Surrender or In Like Sin?

Do you ever feel like you give it your all and come up empty? Is it because you did it all in YOUR strength? Nothing is more powerful than a life committed to Christ, but here's the age old question...How do I die to myself??? Is God REALLY out there? Does He REALLY listen when I call? Does He know I'm alive???! Or is this thing called "life" a cruel experiment?

This I do know. When I don't surrender to Christ I surrender to the opinions and expectations of others, to money, to ego, pride and the worst of all...FEAR.

E. Stanley Jones said, "When I don't surrender to God, I surrender to chaos." Jones...I couldn't agree with you more. Surrender is not easy, but for me, nothing else works. I've tried it all. I'd rather give it up to God, then follow the lusts of my soul. The outcome is ALWAYS less painful. Nothing under His control can ever be out of control.

DECLARE BLESSING

357 Days to Go! And what a blessing it is!

Recently while "whining" my aunt reminded me how much I have to be thankful for. Feeling the stinging pain of a recent breakup I honestly had many days I didn't wish to see the light of day ever again. I was swimming, not only in Jack Daniels, but in massive self-pity. (truly disgusting)

My gluttony was taking me farther in sin than I ever planned to go.

HOWEVER, I see now that God was blessing me with a need. Until the pain of staying the same exceeds that of changing, we will remain the same; and my ache was becoming greater every passing hour. Finally...my need led me to God.

So...your need (pain, sting, depression, addiction, loneliness, etc.) can make you better or bitter. This may sound insane, but the things that bring us the most joy can sometimes bring us the most pain. And the true definition of insanity is doing the same things over and over and expecting different results.

So today, I encourage you to declare a blessing over yourself and others. Declare today that you are blessed with creativity, courage, talent, faith, favor and fulfillment. Declare that everything you put your hand to is going to prosper and succeed!

May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. May the Lord turn His face towards you, showing you His favor and showering you with His peace. (Numbers 6:23-26)

Vision of Victory

One year from right now I will be diving into the deep blue, embarking on one of the greatest challenges of my life. 140.6 Miles of swimming, biking and running. I have a vision of victory for my life. I ask God to take me today and make me all He's ever wanted me to be.

Do you perceive victory in every step? Are you living each day filled with faith and expectancy? God says in Jeremiah 29:11, "My plans for you are good and not evil, to give you a future and a hope." Regardless of what happened to you yesterday or twelve years ago, He wants to turn your tragedy into triumph!!! Let go!!! "Behold I am doing a new thing. Can you not perceive it?" (Isaiah 43:19)

Practice

This is my first post. Just practicing. :)