Tuesday, August 21, 2007

God always answers

http://therooksfamily.blogspot.com/2007/07/i-find-my-discipline-in-reading-bible.html A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a journal that really just turned into a prayer. And I wanted to followup and say as always, God heard me and answered me, as always. Sometimes it's not the answer I wanted or guessed it would - but He does always answer. Sometimes the answer is... not right now - I have something better for you.

But in this specific prayer request from a couple weeks ago, God answered me. God did refresh me and let me start over. I truly felt renewed (gradually) and I was at peace again and... happy. He freed up times during my day and made it very effident to me WHEN I can read the Bible. When I had some free time during the day, He nudged at me and said, "Randi now would be a great time to read the Word" . He helped me get back on track - even though I'm not completely where I need to be in my daily habits - He's helping me get there.

He even helped me realize that I can surrender to the battle of Lennox's dog hair everywhere (my frustration with that was a post from a couple days ago) -- it's okay. I just have to do the best I can and realize that my house won't ever be perfect. I can't give up though - doing a little bit each day is better than doing nothing. I need to remember that the way my house looks is nothing compared to what it is filled with -- love, patience, peace and fun! The rest will fall into place.

His answer to my question on finding my purpose came in the form of words from my husband Brandon in a book he was reading called "Quiet Strength" by Tony Dungy (coach and super bowl winner for the Colts). Brandon said, "well even though you may not know what exact roles God has for you in the future... I think I have an answer for your question on what your life purpose is.....

'I coach football. But the good I can do to glorify God along the way is my real purpose. I want to help people see the path to eternal life through Christ, to enjoy an abundant life now, and to fulfill their God-given purposes here.... I love coaching football and winning a Super Boal was a goal I've had for a long time. But it has never been my purpose in life. My purpose is simply to glorify God. We have to be careful that we don't let the pursit of our life's goals, no matter how important they seem, cause us to lose sight of our purpose.' - Tony Dungy"

So now I have words for what my purpose is. I KNEW this before - but I needed a reminder!! And as always my strong wise husband was there being God's arms for me that day.

Right now I have life goals, roles, talents, and spiritual gifts God has given me - and I will have more goals, roles and challenges in the future. But now I can put into words what my underlying purpose is.

To glorify God in all areas of my life and to lead others to the Creator who can give them eternal life, love, acceptance, prosperity and approval.

Thanks God for answering my prayers and pleas. Help me today to get one step closer to you and to what you want me to be. It's true... the sun always does come out tomorrow! There's always hope and with each new sunrise - you can be a better, refreshed new you again!




Sunset at the south end - our spot



Sunsrise at my in laws

Monday, August 20, 2007

Lessons from a fly


Well --- my mind really does work in mysterious ways haha.


Today there were 2 flies trapped in my house (maybe attracted to my roses? I don't know).


Anyway - they have been driving us crazy since last night and as I was making some sweet tea (yes I'm a regular 'ol southern mama now) at the sink - I just watched him on my "dream" sign gazing out the window.


In my head I had these thoughts:


"Wow, I really want him out of this house. And I bet that he really wants out of here too. Wow, I never really thought of it from the fly's perspective. But he's just so ANNOYING. He won't even just stop for a second and realize that I'm opening the door for him - he can leave. He's too busy going CRAZY probably all hysteric because he's trapped. I wonder if he wants to be like that. I don't think he's willing (or in his case able) to change.


I figure the only 2 ways I can get him out are


  1. to kill him and he might not like that or

  2. somehow change the way he acts

woah --- I had a deep moment then. I bet that is what God is thinking of us humans sometimes. Sometimes I'm shouting, God I want out of here. I need help, I want to be closer to you, I want to be absolutely FREE from this xyz (addiction, pain, guilt, low self esteem, unhappiness, depression, lack of hope) ----- but I'm not really willing to change. I want you to just magically set me free.


It doesn't work like that. God wants us to be FREE and absolutely victorious and prosperous in our life - but to get closer to Him to be free of what we are chained to, we need to surrender. We need to surrender our habits, surrender our attitudes, our way of live. We need to change. He will give us the strength and discipline we need to have -- but have we asked for it? Do we REALLY want to change, do we REALLY want drastic changes in our live.


If only that fly knew I could REALLY REALLY help him if he would just give a little. It would have saved him from being smashed shoofly on my fly swatter.


Well I hear you God --- and I love it that you love me enough to teach me through flies.