belonging to the father

frequently when i leave church i feel really overwhelmed because there is so much information in one sermon and i believe when i hear a message from god’s word he wants to change me. i always pray that he’ll cement something in my mind. the message presented 4 responses to calling god father. if i call god father then i will…

1. believe because of his grace
2. submit because of his authority
3. listen because of his truth
4. belong because of his love

the belong part is what has been spinning around in my mind. the reminder that i belong to the lord has challenged the cycle of thinking that i’ve been in. If I really belong to the Lord then why do I act like an orphan? in the last several weeks i’ve had many days where i’ve not acted like someone who belongs to the father. don’t get me wrong i don’t perform or behave a certain way so that i can belong- that is one thing that i’ve been freed from. i do however have an identity if i am one of god’s children…

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the One who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light”
1 Peter 2:9 (HCSB)

how can i proclaim the praise of the one who called me if i’m living like an orphan? i belong…i didn’t earn it…it is by grace…i can’t perform to earn it…i continue by grace.

god is good

i can’t believe how good god is. when i moved i prayed that the lord would give me a group of friends that i could hang out with and that would challenge me in my faith. he is more than delivered on that promise. i’m blown away at his goodness and overwhelmed that he cares enough to provide for my every need! it is not good more me to live in isolation and having friends helps me stay in community.

some of these new friends after mamma mia

way too long

2 weeks is way to long to be away from the blog. my mind has thought about sitting down to write but somehow my body has not made it to the computer to get any of my thoughts into cyberspace. much has happened so i decided to give you a quick overview.

• spent the 4th of july and my birthday in nashville with my family
• connected with friends at my favorite pizza place
• received a new camera for my birthday
• went to my first art museum (i figure field trips don’t count)
• walked off the plane and back to work…not behind but definitely have plenty to do
• finished up my bible study on the psalms of ascent

now for the visual update….