I don't know if you have been like me in that I am always broken. Broken in the sense that I feel never good enough for God's love and forgiveness. I'm always doubting my own worthiness and scratching my head wondering how on Earth could God love me or continue to see me as anything good. This article I read today on Crosswalk was pretty insightful to me so I wanted to share it with you. You can read it here.
It is a struggle I have had all my life. If you have had moments like these I hope this article helps you too.
Showing posts with label Quiet Time. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Quiet Time. Show all posts
Monday, September 29, 2008
Sunday, August 31, 2008
I Am Not The Center Of The Universe...
Uhhh.... So why do I act like I am most of the time?? The older I get it seems I am more self aware. Now that is not to say I am successful at making changes to the not-so-good stuff I am aware of about myself.
Lately, I have been reflecting quite a bit on my life these past few years. It's funny I never really believed I was self-centered or selfish. But I don't know that I ever really gave it much thought... maybe in passing. Now, I am seeing more and more just how guilty I am though. I mean, always thinking about my own little corner of the world, mostly focusing on what I need, want, etc. Not really taking part in anything that focuses on others or other needs. It really bothers me now just how much of this attitude I see in the reflection staring back at me.
During the daily grind I think we lose sight of things like this in ourselves. As a society, we're so focused on material possessions, success, personal accomplisments, our own relationships and packing in as much as we can in every second that we forget we were really created for something WAY beyond ourselves and our little pieces of the universe.
If we are Christians especially, we have a purpose and responsibility that goes so far beyond our own wants, needs and desires. We are to be becoming more like Jesus and growing in our relationship with Him. To me, a part of this purpose and responsibility means we should be looking outside our circle to what is needed in our communities and the world. No, we all can't be world or life changers but we can make small differences that to some seem like life changers.
We can sit with the little old lady in the nursing home with no family or anyone to visit. We can smile and speak to the sad or worried face in the banks, malls, check out lines and doorways that we have the opportunity to see every day. We can give to families in need. We can spend quality time with a child. We can write an encouraging word to someone, family, friend or acquaintance. So many little things we could do somehow, some way every day that would help and/or train us to take the focus off of ourselves and tune in to others.
Of course, I am saying all this to myself most of all because I have truly lost sight of it all. I still have moments I grab hold of it and make a small difference, but for me it should be foremost in daily life to truly be satisfied and content.
So, if you are stopping by today and you have any good ideas or suggestions or advice on overcoming self-centeredness or any suggestions on those little random acts that could make a difference, I would really love to hear what you think.
Thanks again for visiting and come back soon!
Lately, I have been reflecting quite a bit on my life these past few years. It's funny I never really believed I was self-centered or selfish. But I don't know that I ever really gave it much thought... maybe in passing. Now, I am seeing more and more just how guilty I am though. I mean, always thinking about my own little corner of the world, mostly focusing on what I need, want, etc. Not really taking part in anything that focuses on others or other needs. It really bothers me now just how much of this attitude I see in the reflection staring back at me.
During the daily grind I think we lose sight of things like this in ourselves. As a society, we're so focused on material possessions, success, personal accomplisments, our own relationships and packing in as much as we can in every second that we forget we were really created for something WAY beyond ourselves and our little pieces of the universe.
If we are Christians especially, we have a purpose and responsibility that goes so far beyond our own wants, needs and desires. We are to be becoming more like Jesus and growing in our relationship with Him. To me, a part of this purpose and responsibility means we should be looking outside our circle to what is needed in our communities and the world. No, we all can't be world or life changers but we can make small differences that to some seem like life changers.
We can sit with the little old lady in the nursing home with no family or anyone to visit. We can smile and speak to the sad or worried face in the banks, malls, check out lines and doorways that we have the opportunity to see every day. We can give to families in need. We can spend quality time with a child. We can write an encouraging word to someone, family, friend or acquaintance. So many little things we could do somehow, some way every day that would help and/or train us to take the focus off of ourselves and tune in to others.
Of course, I am saying all this to myself most of all because I have truly lost sight of it all. I still have moments I grab hold of it and make a small difference, but for me it should be foremost in daily life to truly be satisfied and content.
So, if you are stopping by today and you have any good ideas or suggestions or advice on overcoming self-centeredness or any suggestions on those little random acts that could make a difference, I would really love to hear what you think.
Thanks again for visiting and come back soon!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Prodigal Lessons
One of my favorite passages of scripture has always been the story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15. It touched me deeply the first time I read it and still does to this day in many, many ways. So many times in life I've felt just like the wayward son in the story. Well, it hasn't been just "feeling" but truth!!! There is such a wonderful, amazing message in the story... lessons and comfort as well. I once read a book called God of the Second Chance based on this passage of scripture and to this day is one of the very best books I've ever read.
Today, one of the articles I read was about this same scriptural story but from the perspective of parents. I am not a parent myself but I still gleaned a great deal from the article.
Whether or not you have children, take a minute to read the article if you get a chance. You can get to it from here.
Let me know what you think about the story of the Prodigal Son and/or the article! I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Thanks for stopping by! Come back soon!
Today, one of the articles I read was about this same scriptural story but from the perspective of parents. I am not a parent myself but I still gleaned a great deal from the article.
Whether or not you have children, take a minute to read the article if you get a chance. You can get to it from here.
Let me know what you think about the story of the Prodigal Son and/or the article! I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Thanks for stopping by! Come back soon!
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