Where do you measure up?

This week has been one of reminding myself of one thing more than others: comparison is the thief of joy. I wrote about it last fall but have been reminded of it lately (and, as women, it comes up more than I think we’d care to admit).

I read a blog post this morning that touched on the subject:

Paul warns us that those who “measure themselves by themselves, and compare themselves with themselves, are not wise.” (2 Corinthians 10:12, NIV)  Comparison will always leave us feeling like we don’t measure up. We can try to do more and be more, yet it’s never enough.

If only Eve had focused on who she was and what she had as a child of God. If only we could, too.

Yet, Satan wants us to focus on our flaws and feelings of inadequacy, then exhaust our energy figuring out how to hide them. But we don’t have to go along with his schemes. Instead we can recognize his lies, refute his temptations with truth, and focus our heart and our thoughts on God’s acceptance, security and significance. Then we can thank God for His provision and His promises that remind us of who we are in Him…(click on the link to read more)

It’s a good (but hard) thing to be reminded of and sharpened in. Remembering that what I do is to glorify God, not myself or appease others. That my affirmation has to come from Him and if I look for it in other places then I’ll only end up disappointed and lacking. And that I’m covered in the blood of Christ daily and am sought after by the Creator. Man.

Quote: Henri Nouwen

“Words of love and affirmation are like bread. We need them each day, over and over. They keep us alive inside.”

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thess. 5:11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

{via}

Overcast {friday five}

1. I get to go to Secret Church, celebrate a best friend’s birthday, go to coffee, bridesmaid dress shop, and everything else in between this weekend (thanks, God, for opportunities).
2. I’m learning that I “can do anything but can’t do everything” (David Allen). This means saying ‘no’. And this is difficult for me.
3. My love for overcast days is vast. Give me a book, a dimly lit room, and some warm socks. Mmmm bliss.
4. Anxiety, fear, judgement, etc is not a part of God’s character and, thus, is not a part of mine. I need to reflect and glorify Him in everything I do.
5. This has been a week of encouragement to find who I am in the Lord. I’m thankful that God uses jagged saws to cut straight lines.

 

 

 

 

 

 

{click picture for source}

All My Fountains

If you’re a camper reading this (or anyone who knows my music taste) you know that “All My Fountains” by Chris Tomlin is one of my favorite songs. I even had a Nehi this summer ask me if “Miss Sadie, do you know any other songs?”

No. {pahaha sarcasm}

A friend posted Psalm 87:7 this morning: As they make music they will sing, “All my fountains are in you.”
He is our source. Our supply. Draw from Him.

 

Everything is distorted.

{from Relevant Magazine article by Matt Chandler: Sex, Money, and Other Good Things Gone Bad}

Everything gets distorted when elevated beyond what God created them for.

On relationships and sex:  Relationships and sex are beautiful gifts from God. He is the Author and Creator of those things, but when people elevate them beyond where they should be, they leave nothing but heartache and disappointment. Men and women will never find a significant other who completes them. A fling, a fantasy, a boyfriend or girlfriend—even a spouse—is not going to satisfy what has gone wrong in you. Only Jesus will do that. Because your heart is broken. You need a Savior, and no one person can fix it.

On respect and success: What more affirmation is needed than the cross of Jesus Christ? How silly is a man’s “Good job, buddy” compared to the fact that God—knowing you, knowing your motivations—died on the cross for you? Approval is woven into the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, not what men and women think. That’s slavery to humanity.

Just a thought. These things are fleeting—cling to the only One who isn’t.

Friday {five}

1. I get to go to Tulsa in 4 hours with some of my best girlfriends. Love the 918.
2. I’ve worn Chacos, shorts, a skirt, and t-shirts all week. PTL for this weather!
3. I realized how much I can be invested in fictional characters. Countdown ’til The Hunger Games? 48 days.
4. Have you ever heard of The Color Run? I have an ache in my bones to do this now.
5. 91 days until I graduate. WOW.

Happy Friday! Choose to find joy today. It makes all the difference.

my major reduced by Reader's Digest.

 

oh happy {february} day!

Happy first of February! It’s a beautiful, warm, (somewhat) sunshiny day here in NW Arkansas. Though I was running behind this morning, it’s proven to be a day of joy. Partly because of the vitamin D from of the sun and also because of this:

I love homemade gifts: notes, cards, anything. This was in my mailbox from my sweet friend Dana. She made me a sweet concoction of 28 verses (one for each day in February) and coffee beans (who doesn’t love that smell?!?!). It’s a daily reminder of God’s truth and is a wonderful way to start off a day. Praise the Lord for wise counsel and thoughtful friends who point you towards the Lord.

Today’s verse:
You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11

Sticks and stones

Handle them carefully, for words have more power than atom bombs. –Pearl Strachan

Remember that your words carry more weight then you often consider. Let them edify, encourage, and point towards the truth of the Lord.

And then there were two.

I take a lot of pictures. If you know anything about me, this is a ‘duh’ statement.

That being said, I decided to make a tumblr for two reasons:
a) you can’t often look at ‘tumblr things’ without having an account
b) they have picture blogs that let you have a simple, uncluttered layout.

Thus, “A Picture a Day.” Straightforward, right? Plus, it helps me to keep track of my days visually.

Hooray, social networking. I’ve succumbed to your ways.

 

the sun comes up {it’s a new day dawning}

This morning I have been filled with joy in every step I take through my house. It definitely isn’t coming from me (I could’ve slept two more hours and felt fine as wine). Thanks, God, for being bigger than my lack of sleep.

Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me, let me be singing when the evening comes.

Today I start a new step of obedience in my life. I’m volunteering at the Genesis House each Friday until I graduate. I’m a wee bit nervous (I’ve never served there before) but I’m so so so excited. I don’t put this on here to receive praise but instead to ask for prayer for this organization. I am inadequate apart from the Father and anything that I do with these wonderful people is because He has equipped me. I know the Lord is doing big things through this ministry (even though they’re secular) and I’m excited to get to be His hands and His feet here. If you read this, pray that I can live my faith out here and that we would reach these wonderful people where they’re at, not where we think they should be.

Sing like never before, o my soul, worship His holy name.

I pray that these words in italics (my obsession with 10,000 reasons) would be my heartsong today. Let me be obedient, moment-by-moment, responsive to where you have me right now and what you’d have me to do and who you want me to love.

Now to read book 17 & 18 of the Odyssey (oh, procrastination).