Resonating with Reason

Questioning has begun.

Motives are second-guessed while the journey is still fresh. Mental battles ensue as past experiences rear their ugly heads.

The soul longs for life change and the heart knows the possibilities, yet the mind sings loud the familiar songs of habits and tendencies - can they truly be overcome?

Natural inclinations of list-making, planning, and organization often leave great intentions as nothing more than new additions to things-to-do-today. Desires for growth become duties. Relationship unknowingly becomes religion.

Hope stirs within - God is bigger.

"Each time he said, 'My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.'” 2 Corinthians 12:9

May this life forever resonate with reason - may these choices be a reflection of a bigger picture, a greater calling - may old habits and selfish tendencies be diminished in the light of His power - may this present weakness make way for His greatness - may this season of thanks become a lifestyle.

Precious writings from a beloved author ring loud and clear, stir desire, send roots deeper still,

"Change agent, mover and shaker Daniel, second-to-the-king Daniel, sleeping-on-perfect-peace-in-the-den-of-lions Daniel. Daniel is a man of power prayer, not because he bends stiff the knees and makes petitions of the High Throne three times daily. Rather, his prayers move kings and lion jaws because Daniel 'prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God.' (Daniel 6:10, emphasis added). Three times a day Daniel prayed thanksgiving for the everyday common, for the God-love spilling forth from the God-heart at the center of it all...Prayer without ceasing is only possible in a life of continual thanks...Was it the power of everyday thanksgiving prayer that shut the gaping mouths of the lions ravenous?"

This is the reason with which to resonate. Not to draw attention, impress others, seek glory. Not to check off the 'to-do' list.

To realize good. To realize God. To give and to live thanks. To shut the mouths of life's lions.

41. Comfy sweatshirts.

42. Baseball caps.

43. Silly songs sung about 'Potato sauce and cheese so gooey.'

44. Giant dandelions.

45. Sweet "I forgive you"s from those too young to hold a grudge.

46. Weather-cancelled ball practices after too many late nights.

47. Resurrection eggs and sacrifice remembered.

48. "You Alone Can Rescue" by Matt Redman.

49. Open and honest relationships.

50. Thunderstorms.