Just a thought...

"Yet it is better to enter into life maimed but lovely in God’s sight than to appear lovely to man’s eyes but lame to God’s. At first, Jesus Christ through His Spirit has to restrain you from doing a great many things that may be perfectly right for everyone else but not right for you. Yet, see that you don’t use your restrictions to criticize someone else." -Oswald Chambers Utmost

This daily devotional is very challenging and has always come to me with interesting, thought provoking ideas to deepen my life..

I was struck by this statement... "Yet, see that you don't use your restrictions to criticize someone else." As we begin and sustain our journey with Christ we began with this idea of being "maimed"-or wounded/injured not injured by Christ but by the sacrificing of ourselves beating the flesh into submission (allowing ourselves to sort through the crap in our lives and sacrificially give/ let go of the foolish/ wrong behaviors and ideas and build our new mind full of Christ and what he actually has for us the "freedom" in Christ to strive to be like him (Ephesians 5:1-3)... Then as we are perfected and carved by God through our new life in Christ... We have personal restrictions (things/choices that to us would hinder or harm our relationship to God). And in these- some being very different from others- we are reminded to not hold these personal restrictions as a judgement to others..

We are called to not judge others.. For God is the ultimate judge..

With all of this I stand as a learner a grappler of this and many other ideas God has set in front of me... I find myself to be blamed for this as well as many others- this "self-designated" judge to other yet trying not to be a judge for that is not right.. ahhh this is good.. And with this I shall continue to let this sink in and focus on taking the blame and judgement out of my life...

Thank you Oswald.

Remember: Thinking is something you practice- keep it up seriously there are enough people who do not think we do not need more...

~MOlly

There is a time for change a time for Vacation!

HELLOOOOOO! Is anyone out there? Have I done myself a backwards duty of shunning all potential bloggers or interested bloggers from my site. If so I am sorry but will bring you back up to date with this wonderful packed blog.... Just a Guz is back for the summer... It has been a while coming but here it is. I miss you all. I cherish your anger..

First, Traveling traveling. Did you know that traveling can make you more tired? Well I can attest to that..... Since May every weekend has been filled with a girls trip to MN for shopping, a set of mom and me birthdays, Iowa City, and the End of School (thank the lord I was about ready to jam a number 2 pencil in my pinkie)...

June- an interview for DSM Public- a Job- a contract- one week in Conn/ Mass, Fenway Park tour, Italian sausage (for those who detest hotdogs as much as I do- It was amazzzzing). seeing the east coast and meeting Matthew's brothers family (also a highlight of the summer- what wonderful people!!!!), A trip to MN valley fair (rainy cold sleepy) enough said, a Braves/ Twins game at Target Field (most fun ever), Braves winning, traveling all over creation with Matthew (wow what a learning experience in a wonderful way), Living in Rock Valley for almost 3 weeks- a test to my liking of Dutch people and their ways, and.....

As you see I have been jam packed. It was a wonderful time. I loved everything and the learning that has ensued. And it has only been 3 WEEKS! I have more summer.

Later- Madeline's wedding (good friend from HS), home with the rents, moving out of IC to DSM, Vaca with the rents at Okoboji, golfing, sun bathing, you know how that goes... So much to look forward to..

But for interesting things sake... All my goals have been focused on getting outside, running as much as possible, watching movies, and reading... Reading "Change of Heart" by Jodi Picoult. WOW- she is an intense writer who knows her stuff. Very graphic when need be but not too much. Makes you think "what would I do if i was in this situation?" This seems to be her forum a set of intense books that focuses on very very intense situations that have no one moral choice that you could choose so many different choices in most of her situations... Very judge and jury but I have grown to appreciate and get hooked on her books. As far as movies- Jackie and I watched My Sister's Keeper- Def liked the book better... though the movie def gave justice to the intensity of her book... Well young readers.. I suggest taking a chance.. opening your book and diving into what seems like an impossible task - relaxing.. I am trying it and beginning to enjoy it...

Remember You have one summer, one season for blueberries, and many chances to enjoy the Vikings.... use them wisely....

WEll you know who...

~MOlly