A Gift.

This weekend was the "warmest" weekend we've had at the beach in a while, so I was eager to hop on over to the boardwalk. Ever since my best friend Catherine and I began frequenting the boardwalk in high school, it has always been close to my heart.  We were supposed to be training for lacrosse season, but it usually evolved into power walking, laughing, crying, and of course, what high school girls do best, talking about boys.  If we were really lucky, our training would end with a Slurpee...did you know Virginia Beach has 26 7-Elevens??   

Unlike a usual stroll through the neighborhood, the boardwalk is great because you have the ocean (without getting sandy) and fabulous people watching.  There was never a dull moment!

Saturday, I attempted to jog a few miles, but let's just say it had been a while and once again, I was having some trouble.  As I slugged along, I couldn't help but feel incredibly insecure by all the stylish runners sprinting by me with the poise of a gazelle, while I continued to trudge along looking so NOT cute.

As I continued to mosey along, I was struck with how many different types of people stroll the boardwalk on a regular basis—we have professional runners, runners in the making, walkers, rollerbladers, bikers, and people with dogs, kids, or significant others...It's quite a diverse bunch out there!  But different as we may be, we're all strolling along the same boardwalk, beside the same ocean, created by the same God, in need of the same grace.

The beautiful thing about grace is, it doesn't matter how many hours a day we spend it prayer, if we've read the entire Bible forwards and backwards—we're all sinners in need of a Savior, no matter how fast we can run.

1 Peter 3:18 says, "For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God."

Jesus, in all of his perfection and glory, came and died for us, the sinners, so that we could experience a relationship with God.  Not just some of us, but all of us.  There's nothing any of us did to deserve it....

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."

Ephesians 2:8-9

Grace isn't something we earn, but it's a free gift; the unmerited favor and love of God.   For those that seem to have it all together and those who feel like they're falling apart; those running forward and those running backward—Grace is for all of us.

"Amazing Grace how sweet the sound!"

Linking Up

Happy Friday Friends!!

I haven't had much time this week to blog stalk, but here are my few favorites:

•  Lysa gives some more insight to her latest book Made to Crave @ (in)courage

• A 101 Guide to Shopping One Kings Lane (think Gilt group, but for your house) @ Nesting Place

• Bachelor Fans?  Check our Lincee's latest recap @ I Hate Green Beans

PLUS, I give you my current musical obsession, courtesy of my cool sister Abby.  If Abby likes it, it's a keeper!  (Email subscribers click here) 



What blogs have you been loving this week?

Remember.

The height of my awkward years—middle school dance with my best friend Eva

Last week, on my three day weekend, I had to succumb to a two-year plea on behalf of my mother, and clean out my closet from my childhood bedroom.  For years, I tried to put this off because I knew it was going to be a full day affair.

There I sat on the floor of my bedroom for an entire day sorting through birthday cards, teacher comment slips, letters from camp, old high school essays, and boxes upon boxes of photos.

On the plus side, I did go home with a few gems including:

• My old overalls—even though they may or may not have ever been in style, I plan to continue to wear them like a champ.  If my cool friend Mary can do it, so can I! 
• A masquerade mask—because you just never know when that might come in handy!
• My old knitting bag.  The scarf is still on the needle, I just need to finish it and give it to Megan so she can help me cast off.  
• An old magazine article from Josie on the art of the "cheek kiss". 

More than anything, even though it was a lot of work, it was fun to mull over 15 years of memories—when did I get so old?  Sometimes, it's good to take some time to remember.    

Last week in chuch, our pastor Andy was talking about a symbol of remembrance, an "Ebenezer" which literally means a "stone of help."  In 1 Samuel, we see God deliver His people from the Philistines and to remember how God helped them, Samuel "took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the LORD has helped us.”

An Ebenezer is a way to remember what God has done.  

So often, I run to God in crisis mode and beg and plead for him to put out one fire after another.  It's easier for me to run to prayer when I'm troubled or in need, rather than going to God because I long to be with Him and because I want to thank and praise Him for what He's already done.  Thanking Him isn't always enough—I always seem to want more.   

In addition to supplication, it's important to take time remember what God has done; to thank him for His faithfulness and the countless ways He has already moved.   For me, it  strengthens my faith—it encourages me to "hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." (Herbrews 10:23) Remembering encourages me to hope and expect the infinite things He is capable of doing in the future.

If you're new to the whole God thing, you might think that you can't think of anything...here's a little list to get you started:

• Before you were born, God formed you and He knew you (Psalm 139)
• In Christ you are a new creation—the old has gone and the new has come.  (2 Cor. 5:17)

If that's not worth remembering, I don't know what is!  The God who created the universe formed each one of us and through the sacrifice, of Jesus, we are new creations!

OR, just read through the Bible and see the countless times God comes to help and support His children—Noah, David and Goliath, Esther, Moses and the Red Sea—He's all about saving and delivering. 

Psalm 107 is a great one to read that reflect and recounts what God has done.

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
   his love endures forever.
 Let the redeemed of the LORD say this...

Where have you seen God lately? 

A Book and a Birthday

Confession: my blogging time has slipped away today because I've been caught up in a new book given to me by my sweet friend Megan.  And speaking of Megan, today is her birthday!! 

I love Megan for many reasons—she is an incredibly understanding, encouraging friend.  Whenever I walk into her house, even with two little babies running around, I am refreshed, encouraged, and full of peace.  She is inviting, compassionate, and incredibly thoughtful.  She's also a fabulous mom!  As the first one of my friends to venture into baby land, I was blown away by what a natural she is—she's an amazing mother—one I deeply admire and aspire to emulate one day!  So happy, happy birthday sweet Megan!

Once again, I digress...the book I can't put down is called Bittersweet: Thoughts on Change, Grace, and Learning the Hard Way by Shauna Niequist.  It's a collection of stories and memoirs that reflect both the bitter and the sweet.  I wrote about it an earlier post here. 

Bittersweet, she says, is "the idea that in all things there is both something broken and something beautiful, that there is a sliver of lightness on even the darkest of nights, a shadow of hope in every heartbreak, and that rejoicing is no less rich when it contains a splinter of sadness...sweet is nice enough, but bittersweet is beautiful, nuanced, full of depth and complexity.  Bittersweet is courageous, gutsy, and earthy."

I'm not that far along to give my full review, or even talk about how I can relate to it, but let's just say, I'm loving it.  Isn't it great when a book sweeps you away?

What book has taken you away recently? 

Waiting In The Duck Blind

Dressing the part with Abby and Cally

In honor of the last week of duck season (woohoo!), I thought I would share this post with you after my one and only hunting experience.  It was originally published in December of 2009.

I so resonate with Meg’s last two posts and I love the idea of proactive, productive, and prosperous patience. As some of you know, I only have 1 ½ more months with my current job and then it’s on to the next thing…I wish I could tell you I knew exactly what that was, but at the moment I’m left without clear direction. I’m not so much worried, because I know God has a plan, but I am slowly growing impatient. I’m ready to have everything figured out.

This past weekend, I spent two days hunting with my family. I had never been hunting before and I had no idea how much sitting around and waiting was involved. On Thanksgiving morning, we rose at 4:30 am, ate breakfast, and were out the door. For two hours we sat in the duck blinds, guns loaded, ready to go, and for two hours did not see one single bird. Did I mention how incredibly early it was?? After that we went to another spot which had a little more action, but I do mean little. In two more hours of waiting, I only shot my gun one time.

 

I may not have shot any birds, but I did learn a little bit about hunting. That morning, whenever the birds did come close, we had to sit extremely still, keep our heads down, and patiently wait for just the right time. When the timing was finally right, we made our move. As I sat, and sat, and sat, I couldn’t help but parallel my lessons from the duck blind with my growing impatient heart.

 

Be Still—when hunting, it’s imperative to stand completely still and not move for fear of making too much noise. As I’m trying to figure the next steps out, it’s so easy to grow restless and uneasy. It’s easy to forget the reality that God is here and He is in control; we need to be still and rest confidently in Him.

 

“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

Keep my head down—unlike my brother, I wasn’t equipped with the oh-so-stylish camouflage face mask, leaving me with a whiter than white complexion. If I looked up, the birds could spot my bright, white face from above and wouldn’t come near us. When we’re in a season of waiting, bowing our heads in prayer is crucial. We need to be crying out daily and asking God to lead, guide, and direct us.

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”

Jeremiah 33:3

Wait Patiently—it’s easy to grow impatient and not time things right when you’re hunting. As the birds approach, you have to wait until the caller (the guy luring the birds) gives you the go ahead to pop your head up. If you go too soon, the birds could see you and fly away. You have to be patient and trust the caller’s timing. Similarly, we need to wait patiently and trust the Lord’s timing.

 

“I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock; and gave me a firm place to stand.”

Psalm 40:1-2

“Wait for the Lord. Be strong and take heart, and wait for the Lord.”

Psalm 27:14

If you’re like me, you probably don’t like waiting. I want immediate answers and I don’t like the unknown. Rather than fretting about the future and growing impatient, take heart that we serve and love a God who has a plan. Even when we feel lost, confused, and directionless, He is able to guide us.  

Rest today in the promise of Isaiah 42:16 when the Lord assures us, “I will lead the blind by ways they have not known along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.”

Heavenly Father, thank you that you know my way. Lord, quiet my restless heart and teach me to wait patiently upon you. Today, may I rest in your promises. May this season of uncertainty draw me closer into your arms. Lord I pray the words of Psalm 143, “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.” How I praise you for your incredible love, faithfulness, and direction!

One Who Sticks

Isn't he cute??

During this time of year, I join the elite club of women across the world and become a "hunter's widow", but it's okay because I'm joining the ranks of my mom and Beth Moore, so I'm in good company.  Whenever the opportunity arises, Bernie is off to find the nearest duck blind—I'm pretty sure it's something he would do everyday if he could.

But this isn't me complaining—I actually love that he goes hunting.  I learned early on in our marriage that Bernie needs outdoor outlets where he can connect with nature and have some quality guy time.  Each time he comes home, he's alive and refreshed.

PLUS, when else would I have the chance to watch the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills marathon, without someone making me change the channel?   

This year, though, I have gained an extra companion.  Neely, our dog and hunting school dropout, has become my faithful companion.  I enjoy my alone time, but there's something nice about having a dog around so you can talk to someone, have a little dance party now and then, and another creature (aside from cockroaches and mice) in the house at night to keep me company.

What's funny about Neely though is when Bernie's away, she does not leave my side.  If I'm in bed, she's laying on the floor next to me; if I'm doing laundry or cleaning the kitchen, she sits and watches; when I'm in the bathroom, she waits by the door.  While extremely annoying at times, most of the time it's endearing.  I'm beginning to see why dogs are frequently referred to as "man's best friend". 

This weekend, I thought about how similarly, whether Bernie is away or at home, I have a constant, steadfast Companion who never leaves me.   One who is with me in the highs and lows of life, whether surrounded by people or by myself; and nothing can ever separate me from His faithful love!
 

There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Proverbs 18:24 (NIV)

 I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.  No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:38-39 (NLT)

   Never will I leave you;
   never will I forsake you.

Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)

Linking Up

Happy Friday, friends!  Here, on Long To Love, aside from aiming for five posts a week, we don't really have a set formula for how we do things.  I've been toying with the idea of making Fridays our "Linking Up" day, because let's face it, there are just too many fabulous things in the world of blogging and not enough time. 


So here are a few of my favorites lately:

The Words Escaped Me @Lysa Terkeurst

Risky...but nice @Mary Goes Round and Round

Post Christmas Decorating @Nesting Place

The Small House: Making The Most of Your Space @The Inspired Room

every detail. @Tulips & Flight Suits—my new favorite blog from fellow UVA grad Mary Yonkman.  Love.


So, tell us, what's the one blog post you can't live without this week?  Feel free to link up to your own blogs as well! 

One Thing.

One thing I have desired of the LORD,
         That will I seek:
         That I may dwell in the house of the LORD
         All the days of my life,
         To behold the beauty of the LORD,
         And to inquire in His temple...

I would have lost heart, unless I had believed
         That I would see the goodness of the LORD
         In the land of the living.
        
 Wait on the LORD;
         Be of good courage,
         And He shall strengthen your heart;
         Wait, I say, on the LORD!

Psalm 27:4, 13-14

The Secret Place

"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall 

abide under the shadow of the Almighty."

Psalm 91:1

If you've been reading for a while, you may recall that "dwell" is word deeply close my heart.  One that I aspire to, long for, and desire.  I long to dwell where I am and be content with my circumstances, whatever they may be.  Most importantly, though, I want to dwell where God is.  If He moves, I want to move.  If He stops, I want to be so in synch with Him, that I stop as well—to dwell, be, and rest with Him.

I love how the verse talks about "dwelling in the secret place".  When I first read this I thought, "Where do you find the secret place?  If there's a secret place where God is, I want to find it!"  Other translations refer to the secret place as a "shelter."


Secret place or shelter, that's what I long for.  To be with God right where He is and dwelling in His shelter.

Delve further into this little verse and you'll find that that some biblical scholars think that the original word for Almighty, Shadday, is a compound word blending sheh, meaning which or who, and day, meaning sufficient.  Put them together and what do you get??  Shadday—the all-sufficient God; One who is all His people need.  

"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall 

abide under the shadow of our All-Sufficient 

God (eternally capable of being all His people need)."

Check out the Amplified version:

"HE WHO dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand]."

 Those who dwell in the secret place remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty...LOVE!

When we seek to dwell in God's shelter, we discover a God who's shadow is so vast that it takes us in, stabilizes us, fills us up, and is all-sufficient.  What an incredible promise!  

 

Just As You Are

Miss America, 2011

Next to having my dear friend Anna Kate Prum come to visit, one of my weekend highlights had to be the Miss America pageant.  I mean, we've got sequins, clogging, ventriloquism, a choreographed dance number, AND our favorite television host, Chris Harrison, giving us up-to-the-minute details—what's not to love?

Yet behind all the glitz, spray tans, and air extensions, I would venture to say that at the end of the day, many of the girls are left feeling the way I do—a longing to be fully loved and accepted just as I am—on my good days and my not-so-good days.

Sunday, I wrote thank you notes while watching Bridget Jones and as usual, my heart stopped when Mark Darcey follows Bridget as she flees the dinner full of "smug married couples" and says, "I like you, very much. Just as you are." 

Anyone else reminded of a catchy pop song?  I wasn't sold at first, but Bruno Mars "Just The Way You Are" continues to grow on me...

When I see your face
There's not a thing that I would change
Cause you're amazing
Just the way you are

No matter what your romantic status may be, what girl wouldn't adore to hear those words from someone, "Just the way you are." 


The rewarding and freeing truth of being in a relationship with God is that He is One who loves and adores us "just the way we are." 


He is enthralled.

"The king is enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord."
Psalm 45:11

He delights. 

"He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."
Zephaniah 3:17

He sees perfection.


"All beautiful you are, my darling; there is no flaw in you."
 Song of Solomon 4:7

Today, may you rest and delight in the Truth that you are fully loved—just as you are!

A Fruitful Life

This morning my breakfast consisted of a grapefruit I picked from a tree we planted in our backyard last Spring. My husband and his dad labored to dig the hole, I fertilized and watered the tree, we protected the tree from pecking birds and a digging pup, and we watched the grapefruit grow! [and let the Miami weather work wonders].

On my birthday last August I adopted 1 Timothy 6:12 as my theme for the year:

Fight the good fight of the faith. TAKE HOLD of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

I have been praying over the command to “take hold” of eternal life and trying to figure out what it actually means. I know that once I confess Christ as my Savior my life has new meaning- not just life in heaven but living out the eternal decision here on earth as God’s heir. Yesterday as I listened to a sermon by Mark Driscoll on being fruitful it finally made sense.

It’s not about just belonging to Jesus and going to heaven.

It’s about belonging to Jesus, living a fruitful life and then going to heaven for an eternal reward. Your life counts. Your life matters. God has fruit for you to bear, He has good works for you to do, He has things for you to accomplish.

Not so that you can become a Christian but because you are.

Am I bearing the fruit that God has for me to bear? And am I bearing more and more fruit each year?

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:8-10

Let’s pray about one area to improve fruitfulness this year: relationships, work, health, finances, Bible reading, ministry, etc. Personally, I want to learn more from fruitful people. Specifically, I want to work on connecting with an experienced, fruitful woman in my church. I’ve made friends in law school and Scott and I have met other young couples at church, but I’m longing for an older mentor to sit down with in person and be able to ask questions. I have so much to learn and there is a wealth of knowledge in our community- I just need to initiate and ask for a few minutes to chat over coffee.

To bear fruit I must remain in Him and cultivate my relationship with the Holy Spirit. I want my life here on earth to leave a legacy for Christ! As I enjoy this grapefruit, I pray that the fruit in my life this year would taste as sweet to the Lord. I pray that my Father could enjoy the results of how I take hold of this life He has for me on earth.

New Year. New Journal.

"Whenever you are fed up with life, start writing: ink is the great cure for all human ills, as I have found out long ago."

-C.S. Lewis

I don't know about you, but I love a good journal.  For me journals are a way I enjoy connecting with God and pouring out my heart.  I still have a journal from seventh grade that is now one of my most prized possessions.  I love hearing from my 13 year old self.  

The other night one of my friends was going out to buy a new journal and I was totally inspired.  What a better way to kick off the new year than with a beautiful little book filled with blank pages. 

After years of searching, I believe to have found the perfect journal.  I love the cover, the size, the lines...in my eyes it can do no wrong. 

There's even a rubberband for you to mark your place...

...and a pocket in the back to put notes or cards.  It's the little things that make such a difference.

Best of all, all of this can be yours for the amazing low price of $8.99! 

Go ahead, start fresh!! 

Spiritual Snacks

How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days

Ever since my grocery store debacle, I've been thinking about proactive ways to crave and rely on God's Word rather than just stuffing my face when I'm hungry, stressed, tired, or overworked.

I keep coming back to the idea of little "spiritual snacks" throughout the day.   

(As an aside, has anyone seen How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days where Kate Hudson says, "Ben has prepared a little musical snack for his new friend Mrs. DeLauer...."  One of my favorite lines, but I digress.  Sorry if that means nothing to you.)

Back to spiritual snacks...

Nothing fancy, just a verse or two set aside to sustain you throughout the day.  A reminder, a promise, a prayer.  The great thing about the Bible is there's pretty much a verse for everything you need.  Have a problem with too many boys vying for your affection?  There's a verse for that! 

"Be merciful to me, O God, for men hotly pursue me..."

Psalm 56:1

Alas, that is not a problem I'm currently facing, but if that's you, Psalm 56:1 is a gem!

Currently, taped to my computer is 1 Peter 5:10 from the NKJV version:

"May the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you."

Isn't that the best?  I found that about a month ago and since then it has become the inhale and exhale of my day and the cry of my heart—God of ALL grace, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle me!

We can all use little nuggets of truth throughout the day.  If we want to crave God's word, we need to begin to see how it can sustain us daily.  Find a few verses and put them in places that are easy to spot—your computer, mirror, steering wheel, refrigerator—and take time  to meditate on God's truths and take them to heart. 

I don't always succeed, but I'm working on seeking out a little spiritual snack first and then going for the Twizzlers. 

"When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight."

Jeremiah 15:16

Wish List

What are my desires?

Last week we started off the year being reminded that we can never get enough of the Lord, but rather we should always want more and more. And this week Cally and Elizabeth have highlighted how only the Lord can truly know and fulfill our desires.

Recently I have been praying for clarity in what exactly God’s plan, and accordingly my desire, is. I am now halfway through law school, and I would guess that 50% of my classmates know what type of law they want to focus on upon graduating. I am not in that half. I have peace with where I am, and I am enjoying (mostly) the challenges and opportunities of law school. My husband is encouraging as we pray through different job options and ask for direction. But I still get jealous of other students who know exactly what they want to do and where and how, etc. I wish I knew exactly what to do right now!

But selfish wishing is not synonymous with desiring my Father. The Lord will open and close doors in his perfect timing. I know that as long as I seek Him first, always, then he will stir in me an undeniable passion and excitement for a specific area of law or a location or ________ (my creativity is pathetically limited in comparison with God’s providence and love). As I try to be both patient in His plan and proactive in searching for jobs, God continues to be present and move in ways I’m not aware.

In fact, I do know exactly what to do right now:

* Seek first his kingdom (Matthew 6:33)

* Rejoice always. Pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

* Taste and see that the Lord is good. (Psalm 34:8)

My desire should always be for the Lord, and he will work out the details.

Thoughts on going to the grocery store after work...

...don't do it.  Ever. 

Was the ice cream buy one, get one free?  Nope!
Wouldn't one bag of chips suffice?  Don't think so.
Are those Twizzlers already open?  You betcha! 

I went to the grocery store last night after work to pick up two simple items: eggs and scallions.  Somehow I manged to leave with a plethora of other items.  The Twizzlers were opened before I even left the store.

I have learned this lesson many times: the grocery store before dinner is ALWAYS a bad idea.  I was throwing in all kinds of things I never typically buy: frozen meals, candy, even ice cream that wasn't on sale...all of my savvy, couponing grocery tactics I pride myself on went straight out the window.

I was hungry and thought the fuller my cart would be, the fuller my stomach would be, so I threw anything and everything into my cart.  On my drive home, groceries loaded, Twizzlers in hand, I couldn't help but think, "this wasn't the "more" I've been longing for."   

One of my favorites, Lysa Terkerust, has recently written a book called Made to Crave that I'm dying to read.  In it she talks about satisfying our deepest desires with God, rather than food.  As someone who eats their feelings on a regular basis and relies on food to carry me through the day more than I should, just even hearing the title makes me long for more of God.

Yes we were made to crave, but so often, I seek after everything else.

Are Twizzlers ultimately going to satisfy the longings of my heart?  Will a huge bowl of ice cream bear my burdens?  Does a McDonalds double cheeseburger take away my fears?   As tasty as they may be, they're ultimately not the answer.

Yes, I want more.  Yes, I was made to crave.  But only One can truly fulfill and satisfy.

You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.

Psalm 145:16

Eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare.

Isaiah 55:2

Delight

By Cally Robertson


As Elizabeth's lovely and loving blogging community already knows, about a week before Christmas my boyfriend surprised me and proposed!  I am thrilled to marry him and have really felt the Lord's blessing over the past few weeks.  The one verse that has really stuck out in my mind as a "wedding verse," probably because of our former babysitter Amy Weddle Emhoff and my own mother, is Psalm 37:4.

Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

There is certainly a lot to be said about this simple verse, and I know that Marshall is an answer to many of my prayers and the prayers of my parents (his code name in my mom's cell phone was ATP, Answer to Prayer, for weeks before I knew about the engagement!).  What I find most interesting about this verse, however, is that there are two catches to how I want to interpret this.  I have definitely read this verse as "Go to church and be a good person, and you will receive whatever you desire."  Yet the verse reads "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."

The first thing we need to do is delight ourselves in the Lord.  If that is a strange concept, I encourage you to ask the Lord how to delight yourself in Him.  This is a continual process, whether you are believing and trusting the Lord for something in particular or you are thanking the Lord for an huge answer to prayer.  The second thing to understand is that sometimes we do not even know the desires of our hearts.  We need to be delighting in the Lord to even be able to comprehend what those are.  My hopes for and vision of my life is continually changing, but the Lord is constant and He knows our true desires.  He is in the business of blessing us, not depriving us.  

Linking Up

One of the great things to a New Year are the fabulous blog posts you can read to ring in 2011.  Here are some of my favorites:

One Word Prayers @ Lysa Terkeurst

2011: A Year For The Lines On His Face @ Every Bitter Thing Is Sweet

Sooo Slow @ Sophia and Olivia

I know I spent some time talking about my spiritual resolution this week, but two of my more simple ones are to:

• Eliminate the spam from my e-mail—I seriously get about 20 shopping e-mails a day.   So this week has entailed lots of unsubscribing...maybe I should add stop shopping online??

• Eat healthier.  More veggies, less starch.  With a dinner a sweet potatoes and popcorn last night, looks like I'm off to a great start!  (Thanks for the inspiration Anna Kate!)

Do you have any resolutions?  Let's hear 'em!

I Just Can't Get Enough

"The way to maintain a passion for His presence is to be in His presence often.  His presence is addictive.  The more we experience Him, the more we want."

Stormie Omartin, The Prayer That Changes Everything

Years ago, when I first began dating Bernie, I knew there was something different about him, because I always wanted to be with him.  Usually when it came to boys, I was over it after about 2-3 months, but for some reason, Bernie managed to last.  Never before had I wanted to spend so much time with one person and the more time I spent with him, the more I was drawn to him.  I even gave up watching The Bachelor to hang out with him, and that is NOT something I freely sacrifice.  If that's not real love, I don't know what is.   

Why he decided to spend the rest of his life with me, I'm still not sure, but even now, I love soaking up every minute with him.  Now, we get watch The Bachelor together...yes, Bernie is a lucky man.  

       

If we allow God the opportunity, I believe we can experience something similar.  The more time we're with Him, the more we want to be with Him.  Stormie Omartin says, "His presence is addictive."  Once we begin experiencing Him in deep and real ways, we can't get enough.  We want to be with Him even more.  The more we are with Him, the more we enjoy Him—knowing Him becomes our heart's desire.

"You will show me the path of LIFE;

         In Your presence is fullness of JOY;
         At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore."

Psalm 16:11

"God - you're my God! I can't get enough of you!"

Psalm 63:1 (The Message) 

A Bunch

Dylan's Candy Bar in NYC

"You fill my cup until it overflows."

Psalm 23:5 NLT

More....As I continue to ponder this word, there are many things that I desire more of throughout my week...more time, more sushi, more shopping, more sleep, more coffee...but at some point, if I had an abundance of any of these things, I would no longer want it.  At some point, you reach your limit.

But God...So vast and abundant is He, he can't be measured or contained, and He is never too much.  There's no maxing out when it comes to God. 

Years ago I heard Beth Moore talk about her young daughter always wanting candy.  When given the chance to have some candy, her daughter would eagerly ask, "Can I have a BUNCH of it?!?"  One piece wasn't enough.  She didn't think anything was worth having unless she could have a bunch.

At some point, a bunch of candy will make you sick, but we can always have a BUNCH of God!

This year, I don't just want a little piece, I want a BUNCH.

O God, You are my God;
         Early will I seek You;
         My soul thirsts for You;
         My flesh longs for You...

My soul follows close behind You;
         Your right hand upholds me.  

Psalm 63:1,8 (NKJV)

More.

With my Mom and Bernie in Colorado

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!  It's hard to believe how quickly time flies.  Since my last post, we Chistmassed, we New Yearsed, we were buried in over 15 inches of snow in Virginia Beach (yes, you heard that right), and we skied our hearts out (some might say "we shredded it") in Colorado. 

Technically, today is January 4th, but for me, it's my first day of the "real world" in 2011.  Vacation is always wonderful, but usually by the end of it, I'm ready to get back to my regular routine.  I'll just have to remind myself of that next Monday morning. 

So as I ease into 2011, I wanted to leave an incredible verse that I stumbled upon courtesy of Beth Moore. 

"You crown the year with Your good blessings, and You leave abundance in Your wake."

Psalm 65:11 (NET)

 Isn't that amazing?  I get excited just thinking about it.  Our God is so good and as I read this verse, I can't help but think, "Lord, I want more of you.  More of you in every sense of the word." 

I still have some praying and processing I want to do as I enter into 2011, but this morning as I woke up and settled into some time with the Lord after a very long break, my heart overflows at the possibility that this will be a year where I seek to know more of God.

Our God is full of abundance and there is SO much of Him we have yet to discover.  This year, I want more.   

"I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more ABUNDANTLY."

John 10:10