A Few Thoughts on Renewal

I recall a few years ago sitting in one of my favorite local restaurants (Gondolier... for you locals) & pouring out my emotions to a dear friend. This had become a weekly occurrence where I'd find myself spending the majority of our conversation talking about my "weariness, overcommitment, & the perceived need to drop out." I was in the middle of a sentence when a friend of his walked in the restaurant & stopped by the table. My friend said to her, "You look great! I can't believe how refreshed you look." That statement hit me like a ton of bricks. It immediately called to mind how much of my time was spent in dread, weariness, disappointment... burdened. I needed renewal in a bad way.

Here's some quotes & thoughts I've been having... many of these thoughts are birthed from my reading Gordon McDonald's "Renewing Your Spiritual Passion."

• Heart check time when "life seems to momentarily turn into a mindless or spiritless journey crammed with events (not experiences) & contacts (not relationships)" (6).

• "There are no shortcuts, no gimmicks, no easy ways to cultivate intimacy with God & attain the resulting passion that should carry on through life's journey" (9).
  

• "Though I am always in haste, I am never in a hurry because I never undertake more work than I can go through with calmness of Spirit." -John Wesley

This is my favorite excerpt from the book (taken from Lettie Cowman's "Springs in the Valley" p.196-7):

In the deep jungles of Africa, a traveler was making a long trek. Coolies had been engaged from a tribe to carry the loads. The first day they marched rapidly & went far. The traveler had high hopes of a speedy journey. But the second morning these jungle tribesmen refused to move. For some strange reason they just sat & rested. On inquiry as to the reason for this strange behavior, the traveler was informed that they had gone too fast the first day, & that they were now waiting for their souls to catch up with their bodies.

I am often astounded at the pace at which our lives move. My dear friends, please spend time waiting... let your souls catch up with your bodies.

Mars Hill Church | Special | 32 Hours: The Church in Haiti

Mark Driscoll's Full Interview with RC Sproul

Really enjoyed this one; RC Sproul's work has impacted my life several times over... click on the below image to access Mark Driscoll's full interview with RC Sproul.

Living Water | A Response to Haiti

If you're considering donating funds to Haiti... may I ask you to consider giving through this channel. Click on the image below to find out more.

Q&A with Piper & Angola Prison Inmates

via The Gospel Coalition

The In-Between

I've realized the need to post an update for a LONG time now but haven't. I suppose trying to keep up with 3 blogs is a bit too much for someone... unless it's their job. Consider this my stating my intentions for Crimson on White.

I sense I am somewhat in the in-between. Many things have happened since I began this blog: went full-time with my 2 businesses, the birth of my 2nd child, joining a new church in Knoxville, etc. Therefore, I haven't been very consistent in updates. In many respects I needed my soul to catch up with my writings... I wasn't taking enough time to incorporate what God was teaching, rather jumping on from one thing to another. I still feel there is an audience & ministry for Crimson on White as many of you have expressed; I am so thankful. Originally I planned to open this blog up for many contributors to share their insight & personal reflections from Scripture. Again, I would welcome that (just let me know & we'll make sure our goals/visions are compatible).

God has done a tremendous work in my heart over the past few months & I intend to share them with you here. Stay with me friends & I hope that God may use this blog as a means of grace in your life.

Desiring God Pastors Conference