Not Forgotten

Hi,

I was telling Jered earlier this week that I feel extra lame when I resort to talking about the weather with my coworkers.  I don't remember which movie it is, but I remember that someone started talking to their crush about the weather, and they were horrified that it had been all they could think to talk about.  Obviously I don't have crushes on my coworkers, but I still feel that pang of self-loathing every time that's all I can think to discuss.  Lame, lame, lame.  (I think I need a job where I have more in common with my coworkers... Not that I don't like the current ones.)

Anyway, I've noticed I feel the same way when I talk about it to you in my letters, but I think it's become so ingrained in my mind from work conversations that it's natural.  Or maybe it's that spring fever getting to me, and I can't get it off my mind!  Like the last two glorious days we had that I couldn't enjoy because I've been cooped up at work, or the blizzard we're supposed to be getting today.  Moving nearer to the equator sounds like a master plan right now.

Ok- enough of that.  On to the good stuff.  Jered and I have dived into the Francis Chan book, Forgotten God.  I have had this book for years.  Years.  As in it was probably a gift for high school graduation.  Maybe graduation from SRC.  Brandon- if you happen to read this- first, know that I am embarrassed it has taken this long, and second, I am thoroughly enjoying it.

If you don't know anything about this book, it's all about the Holy Spirit and our tendency to forget/limit/ignore him.  The author carefully discusses the purpose of the Holy Spirit in our lives, urging caution in finding the balance between ignoring him and, in a sense, putting words in his mouth or attributing actions to him for our own glory.   Basically finding the proper place in between overly conservative and overly charismatic.  Coming from a more conservative background, I appreciate that he covers both sides.

He brings up many convicting thoughts that I'd been considering before I started the book, making them seriously hit home.  Some of them include being afraid of letting the Holy Spirit take control of your life because it may get uncomfortable and questioning our motives in prayers.

Yellow highlighter covers a good portion of our copy of the book now, but one of the excerpts I found the most convicting is this one:

“If it’s true that the Spirit of God dwells in us and that our bodies are the Holy Spirit’s temple, then shouldn’t there be a huge difference between the person who has the Spirit of God living inside of him or her and the person who does not?”

So far, in my opinion, the biggest revelation the book has made is that we don't let the Holy Spirit act in accordance to the great power he has in our lives.

“I want to live so that I am truly submitted to the Spirit's leading on a daily basis. Christ said its better for us that the Spirit came and I want to live like that is true. I don't want to keep crawling when I have the ability to fly.” 

I've forgotten how much I enjoy reading a book with a highlighter.  Is that weird?  I guess I just miss learning.  I have several similar, devotional type books that I haven't read yet.  My plan is to keep reading them after I finish Forgotten God.  I think Captivating will be next on the list.  I've found myself struggling with insecurities and self worth lately, and if I remember correctly, this book talks about a woman's worth in the eyes of God.  It seems reasonable that I would have an easier time trusting in the Holy Spirit to work in and through me if I can understand a little better how my heavenly Father sees me.

On a completely unrelated note, if you think about it, please say a quick prayer for the people in Ukraine.  I can't say that I've been following the story closely, but I got goosebumps when I looked at the paper yesterday and realized that the fiery scene I saw was taking place in the same place that we posed for silly pictures and enjoyed beautiful architecture and art a few years ago.

Then:

Now:

(Photo from winnipegfreepress.com)

Then:

Now:

(Photo from globalpost.com)

None of that compares to the beautiful people we met there and the suffering they are no doubt enduring right now.  

(I swiped these pictures from my dear friend, Whitney.)

It's a beautiful country filled with beautiful people.  Let's pray that God would do a mighty work there.

Thanks.  Talk to you later.

Aim