I know this may sound like the underlying theme of my posts about me, but I feel like there is a constant war in me. Often it is a bit overwhelming. Nevertheless, I live to the next day. I am finding that God is my rock, my balance. He is the one who keeps me existing and growing from one day to the next despite the commotion going on inside me. He is so good and faithful. Right now I am spiritually not at a great point of my life to be honest. I have been giving so much to other things and not to God. But God tugs at my heart. He beckons me with his faithful kindness and tender mercies each day. In the end, He always brings me back to Himself which is when and where I find my rest. So, I leave you with this prayer from the Valley of Vision. I read this yesterday and it was one of the things that pointed me back to Him. I hope that it is as encouraging to you as it was to me. It is called Spiritual Growth.

O thou most high,

In the way of thy appointment I am waiting
for thee,
My desire is to thy name,
My mind to remembrance of thee.
I am a sinner, but not insensible of my state.
My iniquities are great and numberless,
but thou art adequate to my relief,
for thou art rich in mercy;
the blood of thy Son can cleanse from all sin;
the agency of thy Spirit can subdue
my most powerful lusts.
Give me a tender, wakeful conscience
that can smite and torment me when I sin.

May I be consistent in conversation and conduct,
the same alone as in company,
in prosperity and adversity,
accepting all thy commandments as right,
and hating every false way.
May I never be satisfied with my present
spiritual progress,
but to faith add virtue, knowledge, temperance,
godliness, brotherly kindness, charity.
May I never neglect
what is necessary to constitute Christian character,
and needful to complete it.
May I cultivate the expedient,
develop the lovely, adorn the gospel,
recommend the religion of Jesus,
accommodate myself to thy providence.

Keep me from sinking or sinning in the evil day;
Help me to carry into ordinary life portions
of divine truth
and use them on suitable occasions, so that
its doctrines may inform,
its warnings caution,
its rules guide,
its promises comfort me.

Leave me some thoughts or share with me what brings you back to God in times of struggle.

- Josh

This photo seems to be the favorite of those who have seen my pictures on Flickr. I am wondering what picture is your favorite and why.

This picture was taken while honeymooning on Grand Turk. We walked further along the shore than most people. I turned around and saw the perfect shot. So, I took it!

Also, do you have a favorite shot that you have taken? Why is it your favorite?

God has been bringing this song to mind a lot lately. This song mixed with Matt Maher’s “Christ is Risen” and “Hold us Together” has been a great recipe for worshipful awesomeness. I may post about the other songs in a later post, but “Aware” by Salvador has really been on my heart. The line “Make me aware, make me see That everything I am is not all about me” just grips me. The admittance of pride in surrender to God’s holiness is something we must strive to do daily. I hope this encourages you as it has me.

Aware
by Salvador

Even in the little things
That never seem too big to me
And the things I thought
Didn’t matter much at all

As simple as my daily bread
To the strength I need to get out of bed
When I fly, when I’m about to Fall

It’s you in me
That I fail to see

Make me aware, make me see
That everything I am is not all about me
Take my world, turn it around
So that the obvious can finally be found

Make me aware, make me aware

When my life is hanging from a thread
And I think about the things you said
That in this moment seems so far away

Help me see the guarantees
That first brought me to believe
So I can make it through another day

Oh, it’s you in me
That helps me breathe

Make me aware, make me see

That everything I am is not all about me
So, take my world, turn it around
So that the obvious can finally be found

Make me aware
I have been missing so much
Not recognizing your touch
All acknowledging that you’re the reason I’m even here

I have been missing so much
Not recognizing your touch

Make me aware, make me aware

Help me see,
That everything I am is not all about me
Take my world, turn it around
So that the obvious can finally be found
Make me aware, make me aware

- Josh