Everything is perfect, and nobody is happy.

So last night I got a text from a good friend of mine inquiring about how I was doing, hows work, etc. I sent him a text back rambling off all the things that pissed me off that day, and what I was frustrated with and on and on and on..

and then it hit me.

I woke up this morning in an apartment that I can afford to live in. With heat and hot water that I can afford to keep warm. I put on clothes, and actually had to DECIDED out of the many things I own, what would best suit me for that day. I ate breakfast, I got in a brand new car that I paid for, and drove to my full time job. What on God's green earth do I have to complain about? Nothing. It reminds me of a video that Kris Locker posted on her fb page once. It was this guy, and I really don't know who he was, but he was on Conan and he was talking about all the wonderful things in life that we have, that we complain about and are ungrateful for. We as a nation, and as individuals need to check ourselves. We have more than most people will ever have and we COMPLAIN about it. The internet is too slow, my flight was delayed, the didn't have the food I wanted when I went out for supper. It really made me think about the things I have in my life, that I am not appreciative for. In my life, God has been faithful to me in providing the things in my life I think I want, and maybe not necessarily need. I am not saying my life has been perfect; my life has been so far from perfect, but I work hard for the stuff I have and I need to take pride and ownership for it. For my successes are not my own, but have been GIVEN to me graciously and mercifully.

I am so blessed, I don't have the right to complain about the stuff I have. So back to the text quick. I sent Trevor a message back, I said to him I am sorry, but I don't get to complain. I am fantastic, I am blessed, healthy and happy.

Power of Prayer

In church yesterday, we were studying Mark 14 where Jesus is praying in the garden with his disciples. And pastor Paul was talking about as a church, are we willing to pray EARNESTLY to God. Praying passionatly and together as a body of believers to God for wisdom, guidence and direction, etc. Not just our individual prayers, but our prayers as a community. We are well intentioned, but we get "caught up" we get misdirected. He shared this quote with us:

“Never be surprised if you hear ministers of the gospel dwelling much on the importance of prayer. This is the point we want to bring you to; we want to know that you pray. Your views of doctrine may be correct. Your love of Protestantism may be warm and unmistakable. But still this may be nothing more than head knowledge and party spirit.

“We want to know whether you are actually acquainted with the throne of grace, and whether you can speak to God as well as speak about God. Do you wish to find out whether you are a true Christian? Then rest assured that my question is of the very first importance – Do you pray?“

~ J.C. Ryle

KICK.

It was uncomfortable. We spent like 45 minutes in small groups praying; for each other and for the church, the community it was awesome. I mean you could FEEL the peace of God in the room. This week I am listening carefully to what the Spirit is telling me. In those uncomfortable silences and moments I will listen. I will listen and PRAY.

The question is, what will you hear?

...Be still and know.