Adventure

As I sit in the living room waking up, I soon see a flashlight bouncing off the ceiling and walls as Michael (Bartholomew)eventually makes his way downstairs. I remembered that he wanted to get up real early to fish in our pond. Being the parents of boys who like to fish presents simple opportunities to share the Gospel. As we told the boys, Jesus ,in His earthly ministry, spent a lot of time around water. Just yesterday as Michael prepared his fishing gear for some evening fishing, with his dad and brothers, at a nearby river, I came out on the back porch and said, "Hey, fisher of fish!" I kissed him goodbye and hugging him said, "Someday you will be a fisher of men." Exchanging smiles I went back inside. I love Mark1:17 where Jesus said, "Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men."  Mike and my heart longs and prays that our children catch on to all the excitement and daring adventure that God's kids get to be a part of and it's not a dull life for sure!! I mean, when Jesus beckons us to wade deeper into the water and all I really want to do is lounge on the shore and sip iced tea,(how exciting is that? Really!) well....am I up for the adventure?! Webster's definition of adventure is: an unusual , stirring experience. With Christ, yes, definately!!  It means faith and fog and uncertainties. It means witnessing the power of an Almighty God. It means trusting what I can't see. It means resting in the Father's unique plan for me. It means for me to stop looking around at others "easy" life and say , "Lord, I'm ready for the adventure!! I'm ready to live a poured out life for You. I'm ready to feel the pain of others. I'm ready to weep at what is dear to Your heart. And to leap with limitless joy at all Your goodness and power!!"  But it doesn't just happen...it's everyday bowing in my King Jesus presence. Asking Him for the spiritual apparel befitting a princess. Asking Him to teach me how to walk with the integrity of a princess. Psalm 26:2,7,8,11,12 is precious indeed..."Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart. That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works. LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth. But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me. My foot standeth in an even place: in the congregations will I bless the LORD."  It also means learning from Him how to speak as His princess daughter. I can't find my way on my own. I slip back too easily into a beggar's garments. But when I commune with my Kingly Father I truly find "His" joy in the moments of my life. Moments where I would react wrongly. Instead I have literally tasted the beauty when I surrender my self to Him and let Him minister to my spirit. I feel His freedom settle over me as a blanket and in that moment I realize nothing is worth losing what Christ has given me.