I've been listening to the book "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan on my drive home from school each week. As I listened last night, I realized something about myself. I live in a cycle of being totally consumed and fulfilled by God and then falling into seeking other things in life to fulfill me. There is a void in my heart that can only be filled by God but I can so easily fall into trying to fill it with material things, the approval of others, achievements, etc. My last cycle has been being content with my home and what I have in it but recently have found myself spending money on it that I don't have. I've wondered why my heart has went from contentment to discontentment but haven't gone much further. It hit me last night - the reason I am spending money on unneeded things is because I'm searching again to fill my void with "things" instead of God. I've decided that each time I want something unneeded and am ready to shop, I will instead spend that time with God.

I love the way that God is so faithful! I'm so thankful that His love for me never changes even when I go seeking something else to take His place.
Thank you, Lord, for your forgiveness, grace and mercy!

Living fearlessly in Christ
Christie

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. Matthew 5:13

Are you salty?

Are you passionate about your relationship with God?

Are you ready to say "yes" before God even makes the request?

Are you allowing God's light to shine through you?

It is easy to be on fire for the Lord when you first become a Christian but as the years go by and circumstances get the chance to harden your heart, do you find it more difficult to burn?

Think about your priorities today - does what you do set a godly example for others?

Do you speak and act differently than those who are not Christians?

Just some thoughts that I've been pondering and thought you may want to also.
Have a great day
Christie

Hello my friends - long time, no talk! Well, since its been so long since I've wrote something, I thought I'd add some recent pics so I could show you what I've been up to. On Monday, I had my 35th birthday and my sweet sweet friend, Kristy made me a beautiful cake! Her name is Kristy Cotter and she makes the BEST cakes ever and will be starting Cotter's cakes soon, so make sure you let me know if you are ready to be a very special customer. YUMMY!!!!
Another birthday surprise got delivered to my job on Monday. What a wonderful hubby I have!!
We also spent last weekend camping. It was so much fun and very relaxing. It was windy enough to blow us away but we were able to find ways to stay near the ground - well, except for the pics below.

Nate decided it would be good to walk in Cooper's shoes (paws) for awhile. He really enjoyed being a dog (I guess its a good thing that dog is his nickname!)

Well, that's all I have for now - hope you enjoyed the pictures.

Living fearlessly in Christ

Christie

Hello and happy Friday my bloggy friends! I have to admit that as I write today, I am in pain! Lots of physical pain! I got this great idea that since I packed on a few pounds over the winter that I could join my local Curves and get this old body back into shape. I never do things half way, so I worked out this week with fervor and passion, not thinking about how long it had been since my body had experienced exercise. I am now hobbling around like an old lady and wishing I hadn't been quite so passionate!

This week, I heard someone say "don't judge lest ye be judged," quoting from Matthew 7:1 and I began thinking about how our defenses go up when someone may get just a little to close to our favorite sin. When I think of "judging" someone, I think of the times when I really don't know the whole situation but choose to make a judgement on a person's actions or motives, anyway. It's a way that we make ourselves feel better by putting someone else down.

As Christians, we are to love each other, lift each other up, and help our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ when they have fallen. I believe it is my responsibility to lovingly keep those Christians accountable, that I have a relationship with. I am not responsible to point out the mistakes of those who are not Christians because I have to show them the love of Jesus before they will be able to see their sin. Relationship is the key to keeping others accountable. No relationship will bring out all the defenses in the other person. Now, I'm not saying that this always makes the other person happy and could not hurt the relationship but to follow the example of Christ, we are not to judge but we are to help keep others accountable for their actions and also be open and willing to be kept accountable, ourselves.

Hope I stepped on some toes today! :) (If I have to hurt, you have to hurt!)

Living fearlessly in Christ
Christie

Does you life bring glory to God?

Each choice we make, answers the question.

Living fearlessly in Christ
Christie