Lessons being learned (Part II)

(Written in November; not sure why it never published)

Why do we matter? What is our focus in life? It is so easy to be consumed by the enticing things of the world...but, are they truly enticing? And if so, why? I am constantly perplexed why I do some of the things I do, or why I spend money on certain things...did you know it really is possible to walk out of Target spending under $10! I'm not often successful at that, but it CAN happen! And, I did it this week...twice (oops!)

God has been challenging me lately, stretching me, to go beyond what I know - to listen to his spirit within me to wonder what am I doing with it? Where am I living out the love that is inside me? There's plenty of opportunity but what do we do with it? Am I seizing every chance I can to grow, to grow others, to just shine for Him? The girls are LOVING this cd we have which has the song "This little light of mine" on it. It is a great opportunity to explain God's love and how we can try to "shine" for Him. Every time I explain it, which is basically every time it plays, I'm challenged on how I'm shining for Him. I'm excited about the opportunities that lie ahead, and I'm stepping out in faith asking Him to give them to me! Did you know that if you ask God to give you those opportunities, He will...it's a scary thing walking through your day wondering what they are, or if I've already failed at missing one...I'm sure I do every day, but He continues giving them to me. And His grace is amazing!

So, I'm reading this book which has taken this lesson a little bit further. I love the book, and just started reading it, but am learning so much from it already. Of course I hate paraphrasing when what she writes is so perfect. Susie Larson writes "The Uncommon Woman - making an ordinary life extraordinary" and says this

When we understand that we were created for His beautiful purpose, our eyes become more focused on what matters. We become enveloped in His relentless love for us, and we get passionate about where He is taking us. We expect to encounter a few bumps along the way, but we finally believe that bumps, bruises, and deep valleys are not defining factors for us. Yes, they mark our journey and shape us into beautiful women, but they do not have the power to diminish our value

Wow...I love how she writes about His relentless love for us...yes, I want to be passionate and consumed by THAT!! Not Target! Don't get me wrong, there have been plenty of stretching moments and opportunities to shine for Christ at Target, but why not be passionate about where He is taking me and wants me to go! And why do I let so many silly things get in the way? She continues

We are nothing without Him, and everything to Him!...The uncommon woman refuses to let her mistakes and weaknesses define her because she is defined by His strengths alone.

And His strenth is absolutely sufficient. It will help us rise above anything that gets us down. Isaiah 40:31 says "but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strenth. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."