Are You up for a Challenge?

Maybe it's because my life has felt a little stressed lately, maybe it's because I feel the need to spend more time in prayer and Bible study, or maybe it's because I read this article, but whatever the case be, I have decided to go on an internet fast. Not a very long one, just for the weekend. I am not even going to turn my computer on. I think it will be very refreshing to break away from the fast pace world of technology and enjoy the wonderful world that God has created. It will also help me to control my self will sense I really like to spend time on the internet and it's kind of an addiciton. In addition, this will also give me more time to devote to the story I am attempting to write for the 4th annual contest going on at JournEzine.




So here's the challenge.

1. Read Natalie's article, Nurturing Intimacy in a Facebook Generation (or at least the bulk of it sense it is kind of long)
2. Decide when you want to start your fast and how long it will be
3. Stick to it!
4. Write about it on your blog or leave a comment on this post to let us know how it went. Did you enjoy doing other more important things? Did you feel less stress? Are you going to do it again? Or did you hate it and constantly went through withdrawals the whole time?
   

Who knows, we may like it so much that next time we'll want to do a complete technology fast. No TV, no computer, no cell phone . . . it could be interesting!

My Life the Past Few Weeks . . .

Since it's been a long time since I've posted anything I thought I'd show my face in the blog world so that everyone doesn't forget that I exist. It's clear that my goal right now is not to keep a lot of readers because if that were my goal then I would be failing miserably! Nevertheless, I do enjoy blogging from time to time and maybe one day I will once again be a faithful writer in the Internet world.

Lately I've been reading Miss Jen's blog, Blessed Femina. Every time I visit her (Internet speaking) I drool over her beautiful creations and make good intentions to sew something as elegant as her projects. Tonight I finally put my good intentions to work and started making a weaved pot holder. Since she did such a wonderful job presenting this unique art I won't show you mine, you'll just have to go over to her blog to check it out. So far mine is turning out fairly well and I am having a lot of fun! If it turns out good I might post a picture or two for you to see.

But I haven't been spending my all my time reading blogs and sewing pot holders. In the past few weeks God has shown me how much I don't know about the Bible. It's no secret that I don't like to study, but since I have been raised in church and have been a born again believer since I was 6 I am ashamed to admit to all the things I don't know. I have come across three people, who are completely unrelated, who have inspired me to dig deeper into the Word of God so that I will have a better understanding of how God wants me to live and what he requires of me. After all, shouldn't I have a desire to know why I believe it is wrong to gamble? Shouldn't I be able to know what the Bible says about drinking? What exactly is the purpose of the church according to the sciptures? Isn't it good to be able to talk confidently of my beleifs because I have studied them out myself instead of just taking my parent's or pastor's word? These are some of the questions that have been going through my head. I could probably answer each one in a somewhat true form, but I don't know if I could back them up with scriptures without grabbing a Strongs concordance and Naves Topical Bible. I am starting to realize just how much people take on the beliefs of their denomination without studying them out to see what God says. It is as if we are all living by our denomination . . . not the Bible. But I can't judge anyone because I've done the same thing. Thankfully, it is never too late to give up old habits and start new ones . . . and today seems like a great day to start!

You are What You Think You Are

A few weeks ago mama sent me the link to an article based on the verse out of Proverbs 23, "As a man thinketh in his heart, so he is." Since that day I have went back to this post twice and have thought about it more than any other article I've read in a long time. It reminds me of the scripture my youth pastor use to quote all the time, "Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom." Proverbs 18:1. God will not force us to stay in His will, so we have to be determined to serve God. We have to make up our mind that we are going to do what is right even when it isn't easy. We have to constantly guide our heart in the right direction. We have to build that desire and consciously separate our self away from worldly things and thoughts. God doesn't change. Therefore, He will always be worthy of our praise and service.

"For I am the LORD, I change not . . ." Malachi 3:6

"For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." 1 Corinthians 6:20

Add This to Your Christmas Reading!

Over at Simply Sanctifed, Sara posted a Christmas poem that is definately worth reading. When I read the first line I thougth I had read it before, but this poem was new to me and it may be to you also. I believe the poem sums up this Christmas very well. How sad it is that Christmas in the 21 centry is so differant then it use to be. Everyone's focus and desire has been driven to everything opposite of where it should be. After reading this poem I decided that I am going to try even harder to remember the true meaning of Christmas and not let the world distract me with everything they have to offer.

Merry CHRISTMAS!

"Be of One Mind . . ."

I have been kindly awarded the "Kindred Spirit Award" by Lindsay and Sara! Thank you both! Your blogs have been an encouragement to me as well. Since you have both received this award already, I thought I would pass it on to my sister in Christ, Margaret at Margaret's blog. I receive a blessing from your blog every time I read it! Keep up the honesty!Here are the guidelines.

". . . Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you." 2 Corinthians 13:11

To Hunger and Thirst After Righteousness

I just read Sara's latest post, a very thought provoking message by Charles Spurgeon. Even though the devotion was about breaking forth into singing during hard times, my attention was drawn to another message. ". . .we must hunger and thirst after righteousness, and pant for the day of full redemption. Dear reader, this day open your heart wide, and God will fill it. Groan within yourself for higher degrees of consecration, and your Lord will grant them to you, for He is able to do exceeding abundantly above what we ask, or even think." I believe I would have to say I felt convicted. Do I really hunger and thirst after righteousness? Do I want to be filled by God more than anything else?

Spurgeon's words do not sound selfish in the very least. If I don't strongly desire to be closer and closer to God then I am selfish. Selfish because I want to do things my way, have the kind of fun I want to have, and because I don't want to take the time to stay at Jesus' feet and learn more of Him.

If only we could all truthfully pray the words that David prayed, "O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is." Psalms 63:1

A Great Read

Since I haven't been posting a lot lately . . . I thought I would share with you a great post I read over at Island Dweller. This Xanga site is by Rebekah, a missionary to Thailand. I am always encouraged when I visit her site and read about God's goodness to her and how much she desires to be closer to him. She has such a pure heart! I encourage you to read the post and others as well. Enjoy!

A Word on Modesty

Today I came upon a short, but great post on modest at Lauren's blog. Her husband brought out 5 good points about modesty that everyone should consider before they go shopping for new clothes . . . including swim wear! Please stop by and read the post. It wont take but a few minutes of your time, and it will be well worth it!

Great job Lauren and David!