Sweet Bonnie Gray, The Faith Barista, asked us this question: What is a passion or interest you’d like to 
nurture and grow?
1 Corinthians 14:1
Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.
My passion is to seek God. I seek the hidden things of God. I eagerly desire spiritual gifts.
Colossians 2:2-3
My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
That is my heart’s desire. That is my interest!
My husband said the other night, “I wonder if people think we are extremists?” Well, if that means loving Jesus and not wanting things that don’t glorify God — then yes, I guess I am an extremist. Some people we know refer to us as “more religious” than them. I know they don’t have a clue that “religious” is a negative word to most Christians. They don’t realize the term “religious” is an insult to those who have a personal relationship with Jesus. These people even confess to be Christians, but we are different and too bold for them. But aren’t all Christians supposed to be bold and different? Ok, I won’t go down that rabbit trail …
I want to be used by God to set the captives free.
I want to have revelation knowledge.
I want to walk in His wisdom.
I want my life to reflect Him.
Some may wonder why.
Some may not understand.
I don’t even know how I can be so in love with a Man I have never met face to face on earth. His Spirit woos me.
To answer Bonnie’s question – I wish to pursue deeper intimacy with my Lord.
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(Photo taken a few days ago in my yard.)
Dear Beth,
I liked your post, how clearly you laid out all the reasons why this is the passion you want to pursue- and a worthy one, for sure, isn’t it? What a wonderful testimony to continuing to grow in faith. Thank you for writing today:)
Thanks! I appreciate your comment. I hope things slow down a bit so I can visit you sometime today! Bless you!
I want to be an extremist too. And I want to want it more. I’m glad we share this passion.
Me too Lisa! Bless you Sister!
It’s awesome seeing your heart so open to the things God has created you for! 🙂
Thank you Jennifer! Bless you!
religious is a negative connotation of a Christian, but sometimes coming from another Christian it may also mean a difference of opinion. I may think of another Christian as religious, but I tend to use that term to describe legalists, not necessarily for people who are devout and wish only to glorify God in their actions and lead by example.
Hi Nikole, I agree. I don’t like the term religious and those who say that to us confess to be Christians, but don’t go to church. People who walk with the Lord know what the term means, that is for sure. :o)
Bless you!
Beth
I really enjoyed reading your post today. It reminded me of a conversation I had with my older sister a few weeks ago. She had stated that my other two sisters were “weird” for their lack of Godly character.
I pointed out how they saw us as “weird” for our insistence on living a Godly life, which in turn reflects upon our choices and decisions daily. My other two sisters will disagree, or ignore, our promptings for making better choices based on scriptural principles.
I praise God every day for the “extremes” of being a Christian!
Blessings to you!
Amen Lynda! I pray your other sisters will be just like you one day! Blessings to you too!
We just had a message at our church about being “weird” for Jesus. I want to be weird or “extreme” as you put it too. Thanks for sharing your heart and telling us about your passion. You go, girl!
Thanks Beth! Maybe we “Beth’s” just love Jesus. :o)
Me too!
I love your post because it is so intimate in what you want your relationship with God to be. I am going to borrow one of your lines (I hope you do not mind) because I think it reflects what I want my life to be and I didn’t know how to put (but you did): I want my life to reflect Him.
Maria @ Linen & Verbena
I don’t mind if you borrow my line. Of course I’m curious which line. Ha. Bless you!
Oh a girl after my own heart. I want to be an extremist. I want to be a Burning One, passionately pursuing the One Thing with focus and purpose. Yes, I want Him and only Him! And I want others to know Him! Oh that we would burn with zeal for more of Him!
Amen Sister! \o/ To know Him is to love Him all the more!
What is this religion you speak of? I can’t stand that term! Doesn’t it even speak in the bible about this? I’m in a relationship with God and Jesus.
I admire you Beth, you are an amazing woman!
You’re sweet Hope. Thanks Sister. Yeah — I can’t stand it either. Others don’t realize what they are saying. It rubs my hair the wrong way though. ha. Love & hugs.
Hi Beth,
I’m stopping by for the first time in a long time, after having laid down Extravagant Grace and the blog world this past October. It is such a delight to be at your beautiful blog, to see how it has grown, and to see how far you’ve come in your weight loss journey. You look amazing! You have definitely given God the glory in how you’ve been a steward of you body.
You’re post was inspiring, as always. And the message is one God is definitely writing on my heart and possibly laying out as a theme as I prepare my mentoring materials for this fall.
Blessings, again,
Lisa
Lisa, it is so wonderful to hear from you! Thank you for visiting me!!!! I just followed your link and I hope I sent YOU a message. Ha. I wish I was still holding where I was in my weight loss journey. I’m a size bigger than my lowest weight. I would love to get back to that. Sigh.
I pray you’ll keep up with me and visit me often. I am following your site via email. Love & hugs!
Hi Beth,
I’m a first time visitor to your blog through Faith Barista. I was so surprised at Bonnie’s question because I have been grappling with just that issue in my own life. With each brush stroke, written word, and photograph I take another step to the high places where “perfect love casteth out fear.”
Sincerely,
Susie ~
Thank you for visiting me Susie! I love that you said you take another step to the high places where perfect love casteth out fear! Amen Sister!
We should all want to pursue a deeper relationship with Christ shouldn’t we? Great post.
Yes, we should. :o)
Oh yes: “I want my life to reflect Him.” Me, too, Beth. I much more want my life to reflect Him than reflect my measly, imperfect, broken self. Strong thoughts here.
Thanks Caroline! Amen … I feel the same!
What a wonderful passion to have! And that is just what God wants from each one of us. Intimacy with the Almighty God. Now that’s a blessing and He is worth praising.
I joined in on Bonnie’s question a bit late. But it got me thinking too.
Love,
Debbie
You’re right Debbie. God does want it from each of us. I just thought of the scripture where Jesus said He would rather us be cold or hot, but not lukewarm.
Bless you!