confidence and humility

Some days, I am the confident conqueror of the known world. Wanted and loved, there is no challenge beyond my grasp. I am trained and prepared for my tasks, therefore successful. My given name means "victorious spirit." On paper, I find myself to be impressive.

Yet, God in His infinite wisdom chooses to champion humility. The Master became an infant in order to rescue the entire world. My mightiest deeds will soon be forgotten in the overwhelm of history. In contrast, God became human and brought Heaven into the realm of earth. This makes humility such a big deal.

Arrogance taints the sweet, fierce reflection of my Savior. Confidence rooted in Christ maintains humility. It's a balance that the world will never understand, for holiness is not from earth. Humility is acted out on earth, showing the hope of Heaven.

"Humility is the beginning of sanctity."- Teresa of Calcutta

spring, after all

Spring is a happy time. The rain finally seems to have a purpose. The little flowers begin pushing leaves up through the soil. Soon, they'll bloom. The birds show up already. Mornings are brighter. Days are longer. In the Northwest, people are happier.

Spring reminds me of the good promises that come from Jesus. The promises of new life. The reality of His faithfulness. The hope of His salvation. Easter was so early this year, that spring just seems somehow sweeter.

"If we have died with him we shall also live with him; 

If we persevere we shall also reign with him.

But if we deny him he will deny us.

If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful for he cannot deny himself." -2 Timothy 2:11-13

He remains faithful. No matter what we do, he is faithful. No matter how hard the winter, spring comes. His promises are made true.

distressing disguise

"If sometimes people have had to die of starvation, it is not because God didn't care for them, but because you and I were not instruments of love in the hands of God, to give them bread, because we did not recognize Him, when once more the hungry Christ came in distressing disguise."- Teresa of Calcutta

little words

I met with a counselor this morning to talk about life. We talked about living "in" the moment and living "for" the moment. They are such little words. How can they make such a big difference?

In the journey of learning to live "in" the moment, I'm working to not define today by what I accomplish. There's a certain comfort that comes from the structure of a day, a week, a year. (I really, really like structure.) Yet, the only time that exists in eternity is the moment.

I am learning that Christ can be present in every moment. Sure, we still see dimly, mirrors and all (I Cor 13) but we can experience Christ in every moment. Easter changed everything. Resurrection reset the rules of Heaven intersecting Earth. Christ encounters His people (not just the ones who like Him, but ALL of us). We don't have to wait for the Eucharist to experience Christ. He's here! He's alive! He's very real in this very moment.

Oh, praise God who loves us. He has always loved us. He loves us right now. He will love us in the next moment, too, and EVERY moment after.

But God demonstrates His love in this: while we were sinners, Christ died for us. --Rom 5:8

I am learning that I love like a human. God's not surprised at all. He made me human! He loves me when I sin, when I am incapable of love. It's just so beautiful. He loves me right now. That, is the truth of eternity. That Truth is Jesus Christ.

forever new

I'm trying new things. Just yesterday, I went skiing for the first time. It was so much more fun than I hoped it would be. As a converted snowboarder, I really appreciated how much time you spend on your feet (as opposed to your face or backside).

Easter brought the promise of newness. New life. Forever life.

Easter is a lot better than skiing.