He is

He IS.

Love. Peace. Joy. Wisdom. Strength. Grace. Mercy. Faithfulness. Goodness. Truth. Justice. Patience. Hope.

He is more than the Source of these things. He IS these things. He is the Source of love...but even greater, He IS love. He is the Source of mercy, but even greater, He IS mercy.

I think it's safe to say that if we have Jesus, we have everything.

Obtaining perfection

This could also be titled "Obtaining Maturity". That is what it means to obtain perfection. God does not expect us to literally be perfect and without flaw or stain! He is the only One who can do that. He made us...He knows we are human! Obtaining perfection simply means no longer being a spiritual baby, growing in God, becoming a strong Christian, learning to carry heavy burdens in the Holy Spirit, learning to pray effectively, and learning to carry the cross. So while it is a lofty goal, it is my goal for 2014. Obtaining perfection. Here's the plan, as outlined by Tozer in "Success & the Christian", my current read.

1. MAKE UP YOUR MIND. DECIDE. "And Elijah came to all the people, and said, “How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” 1 Kings 18:21

2. PUT AWAY UNCHRISTLIKE THINGS. "Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am the Lord your God." Leviticus 20:7

3. BECOME PREOCCUPIED WITH THE WORD OF GOD. "But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him." 1 John 2:5

4. TAKE UP YOUR CROSS. "Then Jesus said to His disciples, 'If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me." Matthew 16:24

5. GET CHRIST IN YOUR FOCUS. "...looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2

This photo captures Marie #2 drinking from a "big girl cup" for the first time. Wishing you a Happy New Year full of God's abundant blessings as we mature in Him!