Ginger Ciminello > Growth

Patiently

February 20, 2013 by 1 Comment

I learned about the Fruit of the Spirit when I was just a kid going to Sunday school.  I’m not sure I understood what they were, but I absolutely had them memorized thanks to a catchy tune.  Here’s the verse that addresses the fruit:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23, NIV

Background info: Galatians is a letter written by Paul to a church in Galatia. In the paragraphs of chapter five, Paul is talking about having freedom through Jesus from sin and death and also how to live by the Spirit, rather than by the flesh… meaning my own selfish desires. He lists all sorts of behavior associated with living by the flesh, and it’s not a pretty picture: hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions… the list goes on and on and doesn’t get any better.

But… (there’s a but) Paul then says that the fruit that comes from the Spirit are these 9 great characteristics.  These are the FRUIT of the Spirit.  So how does one grow a specific trait… say patience?

 basil

Patience is one of nine traits listed in the Fruit of the Spirit. Plant yourself, connect yourself, abide with Jesus and the Bible says that the fruit produced will be these nine eye-catching things. (Don’t you notice when someone oozes kindness or patience?)

But what happens if you feel like one or some of these fruits aren’t defining character traits for you? Is this yet another time to throw up your hands and shift the blame elsewhere?

I don’t think so.

We were born with personality traits  I’m fairly outgoing but my husband tends to be more of an introvert. He can speak to a whole room of people if needed, but he won’t enjoy it as much as I will. The Fruit of the Spirit described in Galatians 5:22-23 aren’t personality traits. They are different aspects of godly character- and character is something that can be developed and grown. I don’t get to blame impatience on my personality, even though I certainly might like to!

You see, usually impatience comes because I have unmet expectations. (We’ve talked about these before!)  We had a plan for the day and it didn’t involve the printer jamming, our friend making us late, or the driver in front of us going 15 under the speed limit. It’s all about control and it is all about ME. Notice that none of the Fruit of the Spirit have to do with self-promotion. That’s just it… it’s not about ME.

Step #1 to cultivating fruit: Recognize that it’s not about me because it’s all about Him.

Check out 2nd Corinthians 5:17: “If anyone belongs to Christ, there is a new creation. The old things have gone; everything is made new!”

This passage talks about a definite change in our lives. When we recognize that we can’t hold it together, that we’ve made mistakes (yes, sinned), and that we need a rescuer… that’s when Jesus steps in to make us new. Notice it doesn’t say that we receive perfection in that moment. You and I are a work in progress for our entire lives.  Remember that God is FOR us. He’s not waiting for us to mess up, He is coming along-side us right where we are!

I recognize that sometimes impatience isn’t associated with irritability. Sometimes our impatience looks more like anxiety and worry. That’s still a problem because it’s basically saying that we distrust God and what He has for us.  God is head over heels crazy about us and (thankfully) He is in control. His timing is for His people.

Step #2 to cultivating fruit: Strengthen your muscles.

While there is no growth or change happening without the Lord, gaining strength in this area requires exercise.  I take the time to strengthen my arms with weights, and my spiritual life isn’t any different. I have to daily notate where I am living selfishly and not producing good fruit. Thankfully God seems to be totally aware of my blind spots and seems more than happy to keep giving me situations in which to recognize the lacking fruit. “I have the slow cashier again?!” Maybe that’s an opportunity to meet the cashier and show kindness… and in doing so you utilize vast amounts of patient strength you didn’t know you had! Growth is going to take some strength training, so don’t get frustrated if you feel like a lightweight when it comes to patience. The time devoted will pay off.

Cultivating good fruit in our lives is a process that will take a lifetime.  I will not arrive at a point where I am never impatient, but perhaps one day I will be thought of as a patient woman.

Oh would that day come sooner! ;)

Following,
Ginger

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Dear Ginger: Apathy

January 23, 2013 by 4 Comments

dear ginger

Hi Ginger. Lately I have been struggling with the sin of apathy in my Christian life. It has become so bad that it has started to affect my prayer life and reading of the scriptures drastically. I feel like I have tried so hard for so long to climb out of this rut, and I simply don’t feel that I have any more strength left in me. I recognize that this is a problem, but I just don’t know how to deal with it anymore. I yearn for the passion and zeal that I used to have for the Lord and I want to get back to that place so badly, I just don’t know how. Please help me!

Sincerely,
Fallen and I can’t get up

Dear Fallen…

As I read your question, I thought to myself: From one “Fallen to another “Fallen.” That’s the truth of it. If only we stayed up for the whole journey, right? But this tug and give seems to be part of the human experience, even in the life of faith.

My first hope is that you aren’t living under the yolk of a “try-hard life.” Obviously God desires us to be walking toward Him, leaning forward, drawing near on a daily basis… but at times in my life I let the guilt of my own stagnation actually push me FURTHER from Him

Imagine you and I meet up for coffee regularly. We have a 4:00pm date each and every Monday. And say I missed one Monday, just totally forgot about it. You would expect me to be apologetic. I might buy your coffee the next time and beg profusely for your forgiveness. Not that ridiculous… but imagine if I did that EVERY time we met up for the following year. You couldn’t get a word in edge wise for the first half hour of every meeting because I was talking about the guilt I feel. Guilt has a way of keeping us from an intimate relationship. Because the truth of it is, you would likely grow tired of the routine and might eventually lament, “Would you please stop apologizing? I just want to spend time with you!” 

I recently pulled out my prayer journals from high school and college and discovered a common theme at the start of every entry. I expressed so much guilt. All. the. time. 95% of my interaction with the Lord was just me apologizing. I wonder now if God ever wanted me to just enjoy my time with Him – to let Him speak to my heart and encourage me in my walk… even if it wasn’t perfect. Confession to the Lord is a beautiful thing, but I was living in the land of self-condemnation… and I just want to make sure you aren’t camped out there as well.

scene

For MANY years I spent most of my prayer time asking for forgiveness for not being focused or passionate. I began to feel burnt out and unsure of how to initiate the growth I desired. I know that I fall into thought patterns where I assume that I’m the only one who struggles. I’ve been a believer for as long as I can remember. I have lived in church all my life.  And yet, I sometimes worry that I’m the only one who’s thinking: “I don’t know how to do this… pray, fast, be spiritual, choose which way to go.  I should be better than this!”

And then I read a book that spoke right to the heart of my struggle: Messy Spirituality by Mike Yaconelli.

“Spirituality is anything but a straight line, it is a mixed-up, topsy-turvy, helter-skelter godliness that turns our lives into an upside-down toboggan ride full of unexpected turns, surprise bumps, and bone-shattering crashes.  In other words, messy spirituality is the delirious consequence of a life ruined by a Jesus who will love us right into his arms.” -Michael Yaconelli, Messy Spirituality

Amen to that.  I feel like I’m in a life-long journey of admitting my mess. I spent a large portion of my life being terrified that someone would figure out just how much of a mess I was. But the first step is admittance.

Hi, my name is Ginger and I am a spiritual mess. My time in the word is sometimes sporadic, my prayers distracted, and my heart selfish.

But thank God for grace that covers my fears… and mess. Thank God for grace that covers us both!

Now that we’ve covered that side of things, I wanted to tackle the rest of the question. How do we fan the flame in our relationship with the Lord?

Some ideas for you – as it seems like you already have some sort of a routine in place: 

  • Change up your routine from time to time.  (Sometimes I read from a different translation or at a different time in the day. Sometimes I read a book, and sometimes I take a walk outside while listening to a podcast. Watch the checklist – this is a relationship!)
  • Remember that walking is still moving! Just keep moving forward.  (Some days I can read a whole book of the Bible in one sitting and other days I only make it through a verse or two.)
  •  Don’t beat yourself up if you miss a day or if you’re just off your game. Pick it back up tomorrow.  (Don’t let guilt keep you away from a gift!)
  • Find exciting new ways to pray. Try writing out your prayers, doodling and drawing, praying with someone else, making a prayer box… write your requests on slips of paper and then draw 1-2 a day to specifically pray for. When they are answered, post them somewhere visible.
  • Volunteer/serve/encourage someone else! Write out Bible verses and send encouraging notes to friends and family who might need a pick me up. Maybe even try it anonymously. Joy comes from blessing and encouraging others, rather than focusing on our own needs. When life is “all about me” it leaves little room for the joy that emerges through loving people.

Remember, if a relationship is worth growing, it’s worth pursuing even on our lamest of days. Your efforts will be rewarded!

“But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” 2 Chronicles 15:7, NIV

I love this reminder from Grace for the Good Girl by Emily P. Freeman:

“Emotions don’t have a brain. They are reactors. They may respond to truth, but they may also respond to lies with the same passion and conviction, sometimes more so. You must decide if you will trust the feeling or if you will trust the truth.”  

It’s important to remember that your spiritual journey is a marathon, not a sprint. You will get tired, just like a runner. That’s why you need the nourishment of God’s Word, the encouragement of fellowship, and the care for your temple to see you through the tough days of training! Hang in there. Keep talking to God.  He is FOR you, and not against you!

Remember that He’s not holding out on you, waiting for you to get it together.

Remember that He sees you and He hears you. 

Remember that His promises are precious and great.

Remember that He loves you and He has given you everything that you need to live a great story and grow in His love and Word. Hang in there.

When your strength runs out – that’s when He goes to work! “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV)

Praying for freedom from guilt and the passion you so desire.

Following,
Ginger

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Starting Somewhere

July 3, 2012 by 1 Comment

With temperatures hitting near 110 all summer in Phoenix, I’ve spent most of my exercise time indoors and enjoying the ac at our local recreation center. The plan is to possibly run a 10k in September and then a half marathon in November or January. Because of those goals I’ve had to start seriously training again. And just like the last race, training for this next round started with mile number one. So more miles to run = more time on the treadmill. While music helps me for the first few miles, eventually I turn on the TV and start hunting for something that will keep my mind off how long I still have to run! Since I run mid-afternoon the programming is less than desirable. I keep getting sucked into viewing shows I ordinarily wouldn’t watch; much less admit to you now. (Darn you Bravo and those housewives of all kinds.) It’s easy to fall into patterns of behavior with entertainment, food, gossip, language – you name it. The more I’m around something the more I’m prone to just go with the flow.

This weekend in church we were challenged by a great guest speaker (Marty Caldwell) to look at Romans 12:1-2 in a translation I’m not familiar with- the J.B. Phillips New Testament. Check out why it’s made such an impact on my heart:

“With eyes wide open to the mercies of God, I beg you, my brothers, as an act of intelligent worship, to give him your bodies, as a living sacrifice, consecrated to him and acceptable by him. Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould, but let God re-mould your minds from within, so that you may prove in practice that the plan of God for you is good, meets all his demands and moves towards the goal of true maturity.” (Romans 12:1-2, JBP NT)

I love that picture of God re-molding me from within. You are probably more familiar with the NIV version of this verse that says, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

The reason I like the J.B. Phillips version so much is because I think it gives me a more literal picture of what it looks like to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” I understand the concept of transformation… it’s like the caterpillar to the butterfly… but how do I actually accomplish that? “Let God re-mould your minds from within…” It’s Him. It’s God’s work.

So does that mean there’s nothing I can do to work out this transformation? Paul also writes this in his letter to the Philippians… “So then, my dearest friends, as you have always followed my advice—and that not only when I was present to give it—so now that I am far away be keener than ever to work out the salvation that God has given you with a proper sense of awe and responsibility. For it is God who is at work within you, giving you the will and the power to achieve his purpose.” (Philippians 2:12, JBP NT)

Our speaker challenged us to consider the evidence of transformation in someone’s life. He suggested that the first bit of evidence would likely be seen through an attitude of gratitude. Think about it- it’s totally counter-cultural. Everything about our culture tells us we will be happy if… we get the right stuff, have enough house, take the big vacations, have the best body… and on and on.

Thankfulness should be our daily rhythm because it’s the truth. We have SO much to be thankful for. Paul’s challenge in Romans 12 is to NOT let ourselves simply be influenced by the world, but to reprogram our thoughts and desires – to ask God to open our eyes so we can see and live as thankful people. Gratitude is like a muscle… we’ve got to work it out.

So while I LOVE combing Pinterest to find projects and things to beautify my house, maybe I need to start walking through my own house and pin post-its of thanks for the blessings I DO have. The growth could start by simply thanking the baggers at the grocery store. Or maybe it looks like voicing my thanks to the Lord in the morning and listing out my thanks in a journal before I go to sleep. Who knows? A workout has to start somewhere…

What are you thankful for today?

Following,
Ginger

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Roots by the Stream

April 9, 2012 by Leave a Comment

“Blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him.  They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. 
It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. 
It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8, NIV

con·fi·dence

noun

1.full trust; belief in the powers, trustworthiness, or reliabilityof a person or thing: We have every confidence in their ability tosucceed.
2. belief in oneself and one’s powers or abilities; self-confidence; self-reliance; assurance: His lack of confidencedefeated him.
3. certitude; assurance: He described the situation with suchconfidence that the audience believed him completely.

Root

noun

1. a part of the body of a plant that develops, typically, from the radicle and grows downward into the soil, anchoring the plant and absorbing nutriment and moisture.

It’s time to check our roots.

Following,

Ginger

 

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Graven

February 15, 2012 by 2 Comments

I’ve had  ”Before the Throne of God Above” stuck in my head for almost a week.  (Believe me, I know there are far worse songs to have stuck in your head.)  In case you aren’t familiar with it, LISTEN to any one of these recordings.

This hymn reminds me of my own faulty struggle with self-righteousness. I’ve battled being good enough for most of my life. I let comparison (judging my behavior as better or worse than others) and my own attempt at being “right” keep me from experiencing God’s grace in the ways that I should. God has been using studies, sermons, and everything in between to show me the hypocrisy and judgment that keep me from genuine repentance.

In simpler terms: When I attempt “being good enough” to earn God’s love, I end up acting like I don’t need His love at all.

This hymn reminds me that if I really believed that God’s love was enough I would be quick to say I’m sorry (to God and to everyone around me), I would live humbly, and I would have no need to seek my own righteousness. If only I could remember how He showed His love, with my name graven on His hands.

Before the throne of God above
I have a strong, a perfect plea:
A great High Priest, whose name is Love,
Who ever lives and pleads for me.

My name is graven on his hands,
My name is written on his heart;
I know that while in heaven he stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart
No tongue can bid me thence depart.

When Satan tempts me to despair,
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look, and see him there
Who made an end of all my sin.

Because a sinless Savior died,
My sinful soul is counted free;
For God, the Just, is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me
To look on Him and pardon me

Behold him there, the risen Lamb
My perfect, spotless righteousness,
The great unchangeable I am,
The King of glory and of grace!

One in himself, I cannot die
My soul is purchased by his blood
My life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ, my Savior and my God
With Christ, my Savior and my God
-Charitie Lees Smith

Even now as I sing along with the words I can’t keep my eyes from welling from tears.

“Can a woman forget her nursing child,
that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb?
Even these may forget,
yet I will not forget you.
Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;
your walls are continually before me.” Isaiah 49:16, ESV

I write things on my hands so I won’t forget. My Father- my Savior, engraved my name upon His hands.  The Creator of the world engraved your name upon His hands. He won’t forget you.

Forgiven,
Ginger

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Drink Up

January 24, 2012 by 1 Comment

“What has happened to all your joy?” Galatians 4:15, NIV

I just finished my first run in over a week.  It wasn’t pretty.  I finished out of breath and a little sore.  On top of that I was parched.  I headed straight for the fridge and pulled out a Coke.

FALSE!  Not even a little bit true. 

When I finish a long run I head for a glass of water, not Coke.  Coke dehydrates.  As good as it might taste with pizza, it does absolutely nothing to restore my body or quench my thirst after a run.  I know that.

I also know that when I have a bad day and I’m feeling bummed, the temptation is to turn to eating, shopping, T.V., phone calls, and even exercise to relieve my mood and restore my joy.  Something in my brain says, “If you can just head to Sonic and get a Route 44 Diet Coke, you will FEEL better.  I’ll be happier, more content… I’ll find my joy.”  But like grabbing a Coke after my run, it just doesn’t seem to work.

But here’s what the Bible has to say… here is God’s RX for joy.

God’s Love
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” John 15:9-11, NIV

God’s Presence
“You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.”  Acts 2:28, NIV

God’s Word
“When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, 
for I bear your name, LORD God Almighty.” Jeremiah 15:16, NIV

So go fill your prescription.  Spend some time with the Lord today and let Him give you joy that is so much deeper, richer and fuller than anything money can buy!

Need somewhere to start reading?  Check out this passage.

Following and listening,
Ginger

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Training

January 12, 2012 by 2 Comments

For today’s Thursday Tip we are setting our eyes on the prize…

More of HIM.

Check out the video below and let’s catch up.

“You’ve been raised on the Message of the faith and have followed sound teaching. Now pass on this counsel to the followers of Jesus there, and you’ll be a good servant of Jesus. Stay clear of silly stories that get dressed up as religion. Exercise daily in God—no spiritual flabbiness, please! Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever. You can count on this. Take it to heart. This is why we’ve thrown ourselves into this venture so totally. We’re banking on the living God, Savior of all men and women, especially believers.” 1 Timothy 4:8-9, The Message

Happy training, friends.

Following and listening,
Ginger

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High Places

October 5, 2011 by 1 Comment

I was reading in Isaiah this morning and found a cross reference that took me back to read the story of King Manasseh, the son of King Hezekiah.  That trip then took me through the 1st and 2nd books of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles.

I’ve noticed that whether or not someone was deemed a good king often boils down to two points:

1.  If they followed in the steps of King David.  (Following the Lord and obeying His commands.)

2.  Whether or not they took down the high places.  (The worship of idols and false gods.)

In speaking about Jehoshaphat, 2 Chronicles 17:6 reveals, “His heart was devoted to the ways of the LORD; furthermore, he removed the high places and the Asherah poles from Judah.”

In speaking of Hezekiah, 2 Kings 18:3-4 reveals, “He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father David had done. He removed the high places, smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles. He broke into pieces the bronze snake Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had been burning incense to it.”

That’s pretty clear cut.  They loved God and obeyed.

Also clear cut: the reigns of Nadab, Ahaz, Hoshea, Manasseh, Ahab, Joash and others.  Check out their stories.  You can’t miss them.  They are evil.

But you know what really amazed me?  It was the number of kings who followed after God but did not tear down the high places.

In 2 Kings 14 we read of Amaziah, King of Judah, “He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, but not as his father David had done.  In everything he followed the example of his father Joash.  The high places, however, were not removed; the people continued to offer sacrifices and burnt incense there.”

Can you picture someone you know who follows after the Lord and does what is right?  I’m hoping your answer is yes.  I’m thinking of two women I know who have had a rush of increased passion in the Lord.  Over the past few years I have even watched their demeanor and character be changed through their devotion to the Lord.  They have such a desire for Him to have His way in them.  They are growing right before my eyes.

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…” Colossians 3:16a, NIV

“Let the Word of Christ – the Message - have a run of the house.  Give it plenty of room in your lives…” (The Message)

“Let the message about Christ, in all its richness fill your lives.  Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom He gives…” (NLT)

I know that these women saw areas that could be considered high places in their lives.  They saw them- and rather than simply accepting that struggle or idol, they battled those places that can so easily become idols for each of us.  They have let the truth of God’s Word fill their lives to the brim.

I’m convicted.  I know that I still have high places.  My best guess about my own places?  Fear. My fear comes from pride and from a desire for comfort.  I fear not being liked and accepted by everyone I come across.  I need help to tear these high places down.  I know that saturating myself with truth is an excellent place to start.  I’m continuing to pray that God will have His way in me.

I know one thing is for sure, I do not want this to be a descriptor that follows my life…

“She followed the LORD, but she did not tear down the high places.”

Change me, O Lord.

“Let Christ’s Word with all its wisdom and richness live in you…” (GWT)

Following,
Ginger

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Thursday Tips: The Main Thing

September 22, 2011 by 1 Comment

Hi Ginger!

I just started high school and I’m beginning to feel the stress of homework, extra-curricular activities, etc. I spent today anticipating the moment I could come home and crash on the couch. After having such an awful day, I was just wondering, what should I do on days like this? I find it so easy to blend in with my surroundings, and hard to understand how I can live courageously when all I can think about is the weekend. Is there anything God says I should do? -T

T- again, thank you for sending in such a great question.  This one has caused me to have many conversations aloud with myself over the past week!  (Don’t worry – it’s totally normal.)  I’ve spent time praying and reading and am hoping that we’ve come close to giving you a decent answer to a really important question.

Here are some more practical thoughts…

“Those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.” (Psalm 34:10b)

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)

“Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in your faith… And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you.“ (1 Peter 5: 7-10)

May He restore, support, strengthen, and establish you as you continue to press on!

Following,
Ginger

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Check the Connection

August 31, 2011 by Leave a Comment

I spend much of my day typing away on a lovely little Macbook.  It’s dependable and I very rarely get upset with it.  (Don’t try and tell me that you don’t get upset with inanimate objects.)  But lately I’ve found my blood pressure rises in the following situation.

I charge the laptop overnight.  I wake up and the red charging light has turned to a refreshing shade of green.  I unplug the mac and bring him over to the kitchen table.  Over breakfast I catch up on news, blogs, and e-mails for almost an hour.  By the time I’ve finished the charge level has drifted from 100% to somewhere in the 50th or 60th percentile.  So I take plug the mac back in, pour my coffee and head to “my spot” to have some time in the word.  I return to my computer to start the work day only to discover that instead of increasing in percentage, my power is now listed as “not charging.”  I fumble with the cord only to discover that the charge level reads 21% and falling.  At this point I begin my friendly yelling match.

What’s the problem?  In my rush to move from activity to activity in the morning I fail (on numerous occasions) to take the time to make sure my computer is actually connected to the power source.  It’s not enough for the charge cord to just be touching my computer, it needs to be properly and directed connected in order for any improved power levels.

It’s the same with our relationships.  I know that I can speak from experience when I say that too often I fly through re-energizing with the Lord and find myself falling flat.  Crisis comes and I recognize that I have once again made God my roof rather than the foundation of my life.  I talk a good game.  I read blogs and share verses right and left – but I forget to make sure that I’m actually connected to the main source.  I know when I’m chasing other things to fill me up.  I may not admit it to myself in the moment, but my journals are full of laments from the last decade where I say, “Lord, why am I so far from you?  Why have I stayed away from your word?  Why am I avoiding the very thing that I need so desperately?”

The Lord says, “All you who are thirsty,
come and drink.
Those of you who do not have money,
come, buy and eat!
Come buy wine and milk
without money and without cost.
Why spend your money on something that is not real food?
Why work for something that doesn’t really satisfy you?
Listen closely to me, and you will eat what is good;
your soul will enjoy the rich food that satisfies.”  Isaiah 55:1-2, NCV

It’s true – you and I were designed to do extraordinary things… but not in our own strength.  If you find yourself running out of energy and unable to make it through the day, might I suggest something stronger then caffeine?  If your connection is loose everything else will be out of order: your emotions, your relationships, your priorities.

When was the last time that you drank deeply from the Living Water?  

My laptop is only useful to me when it has the power to run all of the programs I need.  Without the power, it’s just an empty shell.

Following,
Ginger

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