I bought a car.

Can I be a real adult now?

Independence has an expensive price tag that continues to build I have found.

car price + state plates & tags + gas + engine fluids + oil change + insurance = Ouch!

I am still trying to process that all this hassel is worth the headache and "pride of ownership."

Time to Read

The Pursuit of God- AW Tozer
It was amazing!

Don't be messing around with my goodness

Notes from Pastor Ben: Enjoying the Good Life
http://www.fbceugenefamily.com/podcasts/
Get rid of your pride; it is external and God does not want it.
self righteousness is righteousness that is their own
Matt 5:20 For i tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.
The harshest words God ever said were to religious people.
The kind of righteousness discribed in Matthew 5 by Jesus is imposiblefor even the most religious people. Jesus does not call us to religion; He calls us to relationship with himself.
It is not about keeping the rules of external religion; it is about something that happens deep inside you.
The blessed or happy life in Matthew 5 is gaining God's approval after we've already received His acceptance by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. (Rom3:24) We must be creadited with God's righteousness as a gift through faith, before we can actually begin to become more righteous like God in our hearts and demonstrate that through good works. (What church people call sanctification- becoming more like Christ.) Jesus' sermon was intended, primarily, for those who are already His disciples. (Those who already believe His gospel.)
Therefore, it is possible to be enabled by His Spirit to live, love and lead like Jesus.

Thanks for knowing me

Meeting new people is always exciting, but there is something so great about not having to explain your background, your likes and dislikes, and the changes you have made. Today after dinner with some old friends and a phone conversation with my parents, I was reminded of this fact. It was so refreshing not having to put all that extra energy forward. To only have to give a background story of just three days was great!
To all that know me and how long it takes me to trust. Thanks for sticking around and continuign to share your story. I love you!

Beautiful Lord- Leeland

"When the storm is raging all around me, you are the peace that calms my troubled sea."

These lyrics played through my mind as I biked home today. Somehow, today was exhausting. It wasn't the work or the length of time, but more the steady amount of pressure I placed on myself and my performance at work. I am a people pleaser and perfectionist- a hard standard, I know.

I desire too much some might say, but I think it is good to have goals. So, in addition to learning everything at my new job, I am teaching myself Spanish and attempting to learn more about Jesus by reading the bible. Also, some new additions to my life might soon be a car, bike and computer. Though there is still much reading and research before I get to the point of purchase.

Sadly, these goals/tasks that I have set before myself, I am letting get the best of me, and I am burdened instead of excited. Individually each item is thrilling, and I need to remember this fact. Funny, this seems similar to how many miss-interpret the freedom in relationship with Christ, instead of freedom, obligation is the overwhelming feeling.

"I am loved by a King and it makes my heart want to sing. How can I keep from singing your praise? How can I ever say enough, how amazing is your love."

Thank you Lord for being my peace, source of stregth and wisdom. Keep my anxious thoughts for the future replaced by the exhileration of the new present.

Keeping me moving forward.

Lena and I in Portland last weekend.