Listing "L" and My Ten Things for Tuesday September 30

Mrs. Brownstone posted last Saturday “Brainstorming B” about a game where you receive a letter of the alphabet and have to list ten things you love in your life that begin with that letter.

She challenged me with the letter “L”.

Since tomorrow is Tuesday, I am combining this game with “My Ten Things” and listing 10 things I love and am thankful for, all beginning with the letter “L”

Life! Wonderful, precious, God given life! Life in all forms and all stages. To read about how God moved me from “pro-choice” to “no-choice – pro-life” go here.

Light. God made the sun and the moon and the stars, all as lights to guide our way. More than that, He Himself is the real light that shines upon us to direct our steps!

Love. God IS love. Jesus is our example and our model of true love. There is no better teacher.

Lessons. I am always learning. Often I have to learn “the hard way” through tests and trials, but I am thankful that God loves me so much that He is not content for me to remain the way I am, but desires that I grow and move from glory to glory.

Ladies’ Ministry Nights. We have begun what promises to be a powerful and impactful study by Beth Moore on the life of Daniel. Though I may miss several of the session, I am expecting great things. We have a truly awesome group of women involved. Considering that in the past I never enjoyed the company of women, this is a remarkable statement for me.

Land. I was born, raised and lived 43 years as an urbanite. Now I cannot find words to express the joy of living on 20 acres of Canadian prairie land.

Letters! I know that now most communication I receive is by email, but when they are from friends, they are letters none-the-less and a joy to read.

Lentil Soup. Red lentils, onion, garlic, tomatoes, butter and a touch of dill. Slow cooked until transformed into a total body warming pot of deliciousness. If you want the recipe, just ask.

Lilacs. I like the look of them and love the scent of them and plan to plant some near the house eventually.

Lazy days. Sometimes, and more and more often, I enjoy a day of doing nothing but resting in the arms of my Father, worshipping Jesus, learning to abide and receive all that He longs to pour into my life.

Join us at X-Box Wife and add your “Ten Things”

Cafe Chat Week of August 23rd

This week Kim asked: What is one thing you were convicted about when you were younger, but now being older and wiser you have changed your mind on that belief? Why? Or on the other side, what is one thing you may have not held a conviction on that you now do? Why?

I knew my issue the moment I finished reading the question, for the change in me was so dramatic that it was a defining moment in my walk with the Lord.

I lived 43 years without knowing Jesus, and even though God had chosen me as His own, I walked in darkness. I will save my salvation story for another time, but you needed to know just how long the world had seeped into and ruled my life. Redemption and rebirth are astounding. His great love and grace beyond words. I was surely a new creation. My views on moral issues seemed to change in an instant. I suddenly saw right from wrong. Many shades of grey turned black and white.

And yet…

I struggled with the issue of abortion. It was a choice I believed I would never make for myself, but I still felt strongly that a woman had the right to choose that road if she felt it best. I spent much time feeling that I must not be a “good enough” Christian if I could still hold this belief. I remember telling someone that God Himself would have to change my mind.

How many of you know what happens if you give God a challenge?

One night, about five years ago, after crawling into bed, reading, praying, wishing my beloved goodnight, listening to the rhythm of his breathing as he drifted to sleep, I began to think of two women in our life that were pregnant. I knew I was to pray for them. As I began, I sensed I was to pray for all pregnancies. I sensed the Lord asking me “And what about those that are ended by abortion, almost before they begin?”

“Yes, that’s sad, Lord” I replied, “and I would never do that, but I still think the woman has the right to choose.”

There should have been thunder and lightening, for the Lord’s answer exploded in my spirit.

“You have no rights! I have ALL the rights.”

Something in me broke, and I began to weep without restraint. I repented for ever having held the belief that abortion was a valid option. I prayed for those women who had made that choice, that they would learn forgiveness and grace. I prayed for the children who were never born. I prayed for those who were missing siblings that had not been born, and wondered if their spirits could sense the lack. I cried and I prayed and I prayed and I cried. When morning dawned after this sleepless night of tears I knew my beliefs were forever altered.

If you think God doesn’t want to talk with you, or doesn’t answer prayers, just ask Him to change the parts of you that are misaligned. He is faithful to answer.

Join us this week at http://www.internetcafedevotions.com/2008/08/august-23rd-cafe-chat.html and share your answer to Kim’s question.