Heart Reflections

  • Song: “Lead Me to the Cross” by Hillsong

    This song reminds me of the things that I treasure in life and points me back to where my focus should really be, at the cross.  I tend to hold tightly onto things in my life (my husband, children, security when money is in the bank, my time, schedule, etc….) While all those things are good things to spend my time and energy on when they become my focus I am not allowing God to work through my life.  If my heart reflects the love of God then all the other “stuff” will fall into place.  When I focus on serving Him then I am a better wife, Mom, and steward of my money and time.  Sometimes I need a gentle reminder of the top priorities in my life.  Thank you Jesus for sacrificing your life on the cross so I can live and reach out to others.

  • Song: “At the Cross” by Hillsong

    I am thankful for the cross and the sacrifice Jesus made on the it for me.  He paid the penalty for my sin and He overcame the grave.  After having children I know what it is to make sacrifices for the ones you love and yet the sacrifices I have made are so minor compared to the pain of the cross.  You know you are loved when someone willingly gives His life to save you.

  • Song: “Unfailing Love” by Chris Tomlin

    The best part about the love of God is that it remains forever.  You cannot “earn” it because He freely gives it to you!  Thankful for a God who loves me despite all the times I stumble.  What a great example it is of how we should love our family, friends, and those around us as well.

  • Song: “I Can Only Imagine” by MercyMe

    We are surrounded by the glory of God’s creation every day.  I am thankful for the wonderful family, beautiful scenery and amazing blessings He has given me.  If life on earth has so many awesome moments “I can only imagine” how truly amazing heaven will be.

  • Book: “Desiring God” by John Piper

    Our church Community Group has been going through Desiring God by John Piper over the last few weeks.  As we wrap up our final thoughts on this book as a group I am personally still reflecting on many of the topics that we discussed from this book.  How often as believers do we experience true joy?  The chief end of man is to glorify God by enjoying him forever.  Piper addresses several key areas of Christian’s life including worship, prayer, the word, marriage, money, suffering, and missions to help equip you as you seek for your ultimate joy in God.

    This book helps those who are wanting to strengthen their relationship with God plus it helps reveal why your deepest happiness can only be found in God.  I am thankful for the opportunity to look into my own heart and think about my thoughts as well as my attitude towards God.  It is a book that will make you evaluate your own walk with Christ as you consider the source of your joy.

    In the book Piper points out that enjoying God can seem mutually elusive because we often do not believe that we were created to pursue pleasure. Somehow we believe the lie that “If it’s enjoyable or pleasurable, it’s probably not right.”  One of the quotes that stuck in my mind from the book that originated with C.S. Lewis:

    “We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about……when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea.  We are far too easily pleased.”

    I am often content with the little joys of life when I know I was created for so much more.  The back of the book includes a discussion guide if you would like to have a group discussion.  I recommend reading it for yourself or sharing in the journey with others.