This is a Test of the Holy Spirit System...

As I reflect on my life, I have come a long way in my journey with Christ. I started out as a depressed, obese, hateful girl. Then I transformed into a pharisee-like, bible-quoting, uppity Christian. Now I would say I'm a flawed, but striving Christ-follower. And it looks like I still have a looong way to go.

Along memory lane, I can see God's hand in many situations. I can see how He's shaped and molded me. Sometimes he had to press down a little harder because I was resistant. But he molded me nonetheless. My experiences, successes, and failures make me the woman I am today. I am nicer, thinner, funnier, and wiser than I used to be. But I still have a looong way to go.

The school of the Holy Spirit: You never flunk out. You just keep taking the test until you pass.

~Joyce Meyer

I have flunked many tests. But God is gracious and merciful. He's a much nicer teacher than me. We get retakes. And re-retakes. For example, when God is teaching me patience, and I don't learn the lesson, you can bet I won't get the fastest line at Walmart. Or if He's teaching on humility and I flunk that, I won't be beating my brother on the XBox anytime soon. And the list goes on and on.

What is it that is frustrating you? Which test are you struggling in? And what is God trying to teach you through that experience? Study up on it so you can pass the test. Otherwise, He'll see you in class next week.

HP & the Half-Blood Prince

As ya'll know I'm a fan of Harry Potter. I even waited in line for the midnight showing. At last, the movie began and for two and a half hours I entered a make-believe world.

One of my fave parts of the movie is when Harry drinks Felix Felicis (a potion that gives you good luck), then he succeeds at anything he attempts. In the book it says, "It was as though the potion was illuminating a few steps of the path at a time: He could not see the final destination, ...but he knew that he was going the right way." It reminded me of the Holy Spirit. When you're guided by the Spirit, it's a lamp unto your feet. Sometimes I wish it were a high-beam headlight, but God doesn't operate like that. Why?? Because it builds faith. You trust in Him to get you through. You don't rely on your own strength. Could Harry Potter accomplish his mission on his own? Maybe. Could he accomplish it with the Felix Felicis? Heck yes! When we rely on God, depend on Him for each step, we grow closer to Him. So when the Holy Spirit prompts you, obey. You already know the ending of story, so you can boldly act with confidence.

If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31

Challenging Faith

Last night, Switch was incredible. After our group dismissed, I didn't know if it was good or bad. It was unresolved...

Our topic was about the Bible. Most of my girls aren't very familiar with it. Some of them don't even own one. We discussed how to know it's true, what if you don't get anything from reading it (comprehension probs), and how it relates to everyday life.

My girls asked me some questions that I wasn't quite sure how to answer. I know what I believe in, but at times I found it difficult to explain to them. They continued to question, so I answered some of their questions based on my opinions. For the other questions, I told them we would discuss them next week, (keep 'em in suspense, right?) or in some cases they just had to have faith.

It doesn't feel great when you have to defend yourself, your views, and your God. But in doing so, it strengthened me. It reaffirmed some of my beliefs, but also made me want to search for more solid answers to some of their questions. We'll see what happens next week.

Venting vs. Complaining

"Life's like a crap sandwich, you can eat it or starve."
- Grandpa

If you are breathing, then you are going to have troubles at some point in your life. The question is, do you know how to deal with it? Some troubles are quick, while others stick around so long you think it's a pet.

When problems come up, I have to talk about it. If I don't, I might blow up. So there are a handful of people in my life that I turn to when I need to vent. Those people love me enough to listen or give advice. Once I let my thoughts, feelings, and emotions out, I usually feel better. I consider myself a Venter.

However, this was not always the case. In the past if something negative happened to me, the world must be coming to an end. I would talk about it, and re-talk, and re-talk. Finally, people got tired of hearing the same ole thing. Then I'd lay in bed at night and think about the worst-case scenarios for my life problems. Some nights I wouldn't sleep at all. It was like I thrived on worrying. I had convinced myself, "this was just the way I am and nothing can change that." Also, if something happened it was always someone else's fault. I never took responsibility for my contribution to the problem. I am a recovering Complainer, Worrier, and Fault-finder.

So what is the difference between venting and complaining? I believe venting is airing out your frustrations to a selected person or group of persons. After you've gotten it out, you work to find a solution to the problem. Complaining is an attitude. IF you continue to talk about your troubles without working to solve them, IF you constantly think the worst of every situation, IF you never take responsibility for your actions, you might be a redneck, I mean, a complainer.

And you have to be careful because venting can easily turn into complaining if you are not intentional with your behaviors.

One of my fave bible verses is John 16:33 where Jesus says "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." Believers can have profound contentment, serenity, and peace no matter what happens because Joy does not come from outward circumstances but from inner strength. Find that strength in your Savior Jesus Christ. Press in and press on.