On Prayer

“Pour out your heart, and don't hold anything back. He sees right through us, He sees to the depth of our heart, how can we hide anything? Beseech Him, clinging to the cross, waiting upon Him patiently. He hears us and He wants us to tell Him the things that afflict us and trouble us in this life.”
-Greg Dominguez

Little Bit of Life

I went to a Craig Morgan concert at the House of Blues last night. Not only did I go, but I got to meet him! I am always impressed when a performer sounds just as good live as they do on album. Craig puts on a really great show--he has so much energy and is constantly UP. He is so gracious to his fans too. Craig signed the bed of a truck for one of his fans in a wheel chair! The band performed a new song called, "Looking Back with You." This song hasn't been recorded yet, but should be soon. The song brought tears to my eyes. It was written for Craig's wife--it's about growing old together and looking back on all the memories. It was really sweet. What a fabulous night. Did I mention, Craig is a Christian--that makes it even better! It's encouraging to see someone on the road of fame still walking with the Lord!

Blessed Be the Name of the Lord

Blessed be your name
In the land that is plentiful
Where the streams of abundance flow
Blessed be your name

Blessed be your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed be your name

Every blessing you pour out,
I turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say...

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your glorious name

Blessed be your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's all as it should be
Blessed be your name

Blessed be your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be your name

Every blessing you pour out,
I turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say...

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your glorious name

You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, Blessed be your name

Good Stuff (Drink it Up)

I read this article today by Darrin Patrick. My friend passed it along to me. I thought it was so good, I had to post it for you, my dear readers (few but loyal).

Discerning your Near Idols
By Darrin Patrick

That most basic question which God poses to each human heart: has something or someone besides Jesus Christ taken title to your heart's functional trust, preoccupation, loyalty, service, fear and delight? In order to get to the bottom of what the Bible calls idols, and what Dick Keyes calls your "heart title", ask yourself these diagnostic questions:

What other than Jesus has become your main source of significance, happiness, meaning and purpose?

What other than being a child of God are you using as your primary identity?

What have you substituted for God in your life?

What have you used to make yourself feel accepted or worthy before God, yourself and others?

Another way to discern our idols is to begin to take note about what we get emotional about as our idols are revealed because they arouse powerful emotions when our idol is threatened or taken away. If your begin to pay attention to your emotional life you can begin to discern your idols.

Questions that expose Near Idols (Keyes, Keller, Kaufman)

What do I worry about most?

What, if I failed or lost it, would cause me to question whether or not I wanted to live?

What do I rely on or comfort self with when things go bad or get difficult?What do I do cope?

What are my release valves? What do I do to feel better?

What do I think most easily about? What does my mind go to when I am free? What preoccupies me? What do I daydream about?

What makes me feel the most self-worth? What am I the proudest of? What do I want to be known for?

What do I lead with in conversations?What do I want to make sure that people know about me fairly early on in the conversation or relationship?

What prayer, unanswered, would make me seriously think about turning away from God?

What do I really want and expect out of life? What would really make me happy?What is my hope for the future?

I am Thankful

The more time passes, the more I see God's grace in my life. Last night I was surprised by about 20 of my friends for a birthday dinner. I have honestly, never felt more lavished with love in all my life. I intensely felt God's favor and His hand of blessing upon me in such a vivid and real way. It was an experience I will never forget. What more could a girl ask for than to be surrounded by brothers and sisters in the Lord who want nothing more than for me to love Christ with all my heart and soul? I deserve judgment and hell, but God has given be nothing but long suffering and reward. It's amazing. It's incomprehensible. It's overwhelming. And I am thankful!