I'm not going to lie. I had a really bad first half of my weekend. I wish I could say it was one thing, but as the old saying goes; when it rains, it pours. Even when I woke up this morning, things were not looking up...but then God started talking...or perhaps I started listening. And I have had challenge after challenge placed in front of me today.

Challenge #1: Though we live in an I-culture (instant-culture), there is no such thing as I-faith. Simply put, faith takes time to grow and the majority of that growth occurs through adversity. Like it or not, those are the cold hard facts. However, in this life of faith, there are chrysalis moments (yes, remember back to 3rd grade science and butterflies!)...moments where we struggle through difficult times in order for God to build us up in our faith (strength) so that we can break through and live free.

Challenge #2: What am I doing that if I weren't here, wouldn't get done? Thinking in terms of impacting lives...yeah, that was a humbling one for me. God has called me to a life of loving Him first and foremost...but out of that love for Him, a life of loving and giving my life to others. I don't like my answer to that question right now...

Challenge #3: God owns everything I have. These things I have, they aren't mine and I can't hold onto them as if they are...I don't like the materialism found in the States, but I know I fall into that trap from time to time as well. "Scripture says, 'Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.' (Proverbs 23:5). What a picture. Next time you buy a prized possession, imagine it sprouting wings and flying off. Sooner or later, it will disappear." (The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn)

So with those three challenges in my day, it causes me to ponder and to recognize areas of short-comings in my life that I can get off my bum and change. Thank God for new days and His mercies therein. :) Grace all.