Imperfect Blog

“Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish on its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life thinking it is stupid.” — Albert Einstein

I read this quote the other day and have been pondering it ever since. Too many times I have been the fish trying to climb the tree … thinking I was stupid. And way too many times I’ve been the one judging the fish harshly.

We (humans) were made in the image of God. He has a unique purpose for each of us. Lord, today I pray that You would show me what Your plan for me is and that I would walk in it, not accepting the lies of others. I also pray that You would prompt me when my expectations and judgements of others do not line up with Your will.

First, let me just say, I have not been absent from here on purpose. Actually it’s that I’ve been having all kinds of issues with my service provider and spammers. I hope that is, or at least the worst of it is, behind me now. So onward with blogging.

The other day I had a kind of random thought after praying … so often I get so busy asking God for the things I’d like, that I fail to ask him what does He wants for that day. I don’t mean in general what does He want, although there is nothing wrong with that. But I mean in specifics what does He want that day. For example does He have someone He wants me to reach out to; does He have a passage of scripture He wants me to read and receive into my heart? What does He want for me for that day? So I’ve begun to ask and am enjoying the experiences.

Don’t get me wrong, it doesn’t mean my days are all roses and sunshine. But it does mean that I have more a sense of purpose and grace. So I’d encourage you to take a listen to your prayers and ask yourself when is the last time I asked what does He want?

Today while using the facilities at Sam’s Club I overheard an all too familiar conversation, that really just made me smile. It went something like this …

Mom: [obviously midconversation] “because they didn’t have light.”
Young girl: “But why”
Mom: “Well because they hadn’t invented the light bulb yet.”
Young girl: (pause, as if trying to decide if that was an acceptable answer) “But why”
Mom: “Because there was a progression of things, see first electricity had to be invented and then things that used electricity, and since electricity had not been invented yet, the light bulb hadn’t either.”
Young girl: (pause, again as if her next statement were not obvious) “But why”
Mom: “I don’t know.”

This so made me chuckle for a couple of reasons. #1 because it was oh so familiar. I could remember so many similar conversations with my kids when they were that young, and that brought back fond memories. #2, and I’m sure you knew it was coming … I could see such a parallel between how the mom seemed to feel and how God must feel at times. Now don’t get me wrong, God never reaches the point where He doesn’t know, but I’m quite sure He reaches the point where He knows so infinitely more than we do that He knows it would be ridiculous to even try to get us to understand so He simply ends by telling us … “Trust me”.

This verse was on my verse of the day calendar when I got back to work this morning and it just struck me.

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful and so worship God acceptably with reverance and awe. Hebrews 12:28 NIV

In today’s world where everything seems to be easily shaken, “a kingdom that cannot be shaken” is just about the most reassuring thing I can imagine. Thank you, Lord, for putting this out there for us to know and trust in.

Now because of this it tells us “let us be thankful and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” This seems a reasonable response, I think.

So today, I just want to thank God that we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken!

As I think about how I’d like to utilize this blog in 2012. I’d like to begin to record things in at least 3 categories.

1) Scripture Prayer
Prayers that I will write out based on Scripture.

2) Whatsoever things are good
Resources I’ve come across — Books / Blog Posts / Phrases etc.

3) Life
Just life in general, parenting, wifing, etc.

So along that vein, I was reading Colossians 1. It is full of great “things” to pray for … verse 10 struck me today, so here’s my prayer today …

That I would walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God … only by the grace of God and for His glory!
Here is the verse it is based on …

That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Colossians 1:10

In my first post for this year, I said “In anycase for 2011, I am so thankful that God has given me the word peace / shalom for the year. I know this will be a year where I begin to know His peace on a greater level and I am looking forward to it.”

So now that 2011 is drawing to a close, I thought I’d update this with a resounding Yes – 2011 has been a year where I have known God’s peace in greater measure than ever before in my life. This is such a testimony to God’s grace, because on the surface 2011 has been a year where lots of things that could have disrupted this peace occurred over and over. I have to say two revalations I believe have significantly contributed to this sense of peace.

1) God’s sovereignty. Knowing God is in control and nothing is able to knock Him off the thrown has granted me much peace.
2) Living in the present. I did a whole series of posts on this subject. But the bottom line is that I am much more aware when my thoughts get outside of “now” and drift in to the past or future both of which tend to steal my peace.

So I praise God for a peace filled year, by His grace!

I’ve seen a bunch of bloggers posting best of 2011 posts. Inspired by this, I thought I’d do a little different recap. I’m choosing to highlight verses that I have shared on this blog during 2011.

Verses of 2011

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. James 1:17

Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside therefrom to the right hand or to the left; Joshua 23:6

… When my heart is overwhelmed;
Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
Psalm 61:2

“Behold [see, consider, perceive], what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God:” 1 John 3:1a

And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. 1 John 4:16

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
2 Corinthians 10:5

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” John 10:27

Romans 15:13 KJV Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

Romans 15:13 NIV May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. Luke 17:5

Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him. Luke 17:3-4

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
And patience, experience; and experience, hope: (Romand 5:3-4)

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God:… Romans 13:1-2a

Then it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, “Lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt.” Exodus 13:17

So God led the people around by way of the wilderness of the Red Sea. And the children of Israel went up in orderly ranks out of the land of Egypt. Exodus 13:18

For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.
Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;
2 Corinthians 7:5-6

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 2 Corinthians 10:5

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. Matthew 6:33-34

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8

Deuteronomy 30:11, 14 (ESV)
“For this commandment that I command you today is not too hard for you, neither is it far off.”
“But the word is very near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it!”

“The scribes and the Pharisees were watching Him closely to see if He healed on the Sabbath, so that they might find reason to accuse Him.” Luke 6:7

Every valley shall be exalted, And every mountain and hill brought low; The crooked places shall be made straight, And the rough places smooth;
Isaiah 40:4

“Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah. ” Psalm 68:19

He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters.
He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me.
They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the LORD was my stay.
He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me.
Psalm 18:16-19

“And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:” Ephesians 2:6

Romans 10:9&10 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life … Psalm 23:6a

The Dayspring from on high has visited us; To give light to those who sit in darkness … To guide our feet into the way of peace. Luke 1:78, 79 NKJV

Psalm 29:11
The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.

This post may be of little interest to some. But because I personally find it very interesting to see what others are reading, I thought I’d go ahead and share. I’ve just added several books to my reading page, and as I think about the new year, I’m thinking I may try to blog a little more of what I learn / like about the books I’ve read. I feel like I’ve learned things from a lot of the books I’ve read over the last few years, but because I have not taken the time to write them down, I now just have a very vague recollection of where I learned some of these things. So maybe in 2012 you’ll see a few more of the reasons why you may or may not want to read a particular book. If you happen to have any books you’d recommend, feel free to post.

Today as we had our family time, I was very aware that many long for this “simple” pleasure and I just want you to know I am praying for you.

I’ve really been enjoying shopping this season. I love to give gifts. I especially like to give gifts that I hope will personally mean something to the recipient.

As much as I enjoy this, I know that my gifts really can only be so good. I am reminded …

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. James 1:17