Wrong Expectations

As a result of my quiet time in Luke 23:8 and talking with a friend today about the root of Catholicism, these are my thoughts for the evening:

Where we can get mixed up in legalism is when the seemingly ritualistic side of our faith is in hopes of producing a response from Christ, instead of being in response to Christ.


Father, may I always treasure your presence over your presents.  May this be true of us all!  Help me respond to your loving kindness, and be more aware of your goodness to me.  

All the Time!

These past few days have been the recurrence of some of the most painful back-pain I've experienced in a while, and yet at the same time, God is unfolding His goodness in my life in ways that are so complex it is hard to make sense of it all!  I love Psalm 45:1 speaking of our heart being stirred by a noble theme.  I've definitely felt my heart stirred a lot from Friday unto tonight, and it is a beautiful thing.

How can I even describe this weekend with so many willing to go to the ends of the earth this summer, or having the Lord remind me that "I am my beloved's and He is mine" on Valentines Day followed with 30-something friends singing of God's love for us before discussing Acts 6&7.  Today, was a sweet, sweet time reading, going to my chiropractor, catching up with a dear sister and then lifegroup with some pretty amazing folk!

Father, thank you for the ways you are revealing yourself to me!  Thank you for the rain and ice packs and macaroons.  Guide me gently into your arms and take any anxiety that may lie deep within me.  Sustain my body and lead me to hear from you in your Word.  May my heart be yours completely.

My heart is stirred by a noble theme 
   as I recite my verses for the king;    my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.
I will perpetuate your memory through all generations; 
   therefore the nations will praise you for ever and ever.

Psalm 45:1, 17

Vegas

In college, my roommate Katy received a beautiful half-boxer/ half-pitbull dog by the name of Vegas.  I was so excited to have a dog living with us because I never had one before!  Our bird and my two rabbits before we're great, but I always had a dream of getting a dog.  

Katy got Vegas a pink collar and tag before leaving for Namibia to serve and glorify God there. About 2 months later, Val, another one of my roommates, took Vegas for a walk but her tag popped off!  Like breaking apart a kit kat bar the metal broke as if it was meant to!  So I went to buy a new collar, and put our address and Katy's number on it. I had been working full days, 7am-3pm at a warehouse and then 6pm-midnight at my security job. 


One night, i got home and the gate was wide open. I open the sliding door to see a note from my other roomie, Becca, stating Vegas had run away!  I dropped my things on the counter and immediately grabbed my bike to go searching for Vegas.  I rode out on my bike calling her name. Part of me felt really stupid for not knowing which way to go or how long she had even been gone for.  All the time I was going over in my head an old sermon I heard about how wonderful it is to be lost. When we are lost it means someone cares and is looking for us as opposed to trash where it remains and is unwanted.  I wanted Vegas to be found!  I just couldn't turn around and go home, so I decided to keep searching. I asked a few people on the street if they had seen a dog running around and then i foolishly remembered i hadn't even prayed yet. 

So I prayed.

God answered.

I rode to the 7-11 on the corner.  I never walked Vegas that direction before, but I felt like I was supposed to go there. Granted, by now it is late at night and i get spooked easily so i didn't want to walk up to this truck, but the window was rolled down and the guy didn't look too sketch. I wanted to ask him if he had seen a dog running around.


As i was asking if he saw Vegas, her head popped out of the window of the quad cab truck! It was her. Her collar and tag were gone but Vegas was there nonetheless. It turns out they found her running back and forth like frogger in the traffic! 


Honestly, I think they were trying to keep her for themselves as they tried to convince me this wasn't her.  But Vegas knew me, and started to climb through the window to get to me.  What a beauty in being found!   I offered to buy him something from the gas station but he declined. I took the long walk home, Vegas in one hand and my bike in the other.


Have you ever lost something you truly valued?


How do you think God feels in regards to seeking after that which has yet to be found?