When the Light is Cast

Every time I think God has some how shown me all the "big" stuff I need to work on, or reveals something in me that I didn't realize was there, or maybe WHY it was there, He goes and does it again.  I don't know why I think He'll ever be done.  If it seems like He is, then I've stopped listening to His voice and I'll stop growing. 

In this particular instance I shared something with a friend...I reached out and said I need prayer for this!  She not only prayed for me...she took me through some steps to an AHA! moment. One of those things were there is more to the way you are reacting to a situation then what's happening right then.  It's more underlying stuff that happened as a child that chooses to resurface under certain conditions.  Wow, it really floored me, but in a good way.  When Jesus throws the light on something you just haven't seen before, it changes you.  I wrestled though it with Him, and He met me right where I was and now I have just a little more insight and hopefully wisdom to help someone else someday.

Early on in my walk with Christ I would cringe when He cast the light on something.  Sometimes we are tempted to keep really busy in order not to even let it happen.  But with time, I've come to embrace the light, even seek it out.  Because He never casts the light on an area of my life to condemn me or leave me to deal with it.  He loves me through it and refines me just alittle bit more.  And that brings me that much closer to Him.  What could be better than that?

                         ---Stacey

Priorities

I will warn readers now, I'm on my soap box today.  I've had a couple of experience's lately that have caused discouragement.  It has to do with the lack of commitment and priority on the things of God in the American Church today. 

I feel like so many use busyness, lack of money or time as an excuse for committing to things like church attendance, plugging into Life Groups, sending kids on events for spiritual growth, etc.  We all have busy lives.  We all seem to lack money and time.  But isn't it true that whatever is a priority, we make happen, regardless of these factors? 

I am frustrated and discouraged as I seek to raise my children with a real awareness of investing in the things of God.  It's top priority to me to see that above every educational, recreational and cultural experience in life, that they are getting the most from their spiritual experiences.  I am willing to sacrifice to make those kinds of things happen for them.  They are far more lasting and meaningful then any other investment I could make on their behalf.

So at the risk of making someone mad, I hope to bring reflection on the truth.   If you find yourself holding back in someway in your own life or in aiding your child in holding back, I encourage you to take another look.  What better investment of of time and money is there then to know Christ more, and grow in Him.  What are we really here for if not for that?  What are your priorities.

 ---Stacey