Blogger's block

Since I started blogging again this spring, I've had several ideas germinate regarding possible posts. Unfortunately, I usually think about it in the car, or during work or class, when I'm not in a good position to write out notes or brainstorm in more detail. Half the time, the idea gets lost along the way. Sometimes, the idea gets so convoluted and misshapen by the time I'm in a position to address it that it loses its appeal as a potential post. Occasionally, one of those ideas actually makes it to the site. But the ones that really get me are the strong messages that lodge themselves in place, and that seem so clear and straightforward in my mind, but when I sit down to write it out, I run smack into a wall.

Tonight was one of those nights.

I had a concept begin to form during my lunch break. It crept around and ruminated all afternoon. While I was having dinner, it seemed so clear that I tried to start writing it up in my phone. (Stupid tiny Blackberry keyboard) Then I went to class, and on my way home, it bounced around some more.

Finally, I got a chance to sit down in front of the computer. I wrote out what I had started on my phone. Then... nothing. I actually have less written out now than when I started, because I dislike the flow. I don't like the way it starts, I can't make the transition into the main point, and I haven't even began to consider how it would wrap up.

And even now, the point seems so obvious in my head. Argh. I'm officially giving up on writing the post. Heavenly Father, if you want this message to be listed, it is entirely up to you to get it typed up. I certainly can't do it on my own. Not coincidentally, that has a lot to do with the subject of the blocked post. See how simple it is?

Gig 'em Aggies!

Congratulations to the Fightin' Texas Aggie Women's Basketball Team!

First National Championship is on the books. Here's to many more in the years to come.

And while you're at it, could you give our guys some pointers to help them get over the hump?

Gig 'em and God Bless you ladies.

And a special Gig 'em to Coach Gary Blair - you are a credit to your family, your school, and your profession. Your first championship is well deserved and long overdue.

Save the Whales

Friends don't let friends be like Todd.

Embodiment of God's Glory in the Present Age

Many of us have heard these kind of stories. A person or people are placed in a dangerous or precarious situation. God speaks audibly and internally to this person, with clear direction. Through their obedience, plus a bit of supernatural assistance, the dangerous situation is defused. God's protective hand is obvious in the retelling. His peace and power, when combined in harmony with the believer's obedience and faith, inspire a profound miracle, and deliverance from the danger in which the believers find themselves.

I've read or heard a number of stories of this nature over the years. And I have a confession to make. I've always listened to the story and found myself wondering, "Hmm. That's interesting. I wonder what really happened there, or if it ever actually happened at all." Sometimes, I'd apply logical mini-leaps to the story to fill in gaps or explain away the supernatural.

That changed tonight.

A friend of my church, who I personally know, and trust to be one of the most honest and straightforward children of God who I've ever encountered, experienced one of the stories alluded to above.

This friend shared an account with us of a recent event that occurred on a current missionary journey that left me amazed and awestruck. The vividness and detail of the story, especially coming from one whose stories and journeys had been shared with such heartfelt honesty in the past, left absolutely no doubt in my mind of the veracity of the description.

As I listened, I ended up doing the only thing I could do at that time. I praised God for the incredible blessing that He was granting us - a glimpse into the true power of His faithfulness to us, and the power of our lives when we are TRULY surrendered to him. He WILL use us in incredible ways. He WILL impact the world through our person. All we have to do is TRUST in Him - completely and totally, without hesitation, without questioning or doubt.

It's funny. Earlier tonight, during our prayer time, I thanked God for his faithfulness and guidance in our lives. And to be honest, even a couple of hours later, it occurs to me how insincere that prayer was. I'm not suggesting that I didn't mean it. Instead, I didn't have any grasp of the depth and breadth of what I was thanking Him for. Thanks to the retelling of my friend's journey, I have a somewhat better idea. I am hopeful that this is still with me tomorrow, and during the weeks and months to come. I don't want to fall back into the incomplete obedience to which I have become accustomed. I long for the faith that my friend lives every day.

Have you had a first or second hand experience like this, that has wiped away your doubt? Have you truly glimpsed into the majesty of the abundant life which only He can offer us? If you know this Truth, then I encourage you to revel in it. Shout it from the rooftops! Don't let that truth slide into doubt or obscurity or get crowded out by the worries of the day.

I love you all. I pray that God will reach inside of you and profoundly grab you as He has me tonight. I further pray that I don't try to wrest control back. Abba Father, let me be yours, now and for all time.