So Simple.

It is such a beautiful day today, I mean so nice that I’m sitting outside in the same sun I’m usually running away from! I feel breeze and I’m taking advantage because it is so scarce in Gainesville. One thing (of the million kajillion) things that the Lord has been revealing to me lately it to be grateful about all things, no matter how great or small. And to abstain from complaining … [pauses]... YES complaining, the thing I’m so used to indulging in. I think complaining became such a habit and characteristic of myself, that I hardly saw the wrong in it.

“Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.” Phillipians 2:14-15.

Now some verses I have to ponder over and ask God to reveal what he really wants me to take from them, but this one is simply stated. STOP complaining. Not sometimes when your blessings are visibly smacking you in the face, but also in those times when your wondering, why should you be struggling or is this worth it!
When we complain we’re stealing God of his glory. I think it’s so much easier to point out all the wrong in people, on situations, and in our lives rather than give God the glory he deserves. But who said anything about the walk with Christ being easy! But it is sooo worth it.

An hour during the week I speak to a man from Baghdad, Iraq to help him practice English. He was reading me an oral speech in which he told a story of how his parents lived in harder times and how he and his family are blessed to live an easier life now. In the midst of living in a war stricken city, something that's not even imaginable to many of us, he is quick to count his blessings! That’s what I’m talking ‘bout. So when my flesh is crying out, “Stephanie you’re crazy, it’s hot, you’re tired, go home.” (In an animated voice and all). I just simply enjoy His sun, His nature, His people, His beauty!
-Stephanie