I don't like the phrase, "If God closes a door, he opens a window." It should say "If God closes a window, he opens a door". As human beings, we tend to concentrate on the smaller "windows" in our life. We don't see the big picture. But God does. God doesn't live in the past, present OR future. He IS!! He is completely outside of time. He can coordinate OUR past, present, AND future into one seamless and perfect plan.

If you feel like God has let a "window" of opportunity close for you, just remember that God lives outside that room. He sees all the windows, doors, and everything else. All you need to do is turn around, stop focusing on that particular window, and call out to God to ask him in which direction he is leading you. It's probably not to some poor, pitiful little window. He probably has a nice, shiny, double-entry set of French doors he is waiting to throw open for you.

"Thank you, Lord for this particular window that you closed at this time. That is a sure sign that you have even greater things in store. Please help me to be strong and depend on you in all things. Help me to yearn for things not in this life, but beyond. Keep my eyes, heart, and mind focused on you, Lord."

**Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

I am very independent. I think it goes along with the pride. I am too proud to ask others for help. I seek internally and in my own immediate surroundings or everything within my own reach to solve a problem. I DON'T LIKE to ask for help from others!

Think about this people -- how can I grow at all when I am acting this way?

Today, it hit me what the church is. In a few words - community, fellowship, body. Do any of these sound like just one person could stand alone, call it "church" and be just fine? THERE'S NO 'I' IN TEAM!

So here are my problems - I'm not recognizing the gifts in others. I'm trying to solve all my own problems by myself instead of sharing my burdens with my brothers and sisters in Christ. I am too focused on myself and "my", "mine", and "I" to even notice that there is a whole world around me of Godly people.

I appreciate all you christian bloggers out there who are sharing the word with others, sharing your gifts, giving of yourself freely, and even having "church" here online!! You are an inspiration to me.

Lord, help me to remember that I am just a toe, or maybe even a toenail on the functioning body of your church. Help me to work, communicate, and fellowship effectively with other christians.

Today is my independence day! I am free from the burden of having to do everything alone!

I have been reading the Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis. Powerful stuff. I was listening in the car on the way home from work yesterday (it is an audio book). I am reflecting over my life while I listen to this book. It really makes you think deep stuff about the opposing side and the demons that are working against you and against God.

Something he said yesterday gave me a vision in my mind -- my Lord Jesus with his hands tied behind his back. And I am the one that tied them. How many times have I suppressed God or the Spirit from working in my life to a greater extent than I have allowed? But I have been doing it all along. "Yes, Lord, could you please help me with this, but I only want you to do it this way and I only want this much." I am so guilty.

How do I remove the bindings? I am scared of the full force of God's power. What if he works in me and around me in ways that I don't understand?

I need your feedback on this one everybody...

Okay, here is the deal. I have always felt that I have a special connection with God in my prayer life. When I pray, I KNOW that he hears me. Beyond a doubt. I feel that I am a very powerful prayer warrior.

Until now, I have chalked this up to a special gift from God. Either he has given me a gift of Faith, in knowing that he hears my pleas to him, or he really does take special care and attention to my cries out to him. Either way, it's good news to me.

Recently, I was thinking about this in relation to my Pride Problem. Maybe I have no special gifts at all in this area. Do I THINK so highly of myself to think that my prayers to God are somehow more important?

Am I so prejudiced to believe that my prayers have a special ranking in God's eyes? Or is it really a gift from God? Your thoughts, comments, and prayers on this topic are greatly appreciated!