1/2 Marathon... day 1 :)

So I am am going to try to do a half marathon... but not running!  On my blog.  Christian Marriage Bloggers Association is putting out a challenge to post everyday for 13 consecutive days.  And well I am going to give it my best! 

I have a huge fear of talking in front of others.  Even if it is just one on one I am scared.  I will replay the conversation, analyze it, critic what I said, what you meant, and so on.  It is so bad it happens even with my own husband sometimes  This is a place where God is working in my life. 

A few months back I offered to help with a baby shower.  For some crazy reason I even offered to pray aloud with a group for a little girl!  {Me! PRAY! ALOUD!!! with others there!  This was not me!}  And you know what it was fine. 

Then we became members at our church... We were asked to give a testimony on Be Hope.  Just the thought of it had me itching, hot, tears welling up... Our pastor was shocked I think!  So, Greg talked and I stood next to him with tears in my eyes, hands firmly on my son, and face as hot as could be. 

I really felt God was telling me I needed to let go and let Him change me. 

So... yesterday was our turn to teach children's church.  {Even this makes me nervous and scared!}  As I was reading the story (Luke 2) I noticed how calm I felt. I even changed my tone when reading to emphasize parts!  :)  Then the unheard of happened... the kids were getting wild and it was time for songs...  {I was not given a singing voice!} And I sang in front of these kids!  I felt great!  Maybe didn't sound great, but there was no nerves, no tears, no hot face! 

Leaving church I felt great!  Bragged myself up to my husband... it was a big deal to me! 

Then this morning...  reading my Mornings With Jesus devotional...

"Let the one who boasts, boast of the Lord." 1 Corinthians 1:31

"But I'm singing my own praises, am I not?  Priding myself on a job well done?  That's a slippery slope, I know.  Pretty soon I'll forget that the Lord had a hand in this and begin to think it's all about me." 

later in the devotional Judy Baer continues: "But it's not true, is it?  None of this happened because of me.  Without Christ, there's nothing good that I can do.  It's all ashes.  Only with Him can I really succeed.  There is no one to brag about but Jesus.  I must never mess with the Father's glory r intrude or lay claim to the holy works of God."

I know that me reading and singing to these kids was all God.  He gave me a peace and the words and everything to be able to teach these kids His story.  To bring Him glory!  But on that drive home I didn't give glory to God.  I sang my own praises.  And today, He reminded me that it wasn't possible without Him. 

How great is God that He grows me and then when I fail to recognize what He has done, He gives me that little reminder to focus on Him and give Him praises! 

Our memory verse from yesterday was

"SHOUT FOR JOY, TO THE LORD ALL THE EARTH." Psalm 100:1

I need to remember to shout for joy to the Lord, not sing my own praises!  Sing His praises and give all the glory to Him!