the perfect space..

In accordance with the new year and beginning to work on resolutions (or goals/habits as I may refer to them from now on), I've decided to sort of revamp my blog.  I can't promise this will mean I will post more, although that is one of my goals if you read my previous post.  In service today the topic of spiritual growth was being discussed and it was suggested that it should be measurable.  In other words, we should be able to pinpoint a number of different things that are indicative of growth.  As a means of keeping track of that for myself, I want to start using this blog, in conjunction with my personal journal, to document those changes.  Of course, I will still likely post on life's occurrences and include plenty of pictures.  I think it'll be helpful to reflect on things I'm learning; either in service, small groups, or through reading the bible.  I don't expect that everyone who reads my blog or stumbles upon it will care to read what I have to say about God, but maybe my discoveries or struggles will help someone else in their journey.  At least, that's what I'm telling myself. ;)

Today has been sort of therapeutic.  It was the first service of the new year and Crossroads' first service since December 12th.  I attended by myself, which is not new, and I kind of enjoy going alone.  I have admittingly missed our senior pastor's humor and inappropriateness.  Speaking of; I must share this week's joke. "Facebook is a lot like prison. You waste a lot of time, write on walls, and get poked by people you don't know."  hahaha. Totally not what you'd expect to come out of a pastor's mouth, but he's funny right?

Ok, so there is A LOT more that I took away from that service than that joke.  I've gotten into the habit of taking notes during service and it really helps me to remember key points that stuck out for me, or be able to reflect on them later.  Too often I just sit there thinking how the message applies to someone else I know, and I'm determined to break free from that because it's NOT helping me grow at all.

I have also missed worship.  Some of the songs really resonate with me and often bring me to tears.  This weekend was no exception.  In fact, I'm including the lyrics to Before the Throne of God because it is an absolutely beautiful song and describes the love of God in a way that just grabs hold of my heart.

Before the throne of God above

I have a strong, a perfect plea:

A great High Priest, whose name is Love,

Who ever lives and pleads for me.

My name is graven on his hands,

My name is written on his heart;

I know that while in heaven he stands

No tongue can bid me thence depart

No tongue can bid me thence depart.

When Satan tempts me to despair,

And tells me of the guilt within,

Upward I look, and see him there

Who made an end of all my sin.

Because a sinless Savior died,

My sinful soul is counted free;

For God, the Just, is satisfied

To look on Him and pardon me

To look on Him and pardon me

Behold him there, the risen Lamb

My perfect, spotless righteousness,

The great unchangeable I am,

The King of glory and of grace!

One in himself, I cannot die

My soul is purchased by his blood

My life is hid with Christ on high,

With Christ, my Savior and my God

With Christ, my Savior and my God

After service I was feeling prompted to have someone pray for me.  Crossroads has volunteers who will come to you in your seats and pray for you directly after service.  Stupidly, I felt embarrassed or something to remain sitting in my seat and wait for the volunteer to come to me, and proceeded to follow the crowd toward the exit.  Then I spotted one of the prayer volunteers and headed to seek her out instead.  Some people do truly have the gift of prayer.  I gave her a very rambled version of what I wanted her to pray for and she turned it in to this eloquent speech to God.  It was perfect.  As nerve-wracking as it can be to have someone pray over you, it feels amazing! I want to echo that prayer a thousand times over this coming year.

Upon leaving church, I headed off to pamper myself some more.  I treated myself to lunch at Potbelly's and sat and read while waiting until it was time for my hair appointment.  I don't know why anyone is afraid to eat alone.  It's always interesting to people-watch or hang out and read a book.  I only got o hang for about twenty minutes and then walked over to Identity to get my hair cut.  My friend Chelsea has done my hair for years now, and I have never had a complaint.  Granted there have been times it's taken me a little while to get used to my hair, but that's because I did something new; not because she did a bad job.  So if you're in the market for a new stylist, I would highly recommend.

Alright, this has turned out way longer than I expected, and I've hardly said anything significant, so I'll shut up now.  Hope everyone's year is off to a great start!

now playing: the avett brothers