Sharing a poem about Pride

Hello Blog World!

Been a long time since I have been here.

Would like to say that I will try to do better. But I have done that several times in the past. So, for today, I have a poem that I want to share with you.

For many years now, I have used Beth Moore's "Praying God's Word" as a tool during devotions. Not always and not consistently, but today I picked it up again. Just turned to the page marked from the last visit. It was on on the chapter, "Overcoming Pride". And I once again read the poem that she has printed. I didn't just skim it (as often happens in a re-read). I read it again. So, I share it with you today. (if anyone still reads) Maybe someone else needs to read it too. Certainly, I am reminded that pride is a tool that the enemy uses in my life to try to defeat me.

My name is Pride.  I am a cheater.

I cheat you of your God-given destiny...

because you demand your own way.

I cheat you of contentment...

because you "deserve better than this."

I cheat you of knowledge...

because you already know it all.

I cheat you of healing...

because you are too full of me to forgive.

I cheat you of holiness...

because you refuse to admit when you are wrong.

I cheat you of vision...

because you had rather look out a window than in a mirror.

I cheat you of genuine friendship...

because nobody is going to know the real you.

I cheat you of love...

because real romance demands sacrifice.

I cheat you of greatness in heaven...

because you refuse to wash another's feet on earth.

I cheat you of God's Glory...

because I convince you to seek your own.

My name is Pride.  I am a cheater.

You like me because you think I am always looking out for you.

Untrue.

I'm looking to make a fool of you.

God has so much for you, I admit, but don't worry...

If you'll stick with me,

You will never know.

My name is Pride.  I am a cheater....

Does it speak to you, as it has to me?  For the local people... goes along with the sermon series we have been hearing this summer, huh?  Pride is not "poor in Spirit"... Pride is not "mourning"... Pride is not "meek"...Pride is not "hungering and thirsting after righteousness"... Pride is not "merciful"... Pride is not "pure in heart"... Pride is not "peacemaking".

My Bible reading today was from Amos.  So, I leave with the Scripture that jumped off the page to me this morning.

(Amos 5:14)  Seek good and not evil, that you may live... 

(Amos 15:15)  Hate evil and love good... 

Pride is probably the biggest hinderance from doing so...

Thoughts to share?:  I would love to hear some...

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.

I will Praise You in this Storm

Our precious friends, Rick and Carolyn, sang this song on Sunday. They may not know it - but it was just for me...

I wept as I listened...
Just as I am now...
I wish I had a video of them singing... but for this post I will share this video from Casting Crowns.
We are praising Him in this storm...

A Little Accountability

Ok friends -

In our family when the children were growing up - and we needed to discuss something (good or bad), we would have what I called, "round - table discussions." Hence, our kitchen table is round.

So, today, I am calling for a round-table discussion with my bloggin buds. Maybe even have some tea. (I am not drinking many latte's since my ordeal last weekend - or I would offer that too)

I have a counter on my blog. Therefore, I was able to see that on Tuesday, the 20th - I had 129 visits. That is wonderful. What I want to know is how many more of you out there are doing the New Testament read through with us and just not commenting or blogging about it?

See, only 5 joined us with a blog, and only 6 made comments.

So, a word of encouragement. Last week, with my hospital stay and such, I was behind on my reading. On Monday, I was able to read and catch up. Really with not much time involved. Now, that is not the way that I desire to do it. But just to say that when you need a catch-up, it is relatively easy to do.

I knew I was accountable to you all to have a post and a "Mister Linky" ready. :)

Here are my thoughts... to encourage. If you are reading with us, could you at least make a comment to say: I am reading - Here is one of my favorite verses from this week. And then just share with us one verse from the past week's reading? I think we would all enjoy seeing how many different verses JUMPED off the pages of God's Word to us so individually, and personally. It would also help with the whole accountablity thing for this year.

Then the ones who have more to share - can post their blog and link with us.

What do you think girls? Game?

Since I post my blog on Monday evenings - my readings are from Tuesday - Monday. Here are the passages for this week:

20-Jan - Psalms 8-9
21-Jan - Luke 15
22-Jan - Luke 16
23-Jan - Luke 17
24-Jan - Luke 18
25-Jan - Psalms 10-12
26-Jan - Luke 19

Look forward to hearing from YOU on Tuesday Together in the WORD. With a blog and comment, or just a comment. We are all in this together. For OUR good and HIS glory!

Oh... and the new button is coming!