Struggle with Sin

Paul writes an simple letter in Romans 7 on a complicated subject:

14 We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin.

15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.

16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good.

17 As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me.

18 I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire
to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.

19 For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do
-this I keep on doing.

20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is
sin living in me that does it.


This is so complicated, but the more I read it, the more I find the truth in the midst of complicity.

Dave

How can one dog make a family feel comforting? From laying snug beside me, to licking my face when I hold her just after coming home. Dave is a little, white ball of connection and attachment.

Her whole butt sways when her tail wags. Frantically hopping on your foot saying, "Pick me up. Pick me up, so I can see your face." heah, heah, heah, "Pick me Up!"

She is a lovable dog, but with many flaws. Her bladder is small. Wait, its rather big actually. We take her outside on a schedule to pee, but she still manages to leak. She made work of our old carpets with yellow graffiti. We just recently installed new laminates and carpets. She has to stay downstairs away from her comfort zone, barking, whining and making a mess because she cant be with the ones she loves. We are going to have to get rid of her. Painfully letting go of her, after 9 years of a relationship is hard. I will miss you Davis.

The Cage and The Battlefield

So Beach Week was amazing and I was wondering. When I am in a pretty cage with plenty of food and water and a toy dangling from the ceiling, am I growing? but that isn't all of the cake and cookies. We are meant to go out and make disciples of all nations, not stay in a safe haven all of our lives. To Grow, means Struggle will follow.

Little Things That Warm The Heart

Oil on glass 8 1/2 x 11

Couch Potato Christian

I have found that having a lazy heart is almost impossible trying to do God's will. A lazy heart is one with big dreams, but no action. Since laziness is the easy road, it is my nature to try and make the hard things easy. All the difficult things God wants me to accomplish are so far away from me. Being a lazy christian is what I am becoming If I dont change. I need to be more focused on God's word than my own. I have to want to change my life. Not just half & half.

I Understand What I Can't Understand

On Sunday night, I was writing an essay for a book that I have read called The Problem of Pain. I came across the literature in a way that would change my perspective on solving the spiritual problems that I can't understand.
We tend to get wrapped around the things that dont make sense. I said this, “I dont have to make this life make sense”. The way I look at it. We analyze everything in our life by our rules and we are made from God, so it is like putting a square through a triangle hole. It wasn’t made to be put through.
God’s son died and erased our sins so that our pain could be eliminated. If we chose when people could die, then this world be our world. If I knew why good people died, then I would be God, but I am not. I am not..

Mr. Ohso Fly

Deep Blue Prom

Prom is just around the corner. I've never been to one. It's kinda like I didnt really care to go, but I realized this was my last shot to experience the high-octane, hip-hop thrill ride called Senior Prom. I will be myself on the dance floor, but cautious of my arsenal. There are some weapons people should't see. It is best for all of us.
I am tingly now, ..not hesitant, but unaware of whats to come.

Pollen

Wow. Its like pollen just appeared out of nowhere. I dont have any allergies, but it sucked my throat dry and made my voice scratchy like a pre-pubecent country singer. It was windy today and the pollen blowing off the trees looked like a yellow dust storm. Other than that, today was beautiful. Well, most spring Sundays are always beautiful. Thanks God.

Eleventh of April 08

Graduation is on my heels. Now, It doesnt seem so special. Everyone is like "Oh! I am soo ready to graduate and get outta here!" Gainesville is fine with me, cause I have no idea what i want to do. I cant imagine myself in scrubs ordering 80 pounds of jello and ham sandwiches for people who would care to eat something more tasteful even if it meant damaging their body in the process..... I need a glass of milk and a box of animal crackers.