"Here I am to Worship"... through a blog.

If I didn't know better I would stop writing this post right now and get my camera to snap a picture of what I see outside the window. But I know that if I did that I would get distracted and not get back to my point. I'm looking at my favorite tree in my whole yard. We have a lot of trees, but this particular evergreen has always been my favorite. Right now it has a vine wrapped around it and they have been known to choke and kill many trees. They are pretty to look at, but I know what they can do. I should stop writing and get outside to cut them so I don't lose the tree, but I won't, because what I have to say is a lot more important; or is it??  ;)

I knew something was wrong a few weeks ago when I was trying to sort it out with a friend of mine. We were talking about "shallowness." I did a terrible job trying to explain and long story short, it could have cost me the friendship. I totally missed it, got discouraged and decided to do what my dad always said to do: "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all." For me, that's where satan does his best work; when I don't say anything at all. My problem was that I couldn't explain it well, so I gave up trying and it got confusing for all parties. I wanted to quit (and I'm sure the other person did as well!).

I did the same thing with blogging.  My thought is that if I can't articulate perfectly, I shouldn't write at all.

Lately I have been a bad friend to many instead of a good friend to few. I've spread myself thinly and have not nurtured the deep relationships I care about most. God spoke to me through a few different people these past few days who encouraged me to get back to it. This is the longest span of time that I haven't blogged since I first started writing here in 2007. As I opened His Word early this morning (first time in a long time!)I went to the first book of the Bible i ever read: Matthew, chapter 5 where Jesus taught about Salt and Light...

"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? ..."

"You are the light of the world... Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."

Lord, l believe You when You say that I am the salt of the earth. Help me to be like seasoning and bring out the best in those around me. Lord, light my fire again. I want them to see your light in my eyes and know that I don't just blend in, but I am different because of You. Thank You for Your Word and for the freedom I have in You and the ability to share what you teach me with others. Don't ever let me be quiet when I should speak (or write) and don't let my light go dim. Thank you for those who have encouraged me to keep writing this blog.