do to bring glory to Him?  I don't know about you, but when I meet my Maker I want to hear 'Well done, good and faithful servant'.  Live your life for Him!  Stop and think about the sacrifice He's already given...'nough said!

Until next time,
'K'

Retreats and Potatoes!

I honestly don't know how a whole entire month has slipped right by me since my last blog...  It feels like I just blogged about being less like Martha and more like Mary; now the time has come to put that in to practice!  I can't count the number of confirmations I've been given, in one way or another, that this is my season of 'retreat'...so encouraging, even if it does appear a bit overwhelming to be making this change; I know it's going to be so rewarding!  It does seem though, that there are still so many 'things' added to my 'to do' list while I have this 'down time'.  I suppose that is where my discipline will be exercised to not be filling up my 'retreat' time with 'doing stuff'.  This will have to be very intentional and a top priority. 

It's nice to be back in September!  We finished off our summer holidays with our 2nd Annual camping trip - in which it rained about 90% of the time!  Thankfully we were in a trailer, so it wasn't all that terrible :)  Had we been tenting, I'd have packed up and left!  Mostly it effected our ability to have campfires every night.  The night we did, we made the most of it by making really gooey s'mores - with the giant marshmallows and a Reese Peanut Butter cup...soooo yummy, and very messy!  I would recommend sticking with the large marshmallows...the giant ones in s'mores was just way too much - even for me!

In any case, we managed to get to the pool several times; the kids rode their bikes (when it wasn't raining!); plus we had a birthday party and 2 soccer games during that week as well, so we stayed busy enough.  The kids had a good time - which is what counts.  Making the memories that they will remember and cherish is so important.  This annual camping thing we will continue (as far as I can see!), although we may switch up the locations as the years come. 

I was fortunate that my Mom was off of work for a couple of days that week and was able to take my kids for 2 nights and 2 days, so that I could have some 'alone' time.  Even though it rained all day Wednesday (and to my lack of knowledge...there were tornado watches for our area!) I stayed in the trailer and listened to a 3 part series by Chuck Swindoll...totally digging into that was great with no interruptions!...I also took a bit of a nap - because I could!  Each of the 2 nights on my own I had a friend out for a visit, that was lovely!  All in all, that 'alone' time with God just wet my appetite for my 'retreat' season I'm now beginning.  How wonderfully set up it was!

While camping I watched a great movie called "Faith Like Potatoes".  I'd seen it a couple of years ago and for certain (personal) reasons, I haven't brought myself to watch it again until now.  What a fantastic movie.  I just don't even know if there is any way for me to describe it...without doing it injustice!  It's based on a true story - which makes it even better to watch.  I remember the first time I watched it...we were fairly silent after it was done; processing it and taking it all in, then discussing it's impact on us.  It did the same again this time in watching it on my own.  I'm in such a different place now than I was the first time watching it, and although it had me 'thinking' back then, it struck me in a whole new way this time around.  (This sounds so cliche, but) 'I laughed and I cried'...I was challenged, encouraged, convicted, and refreshed.  I don't want to give too much detail where this movie is concerned, but I highly recommend renting or even buying it!  (I believe they still should rent it out at Blockbuster...at least that's where we got it the first time.) 

At the end of the movie there is a song (which I now have on 'mixpod' so you can give a listen should you choose!), it's found a home on my 'oh I love that song!' list!  It is a staple in my ipod, and it reminds me each time that it comes on, of the 'New Day' Christ gives me.  It's up to me (and to you!) to choose to live for Him and to trust in His best for me (you).  Being obedient and continually asking for the mind, thoughts, eyes and heart of Christ.  Having my 'faith' always tested 'like potatoes' throughout this earthly journey.  It has to be about glorifying God in all that I do, and doing only what is right and pleasing to Him. Easier some times then others because of my natural bend as a sinner.  Thankfully gracious God Almighty gives me 'a new day'...His mercies are new each morning!  Thank you Jesus!

Well, it's come to that time again of signing off.  Things to get done before carpool duties call! 

I pray this finds you all well, and walking in an abundant life with Christ Jesus!

Until next time,
'K'