Happy Girl

"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."Luke 12:32-34

This week I will be cleaning out, picking through, and sorting all of my possessions. Since I don't have a job and I live with my parents, it's hard to determine what I actually possess, if anything, so I'm claiming anything that stays in my room or bathroom for longer than a week as mine (i.e. bedding, jewelry, clothing, knick-knacks, shoes-OH the shoes!, electronics, etc.) I'm doing this little task while praying for God to show me what I can't live without and what I can live without. It's just the beginning of this project and I already know that there are very few items that will be in the "Can't live without" category.

I'm learning that my life has nothing to do with me, what I want, what I need, or what makes me happy or content. I've known this fact for quite a while. I grew up in a household that gave me whatever I needed or wanted whenever I wanted it. I was pretty spoiled as a young'un and I'm thankful for the things I was given, no matter how wasteful. As I've gotten older though, my attitude has changed from what I can get to what I can give. But my attitude and my actions rarely matched. Is willingness to do good enough to please God? Does being willing to "sell everything and give to the poor" really make me qualified to be a disciple? Or is God calling me to something deeper than just comfortable, lavish willingness?

"Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." James 2:15-17

This post is a request for accountability. This isn't meant to be boastful in any way. This is strictly to remind myself of my commitment, to let a few friends know and be praying, and maybe inspire a few to do the same. I'm good at talking myself out of things, so I need the accountability.

Goals for Oct. 20-25:
1. Sell as much as possible to Plato's Closet. Use 10% of the money earned to tithe and give the rest to local charities. (www.platoscloset.com)
2. Give the remainder of the clothing and shoes to Jimmie Hale Mission and Jessie's Place. (www.jimmiehalemission.com)
3. Give electronics to the Salvation Army. (www.birminghamsalvationarmy.org)
4. Give canned foods to Community Kitchens of Birmingham. (www.thecommunitykitchens.org)
5. Pray this prayer every day. *I stole this prayer from David (Psalms 86).

LORD,
Hear and answer me, for I am poor and needy. Guard my life, for I am devoted to You. You are my God. Save Your servant who trusts in You. Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I call to You all day long. Bring joy to Your servant, for to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to You. Hear my prayer, O LORD. Listen to my cry for mercy. In the day of my trouble I will call to You, for You will answer me. All the nations You have made will come and worship before You, O Lord. They will bring glory to our name. For You are great and do marvelous deeds. You alone are God. Teach me Your way, O LORD, and I will walk in Your truth. Give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your name. I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart. I will glorify Your name forever. For great is Your love toward me. You have delivered me from the depths of the grave. You, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.
Among the gods there is none like You, O Lord. No deeds can compare with Yours.