November 02, 2006

28

28. That's how many draft posts I have waiting to publish.

Do you want to know what is so sad about that? I just don't feel like blogging.

I wonder what it is that has happened to me over the past few weeks that has made me feel like this... maybe it is Canon's death, our long Texas-Trip weekend off of school, the lack of excitement (and entries) for the last contest I ran, my continual computer problems, the holidays coming up without family again (we live "out-of-state"), the somber and wet weather we've had, ... or just plain PMS (Prefer My Sketchpad)?

I hope you will forgive me for "cheating" on you with other hobbies. I'm taking the kids outside to sketch tomorrow. We took a few days (early Thanksgiving Break) off for our Texas-Trip and are trying to finish up "Eyes" and "Other Senses" by Saturday. A few leftover activities include a visit to the Art Museum and doing a few of our own visual arts... sketching (nature), watercolors and canvas-painting. Not sure where we'll come up with the supplies... but God will provide if we are meant to get the task completed.

So... since I don't feel like blogging, I'll share with you something much more interesting than me right now.... Read the devotional that I read today below:


November 1 ~ "You Are Not Your Own"
By Oswald Chambers (My Utmost For His Highest)

"Do you not know that... you are not your own?" - 1 Corinthians 6:19

There is no such thing as a private life, or a place to hide in this world, for a man or woman who is intimately aware of and shares in the sufferings of Jesus Christ. God divides the private life of His saints and makes it a highway for the world on one hand and for Himself on the other. No human being can stand that unless he is identified with Jesus Christ. We are not sanctified for ourselves. We are called into intimacy with the gospel, and things happen that appear to have nothing to do with us. But God is getting us into fellowship with Himself. Let Him have His way. If you refuse, you will be of no value to God in His redemptive work in the world, but will be a hindrance and stumbling block.

The first thing God does is get us grounded on strong reality and truth. He does this until our cares for ourselves individually have been brought into submission to His way for the purpose of His redemption. Why shouldn't we experience heartbreak? Through those doorways God is opening up ways of fellowship with His Son. Most of us collapse at the first grip of pain. We sit down at the door of God's purpose and enter a slow death through self-pity. And all the so-called Christian sympathy of others helps us to our deathbed. But God will not. He comes with the grip of the pierced hands of His Son, as if to say, "Enter into fellowship with Me; arise and shine." If God can accomplish His purposes in this world through a broken heart, then why not thank Him for breaking yours?

I thank you, Jesus... for all of the trails and tests we have persevered through by your grace these last few years.... for all of the patience and mercy you have on us as you keep your promise to gently lead us with chords of loving-kindness...

Forgive me for feeling sorry for myself and grumbling. Let me remember the suffering of others and use my voice to pray for the lost and persecuted. Turn my eyes upon You and all those whom You love. Amen.

Maybe if I would look less at the trees, I could see the forest. Maybe then my 28 would not seem like 280. Maybe I could find my joy again if my heart and purposes were full of Him.

I drew them with gentle cords,
With bands of love,
And I was to them as those who take the yoke from their neck.
I stooped and fed them.

~ Hosea 11:4


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7 comments:

Donny said...

Computer problems, you say? You must try using a Mac sometime. I switched 3 years ago now and I have never been happier. Computer problems have completely disappeared!

On another topic: your blog is great! Don't worry about all those drafts. We all have them. They'll make it out... someday!

Spunky said...

This too shall pass. Every life has seasons and cycles that they pass through. Pray and use the time to draw closer to the Lord and your children.

spunky

P.S. I understand your computer woes. It does tend to make maintaining a blog somewhat difficult. I haven't been able to do half the things I was doing without my own PC.

Kelly the Happy Texan said...

Hey Heather, I had the same thing happen with my computer today too!

The blahs. Got em too. Lots of stress. On a happier note, we might be selling our house!

Cheer up. Maybe you need a trip to Yia Yai Mary's. :)

Anonymous said...

Hi Heather,

Must be something going around. I'm taking a "blog hiatus." I'm writing a lot of fiction right now, and trying to get some things published, so I thought I'd just hang a "gone fishing" sign on my blog and not worry about it.

At any rate, do the blog thing because you want to, not because you feel you have to.

Do the things you love. :)

Peace,
Cindy

Sprittibee said...

Donny, I have been really tempted lately to get a Mac. My husband has asked me if I wanted one instead of patching up this old PC over and over. I just can't bring myself to do it, however... because I am an expert at MS Office... and I don't want to have to learn all new keyboard short-cuts and programs. It isn't like I can't learn new tricks (being an old dog), but I just don't want to!!!

Oh.. thanks for the drafts encouragement. At least I don't have a lack of ideas... just a little overwhelming when you don't know which one to pick!

BEV: THANK YOU FOR THE HUG!!!! LOVE YOU TOO.

Spunky - you poor thing. You still having trouble on your new computer? Loved your advice... very good advice indeed!

Kel - Yippeeeee! You are selling your house? That is great news. I always had a feeling that you should. Even if you didn't listen to me way back then! So are you moving to the hill country? No flooding there... and eventually, I'm praying to own my very own slice of it.

P.S. I'm ALL OVER that trip to Yai Yai's. Name the date, baby. We'll be in Houston some time this December...

Cindy - WE ARE GOING TO HAVE TO GET TOGETHER THE NEXT TIME WE COME THROUGH YOUR WAY. I drove right by your neighborhood and waved while we were on our trip to get Vital Statistics paperwork (Texas VS is in Austin). Miss you. Hope you get some stuff published. You have a ton of talent.

Regent "Minister" Wife: Congrats on hubby's new major. He sounds a lot like my husband... always keeping me on my toes!!! I love Oswald Chambers, don't you??? He steps on my toes in the best of ways. Glad you enjoyed that devo. I keep my My Utmost in the "powder room" and read it daily. I have a stack of little devotional books in there... including "Power of a Praying Wife", "Power of a Praying Parent", "A Woman After God's Own Heart", "Devotions for Debtors", and "A Life God Rewards". Good to hear from you. Glad all is well. I want to see a photo of your face mask when you get it done!

Anonymous said...

I looked at the post you linked to but I don't see a mention of a contest. Did you link the right one?

Sprittibee said...

Sorry about the contest link. Try it again. I think I fixed it. I haven't been able to get ahold of the ClockIts guy, so I'm not sure if he wants me to extend the deadline or just announce the "winners" How hard can that be, since only two people entered!? Ha!

 

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