The Nativity Story, part 2

Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." 

Matthew 1:18-21 (ESV)

The Nativity Story, part 1

[Mary's Song of Praise: The Magnificat]

And Mary said,

“My soul magnifies the Lord,

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.

For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;

for he who is mighty has done great things for me,

and holy is his name.

And his mercy is for those who fear him

from generation to generation.

He has shown strength with his arm;

he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;

he has brought down the mighty from their thrones

and exalted those of humble estate;

he has filled the hungry with good things,

and the rich he has sent away empty.

He has helped his servant Israel,

in remembrance of his mercy,

as he spoke to our fathers,

to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

(Luke 1:46-55 ESV)

livin' on cruise control

I got in the car today and headed to the next town, but something just wasn't right.  My car didn't want to stay at the same speed today, it just kept slowing down.  I'd speed up again and set my cruise control, only to have the car slowing down again.  Then I realized what was wrong.  My cruise control wasn't working.  I tried at least 5 more times to get it to work, but as much as I wanted it to, something was just not right.

Pretty much anytime I'm driving on the interstate, I set my car on cruise control.  Even if it's just for a few miles, it's become somewhat of a habit.  I set the car on cruise and just relax my foot for the drive.  Too often I find myself just letting my brain go on cruise control as well and that's when the problem starts.

I remember the last time I was pulled over was on a Sunday morning.  Yes.  It was about a year ago and I was taking the very familiar drive to church, about to turn on the interstate when I saw the flashing lights.  And it felt as though my heart just stopped.  And when it started again I realized I had been completely lost in my thoughts, just letting the car drive me to my destination.

Bad things happen when we just let ourselves mentally "coast" while driving and in life.  Thankfully, that morning, the "bad thing" became a good thing because it came in the form of a warning.

If you were to look up cruise control on wikipedia,  here's the "definition": 

Cruise control (sometimes known as speed control or autocruise) is a system that automatically controls the speed of a motor vehicle. The system takes over the throttle of the car to maintain a steady speed as set by the driver.

Yes.  This is just a definition about a device, but I think the key is how something else "takes over" the course that the driver has set.  When I use cruise control, my foot is essentially not in control of the speed of the car for as long as I let the cruise control it.  

It's funny because I really use cruise control to keep me out of trouble by keeping my speed in check.  But when I let my mind wander, there's where the problem comes in.

And this is what I was thinking about today...when I was jolted by the fact that my usual way wasn't working...for too long I have been on cruise control spiritually.  We were never meant to cruise through life without consideration.  In fact, we are warned in 1 Peter 5:8 to "be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour."  

For me, I'm realizing now how I have been on cruise control in several areas of my life.  Food is a big one.  So now, I'm having to be on extra alert to make changes that would have been more apparent had I been watchful for the enemy trying to fill me with physical pleasures instead of the spiritual pleasures I was made for.  I can tell this is going to be a tough journey because cruise control has become my norm.

So as you pray for me, I will be praying for you. What areas of your life have you placed on cruise control?  Together, let's be watchful of how the enemy is seeking to devour areas of our lives that belong to God!  I'm right there beside you trying to keep my foot on the pedal...or better yet...letting God take control.

mid week momfessions!

My momfession this week is...I want my child to be organized!

And he seems to be jumping on board...I love it!  When I thought Elijah was playing with his trains in his room this morning he was actually organizing his train accessories and his cars.  Reason #3498 why I love that kid!

Mom disclaimer...I actually did not teach him to do this...

Have a "momfession" of your own?  Join in at my friend Sheila's blog!

One down...

To tell you the truth, I'm not doing so well with my goals for this year.  And yes, I know it's only the 13th of January.  At least since it is the 13th of January I still have hope for the rest of the year.  It's as if I wrote down these goals and every lazy bone in my body (all of them) decided to kick into full gear.  Ugh.

BUT...I have completed one goal!  We went to a great concert Sunday night.  Justin and I had talked about going to Winter Jam and I'm so glad we did.  We paid extra for VIP open seating and ended up on the FRONT ROW!  It was just so great to be out with my husband for a night...enjoying time together and worshiping beside him.  I love that he's a worship pastor, but I do miss getting to sing beside him in church sometimes.

ANYWAYS...here are some pictures we got at the concert.  *Spoiler Alert* if you're planning to go to Winter Jam this year!

Chris Sligh

Chris August

Sidewalk Prophets

Red

Newsong

Francesca Battistelli

David Crowder Band

Us waiting on the final two groups!

Kutless

Very genuine group...loved them!

Michael Tate of the Newsboys

Newsboys drummer...hilarious!

I felt kind of old hearing some of my favorite Newsboys songs from "back in the day" that not too many people around us seemed to know!  But at the same time...going to great concerts makes me feel younger....It was a great concert and time of worship!