One of my favorite blogs is *Beauty From The Heart*. They have put together some great heart engaging questions that I think all of us need to ask ourselves. I like questions like this where I can examine my own heart honestly...before the Lord and ask Him to help me put on the right actions and heart attitudes to glorify Him. I want to live transparently before Him...afterall, He knows it all anyway. Why do I think I can deceive myself to think I can somehow hide my sin from Him. It is just better for me to lay it all out and tell Him...*This is why I need you so much, Lord. I am a sinful wretch of a woman in need of your forgiveness each day*.

Here are the questions:

* Do you act out of obedience to Christ and a passion for His glory--or your own?
* How do you spend your time?
* How much of your time per day is spent chatting with friends (online, on the phone or in person)?
* How much of your time per day is spent daily in conversation with family members?
* How much of your time is spent daily speaking to God?
* How often do you meditate on the Cross? (Once a day? Once a week? Once a year?)
* Do you set time aside every day for prayer and Bible study?
* Do you try to faithfully obey God in public and at home?
* Do you ask God for the grace to help you obey consistently?
* What people, books, movies, etc. influence you the most?
* Do you read books, watch movies, or listen to music that does not encourage your walk with Christ? Do you think this is wise?
* Are your friends fellow Christians who are seeking after godliness? Or do they encourage you in gossip and ungodly thoughts?
* If so, do you also join in that gossip and allow those thoughts to dominate your mind?
* What are your main spheres of influence?
* What steps could you take to become a stronger influence of a Christ-like attitude to friends, siblings, neighbors, relatives, etc.?
* Do you actively serve in your community?
* When making decisions, do you consider how they affect others?

I am going to be summarizing the recent chapters I have been reading in *Respectable Sins* by Jerry Bridges. I have finally gotten to the chapters on hope for our sins...which I have needed to read. I hope to post on this soon.