Practicing Holiness. What does that mean? Romans 12:1-2 are verses that have been very meaningful to me for a long time. It seems easy to present myself to God but when it involves being a living sacrifice, that feels painful. Presenting, being a living and holy sacrifice, my spiritual service of worship, not being conformed to this world - those things take discipline. They take practice. It can be a one time decision, but I find I have to remind myself frequently and surrender my way to His more often than I want to admit. God knows my heart and he knows humans aren't very good at this discipline thing, so I'm thankful for the Holy Spirit who counsels me and guides me in holiness. I can practice holiness because I have the Spirit in me. Jill Briscoe says, "Do not say, "I can't" to God. Be honest and say "I won't", but ask Him to get you ready to start. Say, "Lord, I'm not willing, but I'm willing to be made willing." To start loving, to start practicing holiness, to start something!

Jesus, in His humanness, even prayed thse things authentically before His Father. He said, "the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak" when He was facing His purpose on earth. He prayed, "Father, let this cup pass from Me. But, don't let my will get in the way, I want Your will." He was practicing holiness. Let Him transform your will and your life. It is an on-going, sometimes minute-by-minute thing.

An opportunity

Decided to go to Brazil with my daughter in June. She's been on several trips outside of the US but I've only been on two! This seems like a great opportunity for me to experience an out-of-the-home-country service trip. I've had plenty of service opps here at home, in my own community and out of state, but this will be a first for me. I'm praying that the group we will be visiting in Brazil will accept our attemps and that we will make some small difference in someone's life by being there and showing them that we care. I just want God to use me; whever I am. I don't always know what that is going to look like. It's usually an adventure. I see my job as saying "yes" when I'm supposed to and leave the "how" and "why" to Him! I would love your prayers.