Setting the Tone

The only thing that took longer than making this first post was coming up with a name for my blog.  I'm the kind of gal that jumps at the chance to put a cute, or witty, or pun-filled name on something much to the chagrin of you pun-haters out there.  But the nature of this blog--tracking my spiritual journey and relaying the triumphs and pitfalls to the world--made me want to set the tone of what I hope this blog to be.  I decided to turn to a passage of Scripture that has been a source of encouragement during those miry pit days.  How appropriate for a spiritual blog!  Here's the verse:

"22 Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.24 Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life[b]?26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

27 “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! 29 And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30 For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaventhat will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

 Luke 12:  22-34

Sorry for the hefty amount of Scripture, but I consider this whole excerpt to be relevant.  As you follow my story you will learn that I'm a worrier--big time.  My worry, which ultimately escalates into anxiety, has played a leading role in my spiritual journey until this point and I have reason to believe that it will continue to play a role.  Reading this passage over and over on nights when sleep was a desire, but not an option, really engraved it into my heart.  But honest reflection prompts me to admit that most days I don't fully trust God.  I forget that I am part of his flock.  That worrying can't add even an hour to my life.  I forget that I am clothed in his splendor.  Through the weeks of spiritual discipline to come, my wish is that I grow closer to the one that clothes me--literally and spiritually.  And if you ever want see my ears perk up, talk about clothes--especially ones from the greatest "designer" of them all (get it?...designer?...clothes? HAHA)