Walking with Jesus

The things I most regret in life are the things I never did. The things I most appreciate are things God did for me. The times I most remember are the moments of choice. The times I'm proudest of are the moments when I chose to stop regretting and to appreciate God's fingerprint on my life. God is faithful. I belong to God.

This 2nd level, front page headline for an article by Sarah Skidmore of the Associated Press caught my eye, not just because it meant I wouldn't be buying Hallmark greeting cards anymore, but because of it's implications. It's going to be hard enough teaching our children that Halloween is wrong, that Easter isn't about bunnies and eggs, and that Santa Claus didn't invent Christmas. Now, we have to contend with the nation's largest greeting card company redefining marriage for our children! "Hallmark added the cards after California joined Massachusetts as the only U.S. states with legal gay marriage. A handful of other states have recognized same-sex unions." (from ARN article) "Hallmark started offering 'coming out' cards last year, and the four designs of same-sex marriage cards are being gradually released this summer and will be widely available be next year." (from article) "It's our goal to be as relevant as poss

I've just finished a book given to Olivia and I as homework and recommended by several of our friends: Sacred Marriage , by Gary Thomas. The basic question of the book is profound... "What if God designed marriage to make us holy more than to make us happy?" I would recommend this book to types of people: 1) those who are married, so they can understand the purpose of marriage in their life, 2) those who are not married but hope to be, so they can understand the purpose of marriage in general, 3) those who will never marry, so they can understand their married friends! The whole book is really good, but I want to share some reflections on one particular thought in the text. It isn't the main point of the book, or even the chapter, but I feel it is vitally important for us as we try to live out the life of Christ in our worlds. ...our culture lives vicariously through the achievements and recognition of others. You were made by God to create. If you don't create

Lord, your glory is vast and beautiful. Grant me eyes to see it. You are pure and holy. Grant me forgiveness for my sin. Your ways are right and perfect. Inspire my understanding of your Word. All things are in your power. All of my needs I lay before you. Your Spirit is constant. Let me heed rather than grieve your dove. Your harvest is ripe and plentiful. Teach me to bear fruit. Teach me your ways. Be near me at all times. Show me your glory!

I have a lot of growing up to do! Sometimes I wonder if I'll ever really get there. I'm too sensitive to the wrong things. I get offended rather than hear the cry for comfort and assurance. I get upset when I feel put down or unloved. I've definitely some real moments of insecurity. In ways, I'm not very mature sometimes. But, in other ways, I've been too mature for my own good. I grew up really quickly as a child. I didn't do it because I had to. I had a good family with a lot of opportunity to enjoy my childhood. I grew up as quickly as I could simply because I wanted to. I wanted to be somebody, something more than I was. I constantly tried to see past what was going on around me. I was always more interested in what was next than in what was right in front of me. As a result, I'm afraid that I missed a lot of beautiful moments, and took a lot of people for granted, simply because I was too busy trying to grow up. Moreover, I never really learned to li