23 March 2010

A Moment Aside

In the midst of wedding planning and the cares of daily life, I was feeling dreadfully overwhelmed. I felt that I was failing at almost everything--remaining calm under pressure, staying sweet when there was too much to do or when I was tired, rembering that others are human too.



"Do you need a date night tomorrow?" asked my {very wonderful} fiance'.



So off we went the next day, to a close and quiet retreat, both of us ready to watch the sunset. Together.




Later, as I prepared for bed, feeling much more relaxed, I read of the apostle Paul, and the sunset of his life.




"His sufficiency was not in himself, but in the presence and agency of the divine Spirit that filled his soul, and brought every thought into subjection to the will of Christ. The prophet declares, 'Thou wilt keep in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee.' The heavenborn peace expressed on Paul's countenance won many a soul to the gospel..."
That's what I need. Perfect peace.


"...Paul carried with him the atmosphere of heaven..."
I'm good at making sure I have my water bottle, purse, chapstick, list of things to conquer. Do I remember to carry the atmosphere of heaven when I get in the car to drive an hour to the next town over? What about when my fiance' or other friends come over to spend the evening?
"...All who associated with him felt the influence of his union with Christ. The fact that his own life exemplified the truth he proclaimed, gave convincing power to his preaching. Here lies the power of truth. The unstudied, unconsious influence of a holy life is the most convincing sermon that can be given in favor of Christianity. Argument, even when unanswerable, may provoke only opposition; but a godly example has a power that it is impossible wholly to resist." (The Acts of the Apostles, 510-511)

The promises are for me, not just for Paul. And I claim them today, not because of anything I have or am, but because of my great need.

15 March 2010

Just a Quick Note

Life has been very busy lately, and although I've had several things I've wanted to post about, it hasn't been happening.

As of February 19, I'm an engaged woman! The wedding is coming up quickly, and my extra time has been devoted to planning and arranging. So fun!


But there's always time to refelct on God's glory. Last night for my evening worship, I was reading in Matthew 17. When I came to verses 6 and 7, the disciples with Jesus on the mount of transfiguration fell on their feet to worship Christ in His glory. He came to them, placed His hand on them, and said, "Don't be afraid."

John, one of these disciples, was privileged to see Christ again in His glory, much later on in his life when he was imprisoned on the isle of Patmos. Even though he had seen this before, he still fell on his face as if he were dead for the awe of the experience.

Can you imagine such glory?

Again, Christ put His right hand upon him, and said, "Fear not."

How thankful I am that He has glory beyond what I can fathom, as well as gentleness in leading His sheep.