We're about to begin a book study, Because He Loves Me, by Elyse Fitzpatrick, on Wednesday evenings and it promises to be an amazing time of growth and change, IF we are honest with the Lord and open to share with each other as we rely on His sovereignty of placing us all together for His purposes. I've been learning so much lately about how, as Christians, it is quite Biblical to believe that God-honoring change and growth as The Body of Christ is to be done in community.
I hope to post more of what we're learning together as the study begins this Wednesday, February 1st, at Rockdale Community Church.
Another thing I've been pondering since I left, being the Literature/English-major/Word-Nut that I am, is how the decorations at our breakfast coordinated with the cover of Elyse's book. Butterflies are what she chose to be a theme, or symbol, for the hope and the kind of change that she writes about in the book.
The decorations were lovely, and I have nothing whatsoever against butterflies, but I've got to say that with all the mistakes that I've made, and with all the messes that I've created and survived over the years, sometimes I picture myself more of a Phoenix rising from the ashes and ruins to new life.
Spiritually, a butterfly is a perfect picture of how, before He called me to salvation, I was asleep and in my own little world, nice and cozy (or so I thought), but dead nonetheless. He called me to Himself though and began a transformation that I'm promised won't be complete until His return. Amen.
On the other hand though, when I rely on my own wisdom and follow my own heart, when bends all too easily towards self-reliance and selfishness, I cause many, many ugly messes and leave untold damage in my wake. It's times like this where I'm feeling the phoenix vibe. Praise God though, because yes, I made the ash heap all on my own, but God in His infinitely love for me and goodness beyond measure causes me to rise out of the mess and be refined by His Word to walk in a life meant for His glory.
I'm so thankful today for many things. I thank God for my husband of almost 35 years; he's an awesome example of true love. I'm thankful for a daughter who is an excellent mother and is working so hard to rebuild her own life. I'm grateful for a son and daughter-in-law who love each other and are brave enough to be point-blank honest with me--you've done me more good than you'll ever know. I'm blessed too to have a baby daughter who is still enjoying wedded bless to the Godly man of her dreams.
I'm blown away though by how much God puts up with me, but more importantly that He promises to never give up on me no matter how selfish, or mean, or ignorant, or well-intentioned I've been. I praise Him for his chastisement and discipline because it shows me that I belong to Him (and that an attitude and action adjustment are desperately in order.)
As you ponder which best symbolizes your life/faith, a butterfly or a phoenix, I leave you with these words:
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. [2 Corinthians 5:17]
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. [Isaiah 40:31]
Be blessed today...choose JOY!
