If I’m completely honest, it feels kind of weird being here.
I’m holding a lot of emotions about this whole year. I don’t know how to really put them in words, apart from distant descriptions and explanations and summaries, but I will try.
I keep finding myself looking back over my old blog posts and journal entries and all the relics and representations of myself in the near past that I can find. I’m not exactly trying to figure out who I am and I’m not really trying to figure out who I was. It’s almost more like I have this strange need to reach out and flesh out just what the difference is between the two.
And I can’t really figure it out. All I can figure out is like I said: it’s weird being here, wherever here is.
There’s only a few things I feel completely sure about from the past few years and how I look back on and think about how my story has played out in those years.I think as the years go by it will all be clearer, as the Lord continues to weave together my life, and as my life’s surrender to Him becomes more and more complete.
Somehow even what I know is hard to put into words that don’t feel either too vague or too repeated and meaningless.
I know this last year was hard.
I know there were many moments where I’ve felt lost in the fog and struggled to keep my chin up. Or even where I let my chin go down.
I know not many things make sense still.
I know on any average day I feel mostly apprehensive and bewildered, and usually stuck.
I think I know those things.
But the one thing I know with every fiber of my being, with the kind of knowledge that reaches into every part of me and emanates from my very core, is this:
God has gone before me and behind me. I know that.
He’s held me, he’s strengthened me, he’s comforted me. He’s been here through every moment I can’t make heads or tails of. He’s brought his presence and joy and peace into every curve and plot twist of my story, even when I couldn’t feel it.
That’s not just something I choose to believe.
That’s not something that could be true apart from a God who cares, who is righteous, who is real.
It’s not just something that can be true today and stop being true tomorrow or any other day.
It’s not something I can deny.
So, yeah. It’s weird being here, not really knowing where I am, not knowing really where all my plans will end up, not knowing how any of this will be resolved, not knowing if much of anything is really anything.
It’s weird being here and knowing that despite all my filthy rags and prideful attempts at righteousness, He sees through it all and still just wants me.
It’s weird being here and knowing that every single strand of my life, visible and invisible, is being woven into a masterpiece, simply because I have trusted and returned the love of a God who is so infinitely great and glorious and yet pours His grace into my life.
It’s weird…sitting here, thinking and preparing and worrying a bit, but knowing that whatever lies ahead in the next year…. if it’s lived for Christ, it will all be worth it.
They are great for when you just want something light-hearted and comical to read. And I would recommend reading them before A Flash of Magic.
A Flash of Magic itself is a collection of 8 stories from the characters and land of Ambia.
I received an advanced reader review copy of A Flash of Magic but was not obligated to give a positive review. Thus, these are my honest thoughts on the book!!
Overall, I thought A Flash of Magic was hilarious, enjoyable, and familiar in a warm but comical way. I loved seeing the various personalities of side characters pop out of the page.
I’ll admit some of the shorter letter-style stories the book began with (mostly the first one) did not grab my attention as much as the latter ones, but I still liked getting the perspective of those characters (such as Ella).
I’d say “A Letter from Magistrate Valyns” and “A Tale of New Year’s Eve”, were my favorites, closely followed by “A Letter From Cynthia de Ghent” and “An Excerpt From The Journal of Prince Colin.” Those ones in particular sure took you for a wild, hilarious ride.
A Flash of Magic is just one of those books that feels like sitting by a warm fire or snuggling up in a blanket. The magic is never dark, although there are those who use power (including magic) wrongly and are brought to justice. It’s sparkling with little threads of genius and wit and magic, and full of characters you’ll never forget.
As far as content, here’s Allison Tebo’s own description of the content in the book:
Some inborn magical abilities. There are definitely rules for those super abilities, and the magic is treated as gifts that ought to be used for good (there are consequences when it is used incorrectly) and it is implied that there is a higher authority magical beings answer to. Hints of affection between a married couple (it mentions one couple in bed together, simply sleeping or talking), and some light kissing. There is some family-friendly violence, mostly knocking people unconscious or hitting badguys/gals. Some name-calling and exclamations like mild exclamations like “blast.”
Allison Tebo’s Content Advisory for Flash of Magic
If you enjoy fantasy or fairy tale retellings, I hope you enjoy this book!
If you would like to purchase A Flash of Magic you can do so here.
And last but not least…the paperback giveaway on Instagram! It ends the 21st, and you can enter by clicking on the link below and following the instructions on the post. https://www.instagram.com/p/CiadkZ-LDEw/
I’ve been busy working away at the list I call The List of Overwhelming Tasks That Need To Get Done Before The Break Is Over. It’s really not that overwhelming of a list when I think objectively about it. I’ve just procrastinated on all of it so much, that everything feels dreaded.
The first milestone was cleaning off and organizing my desk. Every school year or semester I always hope that this time the organization will hold. I cannot yet remember a single time the chaos has held off for more than a week or so. 😂
Today I’ve been trying to tackle as many tasks as I can. I haven’t been very motivated in the last few weeks I’ve had off between my summer job and school starting next week, so maybe that’s why The List can feel so overwhelming and all important.
Sometimes bouncing back and forth between tasks every few minutes ends in disaster and just leaves me with a bunch of incomplete tasks. Today, it’s been kind of fun to just bounce around and do little parts of different tasks and watch tasks actually get done once I make enough rounds. Maybe it will still end in me staring exhaustedly at all the halfway done things, but for now, it’s fun. 🙃
I’ve kinda been the same way about books this summer. Persistently working away at a group or list of books, but bouncing between genres and series and books.
I’m getting closer and closer to finishing my buddy-read/binge-read of Sherlock Holmes. The goal was to finish all of the Sherlock Holmes books by next week, but I think I’ll still have The Return, The Casebook, and The Last Bow remaining. Still, that’s a lot of Sherlock Holmes for one summer. It’s been super fun. 🙂
It’s been a bit of a struggle lately to get back into a regular habit of reading and digging into God’s word after the kind of relapse of all routines and habits during my summer break. I find myself either going back to familiar passages or wandering blindly through less-familiar ones, and remembering only a vague imprint of what I read. I think sometimes I need to stop and remember that most if not all worthwhile things are hard, rest when applicable, recall what those worthwhile things are (like God’s word), and plow on.
The sluggard does not plow in the autumn; he will seek at harvest and have nothing.
Hey there! Just popping in super briefly to share about an awesome writing camp going on this March. King’s Daughter’s Writing Camp is an incredible community of Christian gals writing to glorify God and encourage each other to meet their writing goals. It’s entirely free and if you are a Christian gal looking for community, accountability, victory over writer’s block, and encouragement in your writing and faith, I totally recommend KDWC.
Below is a little more about KDWC and how you can join. ❤
The King’s Daughters’ Writing Camp is back! That’s right, if you’re a writer who is looking to find a community of like-minded Christian women then you should check out The King’s Daughters’ Writing Camp!
Whether you’re an experienced writer or brand new to writing, TKDWC is a wholesome and encouraging place to get motivated to write and be strengthened in your faith! If you’re familiar with NaNoWriMo, The King’s Daughters’ Writing Camp is a great alternative or companion to NaNo! TKDWC offers a few more camps per year than NaNo and this March is going to be the first camp of 2022!
Joining TKDWC is completely FREE! It’s as simple as signing up, opening Slack in your browser or downloading the Slack app and then you have the amazing resource of a writing community at your fingertips! And if you ever feel overwhelmed you can always tag or DM one of our Aunties for help!
Still unsure if you want to commit to a month-long camp? Not a problem! The King’s Daughters’ Writing Camp has zero commitments, the only requirements are that you set some kind of writing based goal and follow the camp rules! You can devote as much or as little time as you’d like!
If everything above didn’t convince you, our lovely Aunties have put together some fun challenges and activities for us at this camp, and by completing those challenges we can earn virtual prizes!
Camp sign-ups open on February 18th and stay open until the last week of camp! Our virtual gates open up on February 25th which is one week before camp officially starts so you can get comfortable in your tent, meet your tent-mates and get ready for a month long of faith guided fun!
If you’re looking for a bit more information, you can hop over to the camp website. On the website you can see the camp schedule for upcoming camps, check out the blog, read testimonials from happy campers, find writing resources, and sign up for the camp newsletter to stay in the loop! And of course, you can contact the aunties if you have any questions!
I hope to see you at camp! Feel free to comment any questions you may have in regards to camp and keep an eye out for our team, we have more posts coming your way!
God bless!
(Picture credit goes to Cat Thompson from the unofficial KDWC street team)
Because as much as I often look down on poetry, sometimes it is easier to express such things with. ☺
***
So this is what it means
To be loved
Even seen
Yet still reached for
He poured out his lifeblood
Just to cleanse me
He reached to all ends
Just to live in me
Now I know what it means
That He loves me.
So this is what it means
To taste freedom
To be set loose
To live without bondage
He didn’t just cleanse me
He filled me with life
His power dwells in me
He’s set me free
Now I know what it means
That He saved me.
He’s here, not just there
He within, not around
He’s living, breathing
Inside and out
My God is alive.
Now I know what it means
That He’s with me.
So I’m redeemed
Yes, I’m cherished.
I’m alive, no longer numb
I may not feel, but I know.
That He’s list’ning.
For no matter my chaos
No matter my darkness
He walked through it all
And stays even now,
So I know what it means
That He’s my friend.
I breath in
And I gasp
For He says
That He’s here.
So this is what it means
To conquer death
To be filled with the power
Of the One who won all
This is what it means
To be Overcomer.
And so I stand
In this truth discovered
Knowing what it means
To be what I am
For this is what it means
To be child, to be daughter
To be loved.
This is what it means
That He’s here.
***
May God be with you this week. I pray He would speak to you and perhaps give you a glimpse of what it means that He gave himself for you. ❤
"Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the Lord his God,
who made heaven and earth,
the sea, and all that is in them,
who keeps faith forever;
who executes justice for the oppressed,
who gives food to the hungry.
The LORD sets the prisoners free;"
-Psalm 146.5-7 (ESV)
"Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?"
-Matthew 6:26 (ESV)
Note: This post is dedicated to my dear friend Mary, who continues to remind me that I am redeemed and beloved of God despite the chaos of other voices telling me otherwise.
Thanksgiving week has been pretty busy school-wise and family-wise so I never ended up posting my review of “Wandering of the Stars” by P.D. Atkerson.
But today I’m here with the all-important announcement at least a few of you are no doubt waiting to hear! Who amongst you hath won the eBook of P.D. Atkerson’s “Wandering of the Stars”?
I must keep at least a little bit of suspense going here, so first…here’s a little bit about “Wandering of the Stars” (or as books are often acronymized, WotS)
“Wandering of the Stars” is the second book in the “Of the Stars” series by P.D. Atkerson, the first being “Testing of the Stars.”
It released just yesterday, and if you missed the giveaway, were not selected as winner, or would like to get your hands on a paperback copy, you can get it here. It’s actually free if you have a Kindle Unlimited subscription! And of course, if you haven’t read the first one in the series, you can get “Testing of the Stars” here.
Here’s a little bit more about the story itself:
WotS Cover
The attack on the Academy was only the beginning of the adventure for Max O’Brian. Two months later, he finds himself placed back on active duty. Max knew things would change after their early graduation, but being summoned to speak before the Council was not anything he expected. And definitely not the meaning behind the summons. From the Alliance base in D.C. to the distant plains of an alien planet, Max soon learns the Galaxy is becoming a small place. The Novens are closing in, and nowhere is truly safe anymore. Either in this star system or another.
Pique your interest? Definitely go check it out. I absolutely loved the first book in this series and am already enjoying what I have read of WotS. Plus P.D. Atkerson just writes really good stories.
As for the giveaway of a lovely eBook copy of this book…and the winner of that prize…you’re gonna have to scroll. 😉
Congratulations! I’ll be in contact with you in the next few days to deliver you your copy of “Wandering of the Stars” by P.D. Atkerson. I hope you enjoy!
Have a blessed Sunday everyone, and don’t forget to follow P.D. Atkerson on her blog for more updates or random giveaways and sales. You never do know quite what she’s up to, so I’d keep a close eye on those “Top Secret” files.
“But let all who take refuge in You be glad, Let them ever sing for joy; And may You shelter them, That those who love Your name may exult in You.”
Just popping in real quick to share my thoughts on “Testing of the Stars” by P.D. Atkerson!
If you haven’t heard, Testing of the Stars is currently on sale for FREE via Kindle, but only through tonight. You can get it here.
Also, I am currently hosting a giveaway for the second book in the series, so check out my post on that here.
I’ll jump right in! This is what I thought of Testing of the Stars.
I love this book so much. “Do you like sci-fi?” they asked. “I think? If it’s really good.” I replied. I’m not sure if this books confirms that I really do like sci-fi or if it is really just that good. Likely both.
I love P.D. Atkerson books, but I will say I wasn’t expecting to enjoy this one nearly as much as I did. If I didn’t love her book “Phantom Thief” as much as I did…I would almost say this one was better.
Testing of the Stars was fast-paced, packed with sarcasm, and had one of those stories where you just have to find out what happens next. While the prose wasn’t particularly exceptional, the characters were the best. Sarcastic? Sure. Possibly a little too sarcastic? Maaaybe. But I loved it. They were very real and empathizable (if that’s a word). I just wanted to give them a hug sometimes.
The worldbuilding was pretty good, too. I loved how easily I could picture everything and how concrete it was. There were a few teensy spots where it could potentially not make sense, but perhaps they will be explored more in the next books.
Speaking of the next book…I NEED BOOK #2!!!! Thankfully it comes out about a week and a half so you all won’t have to wait too long.
As far as faith-content goes, I actually really liked how it was incorporated. Although it wasn’t “thoroughly interspersed” and only came up on a few occasions it really fit and felt real. The faith element wasn’t altogether concluded either, but I have a feeling we’ll get more answers in book #2.
Overall I really, really, really love this book and if you like sci-fi or cool worldbuilding or space-stuff or starships or skill academies…do yourself a favor and read this book. I’m guessing you’re gonna love it.
Note: Testing of the Stars is currently free on Kindle through tonight, so now is a good time to get it!
I received a free copy of Testing of the Stars from the author and was not required to give a positive review. These are literally my honest thoughts.
If you’d like to see the review on Goodreads (or potentially follow me there) click here.
If you end up snagging Testing of the Stars today, I hope you enjoy it! I sure did.
Have a good rest of your day! I’ve got to skedaddle.
First off, there is a MASSIVE eBook sale starting right now on P.D. Atkerson’s books. Over the next two weeks, THREE of P.D. Atkerson’s books will be going on sale for FREE!!! And two others will only be 99 cents! Check out her post here for all the details of when and how.
Most importantly, “Testing of the Stars” is FREE on Kindle right now!! It’s actually one of my very favorite P.D. Atkerson books and it is also is the book BEFORE Wandering of the Stars (which I’m giving away!).
Not only that, but this whole giveaway is in honor of Testing of the Stars’ one year anniversary, which falls on November 28th!
If you like good, clean, and just plain AWESOME sci-fi, I wholeheartedly recommend it. If you didn’t hear me before…
Get “Testing of the Stars,” the first book in the series, for free here now through November 19th!
Secondly, another blogging friend of mine is also putting on a giveaway for one of P.D. Atkerson’s books (this time Deadlock). There’s a little bit of a challenge involved and I must say, it looks pretty fun! You can check it out here.
And now…more about the giveaway.
First off…about P.D. Atkerson. The mysterious writer behind all these books. She seems to be most famous for her series AKA Simon Lee and has a very devoted fan base. How she keeps up with all her various projects and new books and series’, is beyond me, but they certainty seem to get more and more interesting as they grow. I cannot say for certain, but I believe her favorite Bible verse might be Psalm 45:1, based on her blog. However, having never asked her, I truly do not know.
Here’s what she has to say about herself. Or at least what a third-person narrator has to say. 🤔
P.D. Atkerson is a homeschooled writer, living in Montana. She spends almost as much time in the worlds she creates as she does the real one. When she’s not reporting the stories of Simon Lee and other heroes, she’s making cakes, learning a different language or traveling to different worlds through the portals of books. She has a black belt in sarcasm and a master’s degree in useless facts.
About the Giveaway
What are you giving away? An eBook copy of “Wandering of the Stars” by P.D. Atkerson. It is the second in the Of the Stars series, and is preceded by “Testing of the Stars.”
What is the book about? Wandering of the Stars is a science fiction adventure story where Star Wars meets Keepers of the Lost Cities meets Firmament (by J. Grace Pennington). That is my description, at least. 😄 Here is the real synopsis:
The attack on the Academy was only the beginning of the adventure for Max O’Brian. Two months later, he finds himself placed back on active duty. Max knew things would change after their early graduation, but being summoned to speak before the Council was not anything he expected. And definitely not the meaning behind the summons. From the Alliance base in D.C. to the distant plains of an alien planet, Max soon learns the Galaxy is becoming a small place. The Novens are closing in, and nowhere is truly safe anymore. Either in this star system or another.
When can I enter? 11/15/2021 (now) to 11:59 PM 11/27/21 MST
Where and when do I find out who won? Here at farmgirl4jesus.wordpress.com, sometime on November 28th.
How can I enter? You can click here or scroll down just a little bit further to see and enter the giveaway.
How can I get bonus entries? All kinds of ways! From following P.D. Atkerson’s blog, sharing this post, and answering trivia questions about books by P.D. Atkerson you’ve already read, I’ve made lots of fun ways to participate and get extra points in the giveaway!!
What if I just want to buy the book, instead of leaving it to chance in a giveaway? You can absolutely buy Wandering of the Stars, and the author appreciates it a lot. Do know that Wandering of the Stars doesn’t release until November 27th (which happens to be the last day of the giveaway), but you can preorder it before it even releases here!
I already preordered Wandering of the Stars or I don’t want to enter the giveaway. What else can I do to help? On top of supporting indie authors by buying their books, two big things you can do to help are sharing about their books and content in your own sphere of influence (even just sharing this post on your own blog or social media!) and following their blog. P.D. Atkerson even has special Top Secret Files built into her blog for readers who have read the AKA Simon Lee series. It’s also where you will find info about her awesome sales, so I definitely recommend following it. You can check out P.D. Atkerson’s blog here.
I’ll be posting a review of Testing of the Stars (the first book) very shortly and soon after that, I’ll post my review of Wandering of the Stars, so watch out for that.
Hope you are all having a blessed week.
“Do not fear or be dismayed! Be strong and courageous, for thus the Lord will do to all your enemies with whom you fight.”
-Joshua 10:25b (NASB1995)
P.S. I was able to confirm with the author that she at least thinks Psalm 45:1 is her favorite Bible verse. But she’s not sure. Actually, I think she said “sure” but…I think we’ll stick with that. Psalm 45:1 is P.D. Atkerson’s favorite Bible verse until reported otherwise. 😉
Pain, weariness, joy, wonder, beauty, love— they all seem to be colors on the painting of life. And I want to paint. I want to light up the world with beauty.
In a way, hands are a much simpler tool than the pen. They do. They act. They help. The pen does too, carving words and thoughts and emotions across the canvas of our minds, sometimes embedding farther than the hands alone can accomplish.
I am learning to use my hands to ease suffering, bring joy, and restore health. It is hard; very, very hard. But it is much simpler than words.
Words cannot be seen. Sometimes they allow themselves to be thought, but more often they are chased, as every one seems to fall short of reality. If only I could use them as I wish. If only they would follow my command, if only they would express the inexpressible.
But I suppose words fall short there. I can only use words for so much.
So what shall I use my words for? And how?
How can I heal with words? How can I help? How can I bring beauty, joy, discovery, and wonder? How can I show truth? How can I show love?
Oh Lord help me, for I do not know how to do this.
So show me how to show Your love. Show me how to weave, how to paint. Show me how to bring light. Show me what to do with my words.
May the Lord’s words guide mine. May He guide yours as well.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
-Psalm 119:105
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
-Psalm 19:14
*All Scripture quotations are from the ESV translation unless otherwise noted.
I’ve been really liking the picture of running, striving, pressing on towards the goal, full of the joy of Christ Jesus. I’ve also been really liking The Gray Havens music lately. And Mike Winger videos.
One particular song from The Gray Havens fills my imagination with swirling scenes. I think of the bursts of light, the tiny glimpses through the darkness of a beauty yet to come. I think of throwing off my burdens, running with all my might. I think of longing, deep longing, to know the Light, and to see what is to come. Amidst so much darkness, and I mean so much darkness, every glimmer of light matters. Oh with what joy do I await the dawn!
Now I’m just waiting for the day // In the shadows of the dawn
But I won’t wait resting my bones // I’ll take these foolishness roads of grace // And run toward the dawn
And when I rise// And dawn turns to day // I’ll shine out as bright as the sun // And these roads that I’ve run will be wise.
-“Shadows of the Dawn” by The Gray Havens
I’ve always loved Psalm 19 and its story of God’s word shown throughout creation, echoing in truth, pure and beautiful in everything. I also love the picture of the strength contained in their beauty, when the psalmist describes the voice of the heavens going “out into all the earth” and God pitching “a tent for the sun,” with the sun “like a champion rejoicing to run his course.”
“The heavens declare the glory of God…they use no words, yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun. It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is deprived of its warmth.”
-Psalm 19:1,3-6 (NIV)
As painful as I often find running in reality, I’ve never thought of running as drudgery. I think of freedom, joy, and peace; not in desperately running away, but in joyfully running towards the end, the result, the upward call. More like the final race of an athlete than the painstaking training it takes to become one.
I don’t know where that picture fits in with my everyday life. Like pretty much everything in life, I’m still figuring it out. But I do know I want to run.
Maybe it’s a reckless desire for a meaning. Maybe it’s a passion to devote everything. Maybe it’s a longing for freedom from the entanglements that drag me down. Maybe it’s because in peaceful moments like this, when I’m waiting on the Lord, strength I never knew fills my heart. Maybe it’s because I am still growing in patience and often fail to see the meaning in day-by-day toil.
But day-by-day toil is running. It’s all about where my eyes are—set on the course in front of me, set on Jesus the founder and perfecter of my faith.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”
-Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV)
Frustration: both an emotion I feel at the entanglements that surround me and an entanglement in of itself. So many things cling to me, and oh how closely they cling!
Shame, frustration, distractions, irritations: they are everywhere. But I am not alone, for Jesus himself endured the cross and “despised the shame”.
And there’s the joy again. It is interesting to me that it says for us to “run with endurance the race that is set before us” and that Jesus endured the cross “for the joy set before him.” There’s that joy, that freedom, of not just letting go, but “laying aside” the weights and sins that cling so closely, and running.
“All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.
Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed.
Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord.”
-Hebrews 12:11-14 (NASB1995)
I want to run, but I feel I have not been fully trained. Without strengthening my hands and my feet I am indeed in danger of putting it all out of joint. Discipline is painful. If I am honest I would rather not pursue peace with everyone. I want perfection, but I do not want to be sanctified, because it is painful.
But to run, I must train.
I must strengthen what is weak if I am to yield the fruit of righteousness. Laying aside my entanglements is not just a reckless letting go of everything. It is a day-by-day submission to God’s sanctification, it is seeking out the straight paths, walking in the pattern of the founder and perfecter of our faith: Jesus.
“Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
-Philippians 3:12-14 (NASB1995)
I lay aside my entanglements and lay hold of the joy set before me. I want to press on, I want to run.
Sometimes I wonder if I really understand what “the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” means. Still, it inspires a deep desire to keep going, to breath in deeply and run towards the dawn.
In a recent Mike Winger Q &A video I watched, someone asked how to gain a godlier perspective in a very blessed life (here). In other words, how to not complain in a 1st world country. I was very convicted.
I get so stuck on every little inconvenience and annoyance. I am so bad at forgetting what lies behind and am often guilty of “keeping a record of wrongs” (1 Cor 13:5). I need Paul’s exhortation to press on and reach forward to what lies ahead.
I don’t know much about running. I’ve never done track, cross-country or anything like that. I haven’t the slightest clue how fast I can run a mile.
But when it comes to my spiritual walk with God, I want to press on and lay aside with joy everything that keeps me back. I truly want to run.
Faith on the Farm 