complacency...

last night Community Bible Study started for our Habersham class. it was much needed for me after a hard day on the homefront. lets just say it was a sleepless night followed by dueling criers most of the day...plus a swing with dead batteries and me purchasing the wrong kind at the store.

i truly can count on one finger how many times i've read my bible this summer and there really is no excuse. during the talk last night, something was said that hit me like a ton of bricks and pretty much ruined my life (in a good way, that is). the speaker, who just happens to be my mom...don't you love being corrected by your mom?, was talking about how she was finishing up her bible study in her den and began looking around at all the things in there she wanted to change: new chair, change out curtains, etc, etc and then it hit her--as people we are never content with what we have except in our spiritual walk! the Lord pierced my heart as she said that. that is so me. i am always in want of: new clothes, a better car, more time with my husband at home, a better phone, a meal out, anything on pinterest, etc and never once am i in need of a better relationship with my Maker, my Comforter, my Love. if i'm truly honest here, i think i've been living this way for the past 5 years. sure i've been in bible studies, small groups, and read the Word but i haven't been actively seeking out God the way i was taught and the way He commands of me in the Bible.

so i'm challenging myself to really study this year, really seek out a more authentic relationship with the Maker of the universe...not to just answer the questions in my study but to really know God and become more like Him. my prayer is to become a better follower of Jesus, better wife, better mother, better daughter, sister and friend. all for the sake of Jesus and knowing Him and making Him known to others. and i am clinging to His promise in Jeremiah 29, verse 13:

"you will seek Me and find Me, when you seek Me with all your heart."

all for these boys,
who are growing up way too fast and watching my every move,
and their daddy whom i love so much:

i challenge you as well to make knowing Jesus the thing you WANT most in life, more than things, status, relationships, or anything else. i know He won't let us down if we seek Him wholeheartedly.

love, april