my bitter cup ...

.:| Notes from Chuck Swindoll |:.

1. For every disciple there is a purpose to fulfill.
2. For every purpose there is a cup to drink.
3. In every cup there is pain & suffering to endure.
4. Through every pain there is a victory to claim.

John 18:11
Jesus commanded Peter, "Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?"

Whew! This is pretty difficult to take. It is often my tendency to fight. Wanting to make it work. Trying to grasp it. To learn. Oh, so hard but if Jesus Christ can do and is with me in whatever cup I am to drink, I can do it. {gulp}

Psalms 16:5-6
LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup;
you have made my lot secure.

The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
surely I have a delightful inheritance.

crushed

reflecting ...

journal gene: If I would give you the wish to tell your 20*something self about the now*you, would you & what would you tell her?

me: It would be very tempting to want this wish granted! I would tell her that there has been no 'the one, no house w/ a picket fence, no love & roses... because maybe she would not have wasted time trying to figure out how to be a good wife and live her single life with a lot of gusto not caring about man's affections. Maybe she could stop the duplicity but I think it would have broken her heart and so, I would say no I do not wish to tell my 20*something anything. Wellllll..... maybe just to tell her that there will be very hard lessons ahead that will be bitter but to keep her heart soft & keep learning... Joy will come to you...

journal gene: If I would give you the wish to ask your 80*something self about your future*self, would you & what would you ask her?

me: It would be very tempting to want this wish granted! Right now I am stubborn enough that if I draw the love card in the next 10 years, I don't want it because I have always wished for the love through the ages... I could easily ask if love came but that isn't wise. And I don't want to know if I would 'fall in love at 80'. I could not comprehend that at this time. I guess I would want my 80*something self to tell me that there will be very hard lessons ahead that will be bitter but to keep on keeping on with keeping my heart soft and keep holding on to Joy. Joy is the greatest companion. And, never ever stop learning...

80yro self: {shaking head} "Oh, girl. Please get over that love thing! Let the God who created you and all of your passions love you! Keep your little hand in His huge one. Be passionate, delightful, and Joyful! That is enough!''

the delightful path ...

I would like to welcome you to another part of me. It is my surface or width of me. Even though I will most likely drop in some depth {I can't help it!}, it is a scrapbook of good things I love. Here I will share text, photos, quotes, chats, audios, & videos, etc. Think of it as coming inside my home and seeing what is on my walls, what trinkets I might have lying around, and what bounty is served on my table. So come & dine. Take a load off. You are invited to the delightful path.

Psst: I shall keep this blog as I am too deep to stay on the surface very long! I will link from here often to my 'scrapbook log' as one is both deep & wide. I hope this will make it richer.

footprints on the moon ...

Once upon an Sunday evening 40 years ago, did a young couple of 3 years holding a baby of 4 months go outside to view the moon that was the topic of the day because man made footprints up there? Did they just gaze into the starry sky leaving each other to their thoughts or did they speak in hush tones about the excitement? Did they feel that this was a turn for the better since there seemed to be such turmoil over Vietnam or did that not really matter because they lived in the Midwest? Did they wonder what possibilities there would be for their little daughter quietly sleeping in their arms that night? Did they wonder what the world would be like for their little one to grow up in?

I have always been intrigued by man walking on the moon and am proud to have been born in that year. I love looking at the pictures of my parents and me back then. It seemed like a softer time in middle America compared to the coasts. Soft sepia memories for sure! I haven't asked my parents about their memories or feelings about that night, I probably will but maybe it should be left to my own imagination of what I would have felt if I had been looking up in the night sky in a more grown up stage instead of the softly sleeping in my parents arms on that starry night long ago...

seeking but not finding ...

I know this person is seeking yet will not hear You & changes the subject to foil my attempts to show You even if it seems this person is unaware doing so... Isn't this person weary of the ways that seem to lead no where?

You were wearied by all your ways,
but you would not say,
'It is hopeless.'
You found renewal of your strength,
& so you did not faint.

''Peace, peace, to those far & near,''
says the Lord. ''And I will heal them.''
But the wicked are like the tossing sea,
which cannot rest,
whose waves cast up mire & mud,
''There is no peace,'' says my God, ''for the wicked.''
~ Isaiah 57

prayer battle ...

.:notes on Prayer from Adrian Rogers:.
JAMES 4
v.3 ... 'You ask & do not receive,
because you ask amiss,
that you spend it on your pleasures'

1. sensitivity to the Spirit
2. submission to the Father (Thy will be done) v.6
3. resist the devil v.7
---the devil fears our prayers
---God intends to win the war through our prayers
4. separation from the world
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I missed the last portion of his sermon and you know the notes need to end in odd number so I am adding a number 5!

5. unification to God
---pure living or clean living
---cleanse heart, mind, & body

The Word says to pray without ceasing and I don't have a problem with that. Living alone and knowing God is always there and always listening, He gets the brunt of my words! But with honesty, I have realized that I have used frustrating words and tended to end up crying. I realized that I was being quite selfish - mainly I was a brat. I have changed the way that I have prayed. I strongly believe that in order to have a good prayer life you must ask yourself how much you pray. Do you pray more than you read the Bible? If you do, you are talking tooooo much. The Spirit prompted that question to me and I was mortified. Here this relationship I have with the Heavenly Father was very much me talking toooo much. I needed to view this as a conversation. If I pride myself in being a listener than why am I not listening to His Words more? Reading the Bible and praying needs to be equal if not more reading scripture.

I can always use encouragement when it comes to prayer. I can always work on my relationship with God.

surface vs depth ...

I need this blog. I know this because when I lost the depth person, I was becoming anger and anger. Then when I was able to think on white screen, I found myself peaceful. It is like being able to exhale after breathing in. I am a thinker and that is who I am. I cannot change it. Yet as my birthday came and went I thought 'Whew, middle age isn't so bad but now I am having major loneliness issues again and what am I do with all that I am?' It seems my work life and my home life are at odds and I become a misfit inside.

When I was able to indulge with another deep person, he always mentioned the desire of meat and potatoes but he never had time to read my (ok, I must admit they were long) emails that where laced with depth. Then when we talked we always had fun and did talk depth until he got too tired and didn't have time for that anymore. Even as he wanted meat and potatoes, I secretly was thinking shouldn't there be some dessert?

My blog counter has recently cleared the map to restart the numbering. It gives you a chance to see what the numbers of visitors have come within the past year. The maps are archived. Sadly, for the 3rd year in a row the numbers have halved. I know my writing has been suffering and I have a new craft addiction and I am visiting/listening to more blogs so maybe I need to figure something out.

The thing I have been muling over is starting another blog on the lighter side or more to my surface and width side of me because yes, there is that part of me too. I never thought I would do another blog and wasn't sure how to do another because this is the place I put most thoughts about all parts of my life. I have not put pictures here because this is the a place for words and I didn't want to lean on pictures even though I am highly visual in my learning. I wanted my words to express the pictures. I must honor my writing and even get back to the creativity of it.

My list of blogs I visit/ listen to has grown over the past year. I have stumbled up hard core crafters and even other crafters who do their art on the side who have some really cool sites for their crafts. Again I don't want the pictures here even though I do talk about my creative side. So what if I create another blog for my visual side that would encompass my life but more light and less words since pictures are said to be worth more than a 1000 words....???

I love blogger. But even though blogger has come along way on the backside of things, I have tried to change the background. That comes with a lot of time and know how. It is just too messy and then I don't write. Yes, they have come a long way with the pictures but I think tumbler is more picture friendly. However, I first have to join to see. I just want something simple and easy so that I can spend more time on the writing or dropping in the pix and go. So maybe there will be another blog that is more friendly to the readers.... will give me the feedback that I am needing ...

King Hezekiah ...

I have been reading about King Hezekiah in II Kings, II Chron, and Isaiah. I must admit that this is the first time I have heard of this king! As I take in his story, I wonder at the relationship between God and King Hezekiah.

Here Hezekiah has been made king and he goes about tearing down not just the idol worship in the towns and country but he goes after the high places where past kings had allowed it. He made sure the Levites who had more zeal than the priests cleansed themselves and temple and then to all the people. King Hezekiah really cleaned house! I was really excited about that because there is always blessing in obedience...

Hezekiah gets sick and asks for 15 more years of life and God grants it. Isaiah writes King Hezekiah's thanksgiving in his book. Then something interesting is mentioned in II Chron. King Hezekiah has a prideful heart! I am scratching my head wondering where this is coming from! I will have to do more research. The king does repent.

Then King Hezekiah did a really questionable thing in my mind and I am still puzzling over it. After he cleaned house and even made improvements on the water ways, he began to show the 'enemy' his kingdom. I am thinking 'stop! don't do that! You don't show all your secrets to the enemy!' Well, the enemy does decide to attack! The taunt the kingdom but the people did not listen as King Hezekiah told them. Hezekiah consults Isaiah and prays. God does provide protection and the enemy retreats.

I cannot pinpoint why I am puzzling over this king. It has something to do with how much God hates idol worship. Here King Hezekiah got rid of allllll idol worship and there was still issues with Hezekiah's life. Maybe is lies in the pride he had. Isn't pride a form of keeping an idol? Maybe I need to turn this inward - it is not about what I can get away with but how purely I can live my life but to do this with humility.

not an orphan ...

Notes from Ravi Zacharias:
With God:
1. son-ship - not an orphan!
2. worship (giving back to God what He has given us/declaring His Attributes)
3. stewardship - we are to be a caretaker of what He has given us - esp life!
~~~~~~~~
I need this as I seem to be on a quest of figuring out what I am to do with my gifts and talents especially what I am to do with the creativity that I have. Again God nudges me as I seek. Love that with Him. He doesn't teach us the answers but gives us problems to trust Him and to find the answers in Him. Darkest before dawn... {{knowing smile}}

Happy 233rd Birthday!

Not sure why the Forth of July is a favorite holiday of mine... Maybe it is because there is soooo much history here on this land. Maybe it is because men were seeking a place to have the freedom to have a relationship with the Almighty God. Maybe it is because so many were seeking a place of refuge. Maybe it is because this place is a place to for invention and creativity. Maybe it is the colors of the flag. Maybe it is because there are fireworks. May it because of Lady Liberty and the quote on her foundation. Or just maybe every time I sing the National Anthem I can actually see Francis Scott Key writing his poem in a boat offshore and looking for Old Glory.

''Come, all you who are thirsty,
come to the waters;
& you who have no money
come, buy wine & milk
without money & without cost.
Why spend money on what is not bread,
& your labor on what does not satisfy?
Listen, listen to Me, & eat what is good,
& your soul will delight in the richest of fare
Give ear & come to Me;
hear Me, that your soul may live.
I will make an Everlasting Covenant with you,
My Faithful Love promised to David.
See, I have made him a witness to the peoples,
a leader & commander of the peoples.''

Seek the Lord while He may be found;
call on Him while He is near.
Let the wicked forsake his way
& the evil man his thoughts.
Let him turn to the Lord, & He will have mercy on him,
& to our God, for he will freely pardon.
~ lsa 55:1-4, 6-7

He will be the Sure Foundation of your times,
a Rich Store of Salvation & Wisdom & Knowledge;
the Fear of the Lord is the key to this Treasure.
~ Isa 33:6

There is something about seeking ... It seems that it is a universal quest among humankind even if it is not verbal. The Almighty is a believer's Liberty that stands on the Harbor welcoming us home. He is a Refuge and this beggar and alien of God is trying to tell another beggar and alien where the Everlasting Food and Water is...

I know the good USofA is not my home and I am just passing through, but I feel a heavy burden to hold true to what our Forefathers wanted for this country. I feel ashamed that she has turned away...

my Rest

fireworks 2009

It was a chilly night considering it was July! A jacket was a must and a blanket might have been nice too. Ice cream from a near by shop was eaten by some. One treat looked especially good. The outside was a waffle cone, ice cream, and what looked liked a chocolate block! Oh, but the chilly treat would have been more delicious on a hot day not a cool evening even if fireworks where the main event!

A wonderful soft yellow sunset gave way to bruised clouds and stars. Families gathered with blankets and camping chairs to take in the towns fireworks. Fireflies occupied a moment or two of an anxious little 2 year old waiting for pretties to light up the sky. It was way after her bedtime but she hung on. The adults where anxious for blankets and light jackets as the moon shone brightly. What was unbelievable was how many pups were out! Our brood of three was home in their little dens safe from noise. Oh, how they hate them booms.

Small firework shows started to pop but then the two main events began to light up the sky with ooo's, ahhh's, and delightful squeals from little tikes. Lovers snuggled close on blankets, parents and grandparents juggled a 2 year old who wanted to share the delight of pretties rain in the sky, 'Sity, Sity, look pretties!!' One child pierced the night folly with a tortured scream but as the it came to an end, clapping gave the night lights appreciation of a country's freedom fight.

Fireworks by the Lake last night, fireworks on the tube tonight, and more fireworks looking out my bedroom window tomorrow night? mmmm, priceless! Love a good fireworks!

depending on God vs depression ...

Hmmm, it seems I do have a very important choice. When the blues or grey clouds invade my mind like now, I can fall into despair & depression or I can depend on God. Yes, I know I need to renew the mind and I do but what a battle. I still walk in the dark for a while until the sun begins to appear. Yet at times, I feel I am just glossing over and it is just right under the surface only to rear up quicker.

I could try to figure out where the feelings are coming from but that is old hat. Food, loneliness, messed up plans .. I think all selfish motives if I am going to be really honest at the end of the day. I will keep going into training the brain and rereading God's Love Letter especially the tear stained ones about His Great Love for me. I will busy my hands at creating new things and give them away. I will train myself at reaching out ... instead of decompressing...

I could get my soapbox out but I am going to put it away. However, I will keep the soap out and suds away the dirty windows... I do have a lot of nice gifts in the form of family and pups. I have some neglected gifts that I need to bring out and put in the display like old friendships ... kinda scary because Mom says it is like tennis you have to put the ball in the other court so the other can volley... I do put that ball in the other court but I am always waiting for the return... Maybe I need a new picture to understand the game because I don't get it. Then I have some talent that I have no clue what I am suppose to do with it. I have an overflow of glass unwanted and maybe my amigurumi will begin to fall into the unwanted category as well. Ok, better turn the car around ... I also have some gifts like teaching and encouragement that I am not sure what to do with ...

Well, I better go get busy instead of mopping {{lopsided smile}}

Oh, I got fireworks tonight to enjoy! Must take my patriotic music to enjoy with!!! See, I do have great blessings in my life to count and delight in... offf I go to unwrap!

world destruction ...

I looked out upon the earth and found hollywood's great interest in movies about the destruction of the world. It is peculiar as they seem aware that the world is heading into destruction but yet they still don't want to acknowledge God. It is beyond their fascination of destroying monuments that we hold dear too even if man made. The subtle messages are changing too. They use to focus on America saving the day against the 'cold' world or nations. The focus has changed to where the nations come together and work it out. When triumphant, the world is kinder and united. The faith they show people going back to was the Muslim faith. It was like they wanted to show inclusive and better they were!

The earth will pass away and it will be a melt down of fire. For the truth one must read Revelations. Yes, a tough read but a blessing just for reading it. (Rev 1:3).

God has told us what will come and has promised that the world will not be destroyed again by water (Noah & rainbows) but by fire. He has provided the BAIL OUT PLAN but if you want it you must sign your name now not when it is too late. Jesus Christ has paid your ticket in full. See His nailed pierced hands. Now is the time not later. When you find yourself in the too late days and no matter how little there is to hold on to when the world comes under His Heavy Hand, you will be in torment and yet your heart has little chance because every time you say no to God and His Son, your heart hardens more and more...

stars are falling ...

I have looked out upon the earth only to find an obsession over the body. There is an excess of ink like they can't get enough of touch. There is an excess of clothes or lack there of like they can't get enough attention. There is an excess of glossing over whether it is plastic surgery or painkillers. I have looked out upon the earth to see that the bottom line is numb out the pain because in earth's view pain is meaningless.

"Meaningless! Meaningless!"
says the Teacher.
"Utterly meaningless!
Everything is meaningless."
Ecclesiastes 1:2


I have looked out upon the earth only to find that we have not grown up. There is a response as of a teenager. Gossip and rumors flood twitter and then that becomes news. Where is the self control and restraint that grow ups should have? It is sad day to see the earth grow dark when a star falls even when the Sun is out.

'O simple ones, understand PRUDENCE, and you fools, be of an understanding heart. Listen, for I will speak of excellent things, and from the opening of my lips will come right things. ' Prov 8:5-6

Are you seeking? Is there not enough to fill you? Do you feeling worthless? Do you need attention?

Honestly, everyone feels this even if they lie to your face. Man is weak and fails you. Only God can fill you and He never fails... When stars fall, I have the Jesus Christ the Son of God who suffered pain, my pain, so I can give it all to Him to carry. He never fails. The Son never dims or goes out...

Philipians 3:18-21 For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the Cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. But our citizenship is in Heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, Who, by the Power that enables Him to bring everything under His control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like His Glorious Body

to truly touch ...

I watched City of Angels last night and no, I am not going to go off on the angels bit. However, I am going to have to go off on touch. I am probably going to do a big no no here by using an earthy movie to prove a Kingdom value. It is to put you in my shoes and hopefully see through my eyes...

I developed a considerable relationship. We talked about what moved us. What touches me deeply is words. For this other person it was touch. I felt at a disadvantage because there were many miles of dirt and ocean between us and I wasn't that into touch but was willing to learn. As time progress my heart observed that this person seemed to lack trust but I didn't know how to speak up about it. Now as I look back, this person never allowed me to touch in a non-physical way and there has to be that option open!

Maybe it is the empathy that is so deep seated with me but people are so numb. (I too have to watch my numbness and nip it when it arises). This movie is really about feeling the pain and the beauty and not to waste it by just surviving. Note the pear. Seth had to keep on living and he went into the grocery store and so intent on filling the basket with pears. He could not get enough. He wanted what was and he needed to keep feeling. It was his way of keeping in touch with Maggie who died.

For me I can't get enough of all things Australia. My ears always perk up when I here an accent. Are they pushing the 'a' and the 'r' up through the nose? There is this story of a white haired man on George St in Sydney who use to pass out tracks. Then there are the stories of Australia. This white haired man has touched so many lives that my eyes tear up because I wonder how 'my' person is doing spiritually. Then just yesterday another guy named Ken with 'Answers in Genesis' had the perfect Ozzy accent and I was so into his story of faith. Then the OutBack Steakhouse commercials! Then there are the PBS specials on Australia and I am there soaking up every detail. It is me filling up on the 'pears'. It is me touching and feeling - trying to fill up on that person.

I wept as I talked to God. I have the a blue wooden sign in my living room. It reads 'Its a Wonderful Life.' I am all about TOUCH. Our lives touch other lives but we are so blind to it. It is time to pull back the veil and see just below the surface. It is about getting inside the other's shoes. It is listening and feeling. It is not about being so caught up with just our own selves and lives. I know this person's hangs ups and frustrations. And I think these things has caused numbness and there was no way for me to touch and move this person. So that leaves out the question if this person ever thinks of me... I keep praying for a joy evasion on this person life. This is the one thing I know to touch even if I won't know on earth.

Sighs... It is my soapbox and just another thing that ostracizes me from others... the glazing in eyes as I wax on and on about depth...

If touch is your love language, how do let others touch you in a non-physical way?
If you don't allow someone in on your adventure, how can you end up in the same place?
If you don't let someone in your worse, how can you really know they love you?

What moves you? What is your love language? How can you involve another to what moves you? Shouldn't gratitude involve all your senses?

Now that is something to try -
Involve your senses (even your 6th) in gratitude. Be shaken. Be stirred. Be impassioned. I think your knees will weaken and you will find yourself kneeling before the Awesome God...

Happy 5th Birthday, llj!

I started LLJ back in 2005 after a terrible month of May where a confidant wrote a good riddance letter and I was left sorely lacking in the conversation department. This confidant gave me a place to vocalize all the words that had been trapped for so long. I am a girl even if a bit on the quiet side and girls need to get their word allotment in or they become a not so nice word. One of the things the confidant had put out there was something about doing a blog together. I had begun the research and without his two cents anymore, I begun to pour my heart out here.

LLJ allowed me to vocalize and I found myself more peaceful. LLJ lets me speak and doesn't shut me up. Typing and seeing my words form on a white space gives my brain the allowance to think. It still amazes me that I might start with a very small speck of thought and then as my fingers do the writing dance, my brain begins to form strong thoughts, questions, and confidences.

I had hoped that I my writing would find friendly ears. I had thought this would be a great way to make strong connections and find fellow deep thinkers. I had also thought this would help me gauge my writing and thinking skills but no bites. So I keep training...

I started an addition in the past six months where I couldn't get enough of the Amigurumi world. From this I have grown the blogs I read. I love to listen to other women whether it be about their life, their home, or their craft. Reading blogs, crocheting, and my day job have sorely bit into my writing time. But I am a listener at heart and I find blogs a way to 'make friends' without them ever knowing and without the rejection or I have no time for you or your single and I am married jargon! Lame, I know but it is honest. All those barriers are gone in the blog world. Rock on wall flower girl!

So here is to the 5th year of the joys of writing and listening. May the this Mysterious Adventure I call my life-walk with Jesus Christ be fuller and richer with each new day.

4th bday
blogsphere

to my dear parents,

Happy 42nd Anniversary!

When the world teaches that friendships and relationships are 'throw-away-able', you two have shown the endurance and tenacity it takes in a valuable marriage.

Often when I come home from my family time with you two, I am thanking my Heavenly Father for you both. I am blessed to have your love and help. I cherish us!

When two people fell in love, a relationship rippled out and a family began. You two have shown us the value of having a relationship with Jesus Christ through voice but most importantly through God's Design of His Love via marriage and family.

always bunches of love.
your daughter

Tattered flag ...

I love Old Glory. It is a unique flag with colors of Red, White, & Blue. My home's color scheme is based on these colors from the cobalt blue jars and bottles to creamy stars. Blue is soothing and calm with a confidence to keep at the fight of good. Red is that fight and struggle to keep prudent and not let it be a bad thing to care for the values and morals of this country. White is standing on the absolutes of God's Right Ways.

I always see the Francis Scott Key's flag as he wrote about it so long ago. His eyes beheld a tatter flag. I can't help but see that this beautiful flag has become very tattered and frayed. We no longer put our trust in God and when we do that God no longer blesses us. We cannot cry out 'God Bless America' when we no longer fight for right ways.

Life in the womb is no longer precious nor is the role of women or men. We would rather change our sex or go same sex as an act of defacing the very Creator who created us as such. Yes, the flag is tattered .... and yet we want to be blessed..

"The wise woman builds her house. but the foolish pulls it down with her hands'' Prov 14:1

I have work to do ...

American Flag Day

to keep vs to discard ...

'A season for everything' ... a time to keep and a time to discard - This has gotten me into a real think tank again. I thought I was ok with it but it is a thorn that keeps poking me. I am a keeper hence the name I keep. At the beginning of this blog I had been discarded and it provoked me. I have always been a keeper. Yes, I know I need to discard some things around the home but what really gets the anger flowing through me is when we discard people and relationships. Now don't think that I haven't done my fair share of discarding. I have discarded a relationship that was hindering my walk with God and it wasn't taken lightly. For the most part I tend to keep and there is the issue of holding my hands too tightly.

Father Abraham had to learn the season of discarding by keeping his hands open and offering up Isaac to God in a sacrifice. When Abraham was willing to do so even in much pain, his hands hand were empty so he could hold onto the God-Given promise of the son and generations that numbered the stars to follow. I have dealt with the questions of have I kept my hands open and allowed God the gift He gave me. I know I failed and I wonder if even with the gift gone, are my hands still open?

A modern day story has me wondering about how to know if it is the season to keep or to discard. A son taken by a native Brazilian mother back to her home country and then divorced her husband. She remarried and then later died. The father has been trying to get his son back home but the mother's family is holding on very tightly.

Shouldn't a father go after his son and never give up? How far does he go? Should he give up and if so when? When do you do all you can and when do you let God handle it? What does it mean to let go? Are you discarding if you let go? Or can discarding be a form of empty the hands so you have room to hold on to God's Almighty Hand?

Do not answer the questions to quickly or even at all. This is too hard to fathom. It is too huge for my heart and mind. I am left to wondering if the seasons of keep and of discard are similar in the fact that the main question to ask oneself is what will honor God? Even so, the season to keep and the season of discard is a ripping of the heart....

don't speak ... just listen...

growing faith ...

In a conversation of a friendship that needed to end the guy told the girl that he had never met someone so intent on growing. The girl took it as a compliment even if it didn't seem to be. She was growing and hoped that she could prove her growth by ending this friendship that should not be.

With my years on this earth I cannot imagine not growing. As I look at other earthlings I wonder if they feel the same way or not or if they are just contented with life as is. The boy in above story seems to be one that just takes life as is and himself as is. I find that stagnate and if there is seeking, it is a seeking after things that cannot satisfy. This would drive me crazy!

I am trying to move from strength to strength as described in Psalms 84:5-7.
"Bless is the man whose strength is in You,
whose heart is set on a pilgrimage.
As they pass through the Valley of Baca/Weeping,
they make it a spring;
the rain also covers it with pools.
They go from strength to strength..."


I was listening to Pastor Adrien Rogers this week and he spoke on growth. I took some notes:
'When you cease to grow you cease to go good.''
*faith that knows
+faith that grows
+faith that shows
=fruitful (not barren)

Add to your faith
virtue
knowledge
temperance / self control
patience
loving kindness
charity
~II Peter 1:5

'It is a precious faith. Give all diligence to grow.'