are you walking on a treadmill?

Resting on Self-Righteousness

For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.  Romans 3:20

God is not a mean tyrant, but some of us see him in just that way--hard to please, tapping his celestial finger in impatience with our imperfections, and willing to hand out blessings only when we're arrived at certain spiritual heights.  Nowhere in Scripture do we find such ideas about God.  But that is the image we are going to wind up with if we try to win God's approval by what we do and say.  Surely we want God's acceptance, but we just aren't up to obtaining it.  Seeking the blessings of salvation by self-effort will get us no farther than walking on a treadmill.  We will find ourselves living under an ever-thickening cloud of fear, because nothing we do can make us right with God.  Only Christ can do that.

Perhaps you have taken Jesus as your Savior, but you are still lacking assurance that God accepts you.  No matter what you do, you can't grasp the idea of a kind, loving Father who longs to relate.  If so, what have you been doing about that?  Perhaps you have doubled your efforts for God--more serving, better attitudes--in an attempt to secure the divine favor that you seem to be missing.  If this is your default in your dealings with God, chances are good that, instead of the love and joy you long for, God seems more remote than ever.

There is only one way out of the tangle, and that is to stop your efforts.  Stopping feels counterintuitive, but it's actually the only way you find restful assurance that God accepts you.  When you stop trying to get yourself right with God and instead simply rest in Jesus, you'll see that God doesn't go away.  You will be surprised to discover that your efforts to clean up for him were actually contributing to your sense of distance from God.  The only way to get near him, the only way to know him as Father and Friend, is to forsake yourself and rest in Christ.  'Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you,' wrote the apostle James (James 4:8), and the only way to do so is by looking at Christ.

We believe in our hearts and declare with our lips that Jesus is the only way--we believe it, but often we don't live it.  If we profess Christ and sing his praises, yet we aren't enjoying the peace that comes through him, let's see whether there is a performance treadmill under our feet and make a decision to step off.  By uniting us to Christ, God has set us free from bondage, and our liberty is there for the taking.

Trust: A Godly Woman's Adornment by Lydia Brownback

Vintage Ideas for Modern Living

I became aware of Amy Butler as I browsed through one of her books while babysitting.  I ordered Found Style from the library and I'm already a fan!  This husband-wife duo own and operate a design studio in Granville, Ohio.  They also create fabric, graphic, and product designs for their studio.  Check them out here!

"Sometimes you have to look beyond the history of an item to see its potential."  Found Style

"Good style is ultimately a found style--stumbled upon, discovered, and collected over time.  It is easier to hire a designer, choose to be either shocking or conservative, to use massive clutter or leave rooms nearly empty for effect.  But homes that feature a true sense of style are most often those that have been lovingly assembled over time, piece by piece, matching old and new with creativity, common sense, thriftiness, and occasional humor."  Found Style

read {a} book

I have been super busy with regular summer activities and yet simply taking the time to enjoy these summer days! Hence the lack of posts. :)

If you had a peek into my life, you would find me doing the following: sleeping in, spending time in God's Word, creating goodness in the kitchen, playing the game Blokus with family & friends, working, babysitting, drinking way too much ice tea & eating way too much ice cream, playing Ultimate Frisbee, and reading good books.

Speaking of books, I came across some personal book plates awhile back.  They're from the Image Zoo Spark blog.

 What do you think?  You can download them here.

I also found this picture while blog hopping.  Aren't the books and bookends cute?  I think my future sister-in-law, Katie, would like the owl bookends. :) 

This picture came from The Little Green Notebook where Jenny shares home decor inspirations and DIY projects.  Even though I looked at only two blog posts, I like her already! :)  Please take time to check her out!

.emma.

"People -- their hopes, their dreams, their aspirations -- there am I the expert."  Emma Woodhouse in Emma

My mom, Brooke and I watched the first part of Emma on Masterpiece Theater (PBS) last Sunday.  The next two episodes are playing next Sunday and the Sunday after that at 9pm.  So far, in my opinion, this is the best version done of "Emma".  It's hard having to wait for the conclusion!  This original Jane Austen story has always been one of my favorite classics. :)

If you missed the first episode, please venture on to the Masterpiece Theater site to watch it.  Go here.