Here’s part of an email I sent in response to a friend’s question.

“How am I doing? Thanks for asking. You didn’t have to, and I appreciate it.

Instead of a polite, culturally acceptable lie like, “Oh, fine.” Here’s the truth.

Right now both the boys have the flu. That sucks. I can’t do anything to stop them hurting. That REALLY sucks.

I’m tempted to look at porn on the internet.

I don’t pray very much

Scripture is pretty dry right now.

I’m in constant need, and completely dependent on God, but I live like I’m not.

I have a great wife, wonder-full kids, and more good stuff in my life than i even know, and in the back of my mind it’s not enough. I always want more.

Now here’s the rest of the truth.

God reigns, and he’s faithful.

He loves my boys more than I do.

He knows all about my weaknesses.

He’s able to complete what He started.

This is just real life in an imperfect world.

Much more info than you may have wanted, but I’ve got to start being real.”

I have a friend who just found out his youngest son is hiv positive.

I tried to imagine saying the words he said to me, “My son is hiv positive.”

Couldn’t go there, too dark. That’s where he lives now.

Lord, have mercy, Christ have mercy.

This is me with God.

I won’t spend much time discussing politics with anyone. But I never, EVER, want to hear anyone talk about how republicans spend too much money. 

Look at this.

I’m old enough to remember when this would have been a concert, and the lights would have been lighters.

I was reading the story of Elijah fleeing Jezebel this morning, and heard a good word for me. 

“Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” I Kings 19:7

Without nourishment for my soul, my journey is too much for me.

Simple, basic, Christianity 101. But I need to hear it again, because I try to make the journey in my own strength way too much of the time.

“Nothing lifts the spirits like a good yodel, but most of us don’t have the skill to yodel on cue. That’s where the Emergency Yodel Button comes in.” (From product description)

Go here and listen to the melodious sounds of the alpine yodel.

I know nobody out there really struggles with porn, but just in case…

Nate Larkin’s story

Here’s a great quote. A real breath of fresh air.

“Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor, the enemy of the people. It will keep you cramped and insane your whole life. I think perfectionism is based on the obsessive belief that if you run carefully enough, hitting each stepping-stone just right, you won’t have to die. The truth is that you will die anyway and that a lot of people who aren’t even looking at their feet are going to do a whole lot better than you, and have a lot more fun while they’re doing it.” -Anne Lamott

 

HT- BHT