I had such an awesome time sharing my testimony with you all…and there’s a reason that I shared it when I did, despite being asked for over a year.

I wasn’t ready until now.

For whatever reason, I felt that sharing that, without a real live face in front of me would be in essence baring my soul. I’ve never felt compelled to share the whole story, not knowing who would read it, what they would think of me, etc. Sharing it at church was okay because, well, they’re Christians. We, as Christians, LOVE to hear those stories, but there are those that don’t.

Being the type of person who doesn’t like to offend or shove Jesus down people’s throats, sharing it publically, with those that I don’t know, make me uncomfortable.

Until last Thursday when I read in three different places that I should be public with my faith and that I should share what Christ has done for me.

Always trying to be obedient (I hate that word), I did.

And let me tell you, I’ve been blessed beyond belief, proof that being obedient pays off. (Could we teach this to my children please?)

As promised, I am putting up a Mr. Linky for those of you who wish to share a story of where God met you. I encourage you to do so. If you already have something written, pull it out of the archives and link up. And I am going to make it my personal goal this week to visit each and every single one of you to see what God had done in your life. You can even use my little graphic which I made… (proof that one of my God given gifts is NOT graphic design….)

<a href="http://www.desperatelyseekingsanity.com/2008/06/02/he-meets-us-where-we-are-carnival-contest" target="_blank"><img class="alignleft" style="margin: 10px; float: left;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2406/2541951449_7b344990bc.jpg?v=0" alt="" width="180" height="119" /></a>

I’d love to tell you that this carnival is for you, for the chance to win something, and you can if you link up, however honesty requires me to tell you that this is purely selfish. I NEED to hear these stories. I need to see His promises, His goodness, and what He is doing. I need to be reminded of that.

And so, go. post. share. be blessed. And make sure you link up because on Saturday, after I’ve been around, and I’ve read, and I’ve been blessed, I’m going to pick a winner or two for a book package that I’ve put together with more inspirational words.

Thank you for letting me share my story with you…

Until next time…

Filed under Care to Share?, Faith, God Met Me | Comments (16)

The Bible clearly states that we are supposed to love our neighbors as ourselves.  And we all know that we need to replace that word neighbor with other people, not just those that live right next door.

The Bible does not say that we’re supposed to love our neighbor only when they do what we want them to.  It just doesn’t.

So why do we live in a world that is so conditional?

Know what else the Bible says?

It says that whatever you do to others, you do to Jesus.

Now stop and think about that for just a second.  Think of the last time someone hurt you and then think about them doing that to Jesus.

And when it happens to me?  Like when someone totally screws me over I just want to look at them and say, “Dude.  Do you know that you just pissed Jesus off?”

And then wonder if they would care.

Because honestly?

I don’t think they would.

And calling them out on dissing Jesus in addition to me just doesn’t make me feel better anymore.

With that, I’m off to check the mirror to see if I have a log in my eye…

Until next time…

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Sometimes, no, alot of times, I feel like I don’t do anything right.  Sometimes I am just too hard on myself and at other times it’s because of actions or words of other people.  This week?  I’ve been attacked every which way but Sunday and if I didn’t immidately turn these thoughts over to the Big Man, I’m not sure how I would be right now.

Now, don’t get me wrong.  I’ve not been Miss Susie Sunshine all week… just ask my children.  But I’ve not dwelled on it either.  I’ve simply stopped, prayed, and moved on.

But tonight, I needed a little encouragement in the Biblical nature.  I know what my friends tell me.  I know what my loved ones tell me.  But I needed to hear it from a higher source.

I needed to know that at some point in time, this was all going to settle down and life could return to normal…whatever normal is.

In the quiet of my office, with the only light that of my monitors, I began seeking out His encouragement.

It didn’t take me long… as I went to a webpage and these words were put in front of my face…

I’m pressed but not crushed persecuted not abandoned
Struck down but not destroyed
I’m blessed beyond the curse for His promise will endure
And His joy’s gonna be my strength

Though the sorrow may last for the night
His joy comes with the morning

And so now, again, I will lay them down for the joy of the Lord.

and go to bed.  Because the morning will come faster.  And bring the joy with it.  Of course, as we all know, my morning and His morning may be two entirely different times… but I’m also praying for His favor on this one…

Until next time…

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