"The greatest characteristic a Christian can exhibit is this completely unveiled openness before God, which allows that person’s life to become a mirror for others. When the Spirit fills us, we are transformed, and by beholding God we become mirrors. You can always tell when someone has been beholding the glory of the Lord, because your inner spirit senses that he mirrors the Lord’s own character. Beware of anything that would spot or tarnish that mirror in you. It is almost always something good that will stain it— something good, but not what is best." My Utmost For His Highest

Lord, I caught a vision of what You want from me last night. I see the continuing theme this morning... You want my driving goal to be to see Your glory be made known! How can I make that my driving goal while not superseding my personal relationship with You? I can do it because Your glory is shown in me is when I have "unveiled openness" with You. I cannot make anyone to shine Your glory, but I CAN aim to pursue the type of intimacy with You that produces it in me. And when I am reflecting You, then I can show You to others and others can approach You for their own relationship and then reflect You as well! I see why Andy was so effective at his job with YWAM - not because You have given him the gift of evangelism or a deep heart of compassion for the needs of people, but because He is crazy in love with You! And it is contagious! I WANT that, Lord! How do I get that?

Ah yes. Of course, nothing really new that I didn't already know. But it really does make the difference in HOW I apply them doesn't it?

Lord, give Michael and I peace as we look forward to the ultrasound today. I think I am prepared for whatever news we receive, so I am trusting that You have a plan and a purpose to bring about no matter what. Am I prepared to praise You no matter what? I think so. I pray that's the case. Because You are first and foremost WORTHY to be praised. I praise You for my beginnings of morning sickness. I praise You for sleep. I praise You for generally cooperative children. I praise You that You have handled whatever spiritual warfare surrounds me so that I have not felt affected by it much lately. I praise You for the hormones that make my face break out! I praise You for vinegar to kill my laundry mildew :). I praise You for snow and ice. For the luxuries we enjoy. For the luxuries we can't or don't enjoy because You are protecting us from idolatry.

Hey Lord, should I take a shower now or try to get sleep and wait until the kids wake up, taking a chance that I can sneak one in sometime later? Hmm... I'm thinking now. If I can catch some sleep a little later, I will. Maybe You could even help them stay asleep LONGER this morning?!? PLEASE?!? lol

Father, please work out the details of Michael's day. I feel bad that my appointment causes some conflicts, and that our talking last night caused him less sleep. Be with him and Jim this morning and help their conversation be encouraging and challenging for both of their lives. Bless Michael in a special way today. I love him so much.

I love You more, though, Father. I think. I know that's where my intentions are, but where I'm fuzzy is how You view my actions and heart from YOUR perspective, and whether You judge it to be the truth... Search my heart, Lord. Find the sin in me and even though I hate it when You do this, SHOW it to me! Ug. It's so frustrating to see sin after sin after sin come to the surface, but I know it's necessary to have open and honest fellowship with You. And I want that more than I want to avoid the nausea of Your revelation.