You may wonder just why I am posting this photo today. Yes....it's my purse hanging on the bathroom door of Panera Bread!

Well, here's the story...

Today, following church and fellowship and then a little 'solo' picnic lunch at a nearby park, I spent a few hours at the local library. About 1/2 hour prior to leaving, to go to Panera Bread, where I'm now continuing my project work, I used the restroom. This awesome new Darien library has two great (single toilet and co-gender) restrooms located on the second floor, where I always do my work. Inside the 'spic and span' restroom there is a hook for one's purse, coat or whatever. The single hook is located on the far wall (not on the door as is most common) of the fairly generous sized restroom. As usual, I went into the restroom, hung up my purse, "used the potty", washed my hands and left the restroom. I immediately went back to my work, knowing that I had only a little time to finish my work before the library closed for the day.

Ten minutes before closing time at 5 pm, I began to pack up and gather my belongings. I quickly realized that my purse was nowhere in sight! It didn't take me long to remember that I had carried with me to the restroom.....in an effort to prevent it's being stolen (good plan, huh?). I was, of course, very concerned and, praying, I quickly returned to the restroom in hopes that my purse would still be hanging on the hook. It was NOT there! Thinking I may have overlooked the purse, I returned to my table where I had been working. My eyes scoured every inch of the area but still did not see my purse. My keys, wallet, cell phone and much more were GONE! Still praying, and begging God for my purse, I went to the librarian's desk on the second floor to inquire if a kind soul MAY have found the purse and turned it in to the desk.

PRAISE GOD....the purse was, indeed, turned in and was placed in the library's lost and found! I was THANKING GOD! I stopped at the main desk and sure enough, I spied my purse behind the main desk! I was SO THANKFUL that the next person who used that restroom today at the Dairen library did the right thing! GOD is so good and I know that it was only by His Hand that the person who found my purse was moved to turn it in to the proper authorities. I checked all the contents....and EVERYTHING was in place!

WOW......what a wonderful ending to a few moments of great CONCERN!! Many times, I have done the same thing or similar acts of honesty or kindness. I am rejoicing that God saw fit to reward my goodness by working HIS GOODNESS in this potentially dreadful situation! Just wish I could thank the person for their kindness.

"Praise God from whom all blessings flow"!

I was reading Romans 12 today. WOW...now this is a FULL chapter of 'how to' live a life that pleases God!

Verse 2 tells me to NOT be conformed to this world, but be transformed, by the renewing of my mind...so that I will know the will of God. I asked God just what that meant....for me. How do I "renew my mind"? God revealed that it is the power of the Holy Spirit, at work within me who does the RENEWING, REGENERATING and REFRESHING! When I allow the Holy Spirit to renew my mind and CHANGE ME, from the inside out...the result is a transformed life that looks totally FOREIGN to the 'world'.

As a follower of Christ, I am well aware of the fact that many view me as a 'weirdo', a strange bird, a fool or whatever term they may chose to use! Rightly so, from their perspective: I purposely avoid most forms of entertainment (simply for entertainment's sake), I speak in a manner that is unfamiliar, even offensive, to most people (mentioning the name of Jesus in many sentences and discussions), I cover my hair/head during weekly, corporate worship (as well as occasionally in private prayer times), I value the things that have eternal significance more than those things that are temporal....and so much more. Lately He is even speaking to me regarding modesty and my outward appearance...not an area I am looking forward to altering, so that is a SLOW transformation! YET, though I am called 'crazy' or 'out of touch', I have confidence that my Creator and King is pleased with many of my choices. Of course, I fall short of how I would like to live...100% of the time....but I can rest knowing that I am growing and learning and sinking my roots of faith deeper every day. I have come to understand and accept that it is OK to NOT conform to the world. I continue to pray daily for a new and fresh filling of the Holy Spirit, (a renewing of my mind) to teach and train and guide me in the ways that will please my Lord.

For anyone who may want to refute my thoughts in this blog post, please understand that I recognize that one's faith walk is about knowing and loving Christ....not solely about external signs. I would hate for anyone to misinterpret this post and think I am promoting a 'salvation by works' message. Not so...I am speaking of the process of sanctification. The change that continues within AND without in the life of a follower of Christ.

I am interested in ways that YOU have been transformed and what verse 2 of Romans 12 means to you, personally? Has the Holy Spirit spoken to you in specific ways as to various measures to use to keep you 'pure' from the world or set apart...for His will and purposes?

It's a thrilling walk....yet the road seems narrower as I continue with Him. What about you?