Growing Pains

Wow, God knows just what he's doing, does he?

...he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Phil 1:6)
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jer 29:11)

God's using all kinds of things to grow me into a more mature, selfless person. It kinda hurts. But I guess we need growing pains if we want growth spurts. I thank God for the people, communities, books, and wisdom He's put in my life lately. You are all a part of making me just a little more worthy of the calling God has put on my life.

I am grateful for (in no particular order):

For my parents: Thank you for displaying godly wisdom, maturity, patience, and many other things in your marriage so I can see how to put godly principles into action.

For my pastors: I have several pastors in my life right now who are praying for and granting wisdom to my husband and I in making our marriage more and more godly.

For Mandi: My best friend has never been afraid to help me grow by bringing areas needing growth to my attention. Thank you for being bold. Thank you, thank you.

For Adam and Heather: I'm excited about the fellowship we're embarking on together. Heather, your encouragement, wisdom, and prayer are making a difference.

For the following books: Jesus on Leadership by C. Gene Wilkes, Stop Dating the Church!: Fall in Love with the Family of God by Joshua Harris, The 10 Dumbest Things Christians Do by Mark Atteberry. All of these books have helped renew my passion for living rightly.

For the Weekend Kindness community: Find the community in my sidebar or simply click here. This community is dedicated to exploring and practicing godly relationships. The widom and encouragement I've received through the content there, the content on the contributors' blogs, and conversations with the contributors has been invaluable in growing me to the next level of servanthood in relationships.

For my husband: The patience you've shown me and the desire to be a good husband that you've recently demonstrated not only motivates me, but challenges me and thrills me. Thank you that I know you'll be sticking with me through thick and thin while he figure this whole relationships-God's-way thing out. I love you.

For the Spirit of the Living God: Thank you, thank you, thank you! Why you chose to call me to claim what I'm not worthy of, I'll never know. Thank you that although I've failed miserably in the past and given up, you've always picked me up, dusted me off, and carried me through. I can't express thanks to you enough. I am honored to be your lover.

I am my Beloved's and his desire is for me. (Song of Songs 7:10)