Roots determine the structure of a tree…our roots do the same.
(Picture by Lisa R.)

So today has been a day of conviction. It started with my morning devotion and continued through most of the day. For the world at large conviction is a dirty word, because it shows us the not so good part of ourselves. But to those who know its true purpose, it is tool that heals and grows us. Today in church we sang this chorus: “I give myself away. I give myself away. So you can use me…” I remember when I started this blog, 307 days ago, I asked God to use me however, wherever, and whenever He chose. I promised to let go of my wants, and my desires, and seek His wants and His desires for me. As the year draws to a close, I am taking stock to see how faithful I was to the promises made. While I have grown leaps and bounds this year, I have to be honest, while God has been consistently faithful on this journey, I have been inconsistent and often times more fearful than faithful.  Today God, my Father dealt with me, as only a faithful and loving Father can. He reminded me of His love and His grace. Then these words resounded in my heart, “Let your yes be yes, and your no be no.” He reminded me the importance of living the promises I had made. Words do not make the man, but keeping our word shows our character. I want a character that God is proud of. I have kept many of the promises I have made, but I have let many fall to the wayside due to fear or a nonchalant attitude. Today I was encouraged to keep the promises that I make, both to God and to those around me.

“But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation” (James 5:12).

So what am I thankful for today? Gentle, yet firm reminders.