A New Normal

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" ~ 2 Corinthians 5:17

I finally started a blog. :) I've had friends prompting me to do so, but finally broke down mainly just so I can subscribe to other blogs! I'll try to keep this up though. God has and is refining me this summer and I'm excited to share some of the truths He has revealed to me in hopes of bringing glory to Him and encouraging those who might read my blog. I know I'm always encouraged by others who post how God is working in their lives.

Recently, our Minister of Music had brain surgery to remove a tumor. The surgery went great and Stewart is back at home recovering. Before leaving the hospital, the nurses and doctors discussed with the family that Stewart's life post-brain surgery would force them to adjust to a new normal. The phrase "new normal" has resonated within me ever since. Last week, I was driving and thinking (I do my best thinking in the car) about how I had not been as passionate about my quiet times in the past week as I had been for most of the summer. I attempted to ease my conscience by telling myself that life was getting busy again and things were just getting back to "normal" (whatever that is). The minute I had the thought, God reminded me of the "new normal" the doctor's had spoken of to Stewart and his family. As Christians, when we accept Christ into our hearts, we are called to a new normal for our lives.

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." ~Romans 12:2

The busyness of this world no longer takes priority to my time with my Heavenly Father. In this new life He has given me, He comes first. The old life must die and fade away to make way for a new life in Christ. It's my prayer that I would be open to how God wants to use me and that He would be first; less of me and so much more of You, Father. Realizing that I can do nothing in my own strength, I pray that more and more each day God will enable me to live a New Normal, dying to self and exalting Him in everything.