"All Scripture is given by the inspiration of God. So even when it may seem unimportant—keep reading. Sometimes we have to be patient to realize its full purpose." Our Daily Bread—Dave Branon

"No matter what changes God has performed in you, never rely on them. Build only on a Person, the Lord Jesus Christ, and on the Spirit He gives.
All our promises and resolutions end in denial because we have no power to accomplish them. When we come to the end of ourselves, not just mentally but completely, we are able to "receive the Holy Spirit." "Receive the Holy Spirit "— the idea is that of invasion. There is now only One who directs the course of your life, the Lord Jesus Christ." My Utmost For His Highest

Lord, help me receive what You are speaking to me through those passages. I know I have no power to actually accomplish anything on my own, but I do have the power to make decisions to put You before other needs. How do I come to the end of myself every day? Is it a welling of pride that makes me resistant to that idea? When I start to feel capable of making some good decisions and like You really do love me, and know that others do, too, is that wrong? Or is it just a warning that it COULD go wrong if I congratulate myself about it and not give You the praise and glory? You have worked in me, training me to make those good decisions. You have always loved me - from the moment You thought of me before the world began - because You made me and are molding me into the image of Your Son. Anything about me that others love are qualities that You created. So of course You get all the credit because it really is all about You! lol

So, I just wanted to take some time this morning and praise You for all the gifts You've given me this season:
- a relatively healthy family (no major problems)
- Your Son
- Your Spirit
- motivation and power for:
*daily devotionals
*scripture memory
*ministering to others
- that green tea ice cream
- an amazing hubby who surprised me with a special Christmas present
- an amazing hubby who surprised me with a special birthday present
- the expectation of another birthday present from mom
- Brian's note
- Brian's gum
- a wonderful visit with Becky and the kids
- people who love my children and give them gifts
- Fruit of the Spirit
- an ongoing, growing relationship with You
- Your challenges that help me press on
- being a student again in Perspectives, getting "adult time"
- a growing passion for missions
- a mother and father who love me the best they know how
- my in-laws who are blessings in so many ways
- a great bonding experience with my sister
- great bonding experiences with my husband
- friends for our entire family who love You
- a new year pregnant with possibilities

And I'm sure there are so many more I can't list!

Lord, speaking of pregnancy, I know I've asked You this before, but it's on my mind. I so want to go to Sudan. I'd love to go this summer, but I know I can't be pregnant when it happens. So, Lord, my request is that You either keep me from getting pregnant, or change my heart so that I'd rather be pregnant than go. I don't want to be double-minded about that. I want to be totally convinced, trusting that You made the decision (and it wasn't my interference). So those are my wants. But my need is really just to trust You and not fret about it. I WILL trust You - help me overcome my unbelief!

From memory:
Christ the Center
Galatians 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20

Praise Your Name!