Having some work done

I hope that when people look at me, that they can see I've had some work done.  Not the kind of "some work" like the Hollywood kind.  Not botox or a little lypo or some new hoo hoos.  Not a fleshly nip and tuck.  No siree.  I want the eternal kind of "some work" - though it can't be completed this side of heaven.  I want people to look at me and not see me at all - that kind of "some work."  I want that my life would point others to the cross - not because I'm great, but because HE is GREAT in me.

I have recently entered a season where I have been convicted by many things, and I have been on my face before the Lord about these things.  I have experienced grievous sorrow - the kind that lands you in the lap of the SAVIOR.  It has been suh-weet to sit in His lap and ask for His intervention in my life.  And He has intervened.  I LOVE that about HIM!  Here are some things I have been pondering on . . .


"Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life."  Proverbs 16:31

And to think I've been coloring over my crown all this time! (And likely will continue too!) Seriously, though, how is it that the world has convinced people that aging is ugly?  I hope I can celebrate the new lines on my face and added fullness to my crown rather than believe the lie that aging is ugly.  However, I really would like to have turquoise streaks in my hair.  Not because I'm trying to be young and hip (because I know I'm not either) but just for fun.  Because.

"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'  Therefore, I will boast all more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of CHRIST may rest upon me."  2 Corinthians 12:9 

 And to think that I want to run and hide when I feel weak, though I should shout from my rooftop that I am surrendered to Christ, whose power will rest upon me and turn my weaknesses into His glory.

"Clothe yourselves, all of you, with the humility toward one another, for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." 1 Peter 5:5
I can throw away those catalogs with those super cute clothes that I spend too much time pining for, and wrap myself up in humility. There really isn't a more beautiful thing than a humble spirit clothed in the splendor of humility.  If you've ever been around someone like that you know what I'm talking about.

I have recently transitioned from an old photo program to a new one. I'm at that point where I am at square one with the new program.  I don't know how to do anything in it.  My workflow is slow and cumbersome, and I kind of want to revert back to my old program, because well, it's familiar to me.  I'm used to it.  I know how to do everything in it and I can do things quickly.  However, it was time for me to upgrade, and I was ready.  But upgrading can be really hard.  This is why there are no photos on this post and why I haven't posted in over a month.  I am being s t r e t c h e d.  And not just in this area, but in many areas.  Spiritually upgrading is that way.  And that's what "having some work done" is all about, being stretched, molded, worked into the image of Christ.  It's a beautiful thing.  And it hurts.  Dieing is involved.  And then, living is involved. 

"Do not call to mind the former things, Or ponder things of the past. "Behod, I will do something new, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert." Isaiah 43: 18-19

Yeah for something new!  Yeah for the Lord making a way when there is no way!