Refiner's Fire

Photo cred: Jean VanOss, circa 1978

Hibernating for the winter (that is, you won't see very much activity from me on the interwebs, including on here).

There comes a time in every man's (woman's) life when you realize God and you have a lot to work out together. This seems to happen yearly for me like clockwork (damn Thanksgiving weekend always seems to be the catalyst). In the past I've done lots of introspection, trying to figure out who exactly I am and am meant to be. This is all well and good, but I need to be looking more fervently for who God is. Because in the end, He knows me better than I know myself, and He is--by definition--Life, Love, and Truth. By seeking Him I will also find myself. A two-for-one deal! Huzzah!

Now, I vow not to be a hermit; in fact these times of intentional re-evaluation tend to be seasons where I feel most connected with others and creation.  Rather I'm just taking a break from things that are self-centered or not edifying uses of my time. In place of it, I intend to read, write, create, learn, and explore our world (and hang out with ya'll, duh), with a focus of reconnecting with not who I am in Christ, but simply who He is. The Living God. Redeemer. Yahweh.

So I must do the right thing, 

I must do myself a favor and

Get Real, Get Right with the Lord.

I hope to find new truths about Christ, and also a growing maturity in myself as I pass through the Refiner's fire. And this is my prayer for all of us as we enter this Advent season:

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. --Romans 15:13

Onward, ho!