"Some people react to trials by complaining. They might say the situation is unfair and undeserved. They’re so focused on circumstances and how unlucky they are that they miss opportunities to serve God.

Joseph chose a different approach. Even though he’d been sold into slavery by his brothers, he decided to work with excellence. His duties in Potiphar’s house were probably menial. But he performed them as if he were working for the Lord. Only through this kind of commitment could Joseph have earned the attention and respect of his master. As a result, he was rewarded with greater responsibility." In Touch by Charles Stanley

I was thinking about how God is holy and about how sometimes I miss that part when I get all lovey-dovey with my best friend Jesus. Reading about the "man of God" and "old prophet" story was a reminder. And the Matthew passage also struck me that wine must be compatible with the skin you put it in. Whether a building with 4 walls or a body. His Spirit is new wine that is slowly deteriorating my old skin to the point that I'm developing new skin little by little. He is building the temple suitable for a king. So I'd better let Him get on with it instead of holding him up with legalities and building codes! As if the Master Builder had no idea how to construct a dwelling!!!

The person I am now, who has a lot of growing room to do in the area of hospitality is not going to suddenly become Holly Hostess just because we have a great home! You've got lots of work to do on me, Holy Spirit. I thank You that the 3 of You decided to make an environment rich for the process! I was getting excited thinking about our new house today and so quickly and easily dived right into covetousness and greed. I didn't really realize it until reading the bible. I had to purposefully turn down HGTV in the background (even though Genevieve was "watching" it as she calmed down to take a nap) because I couldn't concentrate on my bible. And I'm so glad I did because getting through this portion of the scriptures is TOUGH and I have a tendency to want to skim. Anyway, so I'm reading and become suddenly aware that I have a sin issue trying to take root. My immediate thought was "oh great. wet blanket again. why can't I have fun with anything?" ...............REALLY, LAURA??? Some of the things I think sometimes are unbelievable. Literally - because I ignore them or write them off without letting it sink in how horrible the statement actually was. Typing it out makes it more real and that helps SOOO much.

Thank You Lord God, Seer of my soul. You can comb through my thoughts with a fine sieve and show me potential pitfalls before I actually fall. What an awesome God You are! That You do that in my life is maybe not all that impressive, but that You are able to do it in every life at all times... wow. The magnitude of You is astounding. I am struck dumb. Not that I needed to be struck to be dumb, but You understand :). Father, Your Holy Holy Holiness is too much for me to bear. I don't quite know what to do with it sometimes, but I feel the overwhelming urge now to just get down on my knees and bow to You so I will.

Thank You Jesus for lowering yourself to take on human flesh when every inch of you must've been crying out to be released from the finiteness of it. Keep on talking to me, Lord. I need You more and more. I love You more and more.