If only we all did this more...

"What I tell you in to dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the rooftops!" Matt. 10:27

...now I'm off to find the access door to the roof.

See Fireproof!

I can't convey how great the movie Fireproof is. Sean and I went to see it last night and both really liked it! I was concerned they may "water down" the Gospel to appeal to mainstream audiences but they boldly proclaimed the Gospel in an awesome story about marriage. At the end of the movie, Romans 5:8 was displayed across the screen.

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

For me that was a surreal moment. The truth of Christ's love for us all proclaimed to packed theaters across the nation. Wow!

This is what I will be doing Friday night...

It is awesome that a Christian movie will be shown in mainstream theaters, although it will not be every theater. If we want to see this happen more, we have to get out there and support these films!

"I can't wait to go to Home Depot!"

Here is an incredibly funny video from one of the blogs I read regularly:

Crossing The New I-35 Bridge for the 1st Time

I love the fact that they end up at McDonald's, too!

Prayer for Sense

Lord, make me blind

That I may see only You

Only the light of Your will

Take from me the ability to hear

So I may be deaf to all things

Except Your gentle commands

I pray that I may never touch again

But be touched by You always

Use my hand for Your glory

May my tongue and lips not taste

So that Your word is my bread

And sweeter than honey it will be

The aromas of this world be gone

I only wish to smell the fragrance of You

Let this be my perfume

And Lord, bring me down upon my knees

That I will always be beneath Your protection

Calling on Your name in prayer

Amen.

grace and growing

God's grace is evident in all things, remember to look.

Our generous Lord has given me so much grace in my life. I am reminded of how undeserving I truly am apart from the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. My relationship with Sean continues to grow in ways I never knew were possible. I did not know I could ever love someone this way and have them love me in return with the same intensity. Without a doubt, this passion is from God; an incredible blessing that has His name all over it.

"...Put off the old self...and put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." Eph. 4:22-23
A few days ago I listened to Sean thank me for my humility and my gentleness. For a moment I wondered if he knew what those words meant. Two years ago those words would not have been used to describe me, unless the category was "things Claire is not." The "old Claire" was combative and defensive regardless of the situation. I take no credit for this change because it is the work of God alone. He has healed the wounds that caused me to lash out and forgiven the sins that made me fight. I had to be in control in everything because I was so afraid of the one time I was not in control. By His grace I am not that person today. Grace upon grace flows down.

A new definition for a new life...

Love.

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." 1 Cor 13:4-8a

"Let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." 1 John 3:18

"Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you." Psalm 63:3

"Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law." Romans 13:8

In being born again, I have learned the true meaning of the word "love." A word that in our culture is thrown around, devalued and defaced everyday. It's preciousness was unknown to me until I surrendered to Christ's love. Everyday for nearly two years, I have been learning how to love and growing in my love for our great Creator. Though I am undeserving, He has given me His unconditional love. I could not ask for more but He gives in abundance beyond our imagination's small abilities. God has given me Sean's love and filled me with love for Sean. I am humbled by this blessing and humbled by the magnitude of His love for me, for us, for everyone. God is good and His love is all I need, He provides!