summer time is grand. there is so much time to enjoy life... i love doing whatever, whenever, with whoever. last night i went to an African extravaganza with my lovely friend allyson. it was so great to again be reminded about things going on in the world outside of my small little bubble of a life... and to remember that just one life can change another life. after African extravaganza i went to do a puzzle with my friend shelby rae.. i know, a puzzle on a saturday night, i am living the high life. but i wouldn't want to spend it any other way!! then we watched Notting Hill, which i LOVE. cause seriously, who doesn't love the sister in that movie... and then all the random british phrases that you don't hear everyday. i love british films. ;O) starbucks for breakfast at 11:30am... randomly turns into counseling session with shan, shelb, and shelby rae and me. can't go wrong. all of us having life issues... and all of us trying to figure out eachother's life issues. perfect. i don't know if any of us really walked away with clarity, but thats ok. i loved it any how. my dad is getting ready to go to a viking costume party.. don't ask, but he is walking around with a viking hat complete with the horns and everything on top of his head and saying, "aaarr!" i am sitting here in my two day old clothing, my hair in a hat since i haven't washed it in awhile, thinking of how i should probably start my studying for the dreaded NCLEX.... maybe later. i love how God directs my paths always. i trust Him more than anything else in this world. He is constant. and even thought i don't always understand Him and sometimes have doubts about Him, He has never let me out of the grip of His hand... how can someone so amazing love me? i don't know, but i want to live every moment of my life for Him. and i'll come to Him just as I am each day. and when you come before God, don't turn that into a theatrical production either. all these people are making a regular show out of their prayers hoping for stardom! do you think God sits in a box seat? here is what I want you to do: find a quiet, secluded place so you won't be tempted to role-play before God. just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. the focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense His grace. the world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer ignorant. they're full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. don't fall for that nonsense. this is your Father you are dealing with, and He knows better what you need. with a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply.
matthew 6 | 
