Boy! This 40-day blog writing challenge is really challenging me. Go figure. It’s been so much harder than I ever anticipated. I recently chatted with a friend over the fact that this was a really unwise, hair-brained idea that I came up with. What was I thinking? And…at Christmas time to boot! But, my spirit was quickened almost as soon as I thought those thoughts. It’s a CHALLENGE silly girl! It’s not supposed to be easy. That’s why it’s called a CHALLENGE!

Ironically, I love challenges. I’m the type that does really well under pressure. I don’t like the pressure, but I tend to perform well that way. Anytime someone challenges me to something – I go at it with full gusto as if an Olympic gold medal is awaiting me at the completion. When I began this challenge, I sensed that God would bless my obedience in some huge way – with another challenge actually! I’ve been praying about some really big things that I deeply desire God to do. They are actually going to be some pretty challenging things. And…and He’s hinting to me that He may just very well answer those prayers, but He’s watching…He’s waiting…He’s observing my obedience in this one little area of blog writing. As silly and as unimportant as it may seem – it’s pretty huge for me to complete this challenge. It’s just one small stepping stone among several stones along a pretty rocky pathway. But, I have to be able to maneuver the small steps before stepping on the larger rocks.

Thanks for meeting with me along this path. The journey is much easier with friends!

By comparison, these last two days are at complete ends of the spectrum.

Honestly…I felt like I was living in the middle of a soap opera yesterday considering the three calls I got. I received one from a friend asking me to pray for a family member of hers that she just learned has an advanced stage of AIDS. Whoa. Then, a family member called to let me know that he and his wife were separating after 20 years of marriage. Again…whoa. And…if that wasn’t enough shocking news, I also learned of a desperate situation concerning two children that I dearly love that are living absolutely dysfunctional and torturous lives right now. I was completely emotionally whipped by the end of the day not sure how much more bad news I could handle. But, I prayed.

Today, by contrast, was a day full of blessing. I got to sleep late. Big praise! I had the pleasure of having lunch with a sweet friend at my favorite restaurant! Another big praise! I got to do a little Christmas shopping. Honestly, I really don’t like to mall shop – which is where I was at the time – but, I found what I needed within 15 minutes and departed quickly! Huge praise! 🙂 I had a relaxing afternoon and then spent the evening at a Christmas party with great friends! The biggest praise of the day, however, came from a friend who was the recipient of a Christmas miracle! I’m still astounded as I think of the way that God provided a blessing for her! He never ceases to amaze me! I know I shouldn’t be shocked, because I’ve witnessed it countless times in my own life, but I’m still in awe each time He shows off like that.

In thinking about the past 48 hours, I’m reminded of my biblical hero Joseph. In Genesis Chapter 40, he was still being unjustly confined in prison for circumstances out of his control. But…just one chapter later, he was blessed beyond belief as Pharoah allowed him charge over his palace simply because of his wisdom and discernment and obedience through his dream interpretation.

Just remember…when you think you’re done – hang on for your own “Chapter 41”.