Proof

This morning, after a ridiculously stressful yesterday, my son (Justice) shared with me a phrase that I won't soon forget:
"Instead of living to prove others wrong, live to prove God right!"

I spend too much time & energy trying to prove others wrong. There've been so many occasions of this wasteful practice, that I'm really known for such an attitude. I'm known as the girl that will do whatever it takes (sometimes out of spite) just to make another person have to eat their words. I'll work harder, be tougher, and shamefully I've even cheated (mainly at some silly game) just to prove a naysayer wrong. How very sad that my energy is consumed by negative behaviors.

I will admit, I love to win. I like to be right. I want to be successful. I don't think there is anything wrong with this, except the attitude behind my motivations. What purpose is being served? Who is getting the glory?

On the other hand, what if I lived everyday to prove God right? What if I lived my life set apart, showing others how amazing HE is? My words would be kind, uplifting , and full of grace... My attitude would be merciful, sweet, and understanding... My behavior would cause others to know that I am somehow different & therefore want to know why... Then GOD gets the glory & those that come into contact with me see a glimpse of Him.

My heart is convicted. I really desire to live this way each day! Thank you son!!

Here goes nothing...

So, you know that saying, "Today is the first day of the rest of your life?" Well, this isn't just like that but sort of. This is not my first foray into blogging. I've had several "professional-based" type blogs. But this is my first "personal" blog.

I wanted a place to share my thoughts & ideas...to affirm I cannot really be the only person who thinks like this. Or who knows, it will just validate what my husband already thinks -- I AM crazy!

First, I guess I should address the "why" behind the name of this blog... it is really simple.
The newest decorating trend being researched on blogs and Pinterest is "upcycling"... taking an old object and giving it a makeover, repurposing it, and creating a new and improved life for the object.
It got me thinking about being a Christian.  Jesus is like that. He takes a person's old life, changes their purpose, gives them a makeover then creates a new and improved life for the creature.  If I lived my life as an example of Jesus' "upcycling"- His handiwork - His design.... I wonder if Pinterest would show before and after pictures of my life. Would blogs list the "how to's"of becoming a new creation in Jesus?  

I am far from perfect and normally live my life just like everyone else, but these thoughts convicted me and got me thinking. How am I ANY different from other people-- Christians and non-Christians alike? Do I live set-apart? Am I living like the new creation I have been made to be by THE Creator?? Do I live upcycled?
Just some thoughts.... my mind works in crazy ways, so welcome to my crazy world! I hope you'll enjoy the adventure or at the least give you something to talk & think about.
Leigh