The Real Meaning of Forgiveness

"Forgiveness is me giving up my right

to hurt you for hurting me."

Author Unknown

Accused of Trusting God

Just had to re-post from a friend, Jonathan Smith's Facebook status tonight:

"Christ, while on the cross, was 'accused' of 'trusting God.'
May I live such that I might be accused of the same."

(Mat 27:42) "He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him.

(Mat 27:43) He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him. For he said, 'I am the Son of God.'"

On Writing

"In your mind you have to want to create a work of art. You have to be willing to invest the time to go back over your writing again and again, to shape every sentence so the whole piece sparkles. In spite of all this effort toward stylistic beauty, your aim is not to bring attention to your style but rather to make it a servant to the truth that's driving your story." -- Jamie Langston Turner

I agree with the quote; but find it hard to live by if I ever want to get anything to the "publish-able" stage. I prefer to edit and re-work my pieces over and over and over.... But then they never see the light of day because they're never good enough to suit me. My time is far too limited to spend as much time with pen and keyboard as I'd like.
So, sometimes I get tired of it and just publish my pieces anyway; imperfect, and not quite to my liking. At least you get to read something on my blog that way.

Maybe I'll do that with some of my rough drafts pretty soon. Not 'cause I'm really ready to publish them. But because you'll never see them if I don't just hit "publish" one of these days.

Love That Doesn't Always Protect

Our vision is so limited we can hardly imagine a love that does not show itself in protection from suffering. The love of God did not protect His own Son... He will not necessarily protect us - not from anything it takes to make us like His Son. A lot of hammering and chiseling and purifying by fire will have to go into the process. ~ Elisabeth Elliot

Take My Love

Take my will and make it Thine -
It shall be no longer mine;
Take my heart - it is Thine own,
It shall be Thy royal throne,
It shall be Thy royal throne.


Take my love - my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure store;
Take myself and I will be
Ever, only all for Thee,
Ever, only all for Thee.

- Francis Ridley Havergal

God... Gloriously Sufficient

The cry of my heart in recent days:

"May my life show the world that God is gloriously sufficient

and completely trustworthy."

-- John Piper