reflection

We are called to reflect God's glory. Have you ever seen a body of water that's so still and smooth, it looks like glass? I have; it's pristine, beautiful, peaceful. And it perfectly reflects the sky above it and landscape around it, like a mirror.

That's the image I've always had when I think about my life reflecting the glory of God. But the problem is that I rarely feel like a smooth, glassy lake. My life---my heart---is much more tumultuous than that.

And then I realized something: God can miraculously use even the stormy sea of my life to reflect His glory.

He's not waiting for all the conditions to be perfect, for me to be smooth and ripple-free, or for the rhythmic waves of my life to cease. Nope. In fact, He gets even more glory when I reflect Him amid the strong currents and perfect-storm waves.

That means being able to pray things like ---

"In the midst of this sorrow and grief, position me to reflect as much of Your glory as possible."

"If You can get glory from my sickness, then go ahead and do it."

"Be glorified in me right in the midst of this situation and not just in my deliverance from it."

I'm working hard to get my heart to a place where I can do that. Where I can pray it, believe it, mean it. This much I know is true: God can leverage anything for His glory if I will surrender it to Him.

four-minute friday: venti joy

Go. This is my third Four-Minute Friday for you, Hombre, but I don't even know if you're reading them. Hmph. That's ok. To you I shall keep writing.

Amy and I went to Target yesterday. Peaberry had just eaten and sacked out (I've totally picked up Amy's phrase for fallen asleep), so she was very easy to bring along. All we did was buy baby stuff, but it was great to be out and about---just us girls!

The very best part, I must admit, was that there's a Starbucks in Target.

I got a chai. I even got it supersized. It was a Venti non-fat, extra-hot chai kind of day. And they gave us these handy-dandy cup holders that clip onto the shopping cart, which made me giddy. (You know me, always gettin' excited about the little things!)

I can't wait till you're back and we can Starbucks it up together. And of course we'll have lots of lunch dates.

In the meantime, keep missing me, ok?

Done.

four minute friday: puppies and kittens

Go. Hombre, I don't really need four minutes to tell you what my heart wants to tell you. I can do it in six words:

I love you. I miss you.

Or even these six words will do:

But since this is called Four-Minute Friday, I'll fill up the remaining three minutes with sweet everythings.

My little namesake is 9 days old today; isn't that crazy? What's even crazier is realizing that you have yet to meet this sweet little girl who's moved into my heart. You will love her, I know. I've missed you a lot these past 9 days as I've been experiencing so much that I wish you were with me for. ::SIGH::

Dave keeps asking me about our futuristic dog. I shrug; I giggle; I say, "We'll see..." This much I know is true: You and I are going to have a blast with the Kitties this coming year. It'll feel like a very long breath of fresh air for our hearts.

I taught Silas to say “Are you ready?” with a British accent. Every time he says it, I can’t help but laugh. I already imagine you teaching him all sorts of crazy things.

But really, all I need you to know is that I love you...to the moon and back.

Done.

four-minute friday: groceries

Go. Niel, I'm going to dedicate my four-minute Fridays to you while you're gone. Or am I the one who's gone? Who knows...

While I'm here and you're there, I sometimes worry about whether or not you're eating well. I know you are a great cook, and the king of making yummy meals out of the random leftovers in our fridge (even if they're only yummy to you). But, still... I know it's hard work being back in the bachelor-hood.

So I was really glad you sent me a picture after you got home from the grocery store this week. I appreciate you setting my heart at ease and reassuring me that you are eating a healthy, balanced diet.

My heart rests easy today.

Done.

where you are

A few weeks ago we spent a few days with a great friend. She is a talented musician and an anointed worship leader. Over dinner one night, we talked about songwriting and she shared with us some great advice she was given years ago by Amy Grant. (I know---how amazing is that?!)

"Write from where you are."

Simply, yet so profound. I immediately started thinking about how that principle applies to writing---to all forms of communication and expression, really.

When I write from some false position of arrivedness or from the high of my former "glory days", the value of my words are diminished. But when I write with transparency and authenticity, from where I really am, my words bear genuine influence. When I can honestly see and share what's happening in my life, instead of denying it (both to myself and others), then I'm more able to grasp what God is actually trying to show and teach me.

What do you consider the most challenging part of "writing from where you are"? Where would you say you are right now?