Monday, January 31, 2011

Spiritual Candy

Since I was little I’ve had an insatiable sweet tooth. Once I bugged my mom so much about the Halloween candy that she gave up and told me to eat all I wanted. I did. Then I threw up. She thought that would cure me of my candy addiction.

Oh no.


The next day I was back at it, pestering her for some more sweets. Makes me feel like that freaky fat kid that gets sucked up the tube in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. I always hated that movie.


Well tonight, I was talking with my dear friend Amanda and asked if she’d ever heard of the devotional book called “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young. “It’s like spiritual candy!” I said. “Its so good! So amazing! Its like one of those ginormous jawbreakers that lasts forever - it never stops being sweet! Or one of those spirally suckers as big as your face!”

Of course she was excited and I promised to give her one of the three extra copies I have on hand at my house.


Today’s sweet words are better for your heart and your teeth than a jumbo bag of Peanut M&Ms- and they give an even better sense of inner satisfaction and comfort.

January 31

I am your Strength and Shield. I plan out each day and have it ready for you, long before you arise from the bed. I also provide the strength you need each step of the way. Instead of assessing your energy level and wondering about what's on the road ahead, concentrate on staying in touch with me. My Power flows freely into you through our open communication. Refuse to waste energy worrying, and you will have strength to spare.

Whenever you start to feel afraid, remember that I am your Shield. But unlike inanimate armor, I am always alert and active. My Presence watches over you continually, protecting you from both known and unknown dangers. Entrust yourself to My watchcare, which is the best security system available. I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go.

Now I know:

The decrees of the LORD are firm, and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. Psalm 19:9-10

Living In Green



You know, I had my first entry written before I ever came up with a name for my blog. It’s such a defining sense of self. It’s like trying to come up with an AIM screen name. (Any of you 25+ year old people hear me on that one?!) After being known as FutureDiva23 for years – true story— I happen to know that your middle school choice can really come back to haunt you.


So I titled this blog “living in green.” I did that because green is my favorite color – not because I’m part of some hip new eco-friendly movement. Green is the color of my mom's and my matching green eyes.
Green is Greenville, my very favorite city, the place where I live. Green was the color of my sorority jersey. Green is the color of spring grass that is softer than any carpet and smells a thousand times better. Green is the color of Granny Smith Apples. Green is the color of my camo hat that I wish I could wear every day. Green is the color of a Christmas tree sparkling with twinkle lights. Green is a green light, and anyone that's ridden with me in the car knows I love to GO! Green is the color that makes me the happiest. To me, green says, "Hey y'all! I'm alive! I'm new! I'm growing! I smell good!"

Kermit the Frog said, “It isn't easy being green,” but I think he just said that because he could never get Miss Piggy to commit.

I also chose this name because green symbolizes growth, and I’d like for this blog to be a part of my journey to grow – as a Christian, as a friend, as a writer, as a teacher, as a learner, as a reader, as a storyteller, as a musician, as a runner, as a creator of blog entries.


Now I know: I want to live my life in green.