Fluff

So...the big moment. Blogging.  Shouldn't be intimidating, right? Just a keyboard, a screen, a font, a theme, stepping off into the bright unknown. But then, there's this, well, other part. Me.

I'm not sure I can just whip something up and serve it on a nice platter and leave it at that. Decorative presentation isn't my strong point. But if you're looking for a strong cup of coffee or tea--or lemonade--some tasty munchies, and a conversation in the shade, come and sit with me. I'll share some of my story. And I'll look forward to some of yours!

 A long time ago I began to learn that we will only ever really be excellent at being who God made us. Every other pursuit is Fluff. From a distance, though, Fluff can be convincing. Enticing. Addicting. The journey toward it is scintillating, exciting, alluring. And those cheerleaders along the way unrelentingly urge us onward. Pride. Fear. Recognition. Guilt. Rebellion. Shame. Unbelief. Self-reliance. Each convincing, surely, in its own way, disguised as Important, Necessary, Fulfilling.

But Fluff will ever only betray.

We will only ever really be excellent at being who God made us. That's the 'extra' which 'ordinary' needs.

How many are seeking to measure up to the wrong standard? Yep, sometimes it's me. Sometimes it's you. What IS the standard--what if you could only choose one?

I'm no theologian, but I do believe the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, as the author of Hebrews relates. Many challenging verses call to me, but I will share this one which so pierces my life and draws me away from Fluff to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ:

"I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:5).

A Song begun on February 10, 2013
You may not feel extraordinary,
You may not feel remarkable.
You might think what you're doing
is a ripple in the sea.
As morning touches morning
each day shouts an anxious warning
that you've failed to measure up
to what you think you ought to be.

Turn your eyes on Jesus.
He is the Vine; abide in Him.
Turn your eyes on Jesus.
He is the Vine; abide in Him.


So, goodbye, Fluff. I'm sure we'll meet again, sooner than I care to think. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. One day at a time.

Thanks for sharing some of your time, reader-friend. Let's do this again, soon.