Jump in front of a train for ya..

 I think I mentioned that Andy got me a laptop for my birthday/anniversary. It is wonderful and I adore it, especially now that they internet works. However, 1) I can't figure out this new version of iPhoto, especially not how to make it communicate with Blogger  2) I left my copy of Microsoft Works for Mac in GA, so I can't do any kind of other writing until my parents bring it to me. So...
 I can blog, but no pictures.
 I can write, but only on here.
 Sigh.
 I can't win for losing.

 In other news:

 Andy told me today that I have lost my sense of adventure, that I am afraid of life now.

 My Mom said today "I'm not afraid of death. It's the dying that worries me"

 Matthew 6:25 says "do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on."

 It seems that there is a theme in my life right now. Namely, life and death.

 New life, precious little breathing life, is in several areas of my life right now.

 The reminder that all life; strong and healthy, old and full, brand new and so very hard to let go of; all life ends, so often without warning. That reminder is extra strong in my life right now too.

John 15:13 says, "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." And that sounds like such a noble thing. Laying down your life for your friends. You watch the movies, see the tear jerk scenes. You think about your friends, which ones you know you would jump in front of a train for. (I apologize to anyone who is now singing in their head... I'd do anything for ya!)
 What about John 13:38? "Will you lay down your life for MY sake?" Jesus asked. He is still asking. We think about the Christians being persecuted in third world countries, having to meet in secret to worship, risking their lives. They are rejected, outcast, beaten and even killed, just for the faith.
 We, well, we have gotten into our daily routines. The habits of life, just the way it is supposed to be. Coffee and devotions in the morning. Drive to work (or walk down the hall to wake the kids). Answer the phone. Make the sale. Break up the fight over the Wii remote control. Lunch break. It goes on and on.

 But then again-
 Perhaps we are not asked to die in one fell swoop.
Perhaps we need to be reminded to die day in and day out.
Die to those habits. Just because they aren't bad, doesn't mean they are good.
Die to the apathy. Jesus commands us to go unto all the earth. Thus, all the earth is our friend... whom we are supposed to love, and be willing to die for. Or at least share our coffee with.
Die to the self. Because truthfully, isn't that what it is all about anyway? Who am I going to serve - self or my Savior?

 Life and death. The two ends of the spectrum. Are we living fully or in fear? With abandon and trust or like Scrooge with both hands clenched around whatever we can reach? It is all about dying to self. And remembering Matthew 6:25

 In "My Utmost for His Highest" Oswald Chambers wrote, "It is much easier to die than to lay down your life day in and day out with the sense of the high calling of God." I'm going to have to agree. It certainly seems it would be easier to make an impact on the world, and I would get to have some rest in heaven, if I could just die for my Savior. Instead, I live for Him, and need to be reminded every day to lay down my life.

 Be willing to die, but also be willing to simply lay your life down. Not quite as exciting, but just as important.
                                                             Blessings,