CH. 2

I really love this chapter. In our journey together, God has completely transformed  my perception of our relationship and my identity through teaching me about the Holy Spirit. so when I read a chapter like this my mind spins a little because I get excited.
A passage that really stuck out to me was Thomas Smail' s imagery regarding the the filling of the Holy Spirit.
Like dew, when the Holy Spirit falls on us, we are left wet, fresh and sweet.

Wet: The evidence of His presence is still on us, its a sensation we can feel and that others can see

Fresh: His Spirit continually refreshes us and make us new again
           
Sweet: When we are filled with the Spirit, we carry the aroma of Christ, the scent of life that attracts others to truth and grace.

The reality is that the Spirit LIVES IN US....IN US! And not only that, but it is "His great passion to give His very Self to the world" - that is just too cool.
But then of course there is the temptation in this world to have control over everything. The fear that DJ describes in this chapter - the one that leads us to hold the Spirit at arms length, and to "domesticate the cloud and fire"- really resinates with me and the journey I have been on with Jesus. This whole chapter is an amazing reminder of the way He transformed my heart and life last summer. At the end of week zero I pulled Em aside and asked her what intimacy with Christ looks like. And after that conversation, one that challenged me to be honest, vulnerable, authentic (those things were not my favorite at the time), I decided to try something new and speak candidly to God, about my fears, struggles, confusion, and hopes. And that authenticity helped me to encounter my reality, that the Holy Spirit dwells in me! So I read this chapter and I keep thinking, yes..yes..yes. etc, this is the Jesus who taught me grace, and truth, and trust, and love, and forgiveness. This is the Jesus who consistently pours into me and shapes my heart. This baptism isn't a one time thing, oh man I love that because not only does it remind me of my continuing relationship with Jesus, but it reminds me of his grace, and the beauty of salvation.
      So when i allow the mysterious and untamed Spirit to confront, guide, teach, and comfort me - I am becoming more the woman that God created me to be. And I can't help but be wet, fresh, and sweet, as if dew is softly falling on me and permeating me.