what's been on my heart and mind lately

A small group of ladies have been meeting at my house on Tuesdays to study the book Idols of the Heart, by Elyse Fitzpatrick. At first, I wasn't too excited. I felt like I already knew this stuff..."yeah, we live in America, not India, so our idols aren't as visual, they're more discreet...I understand this." Those were some of my arrogant thoughts. I was even a little surprised when some of the ladies were really impressed, and started to wonder about their spiritual depth. However, as we have progressed deeper into the book, I've found myself being drawn in and recognizing some major areas that need work. "So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!" 1 Corinthians 10:12. Ironically, one of the themes in the book is sanctification. To quote the author, "Sanctification is the slow process of change whereby God transforms our hearts back into His image and likeness...God's Spirit works graciously, progressively, and relentlessly in us so that we 'gradually advance in holiness.'" God has been using this book and other things in my life to sanctify me. He is pointing out areas of my life that I value more than I value Him. Things that I desire more than I desire Him. C.S. Lewis said, " We are far too easily pleased." He compares us to a child making mudpies in a slum because he can't imagine what is it is go on a holiday to the shore. Somehow, I decide that sleeping in a little or spending more time on facebook will bring me more satisfaction than spending time reading the Bible. Even as I write this, I know that this will still be a struggle for me. I don't like mornings...but that is the best time for me to read the Bible without interruption. Yet time and again, I hit snooze and forfeit time alone with the Creator of my heart. Time and again, I decide to sit in this very chair and read the status updates of 356 friends--some of whom I haven't seen in over a decade and might not see in the next--rather than spend time fellowshiping with the friend who laid down His life for me. As I type this I am shocked by my own foolishness. Humbled by my own stupidity and selfishness...and in my ears, Tenth Avenue North reminds me of the truth that God knows every time that I fall and still loves me perfectly. He's faithfully at work in me, even when I am faithless. Amazing. I'm so thankful. "Come break me down with Your mercy" for cute stories about little boys, check back later! :)

a new post is coming...

I've gotten a bit preoccupied with my recipe blog (www.makingfeastingfun.blogspot.com) and I've been neglecting this blog...there's not much to tell, but yet lots of random things...maybe it will be in the form of a mind dump w/ bullet points to catch you up on lots without tons of reading involved for you or writing involved for me!! I'll post some pics, too...stay tuned!! I'll post it by the end of the day...

Our conversations...

...go a little something like this sometimes: Me: We're going to go vote for the next president now. Jon: We're going in a boat? Me: No, we're going to vote--vvvvote, with a v--for the next president. Jon: Oh, presents! I like presents! Me: No, not presents, preSIDENT--that's the person who runs our country Jon: oh, so no boat and no presents? Me: No, and we're probably going to have to wait in a line. Jon: Lion? There are lions there? Me: No, not lions, LINE--like at the grocery store. Jon: oh.

Sharing...

This morning I was telling Jon that it's Bible study day and Emma was coming over to "play." (Emma's the middle school girl, who's homeschooled that comes and babysits during Bible study) He said, "oh! I love my friend Emma." Then he proceeded to ask me if he could have 1 piece of his halloween candy during Bible study and if he could give Emma 1 piece, too. After telling him that I thought that was a great idea, he asked me, "do ladies like candy, too?" (ladies, referring to the women who come to the study) I said, yes, they probably do. His response was adorable, "Mom, do you think they would each like some of my candy?" I told him that would be so very kind of him to share his candy with them. So he proceeded to put a piece at each place at the table. A few minutes later he looked in his pumkin candy basket, looked up at me and said, "my basket is getting a little empty...maybe I will put the candy back." I didn't say anything (he is three after all--sharing all that candy is a lot to ask) and a second later he said, "but if they want some they can have some out of my basket, okay?"