On Stubbornness & St. Augustine

Do you ever feel opposition in your relationship with Christ? I discussed this a bit already in my Distractions post, but I wanted to address it a little more.

I am a stubborn person. I was such a strong willed child that when I was still a toddler, I tried sticking my finger in a light socket despite my parents' punishments. I think that my stubborn personality can be used for Christ if I let Him work on me, but more often than not it gets me into trouble.

It's harmful in that I always tend to think my way is best. I like to think that I can take control of my life, and handle it while God helps me with the really, really big things. But that's such a waste of God's rest for us. I want to enter His rest and throw all of my burdens onto Him without a single care of my own. The whole point of Jesus dying for us was that we simply could not carry the burdens ourselves.

When I tend to think that my plan is better, or if I start walking in my own strength, I can bet I'm going to fall, and fail. I can't even imagine the plans He has for me, they are so full and glorious. (Check out Jeremiah 29:11 and Ephesians 3:20-21 if you want more knowledge on this topic.)

This verse is my battle cry today:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. - Proverbs 3:5-6

On a lighter note, today is Thursday. Throwback Thursday. I usually never do these types of things, because they are hokey and silly, but at the same time, they're actually kind of fun, so here goes nothing:

Last December, my family and I journeyed to the glorious hipster/historical mecca of St. Augustine, FL. If you've never been, you absolutely have to go, provided that the time you you choose to travel isn't a holiday weekend. The streets were packed with people when we went, and it got a little stressful. I would recommend taking a trip in January when it's starting to get a little cooler, otherwise you will be *indefinitely* sweating in the Florida heat. Like a dog.

Also, if you visit St. Augustine, you must (must!) stop by Flagler College, which is basically like a castle, no big deal. One of my close friends goes there and she absolutely loves it. If you can get inside for a quick tour, do it, at least just to gawk at the amazing mosaic on the ceiling.

Only six days til Christmas, folks! THE JOYS