Quote from Susanna Wesley...

Back in Feburary of this year I posted a blog about all of my books and being a book-a-holic. In the course of the year and all that life brings, I have not completed any of them yet. I have however, started many. That is just how it happens some times.

I am back reading "The Grand Weaver" by Ravi Zacharias again. And have put all others down until I finish this one. My goal is to have it read completely by the time I go back home to Alabama. (In my free time while here in VA visiting with my Julia, Ronnie and baby Josiah!)

I have a quote that I want to share...
John Wesley had asked his mother, Susanna Wesley, to define sin. Here is her answer:

"Son, whatever weakens your reasoning,

impairs the tenderness of your conscience,

obscures your sense of God,

or takes away your relish for spiritual things;

in short, if anything increases the authority and

power of the flesh over the Spirit,

then that to you becomes sin,

however good it is in itself,"

I agree with Ravi Zacharias- I doubt any theologians could have done better than she did!

Certainly we all would do well to use this as a guide to search our lives and our decisions and our choices.

Disciplines

I am on a journey. To re-establish certain disciplines in my life.

It is somewhat surprising to me how easy "lack of discipline" can creep into my life. In a lot of areas. One leads to two, two leads to three...and on and on and on.

So, in my journey, I am taking on one at a time. I decided to start with my weight. That is a good example of the "creeping" that can take place. Five pounds quickly turns into ten, and ten can become twenty - and on and on and on. Suddenly - or not so suddenly - I find myself 25 pounds more than I should be. I decided that I did not want it to be 30 next year and 35 the next. So... discipline # 1. I am almost at my goal. I have actually reached my first goal, but am still working on the "ultimate" goal. And I can tell you - I feel much better. It is amazing how much better your body functions when it is not having to carry around the excess weight.

I have several more items that I intend to get back in order:
Consistent Bible Study time.
Consistent Exercise.
Order in my home.
Reading. (I have a ton of books just waiting on me to read them)
Writing. (I have several dreams/goals that I want to address here)
Even more consistency in my blogging.

I decided that I would be so overwhelmed if I tackled all of these at the same time. So, with the first one almost completely under my belt (a much smaller belt I might add :)... I continue the journey as I pick up another discipline.

I will share more as I accomplish a goal or two.

Do you want to join me on this journey. If so, tell me which area you are working on. I will pray for/with you and I covet your prayers too.

A disciplined life is a productive life. And knowing that I only have this one life - I want to spend it to the best of my ability for the Glory of God. Disciplines help me accomplish such.

New Book

YOU GOTTA GO BUY THIS BOOK...................

"Crazy Love"
by Francis Chan

Hal recommended it on Sunday (for those who are at our church). And he has already told you that when we both want to read the same book.... we have to buy two because he does not like for me to write in his book (can you say OCD?)

Well... I read a little of his... and knew that I had much writing to do in this book... so we bought me one. OH MY!

Talk about challenge. Talk about stretching your thinking about life. Talk about LOVING our LORD!

Hal had an eye appointment yesterday (YEA! new glasses are on the way). I knew it would be a LONG appointment. And it was. How wonderful! I took my book with me.... and could not put it down. The magazines on the rack were not even a distraction.

I am a fast reader.. but many times found myself reading the page or paragraph over and over. Just to let it sink in. I did shed a few tears. I am challenged. I can hardly wait to find time to read again today. Could we just go back to the Eye Doctor again?

Anyway... I have tons to write about...
I have pictures to post...
I have much work to do at church today...

But I had to tell you.....................GO BUY THE BOOK!

And then discuss it with me.
I am sure I will be posting more about it later.

Love and Blessings,
DeeDee

A Quote to Ponder

Just want to share a quote from one of the books that I am currently reading. I shared a few posts back - about wanting to stretch - in the area of my reading. This is from The Pursuit of God, by A.W. Tozer.

Oh God, I have tasted Thy goodness and it has both satisfied me and made me thirsty for more. I am painfully conscious of my need of further grace. I am ashamed of my lack of desire. O God, the triune God, I want to want Thee, I long to be filled with longing; I thirst to be made more thirsty still. Show me Thy glory, I pray Thee, that so I may know Thee indeed. Begin in mercy a new work within me. Say to my soul, "Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away." Then give me the grace to rise and follow Thee up from this misty lowland where I have wandered so long. In Jesus' name. Amen

So many thoughts flood my mind as I read and re-read and re-read that prayer. I think for tonight... I will just share it with you... pray it for myself (again).... and let it really sink in. My plan for now, is to take one thought at a time and discuss it.

On that thought... I have added a new counter to my blog - just for my info- and I set it so that it will NOT count when I visit my page. I wanted to know actual visits. And since yesterday afternoon there have been 60 visits. So - WELCOME - and even though you do not have to comment - I just want to tell you that I would love for you to join me in the coming discussions. Let me know what you think. Or just let me know you came. Either way, I would love to hear from you (even anonymous).

Blessings to you....
and Ponder that prayer....