Smallness

Have you ever stopped and thought about how small we really are. I can get so caught up in all that is going on in 'my life' right now. But then I stop and think that in my little town of 900ish people, there are 900 lives with as many schedules and issues and things happening as me. Then I think of Russellville where there are 30,000ish people again with busy lives and problems and so much going on. Then I think about how Russellville is one small town in this country, one country in this huge world. So I get pretty overwhelmed when I realize I am one of roughly 6,800,000,000 people in this world that have worries and joys and their lives going on all around them. It is at this point that I am again amazed that God would care about every detail of my life. That my thoughts matter to Him. My mind cannot conceive how He can keep up with all these lives. I simply leave it as He is God, I am not. Thankfully, I am His.

So sorry...

I'm sorry. I have completely neglected this blog for a month and a half. As in, I haven't even gotten on here. Until today. I've missed alot of your posts, but love that I can catch up on them. I guess that's what tax season will do to a CPA. But, I will try to get back in the habit.
Today, I'm thankful for a God who is way more consistent than I could ever be.

Reflecting

It has been way too long since I have posted. I know all 7 of you who read this have been holding your breath wondering where I am. :) We have had a great Christmas season and now ringing in the new year. As I think back over the year of 2009, many things come to mind. It has been one of the hardest and one of the best years at the same time. God is at work all around us. This was a main truth I remember learning as a senior in high school doing an Experiencing God Bible study. ("Hee-who belongs to God"... sorry, just a joke for a couple of old friends) But this truth I learned in my head is more true in my heart today. He is at work, if only we open our eyes to it. He is at work when things seem to be going great. He is at work in the hard times, even in the death of a beloved student. We have had a great year in youth group, record number of kids, and kids that are truly seeking Christ. I am looking forward to what is to come. "Greater things are still to come, greater things are still to be done in this city!" I got a new Beth Moore Bible study for Christmas that I started this week and am really excited about it. I'll give updates as I get farther in.
To God be the glory.
Tracy

The conclusion of the matter

Five Truths:
1. God is who He says He is.
2. God can do what He says He can do.
3. I am who God says I am.
4. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
5. God's Word is alive and active.

This is taken from a Beth Moore study/book I read awhile back. (hopefully I didn't butcher them) Truths we need to take to heart, to believe with every part of our beings. I have no trouble believing the first two truths. Where the devil tries to get me is on number three. I often think I am not really enough in areas of my life.
God does hear my prayers. He has shown me that twice in the last 24 hours. He is at work all around me. I want to be an active part of that, not the one who misses the BIG picture focusing on my small part in the story. I want so much to live a life that matters. To be one that brings glory to the One. Honestly, what else matters?

Ecclesiates 12:13 "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man."

I want to fall in love with You.

Ouch. My toes are hurting. This verse was laid out before me...

Luke 14:26 (New Living Translation)
26 “If you want to be my disciple, you must hate everyone else by comparison—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple.

This verse does not say that we have to hate our families, God shows us likewise by showing what a father/son relationship should truly be. BUT in comparison to how much we love God our love for our families should look like hate. I am not there. I have made my family 'idols' in the eyes of God. I have put them ahead of God in many ways. I need some things to change.

Psalm 119 is so full of what a truly loving God looks like.
37 Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word. 38 Reassure me of your promise, made to those who fear you. 39 Help me abandon my shameful ways; for your regulations are good. 40 I long to obey your commandments! Renew my life with your goodness.
and I really like this one,
45 I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments.

God, hear my heart's cry.

Thankful

I was gonna try to write a "credits" to for my life. Who I am thankful for, who has shaped it, and made me who I am today. But, I know I will leave some out... sheerly because I am writing this when I should be sleeping. So, I may do this differently.
God. Jesus. Holy Spirit. Without Him, how lost I would be.
Alan. Bradley. Andrew. I am so very blessed. I couldn't ask for more.
Mom. Dad. Brian. Brent. Emily. Shannon. Kids. I love how much fun we have everytime we are together. You have shaped me so much. I can never say thank you enough.
Buddy. Sandi. Abria. Angela. Jonathon. Casey. Kids. I couldn't ask for a better set of in-laws. I enjoy the time we spend together and am so thankful for the way you shaped my husband and now me and our kids.
Thomas. Mildred. Johnnie. Annie. Floyd. Inez. Claude. Gladys. Without you we wouldn't be the people we are. You shaped not only your children, but your grandchildren and great grandchildren.
My score of aunts, uncles, cousins, cousins once removed, whateever you call it. :) We have a bond as a family that many, many families don't have. Thank you all for exemplifying what extended family should be like.
My friends. Here is where I don't want to leave out names. If we have ever spent time together, had a conversation, done goofy things, laughed at stupid jokes, worked along side each other, spent time serving on mission trips or at church together, or just talked through a computer; then I am talking about you. If you are taking time to read this, then definitely you. I would not be who I am today without the league of people that I have been priveleged to call friends over the years. I may not see you all now, but thank you.
Youth group, former youth. Thank you for allowing Alan and I to serve you. I hope you are a little closer to God for the time you spent around us. I hope you have seen examples of love, of a family, of people who truly care about you. Because we do. We have. We will. I treasure getting to spend time with you and act like I'm not quite so old. ;)

I am a blessed person. I may not say it enough, but I am. I have much to be thankful for.

Just some pictures...

Thanks to Megan (I'm gonna learn how to link this) for taking some family pictures for us. I haven't seen them all yet, but am really happy with these few I have...