Ruminations...

Some things I have been learning lately:

• Faith and presumption (reliance on self and outward morality) look so much alike that only crises can expose presumption for what it is. Presumption constantly tries to shift our reliance on Christ's righteousness to our own efforts.
• Therefore, crises become God's means of forcing us to turn away from circumstances, feelings, and our own strength--and to turn toward God.
• Growth in Christ is not rooted in moralistic will power. It is only possible as we are transplanted by faith, through the power of the Spirit, into the soil of grace. (the above three points are given by Rose Marie Miller in her book "From Fear to Freedom")
• When we are faced with trials, we find what the most logical, good (to us), moral, and even what we feel might bring the most glory to God solution is and pray for it to happen. Then when it doesn't happen we get angry, disappointed, frustrated. In the end, we believe God owes us. (adapted from the sermon given yesterday at church)

I know these are just snapshots of whats going on, but I did want you to know whats been going on in my head/heart lately. I know many of you are praying for me/us during all the craziness and sometime soon I will write a blog to share with those of you who have no idea what's going on. It's just been crazy lately, but God is in it with us. He is providing, guiding, speaking, and faithfully encouraging us where we are.

Thanks for all your comments and emails!! I can't wait to share specifically how the Lord has been faithful.