Karyss-Renee

My second daughter's name and this morning have something in common. They are both a rebirth of grace. I love the early morning hours, and--while conceding that there is merit in down comforters and soft pillows--often wish more people knew about them. Of course, I then--like the big brother who wanted more apple pie for myself--cover my mouth and wish I hadn't said how good they were. Grace reborn. A morning. A little innocent girl. If I think of my day like a child entrusted to me to shape, to mold for His glory--what a humbling and stretching thought! Every moment becomes evaluable and valuable! What is the best i can do in this moment to make this little girl/little day glorify the Maker?

I was listening to a christian radio station on my way in this morning (1/2 hour--applause!) and the music ran the gamut of praise (Indescribable...You are amazing God!) to warning (It's a slow fade... nobody crumbles in a day...be careful little eyes what you see) and was struck by the contrast. One side of the continuum is God in His glory and how utterly blown away we are by his holiness and righteousness as we gaze upon His beauty. On the other end we see Christians lead astray and totally destroyed by what they allow their little eyes/ears/hands to see/hear/do.

And then I was struck that the radio station had finally gotten it: although we are Christians and we do walk in the glorious light of salvation, grace, redemption etc., etc., we struggle with real issues and our lives do crumble in this world. It doesn't always look like we're growing from "strength to strength". In my own life I often feel like I go from strength to stank. Whether it is pride, selfishness, lust or disobedience--how often do I stink up the work God is doing in my life as I indulge the flesh/old man/new euphemism for pre-Christ me?

I want to treat this day like a child, Lord. Every fleshly influence I would fight to keep away from my children, let me war on behalf of this day in the same manner. And I pray that you would keep temptation far from us today. I ask that You would provide bread for this day--the nourishment to function in such a way as to bring You glory. I pray for grace and forgiveness to shower down on this day and every interaction, inadvertent wounding, old scars. Help me forgive. I beg that You would deliver us from evil so that my striving wouldn't get in the way of Your strength. Amen

On the docket:

• budget on Professor's desk
• new students in department and certificate programs on Professor's desk
• prepare for new student orientation
• bags
• cups
• folders
• media
• worship
• prepare for missions conference
• send Facebook update
• connect with professor regarding gospel choir
• practice for symphony
• teach five lessons
• print 10 dissertations/articles for research project
• procure piano stand for seminary student

We'll see how the day pans out and check back in a little later...