Hidden Flaws...

My family and I thought we had the most perfect dog a family could ask for. Shed-free fur, gentle chocolate eyes, a playful attitude. Zeppelin, the black dog that arrived at our house two weeks ago, was the full package, a seemingly perfect pup. That is until this past night.

Zeppelin took to destruction during a thunderstorm, and ripped the wooden frame surrounding our garage door to pieces, leaving wooden chunks strewn across the ground.

Within us all is a set of hidden flaws, all jumping at the first chance they get to come out and show the world who we really are. I've got mine, and you've got yours. However, rather then thinking of the character flaw as a liability, maybe think of it as a gift. Each flaw is a chance to work at better improving your character, and becoming a better person.

Built to Imperfection

I am a sucker for Science television shows, the ones that show how the body works and stuff. I enjoy learning about the human body's inner-workings, and seeing the mind work, especially  in youngsters. When you think about it, God's creation is simply amazing. We are his masterpiece, fearfully and wonderfully made. We can think. We can converse in a language and feel life's deepest emotions. It seems that we are built to perfection.  However, there is one flaw in the system, that makes us imperfect in every way.

Sin. It's a disease that we are all born with, and invisible parasite, working within us every single day. It makes us feel darkness, jealousy, lust, etcetera. My point is that sin is the ONLY thing keeping us from eternal life. We are just one prayer, one acceptance speech away, from crossing over the bridge to a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Be Thou My Vision...

The Irish Poet, writer of the hymn/poem "Be Thou My Vision", obviously touched the hearts of many people. The words of the poem are used as a sort of motto for what our vision as a Christian should be...to find God in all of life's shadows.  I have the song and piano version of the song on iTunes, and yes, I am recommending it to you.  The words guide us into the unknown, and allow us to feel the safety of God envelope us as the vision of God's mercy and grace stays fresh in our minds.

Anytime, Anywhere

I think I owe this blog post to Mr. Dustin Stamper, my bible study leader, who taught my youth group about the art of prayer. Two of the verses in the reading paired with the lesson really stuck out to me and gave me a drive, in a way...something that gave me hope. 1st Thessalonians  5: 17-18...at least I think that was it. Nonetheless, these verses hide power in their words, and give us all something to think about. ~17"Pray without ceasing. 18In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."~ IN EVERYTHING, we should give praise, and prayer should be CONSTANT. Yes, that means when the traffic is held up for 45 minutes, give praise. You're breathing, are you not? When you lose your job, and all seems lost, give praise. Is there not still eternal hope in the name of Christ Jesus? Count your blessings. Pray lots.  Remember that no matter WHAT comes your way, there is power in prayer and praise. Anytime, Anywhere.

The Broken Beautiful

Over the past couple days, I have become addicted to Ellie Holcomb's "The Broken Beautiful".  It's just so amazing that God can take our scarred, bruised up selves, and forgive us, and cleanse us in his name.  As Christians, we become his paint brushes. He uses us to paint beauty in the world and to get closer to restoring his masterpiece.  I have provided the lyrics below.

I know that I don't bring a lot to the table
Just little pieces of a broken heart
There's days I wonder if You'll still be faithful
Hold me together when I fall apart?
Would You remind me now of who You are?

That Your love will never change,
that there's healing in your name
That You can take broken things,
and make them beautiful
You took my shame
And You walked out of the grave
So Your love can take broken things
and make them beautiful

I'm better off when I begin to remember
How You have met me in my deepest pain
So give me glimpses now of how You have covered
All of my heart ache, oh with all Your grace
Remind me now that You can make a way

You say that You'll turn my weeping into dancing
Remove my sadness & cover me with joy
You say your scars are the evidence of healing
That You can make the broken beautiful

You make us beautiful, oh oh
You make us beautiful

Doing the Hard Things~

No, I am not referencing the name of a popular Christian book.  This is simply a phrase I am anxiously battling and trying to live out. I want to live a life where I am unafraid to try something new, and where I can openly mention my faith to non-believers, not worried of the possible consequences. As Christians, we have to be ready for the deepest valleys, where we will be relentlessly persecuted and made fun of for our faith. I want to do the hard things, and set aside all fear when taking a plunge into evangelism. Today, do something hard. Anything...