For the last couple of months I’ve been trying to contain most of my links on my succinctly-named Daily Linky Interwebby Awesomeness page.
(And by the way? An observation? Based on what I named that particular page?)
(If brevity is the soul of wit, then I am in a whole heap of trouble.)
But today, my friends, I have a link that I’m going to put front and center. Right ‘chere on the main page. Because I really do believe that your new year won’t be complete without it.
(OHMYWORD at the build-up.)
(I do hope you’re not disappointed.)
Because here’s the deal. There are some pretty wonderful things on the horizon in 2008. A couple of those things have caused me to doubt myself in ways I didn’t even know were possible. I’m talking about the kind of doubt where I’ve dragged up some DONE GONE AND DIED sin and then proceeded to beat myself up over stuff that God forgave YEARS ago.
I’m talking about the kind of doubt where I’ve surprised myself by my willingness to deviate from God’s clear direction because MY WAY IS EASIER, THANK YOU, and really, it’ll be almost as good, I PROMISE.
I’m talking about the kind of doubt where I’ve thought that I don’t need to be writing at all. Or “writing.” Or blogging. Because hello? I have baggage. I am as imperfect and as fallen as they come. And while I can laugh about most of the things that have happened in my life, make no mistake: there are times that I look back on and shudder. There are times, quite honestly, that I look back on and grieve.
I’m telling you: the whole doubt thing has been a real party. A party without any of the, you know, fun.
But OH, INTERNETS – do I ever have a good word for every single one of us. A word that hit me right between the eyes. And that went straight through my heart, to boot.
At some point in the next few days, when you have 30 or 40 minutes to yourself, fix yourself a yummy snack, grab your Bible, and listen to this message by David Platt.
No matter where you are on your spiritual journey, no matter which denomination you prefer – just listen. I cannot imagine a more encouraging way to begin this new year.
Because first up on my list-o-goals for 2008?
I’m getting the heck out of Shechem.
Oh yes ma’am I am.
Thanks so much for the link – I will definitely be listening to that tonight.
Oh, am I first to comment. yay! I am generally a lurker, but I wanted to say thank you for such an enjoyable blog and let you know it ministered to me this last year. I always look forward to reading you each morning.
God bless your new year and remember you are always a forgiven daughter of the most high King!
I found it interesting that as I popped onto this website, which someone recommended to me I found this sermon. My husband and I had a conversation (a good one) this morning about compromise and stopping short. Hmmmm..don’t you just love it when God does that?
I’d love for you to check out my blog. I just started back blogging.
http://www.jewelzsightings.blogspot.com
Jewelz
I’m not at all surprised satan was nipping at your heels; using some of his traditional methods… doubt, guilt, etc. I’m not surprised he’s been after you because your blog has become a ministry.
You are reaching people for God; you are making a difference for Him; you are blessing people and pointing to the Truth. I am just one of the bajillion beneficiaries, so thanks. Keep on keeping on, girlfriend.
Can’t wait to listen to the sermon.
Blessings to you this year!!
Oh my- I heard this message in person on Sunday, and yes, it’s awesome.
Dearest Boo~
I just sat and listened and soaked up every word of this amazing message. Right to the alter call at the end. Amazing. Simply and beautifully amazing. I have been crying out to God looking for an answer to a question that I must have before I proceed on in my ministry. And listening to this message I feel as though a large piece of this puzzle just settled into place.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing this message today. If it was for no one else, know that it was for me. So, as I sit and type with tears streaming down my face (and I am not a crier so this is big)I am listing your blog as one of the things I am very thankful for this year.
Looking forward to connecting with you about the writer’s conference soon. Because, after all, you are supposed to be writing- don’t ever doubt that!
Go big for God or go home! Joining you on the express route outta Shechem – thank you sweet child for sharing that good word with us. Earlier this week an internet friend posted the saying from Yoda (great theological source) – Do or do not there is no try. So this year – I’ll do what He calls me to do and quit hiding behind my deficiencies – we can all quit trying to be followers of Christ and DO.
Thankee kindly – my husband and I sat here (on our wedding anniversary) and listened and amened!
Don’t we all have baggage! Thank the Good Lord it’s under the blood!
Dear BM (is that really right? To call you that?) The number one reason I love to read your blog is BECAUSE of the baggage – I know you’re just like me and we can, you know, relate. I’m going to get up early tomorrow morning to listen to the message. Thanks for sharing!
I’m with ya Sister! And I must add, I really like to say heck and Shechem in the same sentence. :) The getting out part is what I need to focus on! Thanks for sharing. I look forward to listening tomorrow during the kids’ nap time–Amen and HalleluYah for that!
I was ready to go to bed when I decided to check my favorites to see who I hadn’t visited. So I came over to see you.
I’m so glad I did. I know the the enemy of our souls has been using this “compromise” weapon with great effectiveness. Shining a bright light on it, exposing it, is the best way to begin to annihilate it. Thank you for putting this valuable message on the internet, available to so many. You have quite a ministry here, my dear.
Nancy
Hi BooMaMa!
I found you through…well…just about everyone in blogland :), but really through my friend Lysa TerKeurst’s blog. I read your post today and had to comment. I have a great quote for you on my last blog post by Erwin Lutzre. Go check it out at http://www.lisawhittle.blogspot.com. Believe me, girl, I can relate to the baggage thing. You’ll see…
Lisa :)
I second what Karen said on the baggage! You don’t come across phony or hey look at me I got it all together. You’re just so real, ya know? Love ya dearly for it, too!
Ever think your baggage is another woman’s flotation devise? When you type y’all I’ve been there – I believe it and it’s enough to keep my head up. I believe every woman out here has that experience in some area. Isn’t it funny that we’re surprised to see just how many of us are in the same boat? Of course mine is the one with the slow leak – anyone else??
I’ll go check out the link – just wanted to tell ya happy new year and keep at it woman!!
Mornin’ BM! I just listened and it was great, as you said it would be. Very encouraging – thanks again.
Excellent! Thanks for the link.
Love your blog, your writing and your heart.
I know, that was an awesome message, wasn’t it?! David is SO right on & it blessed me too. I don’t want to be in Shechem either! xo, Rhoda
i grieve over my baggage too. thank you for sharing your heart.
I just finished listening to David’s sermon and I was deeply blessed and challenged to not stop short. He hit the average Christian church-goer right on the nail-head, didn’t he? I want to share this sermon with my pastor husband tonight. Thanks for making it available for all us internets! Bless you!
Thanks, Boo Mama. I needed to listen to that. Good bloggy stuff. I’ve really enjoyed your blog and am so glad I found it.
Satan, Get thee behind Boo Mama!!! She rawks!!!
AMAZINGLY POWERFUL!!!
You posting that… it was soooo a God thing for me, and I’m sure anyone who took the time to listen! I’m heading to Bethel. Thank you.
Boo Mama,
I love your blog and I love that you are “real”. Satan would love for you to stay down, but I know you won’t because of God’s power. Thank you, thank you for the link to David Platt. I never would have heard that awesome message if you didn’t post it. I’ve bookmarked the site and plan on RE-listening to again later on today, hopefully with my husband and oldest daughter.
God Bless, Cheryl from MA
Came to catch up on your blog and saw that you had linked David Platt and couldn’t help but comment. I had the grand privelage of hearing him one weekend last year at a Student Life conference that I attended with my church as a leader. If nothing, that retreat was for THIS LEADER! He was simply divine. Nothing he said went to waste. The man has some knowledge and wisdom that I do nothing but soak up!
Thank you, ma’am for linking this! He is amazing!
Happy New Year, Boo Mama!!
Lindsee
Fantastic message, one I definitely needed to hear. I’m going to recommend this to my readers, as well, since I’m pretty sure everyone could benefit from it.
Thanks for sharing!