Babies and Puppies

Greetings.

I would like to unpack a word that I used in my post (God and Elliptical machines). I've been having some constant and true encounters w/ God ever since that moment, been spending a serious amount of time in prayer, and been meditating on the word 'gentle'. That is an adjective that I've never thought of or have used in regards to myself. Now I can be gentle, such as w/ a baby or puppy, but not as a characteristic reflecting my nature. It keeps coming to my mind in such a way, that I began to study it in earnest, and here is what I've found so far.

Ironically enough, it is used in my favorite 'girl' verse in the Bible. 1 Peter 3:4-5a "Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful." This is a preface from Peter he used in speaking of the way women should be with their husbands. I'm not sure exactly how that particular part refers to me, w/ the possible exception of preparation, but it is the first part of the scripture that I want to focus on.

A "gentle and quiet spirit". Lately when I've been spending time w/ God - through prayer, scripture, music, worship, I have (which I believe I mentioned before) felt warm, soft and gentle. And yes, quiet. It's one of those invaluable lessons I learned in Ireland - to just rest and be quiet. I crave it now. I long to be gentle. I pray for it often, and I know that as God is shaping my spirit for His purpose, I am truly being likened to His image.

On a vastly different note, has anybody wondered yet why the most watched show in this crazy country is called "American Idol"? Does the word 'idol' strike anybody else as something we should potentially resist? Perhaps all idols are as addictive as the show. Perhaps that proves my point.

Well, that’s enough of my thoughts tonight. I’ve gotten in the habit of not talking as much, perhaps I should continue on so as not to say too much. Yes, it is definitely a new era. :)

I’ll leave you with this…
“Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue, but with actions and in truth.”

K<><