Update

I have spent the last few days ruminating on my own spiritual journey. As I have mentioned earlier, I want to grow this year. No longer will I be satisfied with just knowing about God. I am going to know Him intimately. I am seeking Him, not waiting for Him to find me. I am longing for more, and I will not wait idly by, but will actively pursue Him. My desire is to be a beacon of light for His kingdom. I have no idea where this journey will lead me, but I know that I will be in His arms.

As you may have noticed, I have joined Sarah Mae, and MANY other ladies in the 5:16 club. The purpose of this club is to get up at 5:16 am (or 5:48...) and "redeem" your time with the Lord before the hustle and bustle of the day begins. I can't tell you how much I look forward to this time every morning. Spending this quiet time in His Word and in prayer has really helped me move forward in my relationship with God.

In order to give our group direction, focus, and something in common, we decided to study in depth 1 John. If you are interested in joining this discussion, there is a forum that was started. The reading plan has been posted, as well as many other posts to encourage and to challenge.

I am also involved in another Bible Study put out by Women of Faith. It is called, "Experiencing Spiritual Intimacy." I love how God's timing is always perfect! This book is aligning perfectly with my study of 1 John!

Spiritual Growth is not without pain. Just as we suffer physical growing pains when our body grows, we will suffer spiritual pain when our spirit grows. I have seen my life in a whole new light. Some things in my life are keepers, but the Holy Spirit is revealing things in my heart that are detrimental to my growth in Christ. Therefore, I will have to make some changes. And, change is never easy.

Ladies, I feel that 2009 is full of possibilities, and it seems like the Lord is moving in a powerful way! I am excited to see what He will do in this next year! I hope that you'll bear with me through my growth, and I promise to partner with you through yours!

Next week I will be focusing my posts on Sanctification. Sanctification means to make holy, to consecrate, to separate from the world, and to be set apart from sin so that we may have intimate fellowship with God and serve him gladly.