Thursday, August 31, 2006

Being convicted

I've started reading the book "Through Gates of Splendor" By Elisabeth Elliot. The first two chapters have been a humbling experience. I realize that I don't give my life to God. Well, not how I should. I have too much of a hold on this life. I read how Jim and Pete were both just bursting with excitement to serve God in missionary work. The attitudes in which they approached things is inspiring.

It has made me realize how much I focus on the "now" and not on The Spirit. I'm thankful that God has shown me this. I'm thankful that He doesn't allow me to feel that I've "got it right". It helps me continue to learn humility.

I'm slowly learning what it truly means to love our Lord. Its not some abstract idea we throw around to make ourselves sound good. Its a deep, moving feeling that grips you by the chest and makes it to where you can hardly breathe. Its.......something more than anything I could type here could come close to describe.

I'm very fortunate that God has opened my heart and allowed me to love Him. I just pray that He can take this lingering desire for this world away.

Monday, August 28, 2006

Marriage retreat

Was wonderful!!!!!! I can't describe how great it feels to come back after the retreat feeling so -- in love. Its amazing what God's grace can do for you. I don't think I will ever be able to comprehend it.

We had such a great time while we were there. We were up in the mountains at Ridgecrest, NC. Talk about a workout!!! We were right smack in middle of a mountain. Our marriage race was quite a feat! I still can't get over the fact that WE WON THE RACE!! I thought for a while I was going to drop dead from exhaustion as we trekked up a huge hill. It was all good though.

I can't wait to go next year!! John and I will be the facilitators of the race -- watch out everyone!!

Tuesday, August 22, 2006

Peace in Submission

..Yeah, you read the title right. And yes, I, Shannon, am saying you can find peace in submission. Yes, me, the headstrong, stubborn, "women's lib all the way", "I DON'T NEED A MAN TO TELL ME WHAT TO DO"---yes, that girl...Is saying that there is peace in submission.
I remember when John and I were first married, and we were talking about submission, and how a wife is to submit to her husband. I thought I was going to have an aneurysm. He supported his side with scripture, and we prayed about it. I think he prayed more than I did - lots more. I'll be honest. I hated the idea of having to be submissive to him. I grew up in a very matriarchal family. All of the women, my grandmother, aunt, mother, sister, all of them "ruled" their marriages. So to hear someone tell me "nuh uh" on that...Well, yeah, that flew over well.

Thankfully, God is faithful, and he started changing my heart. He has taken the thorn of "utter independance" out of my side, and replaced it with a husband that doesn't dangle my submissive role over my head.

I have learned that there's so much freedom in submission!

I can only explain it through the power of our Lord. As we live according to His will, we are rewarded. It is His will that a wife submit to her husband.

Of course, this is not the general concensus of our society. I get made fun of by my female friends at work when we discuss this matter. They tell me how they put "their man" in place, etc. I'm told that I'm nieve for letting John have control of the situation. Sometimes I'm even told that I'm stupid for not "stepping up" in the relationship. Taking the submissive role isn't easy. We see daily how that's not the norm. We are ridiculed when we don't conform to that norm. I believe Satan attacks us in this area with a brutal force, because if he can make us err here, it affects our marriage, our family, and our worship.

All I can say is pray about it. Pray about having a submissive spirit. Pray that God gives you delight in being submissive. Act on faith, and trust in Him to take care of things.

Saturday, August 19, 2006

Sisters...

I have been thinking about my sisters lately. Wondering how they are doing, where they are, what they are up to, etc. I haven't heard from one of my sisters in at least 7 years. There was a huge family blow up involving her, and she has made herself distant since then. Her children haven't heard from her in a few years (they live with my aunt now). I have tried locating her a few times, all to no avail. I would like the chance to apologise to her for how we all acted toward her.
My other sister, I haven't heard from in about 6 months. She (like the rest of my family) lives in Texas, and her phone was disconnected a while ago. She's not in a good situation, and I fear that she really doesn't want that to change.
I was wondering what I could do to make "things better". Then I realized, the only thing I CAN do is pray.

Thursday, August 17, 2006

Pain!!!

Ugh! I just got home from the dentist, and man am I in pain! He had to do a tooth build up and put a temp crown on. I go back in 3 weeks. All my fun numb shot is gone now and I am feeling the wrath of that tiny drill and all of his contraptions. *whimper*

Forever Thankful

Pastor Scott's post (8/16) made me think...His question was about what you have a thing for. This question made me think of my past, and all the various things I used to worship. Yes, I use the word worship, because I let these things consume my life! I was always an obsessive: internet junkie, car nut, boy crazy, movie addict, the "cool one", etc.

I am so thankful that through God's grace, He has changed me from that person!!! I'm also thankful that He has forgiven me for all my sins. The thought of how lost I would be without him is frightening. He is helping me shed my earthy desires, which is something I would be powerless to without Him.

I wish I could sum up exactly how I feel in words, but its too powerful. All I can say is THANK YOU GOD! Thank you for loving me, thank you for choosing me, thank you for your faithfulness, thank you thank you thank you!!!

Wednesday, August 16, 2006

Sunday School Olympics

Wow, what a blast! I don't know what I laughed at more - watching the kids drop potatoes in a bucket from their knees, or John running the obstacle course! I was in tears!!! It seemed like everyone had fun though, which is what is important.

I wanted to say that I'm really proud of our older youth. They have so much enthusiasm!

I can't wait to see all the pictures and videos that were taken!

Runnin' on empty

Ok so this is my first entry..and as usual, I'm running late for something, so this will be brief. But hey, that's what life is like..always on the move. Right? Don't tell me I'm alone here in my headless-chicken race!!!!!

Anywho..I'll post more tonight (gives me an excuse not to read quite as much physics as I would normally ..haha!)