I cant tell you how it has started my brain, heart and spirit moving in a passionate way toward God in my life, and the life of my family. It has truly initiated a renewing of my mind that is palpable, and involuntarily mobilizing.
The chapter I am reading/moving through (there are so many thought provoking thoughts I read, ponder, read some more, think, read...) right now is called, When You're in Love. It has had some most interesting thoughts, one of which is about Twinkies. :)
My husband loves Twinkies ..maybe that is one reason this metaphor stuck with me so much ...
pg. 104 - "Imagine going for a run while eating a box of Twinkies. Besides being self-defeating and sideache-inducing, it would also be near impossible. - you would have to stop running in order to eat the Twinkies.
In the same way, you have to stop loving and pursuing Christ in order to sin. When you are pursuing love, running toward Christ, you dont have the opportunity to wonder ..Am I doing right? or Did I serve enough this week? When you are running toward Christ, you freed up to serve, love and give thanks without guilt, worry or fear. As long as you are running, you are safe."
I know that for me, and I believe that for many of us, guilt is something that adds to the gut level "stress" of our spirits. We are so burdened as Christian woman with a sense of desire to be all, do all, handle all, serve all ...we are overwhelmed with the desires that consume our hearts, and how we are to achieve them all...and guilt when we dont.
For me, the root of this journey to peace via less stress is about letting go of the things that God does not intend us to carry on our shoulders and in our hearts. Guilt, fear, expectations of ourselves that God didnt give us, unfair judgements of who we are or should be ...those are all Twinkies girls!
Ah, to pursue Christ to the point that I dont have time for Twinkies ...yes, that is where my focus needs to be!
What are your Twinkies? ..mine are guilt, comparisons, self-doubt, pride, lack of focus, impatience.
I need to put those away, so I can pursue this Christ I am learning to love more every day. How about you?
Mine is simple to identify. My Twinkie box says "self-indulgence". Looking inward instead of out. Pulling it all for me and sending dregs out for Him or for them. Sometimes I'm dense and I need a post like yours. That must be why I'm such a big fan. Without people like you poking me back to awareness - no telling where I'd be. I thank God for you.
ReplyDeleteI've been focussed on a new project this week - reviving my original blog. Please stop by and check it out. I'm hoping to gain some followers. http://heartensoul4u.blogspot.com
Thanks for sending me to this book ... it is definitely thought provoking and challenging.
ReplyDeleteAnd ... thanks for your words of encouragement (always) to look up instead of in.
One of my 'twinkies' is (among others)'self doubt'.
Today my "Crazy Love" reading was from Ephesians 2:10 where he reminds us that God has made us for good works which he has prepared for us in advance to do. What peace there is knowing that God has it all worked out and all I have to do is surrender, seek and wait for the way to become clear.
Taking my twinkie out of my mouth ... and focusing on the run.
Thanks babe. Your momma is pretty proud of you.
Thanks Mama :) ..and Sharon ..i will check out your blog :)
ReplyDeleteMy Twinkies are security and control. Even though I know that both of those things are illusions anyway, I still find myself chasing them, when I'm supposed to be chasing God. And you can't chase two things at once, especially when they go in different directions!
ReplyDeleteCourtney, I SO enjoyed reading Crazy Love a year or so ago!! There is SO much in it! Thanks for reminding me of the Twinkies illustration! I think my "Twinkies" are selfishness & impatience! I am so thankful that God is not finished working in me!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Jessica
Great post! My Twinkies are probably perfectionism and self-doubt. Great reminder of where the focus should be! Have a blessed iFellowship Wednesday!
ReplyDeletehttp://LivingMontessoriNow.com
Oooooh, a new book to read - love it! My twinkies are all mashed together from being carried around everywhere.
ReplyDeleteTo name a few though....guilt, comparing myself to others, trying to take on too many things....basically ditto on the ones that you named!
Will add this book to my list to read. Thanks so much for joining iFellowship this week!