Ever Had One of Those Days?

Okay, I LOVE this picture of Nehemiah! It just cracks me up everytime I see it. It's just so cute and so real! Any suggestions as to a title for it?

What I'm Reading

Okay, so I finally got the systematic theology book yesterday. I was in Louisville and got all inspired, and bought it. It looks a little daunting, but I hear it's not! I'm more of a reader of women's issues and I love fiction! So, it's a big step for me. Of course, Shane came home, saw it, and said, "You can keep it in my library." I respectfully told him no! It's my systematic theology book-he has plenty of his own. But, I was honored he'd want my new book for his library. Most of my books couldn't force their way in! :-)

The book is entitled, "Bible Doctrine", and it's by Wayne Grudem. It covers: The Doctrine of the word of God, The Doctrine of God, The Doctrine of Man, The Doctrine of Christ, The Doctrine of the Application of Redemption, The Doctrine of the church, The Doctrine of the Future.

Sound like light reading, eh? I know. I'll let you know how it goes! I'm excited and afraid that I won't understand it, even though it's the "systematic theology for dummies" book! :) However, luckily I am married to a walking systematic theology book, so I'm sure I won't be left in the dark on an issue I may not be able to grasp.

Look for more exciting posts on my theology journey to come..... Anyone want to join me? :)

How To Have Peace

Well, I haven't posted in awhile, kind of because I've been in a "funk." I hate to admit it, but I'm a pretty honest person. Too honest? Maybe sometimes. I suppose I've always had the opinion that once you get to know me you'll see the real me, anyways, so why not just come out with it up front! Is that wise? I dunno, but it's who I am.

I have had a bit of a whiny, jealous, depressed, "blah" couple weeks-minus a few days here and there. I've been trying to figure out why, now that I'm pretty over it...and that darn (sorry for the "Christian cussing") word keeps coming back to me-CONTENTMENT. Aagh! There it is again. It keeps attacking me when I'm not looking for it! And, one verse keeps coming to me over and over...

Isaiah 26:3 "You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You."

There is a definite progression here if we break this verse apart...I will have PERFECT peace when my mind is stayed on the Lord and when I am trusting in Him. So, when I don't have peace, what could that mean? Precisely, you smart friends of mine (all 2 of you who read my blog! )....when I don't have peace, could it mean that my mind is NOT stayed on the Lord and I am NOT trusting Him? I think so. I can probably trace all my "crises" (is that how it's spelled?) back to not trusting the Lord, and looking to something other than Him to fulfill me.

Man, after all these years of being saved, after all the times God has been faithful...why do I continue to not trust Him? Why do I look elsewhere for my fulfillment? You know, "if I owned my own home, I would be so happy?" It's true...or so I can convince myself! Why? Do I really ever own anything? Isn't it all God's, anyways? So, why do I buy into the world's thoughts? Why do I battle with discontentment and jealousies? Because my mind is not stayed upon the Lord. Oh, God, forgive me. Have mercy upon me..again!

And, He does. He's been GENTLY reminding me of this verse..over and over. His kindness leads me to repentance. He is gracious and loving, because he knows I am made of dust. You know why He chose you and I, don't you? "But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty....that NO flesh should glory in His presence." (1 Cor. 1:27-28) There's your encouragement for the day! But, no, it really is...He chose me because I was weak and foolish, so that He could get the glory. He knows who I am, He knows my heart, whether I tell you the truth of what's in it or not. But, then He gets the glory for anything good that comes out of my life.

When God has called you, He wants all of you. All these times of showing me my heart are a growing process for me. I see my heart for what it is. I know there's so much in there I hold on to.

I will have perfect peace when my mind is stayed on Him because I trust Him. God, help me to trust you. You have never proven yourself to be anything other than trustworthy. Keep my mind on you, keep my eyes fixed on you.

One more favorite verse: " Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, and revive me in Your way." Psalm 119:37....worthless things. How much time do I spend thinking of worthless things instead of keeping my eyes fixed on Jesus? Too much.

How to be content and have peace? Trust God with everything. Keep your mind stayed on Him. Simple as that! :-)