Time is...

Honestly, what to say...time is tickin' away. So, that made me think of a dctalk song, which is funny. Obviously it goes deeper than that. Time is something that is overwhelming my thoughts these days, possibly because its slipping away. One problem with time is the well intended use of it that gets destroyed by our decisions that are made under the impulse of selfish desires.
There are things pulling us in different directions...some good and others not so good. As a Christian, I desire that what I do would honor God and as a human, I make decisions that glorify my sinful nature.
This is what Paul is talking about in Romans chapter seven. "I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing." (vs. 18-19)
So we struggle to do the right things with the time that we have been given.
The thing that bugs me most about it is when the struggle seems easy one day and hard the next.
What is it that keeps us bogged down if we are "no longer slaves to sin" (romans 6:6)?

It's a mystery to me...which is probably best, as it keeps me relying on the grace of God to keep me. To keep me saved, to keep me close to Him, and to keep me on the path to what He has for me daily.

"Time is tickin' away, tick tick tickin' away
Time is tickin' away, tick tick tickin' away
Right now is the time that we gotta get with it
The gift that He's given ain't just an exhibit
But a tool that He's given us to use for His sake
And just as He's given He can surely take
The signs of the times are dropping like flies
The cries of the people around us imply
They're lookin' for an answer that we already know
But time is definitely on the go
All the money in the world
Can never stop the hands of time
And a wasted day in your life
Is more than a crime"

Time Is by DC Talk

On a side note, when I was in sixth grade, this was my favorite song to rollerskate to!

Not Bitter...but aware

The other day someone asked me "Does Valentines day depress you?" The day before this questions arose, I was driving and saw a car that looked just like one that an old suitor of mine drove, and picked me up in. When I saw this car, I instantly started crying (this is not fun for me to admit). When I came to my senses, I realized I was not crying because I missed this person particularly, because I am well aware that he is not "the one" for me. However, I miss things like being picked up, getting a phone call daily, being cared for, having someone plan a fun valentines date...even if it's as simple as cooking dinner.
I explained to this person that Valentines day does not bother me, but knowing what it's like to have it be special...and now having that be gone is hard. I'm not one of those single bitter people who mope around about this day, but I am aware of what it could be: a fun day with someone special.
Not to mention... when this someone tells me on eight separate occasions that they aren't sad on valentines day, the truth is most likely that they are, otherwise they wouldn't bring it up so much.
Well, I hope you all had a great day today, mine was splendid!

Where have all the cowboy's gone?

I was reading an article that stemmed from a question concerning a lack of "good men" I simply found this quote interesting. It certainly does not sum up the article, nor answer the question, but it may make you think...as it did me.

"The good guy can be like the great restaurant that only locals know about. The tourists miss it because they fall for the “traps” of the neon sign and convenient location of the franchise, not realizing that the best is tucked away just a few blocks over. The good guy is more a discovery, finding him can take more effort because you have to work your way past all the flash of the franchise guy. He could be working in the cubicle next to you, or sitting just a few rows over in class, or playing guitar in your church small group. Take the time to get to know him. The one who might be easy to overlook could turn out to be the best kept secret."

What Guys Wish You knew
John Thomas

More thoughts to come, I'm sure.

A Heart's longing

As I sit here on a gloomy day, in between shifts of work, sipping my dark hot cocoa, I find myself longing for something. I feel like I long for what I know as "home". Maybe because it sounds warm and comforting or because I am not content with my life right now, but is that really what I'm longing for...and if so, will I be satisfied in that?
Although home feels good, it doesn't satisfy that craving deep within. Nothing will ever satisfy that, except for ONE. The desire is there for a purpose...the purpose is for it to be fulfilled, but it only will when you let God be the ONE.
God has been drawing me into a love of holiness lately. This sounds good, but if I'm honest, it's really painful. Why? This love is hard to explain because holiness is hard to explain. It is set apart, different than anything or anyone. Therefore, when trying to talk about it to people who are constantly IN the world and unfortunately swayed by their longings, it doesn't make sense. I wrestle with what it means in my life...movies, music, magazines, friends, decisions, books, time management, etc, etc, etc.
Even harder than knowing what it looks like in my own life, is seeing people that I love blatantly disrespect or go against the holiness of God. When God awakens your heart to this and you develop a genuine fear, it hurts to see people mistreat God. How do we do it? I believe it's clear in the passage below, but first you have to care. That would get us into another conversation...God must give you the Grace to understand, for we are finite...and it is only by His grace that we are drawn to Him. But, if you love Him (truly) and are seeking Him (with your whole heart) you will see, know, and understand this...and it will develop into a life changing knowledge...and your heart will long for full obedience to HIM. And you will feel right at home!

Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy." 1 Peter 1:13-16

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7

Here it goes...

You wouldn't believe how nervous I am about starting this blog. It's unbelievable even to me. I'm not sure what it is. I have for a while been thinking of starting a blog, quite possibly because of the plethora of thoughts that pass through my mind...or maybe it's the awkward stories that are piling up and need to be shared with the world. Then my friend Shannon encouraged the idea! It took me weeks to think of a name, after a focus group of friends helped me out, I finally settled. Then, my thoughts would shift to "how would I word this on my blog". So, it is time. Time to stay connected with friends, time to expand my vocabulary, and time to challenge my thoughts...and have some fun along the way!
Because of the many compartments of affections in my life, it is almost impossible for me to have a blog that is centered around one thing. So, with each new post, if anyone reads this, I hope that they are surprised! And with each new post, be it about cupcakes or sanctification, I hope that each one is brought closer to Jesus and shares in that exceeding JOY!

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." Romans 15:13