Training of the Spirit

I feel like I'm getting ready for training, physically and spiritually. I've been thinking about
Hebrews 12:1-17 (The Message):
1Do you see what this means--all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running--and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. 2Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed--that exhilarating finish in and with God--he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. 3When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!
4In this all-out match against sin, others have suffered far worse than you, to say nothing of what Jesus went through--all that bloodshed! 5So don't feel sorry for yourselves. Or have you forgotten how good parents treat children, and that God regards you as his children?
My dear child, don't shrug off God's discipline,
but don't be crushed by it either.
6It's the child he loves that he disciplines;
the child he embraces, he also corrects.
7God is educating you; that's why you must never drop out. He's treating you as dear children. This trouble you're in isn't punishment; it's training, 8the normal experience of children. Only irresponsible parents leave children to fend for themselves. Would you prefer an irresponsible God? 9We respect our own parents for training and not spoiling us, so why not embrace God's training so we can truly live? 10While we were children, our parents did what seemed best to them. But God is doing what is best for us, training us to live God's holy best. 11At the time, discipline isn't much fun. It always feels like it's going against the grain. Later, of course, it pays off handsomely, for it's the well-trained who find themselves mature in their relationship with God.
12So don't sit around on your hands! No more dragging your feet! 13Clear the path for long-distance runners so no one will trip and fall, so no one will step in a hole and sprain an ankle. Help each other out. And run for it!
14Work at getting along with each other and with God. Otherwise you'll never get so much as a glimpse of God. 15Make sure no one gets left out of God's generosity. Keep a sharp eye out for weeds of bitter discontent. A thistle or two gone to seed can ruin a whole garden in no time. 16Watch out for the Esau syndrome: trading away God's lifelong gift in order to satisfy a short-term appetite. 17You well know how Esau later regretted that impulsive act and wanted God's blessing--but by then it was too late, tears or no tears.

I welcome this godly training. Here I am, Lord. Show me Your ways. You know when you go by construction sites in stores or restaurants and the sign says "Excuse the mess, we're renovating", just picture me with the shirt that says the same and the "we" I'm referring to is God and me.

Goodbyes Really Aren't Forever

My neighbor's Bethany, Benjamin and their son Grayson moved away. They packed all day yesterday, and cleaned everything this morning. They just left 30 minutes ago. I had no idea how much this would affect me emotionally. I cried most of last evening, and I started crying again when I came inside from seeing them off. I called my friend Fabi, to tell her how much I was hurting. I don't really understand. I've been saying goodbye for so long now, you would think that I was used to it. I guess the lesson to be learned is that goodbyes don't get easier with experience. I was explaining, or trying to, mid-wail, that she was not allowed to move away from me. I have a very hard time with it. This makes me long for heaven that much more. Where there will be no more death and He will wipe away every tear.
I love Him more than anything that this world can offer. He loves me more than that.

His Tool

I layed in bed last night thinking about writing, but decided not to get up, just fall asleep. I hope that it wasn't God calling. I have been in a battle with my friend and her anxiety. I'm trying not to get sucked in. I'm trying to pull her out. It is an exhausting tug of war, but "I am able to do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Let me mention, that I am not doing any work. I honestly have nothing to boast about of myself. We start talking about Jesus and I will boast and show the pride I have as being His servant.
I was thinking about being His tool last night, before drifting off to sleep. I concluded that I'm not a hammer, wrench, or screwdriver. Those tools didn't seem to fit what I do. I am the needle and these words are the thread. When the work is done and the project complete, God's work is beautiful. Notice that I didn't say I'm a seamstress. God is putting the stitches in the fabric exactly where He wants them. I am His tool. He is making His pattern. How great to be His needle. I guess that it would be the same to say that I am His pen, but I like the needle analogy a bit more.
God is amazing. I've been thinking about some songs that help me with my story. If you have any to add, please send me a message with the song's title.