Prayers:

I had growth group last night, and some of the ladies and I have decided to pray for someone throughout the week who has hurt us, betrayed us or simply not been nice to us in the past. Beth Moore seems to think that when we pray for those people to be blessed, we will also be blessed in return. So I'm up for the challenge. 

I also lift up  prayers against anything that may be serving as a distraction in my life. I pray that God will reveal those distractions to me, and help me to focus on the things that matter to Him.

Counting my blessings:

I'm thankful the beauty of Seattle. I'm thankful that I am able to see God's beauty and blessings in the little things throughout the day. I'm thankful for all of the blessings in my life that have yet to come to pass. God is so good. 

Lessons in faith:

Words from Kay Warren: We have to make the decision to believe that what God has called us to do is more important than what we fear. David says in 1 chronicles 28:20 "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you." 


Even when we lack the confidence, we have to make the choice to believe God's promises. His purpose is greater than our own.

In further lessons, I've also had to learn today from Kay's husband, Rick, that "if you are frustrated with your flaws, then be honest with God. Ask him to help you see how he works through your flaws and accept your flaws as God's way of keeping you dependent upon him."  Amen to that because I am very frustrated with my flaws, and I need to be honest with God about those things. 

In summary, I think my biggest lesson today is that fear is serving as a distraction in my life and therefore leading me to focus on my flaws when I should be focusing on listening and growing with God. Hmmm....God has a weird way of pulling things together in my head. 

"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." (2 Corinthians 12:9)