Just for Me

Some quotes are "just for me." Somebody knows what I go through, or what is in my mind, and says a truth that impacts my heart and liberates my mind.

Here is one such...

Perfectionism is a dangerous state of mind in an imperfect world. The best way is to forget doubts and set about the task in hand. If you are doing your best, you will not have time to worry about failure. -Robert Silliman Hillyer.

Sunday Reflections

So many thoughts traveling through my mind. So many things God is doing in our lives. It truly is a great time to be alive. Or maybe better said... In Him, I truly find passion and excitement, and life itself.

I recently finished the book The Mansions of the Heart by Thomas Ashbrook. [I am about to finish my second book of the year almost 2 weeks early, which is a wonderful accomplishment for me!] The book Mansions has had a tremendous impact on my life and on my wife as well. We both have been deeply affected and challenged and encouraged by God speaking to us through the book.

Some of the most significant results from the book are a greater hunger to know God, an understanding about where we are at in our walk with Him, and a greater commitment to drawing close to Him... abiding in Him.

The book gave language and a map to some things that had been in my heart for years. It gave me vision for a closer walk with Jesus that I have longed for. It also gave me insight on how to get there. I am so thankful for what God is doing in our lives as a result of that book.

As I have been learning to abide in Christ, to commune with Him and not just talk at Him, I have seen some good changes in my life. Changes I didn't even ask for. Isn't it interesting that the closer I get to Him, the more He changes me to be like Him.

And, the more I see how far I have to go.

As I have drawn nearer to my Lord, my sin seems to have taken center stage as well. It's like my heart is naked before Him, and He is revealing it's depths to me.

The depths aren't so pretty. In fact, they are rather ugly.

And yet, I have hope that He is revealing the wicked things in me to heal me, and change me, and give me that new, soft heart He has promised.

As I have read my second book - the autobiography of Peter Daniels, Living on the Edge, I have been challenged in other ways as well. I desire to be a man of action and abiding. I have been dreaming and imagining the future, mulling goals... some of my favorite past times.

Only, this time around I know that in all my mulling and praying and planning, it is God who establishes my steps. The answer of the tongue is from the Lord. I plan my way, but He guides my steps, and I go where He leads. I trust His leading more than ever.

So, there is much to be thankful for. Much in my heart. Much unknown. But that's OK, when I'm getting to know Him.

What a Blessing

Like the new hat? I was given this surprise gift today from a student I teach, "for all the things you do."

Wow, talk about making my day!

That young man brought a smile to my face and really blessed me!

Of course, it's not so much about the gift, but the heart of the one who gave it. That's what made it so special.

Surprise Date

I surprised my wife with an early Valentine's Dinner date today. As we pulled in the driveway from church our sitter was waiting for us.

Perfect :)

What a great time we had!

And yes, the chicken and mushroom alfredo was fantastic!

An American Holocaust

Please take one minute to read this, for the sake of those whose cries can't be heard...

An American Holocaust - Michelle's Blog - The Duggar Family

What I'm Reading

My book for February...