Chasing Satis-Fiction Instead of Satisfaction

Satisfaction can be elusive like chasing a jack rabbit through a thicket on a foggy morning. We are told we can find it in a multitude of places but where is it really found? Today I'm writing about this very topic. Read about it here: http://apastorswifesgarden.blogspot.com/2012/10/moving-from-satis-fiction-to-joy.html

My Pride and Joy?

My pride and joy.

It's an expression we've all heard and probably used.

I could tie those words around the faces of my daughters (at least on the good days).

My hubby would likely apply them to his cherry-red, studly Corvette.

This Corvette isn't his but those adorable girls sure are!

In fact the expression is appropriate for a myriad of settings - homes, offices, even church buildings. Anything we work hard for and accomplish we tend to take pride in and feel joy about.

Or do we? What do you think?

I invite you today to hop over to my church's online Bible study and think with me a bit about pride and joy... 

Celebrating You...His Dwelling Place

And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord  and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel,    remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers.”

Luke 1:46-55

How could you not fall in love with that face?

I remember that moment. It was the first moment my heart was truly swept away. I looked into her eyes and fell deeply, madly in love. I called her Hannah in honor of all the women who long for a child. I named her Hannah because I wanted to daily give her back to God. I deemed her Hannah because I knew God had favored me as He would her.

Once a squiggly little one is placed in your arms, they are forever carried in your heart. Today I want to celebrate you. You may be a single father, a childless widow or a mother of six but you should be honored.

As Mother's Day approaches let's look at Mary's words spoken at the news of her pregnancy. God has encouragement for us all through the wisdom of the one chosen to bear His son.

Glorify - "My soul glorifies the Lord." One version says magnifies the Lord. If Jesus lives in you, His presence magnifies His message and brings Him glory. Your heart is a picture of God's love made concrete. Today I celebrate your heart.

Rejoices - "My spirit rejoices in God my Savior." Your spirit is dwelling place for joy. He has removed your spirit of despair and clothed you in a garment of praise. (Isaiah 61:3) You are literally engulfed by His joy. Today I celebrate your spirit.

Humility - "For He has been mindful of the humble state of His servant." Your mind is the castle of the Lord. He sets His thoughts in yours. He births humility within. Today I celebrate your mind.


Thank you for allowing me to celebrate you this Mother's Day. 

What Lies Ahead

But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 

I press on to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Phillipians 3:13-14

Me and My Sweetie pre-run;
I'm smiling because it's PRE-run - ha!

Pre-run jitters danced in my stomach. I took a deep breath and the initial steps of my first half marathon. The course was arduous. As soon as I topped one hill, another loomed ahead. Early on I knew finishing would be a far greater challenge than I had envisioned.

Out on the road it was just me and God. I prayed. I sang in my heart. I thought about scripture. What I didn't do was look back. It does no good to look back at the ground you've covered. When you run, what matters is what lies ahead.

I did it again. I took a sharp tone with my daughter. Regret immediately followed. I prayed for God's help. I asked her forgiveness. I didn't look back but at what lies ahead.

The memory came back in a terrifying dream. I laid shaking in the bed as I inched closer to my husband. I called out to God for His peace. I didn't look back but at what lies ahead.

Too often we stay trapped in condemnation, guilt and fear because our necks are craned on ground we've already covered.

Look forward, friend. Because of Who runs with you, ahead lies peace. Ahead is joy.

Forget what is behind and press on toward what is ahead.