Sunday, August 22, 2010

Being Content

Click here to listen to "I am Loved" by Above the Golden State while reading!
Sitting at Chicago O'Hare airport for only 20 minutes and I've heard over 30 conversations of complaints from people walking by. Some of them are in regards to late flights or delays, others about how they look or the shoes they are wearing, either their food is too hot or coffee too cold... but in general nothing seems good. How many times have we found ourselves in this situation of self-pity? Wishing that things were simply different? (Chasing the Cross
I hear people consistently complaining about their surroundings-i wonder if they forget they are loved by a God far grander than the circumstance they are in. We always want to be someplace else, in a different job, around different people, wishing we were single or that we were married, etc. It's at this point, that we need a truth time.
(chase the cross)
Truth: God has placed us in this exact circumstance with the exact people in the exact location that He has wanted us in.
(chase the cross)
Let's say that out loud: I, (insert your name), am exactly where I'm suppose to be.
(chase the cross)
I'll be the first to admit, that there are moments that I struggle with being content. For example, just thinking about returning back to college I start to think of where I'm going to live, classes i'm to take, what will I be involved in, who will I spend time with, should I graduate early, should I even be studying the majors I'm in....surely there is something I should be doing NOW to 'fix' these things. With my sight set so far on the future, my enjoyment for today is lost.
(chase the cross)
I must remind myself that I'm in an airport waiting for my next flight to leave---not really in any position to try to figure life out for next semester. However I am in a position to be thankful for where I'm at, thankful for this last weekend with my family, and thankful knowing that i'm loved deeply.
(chase the cross)
We should definately hold an eager expectation for what is ahead of us in life, yet contentment should always be the foundation we live from.

Recently reading in "Calm My Anxious Heart" by Linda Dillow, i found this Prescription for Contentment
  • Never allow yourself to complain about anything-not even the weather.

  • Never picture yourself in any other circumstance or someplace else.

  • Never compare your lot with another.

  • Never allow yourself to wish this or that had been otherwise.

  • Never dwell on tomorrow-remember that is God's, not ours.

Love it! Committing to make these standards of contentment, I hope that you'll join me!
Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be
content in whatever circumstances I am in. ~Phillippians 4:11

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Books: A Few Favorites

"I cannot live without books!" ~Thomas Jefferson
Recently, walking through Jefferson's book collection, on display at the Library of Congress, I began to wonder what people might think if they strolled through my book shelves. It's an ever growing collection, but I thought I might share some of my favorites!
(love)
Crazy Love by Francis Chan


My favorite book of ALL times!
One of the only books I've ever read twice.
Check it out at www.crazylovebook.com
love
love
lovelove
love love
love
love)
Humility by Andrew Murray

Jesus taught humility to be one of the most important
characteristics that we can possess. When we discover the true
estimate of ourselves, we know the true honor God deserves.

(lovelove
humility
humility
humility
humility
Desiring God by John Piper
love love
Introduces this idea of a Christian Hedonist. Knowing that
a hedonist is one devoted to the pursuit of pleasure-Piper's teaching shows that our greatest joy is found when devoting ourselves to God. Which is His greatest joy as He is glorified in our lives.
(love)
lovlove
God
Godlove
The Forgotten God by Francis Chan
love
Never before have I been made so aware of the essential
need for recognizing and seeking the Holy Spirit. Even reading
in the book of Acts this morning, i read it differently because
of perspectives addressed in this book!

love
lovelove
loveHoly Spirit
love
love
The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer

This classic book guides us to fall deeper and deeper
into a relationship with our Father and Lord.




love
love
I would love to hear any of your thoughts on these books. And I'm always looking for new suggestions. Getting ready to go and dive into a new one: The Practice of Godliness by Jerry Bridges. A good book & cup of coffee- reminder of God's love!
Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your Truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. ~Psalm 86:11