choices

My friend forwarded this message to me today:

We always have a choice between hope and despair, no matter the circumstances. We always have a choice between fear and faith, no matter how bleak things may look. We always have a choice to give and serve no matter how little we may have.

My pastor preached from Psalm 1 yesterday for the beginning of a sermon series through Psalms. The comparison in this chapter between the righteous and the wicked should grab our attention.

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

We have a choice to delight in the instruction of the Lord. We have a choice to let it be in our thoughts throughout the day. Will we ponder and study?

Standing in the path where sinners walk is a choice too. It could be active (purposeful and intentionally) and inactive (unwilling to change your actions). Will we sit down to relax and rest where scoffers and mockers gather?

Charles Spurgeon said, "Sinners cannot live in heaven. They would be out of their element. Sooner could a fish live upon a tree than the wicked in paradise."

For the Lord knows and is fully acquainted with the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly [those living outside God's will] shall perish (end in ruin and come to nought). verse 6, Amplified

my weekend in photos

cake, a snake, and the wedding dress

I'm afraid the snake has been speaking to [many of us]. He's been sneaking up and whispering, "God is stingy. He dangles that beautiful fruit called marriage before your eyes and won't let you have it. He refuses you the only thing you need for deep personal growth, the one thing in all the world that would solve all your problems and make you really happy." ~Elisabeth Elliott

Last weekend, I had the privilege of helping host a bridal shower for my best friend from high school. How refreshing to see a couple follow God and seek His honor and glory. There is so much rejoicing in that! I cried tears of joy and happiness as we prayed over my friend, and was beside myself with excitement when I saw her dress for the first time. She will be a beautiful bride! I eagerly soaked up all the details and planning and preparations. My heart will be full on her wedding day. I am so overwhelmed to be a part of her special day.

It makes the contrast of my own life seem even harsher. I know that God's plans for my life are different than the plans He has for others. I cannot compare myself with other people. Even though it is the complete opposite of what I had dreamed of as a little girl, I choose to believe that God's plans for me are better than my own. Whatever He has in store for me is good.

I wouldn't want what the snake has to offer anyway. I have seen that path and don't want to be anywhere near it. I have fixed my gaze and will follow Jesus "though none go with me."

It is well with my soul.

not a typical week

I decided to let myself have a vacation this week. So I only worked 8 hours a day AND I got the whole day off on Wednesday! What a deal! I only clocked 32 hours; quite a break from the 45-48 hour weeks I have been working. Then I started thinking and I realized that I have only taken 7 days off this year. Five of those days being the week I took off for the mission trip in March. That was the only week I have had off for two years. That's crazy. Next week I will be back to my usual schedule. Lots of bills and deadlines!

Ah yes, the shoes. I have been shopping for shoes to wear in my friend's wedding. I am very picky, and I didn't want really tall heels because 1) I don't want to be 6 feet tall, 2) I do want to be somewhat comfortable and 3) I don't want to trip walking down the aisle. I tried on several pairs - like the ones I posted earlier and these Coach shoes that I tried on just for fun!

But here are the ones I fell in love with...

I call them my Cinderella shoes. I feel like a princess when I wear them! :)

It's a girl thing for sure.