TRANSFORMATION

That's my word for the year! I suppose that should be my word for life. For quite a few years now I have had friends who have learned and preached and lived this transformed life. It's not a new idea. It's what the Christian life is supposed to be about - sinful people seeking God, yearning to know him more and be more like him - people wanting God more than anything, ANYTHING else. And as transformation happens there is a natural overflow in our lives that causes us to live this thing called the Kingdom of God. There is a diving into the river that naturally happens as we draw nearer to God. And as we live in the flow of that river we experience life in the way God desires- we experience life and love and God in their purest form. We begin to see our own life in a different way. We want to love people and serve people and make a difference in the world around us as well as the world across the sea from us. Day to day life seems much less overwhelming and much more exciting. Whether or not we are able to "keep up with the Joneses" does not matter. The sweetness of God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit is enough - it's ALL.

But I am learning that Transformation does not come in the snap of a finger. Instead I believe it starts out in glimpses - in snapshots - as life happens. As I draw nearer to God he begins to change my thoughts, my heart, my desires. And as life around me happens, though I continue to screw up a lot, I begin to handle a situation in a different manner. I hold my tongue more often. I walk away from temptation more frequently. I praise my children more. I love my husband in a purer way. I catch myself thinking of others like I never have before. I daydream about what God has gifted me to do that can change the world instead of where we might take our next family vacation. And eventually I have to believe that those snapshots will occur more frequently.

I started out this year asking God what this whole TRANSFORMATION thing meant for me. As much as I thought I understood beforehand, I have been amazed as God has taken my heart and my thought processes to a different level on this. God has graciously placed many resources at my fingertips to help me in the journey - Northwood Church and Bob Roberts (he will never know how much his own personal journey of Transformation has impacted mine as I have listened and learned and read from him.) - Bonhoeffer, Larry Crabb, Matt. 5, 6, 7, John Piper, even Steven Curtis Chapman's music. I love it that God speaks in lots of different venues.

So for now, it feels as if the journey is only beginning. God has moved my life and my family's life in such amazing ways already as we have chosen to take steps of faith and follow Him. To say that the journey is only beginning now seems almost crazy. To many, our life has already been one big adventure. But is hasn't. It's been wonderful, but I believe that we have only scratched the surface of the greater plan and bigger story. Who knows what lies ahead. Can't wait!