Full of the Spirit

I can't tell you how many times I have heard someone say with contempt, "and they're supposed to be a Christian."  This statement has always bothered me a great deal.  In fact, as I type it I can see myself crinkling up my nose, shaking my head from side to side, and using an annoying, high-pitched, sing-song tone to my voice as I speak it out loud.  After all, aren't Christians sinners too?  Why are their actions and attitudes often scrutinized by others as if they set some sort of behavioral standard?

As I dive deeper into my journey with the Lord I am better prepared to answer these questions.  Yes, Christians are sinners too and make mistakes just like everyone else.  When in relationship with God we want to hold a higher standard for ourselves.  When God's spirit fills our hearts we yearn to be used for His glory.  We pray that the fruits of His presence within us can't help but overflow into everything we do.

Ephesians 5:14 "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."

Follow Your Heart

Have you ever driven to work in the morning only to arrive at your desk unable to recall one moment of your commute?  I have to admit that most of my adult life so far has been largely lived on auto pilot.  It's as if one day I woke up and wondered, how did I get here?  I don't remember signing up for any of this.  Yet somehow I arrived at the doorstep of responsibility and entered into adulthood.

It is easy to get caught up in the flow of life, making decisions off our cuffs or forcefully plowing through each and every day.  Who do we consult when there are important choices to make in life?  Do we take time to listen to and follow what is in our heart?  Like a map, our hearts will guide us on our journey and lead us to what we hold dear. 

What do I hold dear?  Matthew 6:21 tells me, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."  My heart is open and I am listening.

What is Purpose?

Sometimes I question my purpose here. You know the age old question, What does it all mean? And by sometimes, I mean daily. It has become a problem. The problem is I never feel satisfied.

This feeling of emptiness has lead me on an inward journey to find balance. How can I bring all the different roles I play in my life together and find a sense of fulfillment there?

Today, I refuse to play the "if only" game. I accept everything in my life the way that it is, every relationship, belief, habit, responsibility and possession.