I'm not a perfect person.

I never have been.  I get frustrated, angry, vengeful, and downright hateful....because I'm not a perfect person. 

....that is all.

dv

Is it better to teach or learn?

Let's explore:  I was having a conversation today with a coworker about the importance of realizing a lack of knowledge on a subject, being humble enough to admit it, and giving up one's pride enough to phone in all the knowledge of those with more experience.  I made the comment that those who can admit, "My best is not good enough, I still need to learn more," will continue to grow and impress with their ability because they are open to new knowledge, and humble enough to admit their shortcomings. We were referring to the floral industry, but I couldn't help but think about how this applies to our relationship with Christ. 

Sometimes we as "churched people" see ourselves as experts on all things Christianity.  If someone were to have a question, comment, or concern about Christianity we usually immediately chime into the conversation with a comment of our own, an answer, or advise.  While this may be helpful in some sense we are told to "be quick to listen and slow to speak" (James 1:19).  

As I thought about being a student of Christ and what it really means, I formed a mental picture of those who are eager to learn.  They are sitting at the feet of Jesus, the ultimate teacher, with open minds and eager hearts.  They let Jesus fill their hearts with what He would fill them with: knowledge, love, and  understanding.  Then I see the category of people I too often fall into; those of us who would place ourselves between Christ and those so eager to listen.  If we as the "know-it-alls" would just sit our booties down and open our hearts up in the fashion that a baby bird opens its mouth desperately for food, we would receive many more blessings than we do when we try to fabricate and grab them for ourselves.

Teachers can only teach what knowledge they contain in their heads and hearts already.  In order to truly help others grow teachers must grow daily in the Word as well.  

We are to be hungry for the things Christ has prepared for us.  We are to be thirsty for his water of life.  We are to be open to his leading.  We are to be desperate. 

I looked up the word DESPERATE online and these are the things I came up with.  

1. Having lost all hope; despairing.

-Haven't we lost all hope without Christ?

 

2. Marked by, arising from, or showing despair: the desperate look of hunger; a desperate cry for help.

-We cry out for the help of our Savior.

3. Undertaken out of extreme urgency or as a last resort.

- Most people see Christ as the last resort, when, in fact, he is the only resort. 

4. Nearly hopeless; critical: a desperate illness; a desperate situation.

-We are in a hopeless state without Christ.

My prayer for my walk in Christ is to become more and more desperate for Him every day and live less and less on my own understanding.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path." Proverbs 3:5-6

Other scripture on the topic:

Proverbs 4:1 (Whole Chapter)
Hear, ye children the instruction of a father, and attend to know understandng.
Jeremiah 4:22 (Whole Chapter)
For my people is foolish, they have not known me; they are sottish children, and they have none understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge. 

Need a reason to smile?

Who doesn't?

We all need a reason to smile at least once a day so that we don't sink down into the doldrums of life.  Smiling boosts endorphins, self confidence, attractiveness, and energy levels.  It an help you live longer and you'll end up with "good" wrinkles in your graying years instead of frown lines, not to mention smiling lifts your facial structure making you appear younger!

Today I have many different reasons to cheese during the day, but here are a few.

I have an awesome job that I love more than any other job I have held or ever hoped to hold down.  I get to be creative every day and do something new every ten minutes!! As you may know I work for a florist in Gladstone (KC) Missouri.  If you're ever needing an arrangement, please place your needs in our capable hands.

Another reason I have to smile is my husband.  James is a light in every day.  I enjoy his company, his intelligence, the way he leads our relationship, and that he works so hard for us.  I love him more and more every day.

Finally, a reason to smile is my best friend.  He has been with me through thick and thin; held my hand when I couldn't stand on my own two feet and was there for me even when I didn't pay any attention to him.  I have not been the friend to him that I need to be, but I am working harder and harder every day to make Jesus not only a larger part of my every day life, but the most important part of my every day life.  Thank You, Jesus, for saving me from myself.

What are your reasons to smile today?  If I haven't given you enough already then try this test: Smile. Now try to think of something negative without losing the smile. It's hard. When we smile our body is sending the rest of us a message that "Life is Good!" Stay away from depression, stress and worry by smiling. Smiling is contagious, so go spread those smiley germs!!!

A little tidbit for the day...

Sometimes I'll be driving down the road and hear something that just really strikes me as thought provoking and I'm always looking to see what others think and feel about it.  Usually I post something to twitter or facebook about it but I can never say as much as I'd like because of limited space.  Here, however, I can ramble on and on about whatever I want!!!  Ha!!  I'll try not to bore you all. 

Today I just want to throw something out there about FREEDOM.  What does it mean to you? Did you ever know you might not be free? 


Think about a normal day for you.  Where do you spend the majority of your time, energy, and brain power?  Those things that take up the most time are what you are slave to. 

We are called to be a "bondservant of Christ."  James, in the book of James, titled himself as, "James the bondservant of the Lord Jesus Christ." 

Are you being a slave of Christ?  To be a slave of Christ is to be the most free you will have ever felt.  We have freedom in everything through Christ. Freedom in our lives, relationships, our walk, our feelings, and absolutely everything we do.  We have the freedom to live like no one else!!  I heard a song the other day that said something like: to be held tightly by God is to be the most free.

I am a slave of Christ, and I have the freedom to do anything.  "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phil. 4:13