Cry Baby (Johnny Depp, 1990)

My youngest son has obviously decided to enter the terrible two's a few months early. He's the cutest, most determined, and smartest little boy. But, when something doesn't go his way, he throws his pacifier (or whatever happens to be close by), falls into the floor, and begins kicking, crying, and rolling around.

So, what do I do? I absolutely ignore him. I do not become upset or even look at him. I often walk away and busy myself with something else. Well...never one to give up, my son runs to me, falls onto my legs and proceeds to throw a tantrum all over my legs and feet. He is persistent, will hold on for dear life, and cry all over me.

Maybe you're one of those really compassionate moms who immediately comforts her child during behavior like that. But not this Sassy Girl. I usually think, "Dude. You are so cute...but you're really getting on my last nerve." So, in an effort to teach him he will not receive what he wants by that behavior, I usually put him in time out. He straightens up pretty quickly after that.

Reflecting on it, I realize how blessed I am that my God is not like me. He doesn't run or turn away when I cry out. He isn't frustrated when I fall at His feet and cry out regarding the issues of my heart. He hears me and understands my concerns--even if they are small by man's standards. When I throw a tantrum on God, I may look a little more composed than my youngest. But, in my heart, I can be that same kid rolling around on the floor wailing because I WANT IT NOW. Thankfully, the Lord is always there. In fact, He encourages me through His word to come to Him.

Whatever your issue or need is today, don't view God as a parent like me. He's not irritated by your crying out to Him. He does not turn away or pretend you're not there. He will not put you in time out if you fall at His feet. In fact, He WANTS us to persist and hold on to Him. He tells us to "cast all 'our' anxiety on Him because He cares for 'us'." So, don't hold it in or think He's too busy for you. Go ahead. Cry out to Jesus!

(Psalm 55:16-17, and 22, Luke 18:1-8, 1 Peter 5:7,)

Satisfaction (Justine Bateman, Liam Neeson, 1988)

"Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always." (1 Chronicles 16:10-11)

I've spent countless hours in prayer asking God for things: more of this, more of that, less of this... But, right now I'm wondering how many hours I've spent asking God for the only thing that never passes away: Him!

I know God does not withhold Himself from me. However, to walk in the power of His presence, I must seek His will, ways, and voice in my life daily. I must die to myself and allow Him to increase in me. It's not that He's not there. It's that sometimes I don't acknowledge He's there.

Lately, I've found myself dwelling on many things that do not really matter. They are things that can never ultimately satisfy me. They are distractions. Even some of the good things I want can distract me from the main thing: Jesus and Him crucified.

So, today, instead of asking for more stuff...more blessings...I'm asking God for more of Him! I am asking Him to be so manifest and powerful in my life that I forget all the "stuff" and just bask in the contentment of knowing and belonging to an eternal, living, and loving God! After all, no thing God gives can truly satisfy me. Once I have it, I'm on to the next biggest and greatest thing. But...Jesus...there's no other God like Him. He alone can satisfy all my soul's desires.

The Wonder of it All (Point of Grace, 1998)

It's amazing to me how God often reigns down blessings when I least expect them. I can find myself in prayer for months (sometimes years), but not see an answer. Often, the Lord will turn my heart to focus more on Him rather than the object of my prayer. He leads me to a deeper level of trust and dependence upon Him. I find contentment and suddenly, that thing for which I prayed just doesn't appear as important.

Frequently, the Lord will chose that exact time to send an answer or work a miracle in regards to my long forgotten prayer. I find myself in awe of His perfect timing. For certainly, He's proven that the answers or results I often seek are not for the time during which I seek them. However, He hears my heart and never forgets my prayers; He takes time to prepare my heart and spirit for His blessings. Then, He blesses. Oh, and when He does, it's so sweet. Oh taste and see that the Lord is good! (Psa. 34:8)

So, remember to hold fast to the confession of your hope without wavering for He who promised is faithful! (Heb. 10:23) Sometimes, the answer is no. But there are other times that He will just blow your mind with what He's doing on your behalf (rather you see the manifestation now or later)!

unForgiven (1992--Eastwood)

I'm adopting a new trend. I think I'm naming all of my blogs after movies. Here's my first...

So, I've been reading and hearing a lot about forgiveness lately. Now, I don't have any unforgiveness in my heart, do I? Well, I didn't think so. Last night, dh and I were looking at Luke 6. It was verses 27 and 28 that really struck me.

"But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,
bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you."

I thought, I'm doing pretty good. Although, it wasn't automatic, I've learned to treat evil coworkers, associates, and others, with a reasonable amount of respect and pleasantries. I also pray for them. But, then I woke up this morning.

I had a message in my Inbox from my most hated Ex! I know I shouldn't use the word "hate". But, sometimes, I do believe I hate him. It's not always present. Most of the time, I'm okay and don't think I would cringe as badly if I ever saw him again. But, I know something would be there--something not Christ like. My flesh is telling me to curse him to Hell (the place) and never speak to him again. But...

is that what Jesus would do??? When, I think about the cross and all He endured, for evil men, such as me, it makes my unForgiveness seem so shallow and unjustified. It also my goal to never allow any form of bondage to rule over me. Unforgiveness has this stinking tendency to do that. So, Sassy has a LOT to pray and think on today.