Encouragement Anew...

Few quick thoughts from my devotion time this more:

1) First of all, check out the beatitudes from the Message:
         "You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule. You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you. You're blessed when you're content with just who you are - no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought. You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat. You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'care-full,' you find yourselves cared for. You're blessed when you get your inside world - your mind and heart - put right. Then you can see God in the outside world. You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family. You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom. Now only that - count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens - give a cheer, even! - for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble."

I absolutely love the fresh wording of these verses. We've all heard these a bazillion and one times. Thought I would share a new perspective on them.

2) Apparently it is the year of the wedding. One of my closest friends recently got engaged, along with 4 other people I know. This my dear friends makes me terribly impatient and annoyed! I want it to be MY turn already! Yes, I am selfish and greedy in this area! However some encouragement came from Romans 8 this morning. Again from the Message:
           "This is why waiting does not diminish us, any more than waiting diminishes a pregnant mother. We are enlarged in the waiting. We, of course, don't see what is enlarging us. But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy. Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along."

Granted I have never experienced the waiting of pregnancy, but I can imagine what it's like. No I've never felt it, but I've been around plenty of pregnant women and listened to their sighs and groans for the baby to hurry up and get outta there and into their arms. So I can identify with the metaphor. However, the longer the wait, the more joyful the expectancy. It's been a long journey for Bryan and I. One that began and exhausted me long before I ever met him. However, I know that God understands my "pregnant" condition, and is working out all the details into something amazing that I will be able to cherish and hold close in due time. He understands my groans and sighs and isn't frustrated with me. But I imagine he smiles a bit while I'm throwing a mental tantrum.....because he knows the awesomeness that is just over the horizon. That I will soon call my own! Ahhh I CANNOT WAIT! Haha :)

PS God is totally amazingly awesome!!!