"My idea of God is not a divine idea. It has to be shattered time after time." C.S. Lewis, A Grief Observed

This blog- the heads up broadcasting on what God is doing in my life- is slow coming. I would like to apologize to all of you reading this that not only does it not give justice to the Lord's doings but also not upholding the personal commitment that I made with you. 

An image that I am keeping in my mind, daily, has become this image of a 700 yr old tree in a Washington forest. Gary Thomas wrote about this image that has struck my mind as an image to uphold and to strive for in my own life. This tree stands without significance in this forest except for the sign that marks its longevity. He describes it as having "simply gone the distance, and in so doing it commanded attention." He associates it beautifully with a marriage used as a platform for showing God's reconciliation and as a platform to evangelize. I pray to be steadfast in my relationship with God, continually finding my identity in Him and further, allowing him to transform my mind. 

I completely desire God to teach me in this way today. That I not hold myself, God, or anyone else in a light other than who God has defined them as... to not hold expectations in my mind with the ideals that I have, but for God to continually bring his nature to light in me. I am thankful today for my relationships around me and that God's hand has formed each of us specifically and God is teaching me that this is something to notice and to give careful attention to. HIS creation. His people, His community. This is something that has been shown as an example to me in the past year. I have always been in community- lifegroups, bible studies, book clubs- but always viewed my relationship with God as predominately solitary and one to be protected and secluded in my own identity where I would still share with my people, but not prioritizing a life with God as a life with others as a necessity. I met my boyfriend last spring during the "Life with God" class that Pete Shambrook led and am now seeing a new viewpoint in a year past. This year I have watched Jonathan by example, how he is seeking council not only by going to Jesus but by seriously intentional relationships. God has made Jonathan with such a communal personality and I love it! Because God's people are so compelling, it is such a reminder of that quality of God and how he does that with us every second. I see that image of tree of not only a commitment to my God, but to His people. I want to be a woman wise beyond years through the Spirit of the Lord serving God by serving others.