"Once we clearly acknowledge the soul, we can learn to hear it's cries. - Dallas Willard, Renovation Of The Heart."

It takes courage to pursue our dreams. It takes time and patience to unearth buried treasure. But I believe with all my heart that we must do both.

11.21.2008

I'm Not

There is a saying, God is God and your not! Well, I can say I certainly have always believed that, but I have not always lived that way. Still do not, but I am learning. I have gone through most of my life living it the way I wanted, doing what I wanted when I wanted. But, if God is all loving, and he is, if he has a specific plan for me, and he does, if I want to choose what's best for me, and I do, why do I not seek after what He has for me??? The one who knows me best, and loves me most. We go through life with all these needs and desires. With all kinds of baggage from our past and present. We carry wounds in our hearts inflicted by others and just the living of life. We seek to fill the void with so many things, even good things - but not the best things. We settle for too little. I for one want all God has for me - all he planned for me. Now that is an adventure!!! But it is also scary for me. It requires giving up what I think is best, but I exchange it for something better. Still scary. But I am learning to trust!!! Something I read today, again from Ken Gire's book, "Seeing what is Sacred" (Most of us turn to Christ when we realized there was a difference between Christianity as a religion and Christianity as a relationship. Sometime after entering into that relationship with Christ, we realize something else. That there is a difference between a personal relationship with Christ and an intimate one.)
I think that this is what my new path is about. I have been a believer for many years, but just in this last year, I have begun to realize there is more. That what God offers to us is so much more that what I first thought. There can be a richness and depth to life that I never new. It is how God wanted life to be in the beginning.

Blessings to you all!


Here is a great oatmeal recipe - good for the body as well as the soul.

2 cups 1% low-fat milk (my friend uses almond milk, yum)
2 cups regular oats
1/2 cup golden raisins
2 tablespoons honey
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
6 tablespoons sliced almonds, (toasted or not)
2 tablespoons brown sugar

Bring milk to a boil over medium heat. Stir in oats; cook 5 minutes.
Remove from heat; stir in raisins and next 4 ingredients. (through cinnamon)
Serve with nuts and sugar.

Makes 4 servings

Blessings to you all!

5 comments:

Kristen said...

Well said Mary! I think we all search for something bigger than ourselves. We live our lives doing as we please because that is what we know. Life is grand and there is so much depth to it. I look forward to experiencing all of it good and bad. I keep telling myself day after day...there has GOT to be more than this. Bring it on!!! It's scary and it's hard to take steps to live that fulfilling life we all crave. Like you said...it's about trust.

Well, good luck on your journey and your new path. Sounds like you're a wonderful person with great intellect.

~Kristen

P.S. I'll have to read that book you mentioned!

Unknown said...

Mary over the years I always thought you were the most spiritual, godly women of us all...now I see so much more...the strength, the determination, the stepping up and making this desire known. Not a surprise to me your intimate relationship with God has brought you to a wonderful place in your life...I love you sis...we all have to travel our own paths...I on the same path, but way behind you..heheh!!! Not so funny is it???

The Charm House said...

Oh Mary, my dear friend, I am so glad that you are here in blogland!! What a beautiful and wonderful blog! It is so true that God has so much for us.... Every day I look for all the surprises that He has waiting for me! And He amazes me constantly and I realize there are more that I miss!
Mary, I am so glad that you and Bevie are here in blogland with me!!! I know that you will make a difference in the lives of so many.
Hugs,
Yvette
PS ~ Check out The Feathered Nest

Anonymous said...

thank you so much for this post. it's right where i'm at.

Anonymous said...

thanks for posting these! i'm glad you're journaling here.

and i love merton and lewis. i'll look for ken g.