Spirit Of Heaviness

"the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness... " (Isaiah 61:3)

Needing to find some things to be thankful for this morning...

733. the movement of treetops in the wind

734. everlasting life

735. decorating our Easter tree given to us by Molly's Sunday School teacher

736. Passion Week

737. watching Meg's bulb grow in the warm, bay window

738. Molly's excitement over her homemade mini-ecosystem

739. babysitting a niece today

740. how my sister joked about half-price pedicures when they mentioned amputation for her leg

741. how longing for heaven in the midst of trials actually puts into perspective the reason we're here

742. finally... flowers

743. the ballet moms

744. cancellations... right on time and part of His plan

745. eating "clean" again and the start of each day--a new beginning after failure

746. how deep the Father's love for me--repeating it over and over today

My Stubborn Heart

Oh, the anguish and struggle I can put myself through, spiraling, spiraling ever downward. Wondering, waiting, wringing my hands and searching for meaning in it all. Why do I create such chaos from circumstance? Why do I wallow when it's the wallowing that hurts? I stand on the shore, blocked by a barricade of rocks, staring out at the freedom that could be mine--simply by trusting. Such a stubborn heart I have... it has not helped me yet. Why lean on it now?

But, He calls to me.

Hear O My people, and I will admonish you! O Israel, if you will listen to Me! ...I am the Lord your God... open your mouth wide and I will fill it. But My people would not heed My voice, and Israel would have none of Me. So I gave them over to their stubborn heart, to walk in their own counsels. Oh, that My people would listen to Me, that Israel would walk in My ways! I would soon subdue their enemies, and turn My hand against their adversaries. Psalm 81:8-16

Oh God, help me to read and LISTEN! Don't give me over to my stubborn heart. I want to walk in YOUR counsel, not my own. I get nowhere on my own. You offer peace, joy and all good things. I want YOUR way. I CHOOSE it today.