Paradox of Prayer

"The paradox of prayer is that it asks for a serious effort while it can only be received as a gift.  We cannot plan, organize or manipulate God; but without a careful discipline, we cannot receive Him either. ~ Henri Nouwen (from Philip Yancey's book ~ Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference)

The Sacrifice that Hinders

"Sometimes I wonder if all the purchases we make throughout life begin to add up against us in ways we don't fully comprehend.

We purchase.
We collect.
We organize.

And while we believe we can successfully manage all of our possessions without intrusion into our lives, I wonder if we've actually sacrificed far more than we realize."

~ Joshua Becker

The Cost of Small Purchases

"Sometimes I wonder if all the little purchases we make throughout life begin to add up against us in ways we don’t fully comprehend. We purchase. We collect. We organize. Soon, we move to a bigger house with bigger closets, a bigger basement, and a bigger garage. And while we believe that we can successfully manage all of our possessions without intrusion into our life, I wonder if we've actually sacrificed far more than we realize…" ~ Joshua Becker

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. ~ Luke 12:34 (NIV)