I love to plan and organize! In the past few years, I have discovered my gifting in this area and have used it in ministry to women and teens. I’m not sure why it has taken so long, but I am finally realizing that I can and should be using this gifting to love and serve my family.
Recently, I have become frustrated with myself. My children are overly “busy”. Our home is cluttered and disorganized. The kitchen is collecting dust from lack of use. I am a few pounds away from having to buy a brand new wardrobe. All the while, I am running in circles trying to figure out what to fix first.
As a dear friend reminded me, I have been through a lot in the past year. I have been caught in a cycle of morning sickness and grief. With that in mind, I am not going to beat myself up about the mess I now find myself in. God is doing a beautiful work inside of me and I am grateful for that. As a matter of fact, I believe this renewed passion to love and serve my family has developed out of the internal construction God is doing in my life.
Sunday night I sat down at the computer and developed a daily routine for our family. I thought through what I wanted our day to be like. I considered different priorities and things I wanted my children to experience. We are only three days into this grand experiment, but I am thrilled with the results so far! I am enjoying my boys and accomplishing more. Our “firmly flexible” routine includes daily chores, devotional time, plenty of bathroom breaks, rest time and much more. As I prepare to send Owen to kindergarten in the fall, I am looking forward to enjoying the rest of the summer with my family.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Offering
Each summer our church sends a group of 7th and 8th grade students to the hills and hollers of Kentucky. On Saturday, I will head south with a great group of students and adult leaders with the purpose of serving others. As I pack and prepare for this trip, I wonder if I have anything to offer.
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Monday, May 31, 2010
He Does
The neighbor smiles and waves hello.
He doesn’t realize what today is.
The barista greets me and serves with a smile.
She doesn’t see the pain in my heart.
The boys run and laugh and climb on their dad.
They don’t grasp the weight of the day.
The banker politely nods and says good-bye.
She doesn’t understand where we’ll soon go.
The drive-thru girl smiles and says have a nice day.
She doesn’t know what my day holds.
The man crossing the street looks into the car.
He doesn’t care that there are tears in my eyes.
The man in the suit asks if we are the family.
He doesn’t participate in our last moments.
The man who is working shovels dirt into the grave.
He doesn’t weep as he does his job.
The God of the universe looks down from above.
He realizes
He sees
He grasps
He understands
He knows
He cares
He participates
He weeps
Hebrews 4:15-16
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Written Friday, May 28, 2010
He doesn’t realize what today is.
The barista greets me and serves with a smile.
She doesn’t see the pain in my heart.
The boys run and laugh and climb on their dad.
They don’t grasp the weight of the day.
The banker politely nods and says good-bye.
She doesn’t understand where we’ll soon go.
The drive-thru girl smiles and says have a nice day.
She doesn’t know what my day holds.
The man crossing the street looks into the car.
He doesn’t care that there are tears in my eyes.
The man in the suit asks if we are the family.
He doesn’t participate in our last moments.
The man who is working shovels dirt into the grave.
He doesn’t weep as he does his job.
The God of the universe looks down from above.
He realizes
He sees
He grasps
He understands
He knows
He cares
He participates
He weeps
Hebrews 4:15-16
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Written Friday, May 28, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Christian
1 Peter 4:12-19
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
Notes from "The Bible Knowledge Commentary" on 1 Peter 4:16:
There is no shame if one suffer(s) as a Christian rather than as a criminal. On the contrary, that name should be a source of praise to God for it identifies the bearer with the blessings of salvation. The term “Christian” (Christianos) occurs only three times in the Bible
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
Notes from "The Bible Knowledge Commentary" on 1 Peter 4:16:
There is no shame if one suffer(s) as a Christian rather than as a criminal. On the contrary, that name should be a source of praise to God for it identifies the bearer with the blessings of salvation. The term “Christian” (Christianos) occurs only three times in the Bible
Monday, May 24, 2010
A Time to Laugh
Sometimes laughter really is the best medicine. This is a conversation I had with Owen last night while he was in the bathroom. . .
Owen: Mom, can you wipe me?
Me: No, that's your job.
Owen: Will you pay me for it?
(Brandon and I laughing hysterically)
Me: I don't think I can do that.
Owen: I think you can.
(More laughter)
Ecclesiastes 3:4 . . . a time to weep and a time to laugh . . .
Owen: Mom, can you wipe me?
Me: No, that's your job.
Owen: Will you pay me for it?
(Brandon and I laughing hysterically)
Me: I don't think I can do that.
Owen: I think you can.
(More laughter)
Ecclesiastes 3:4 . . . a time to weep and a time to laugh . . .
Friday, May 21, 2010
My Psalm
Born Still
May 14, 2010
Too tired to sleep
Don’t want to think
Can’t get the images out of my mind
A lifeless body
Silence persists
This just can’t be happening again
Prepped and prepared
Feeling so scared
I’m not ready to say goodbye
Crying out to my King
Maker of everything
Hold me now Lord, I need you tonight
Quietly you came
We gave you a name
This moment I’ll never forget
Your tiny form
You had been born
Straight into the Father’s embrace
I love you little one
Your life has truly begun
It won’t be long until we’re together again
For now I must stay
I will glorify and praise
The God who has provided a way
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14
May 14, 2010
Too tired to sleep
Don’t want to think
Can’t get the images out of my mind
A lifeless body
Silence persists
This just can’t be happening again
Prepped and prepared
Feeling so scared
I’m not ready to say goodbye
Crying out to my King
Maker of everything
Hold me now Lord, I need you tonight
Quietly you came
We gave you a name
This moment I’ll never forget
Your tiny form
You had been born
Straight into the Father’s embrace
I love you little one
Your life has truly begun
It won’t be long until we’re together again
For now I must stay
I will glorify and praise
The God who has provided a way
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14
Monday, May 17, 2010
In this world . . . (orginally posted Sept 2009)
This is an old post of mine from September, it's a good reminder for me right now.
The Bible clearly tells us in John 16:33 that in this world we will have trouble. How do you deal with heartache? Nat King Cole would tell you to:
Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though its breaking
When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shining through for you
Yep, that’s about the best the world has to offer. When life gets hard and sorrow comes your way, smile and hope for the best. Although I’ve taken this theory for a test drive, it always seems to come up short. God has shown me a better way and given me a new song to sing:
Cry when your heart is aching
Seek God especially when its breaking
When there are clouds in the sky, ask Him why
If you search God’s word through your fear and sorrow
Trust Him and I assure you tomorrow
You’ll see the Son come shining through for you
We live in a fallen world tainted by sin. This guarantees us some pain and sorrow along the way. God doesn't expect us to smile through our grief and sorrow. As a matter of fact, He counts our tears and weeps along with us. So where do we go from here? If we seek Him, we will find Him. Don't be afraid to bring your sorrows, your fears, and your questions to God. Wrestle through your heartaches with the One who can bring hope and healing. Allow the Bible to speak truth into your life. When your emotions are running wild, allow God's truth to penetrate your heart. He loves you, He cares for you, He will never leave you. God has a plan for our lives and nothing that happens has not first been sifted through His loving hands. So, the next time you are faced with heartache, turn off the radio and tune into the One who has overcome the world.
. . . in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
Romans 8:37
The Bible clearly tells us in John 16:33 that in this world we will have trouble. How do you deal with heartache? Nat King Cole would tell you to:
Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though its breaking
When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shining through for you
Yep, that’s about the best the world has to offer. When life gets hard and sorrow comes your way, smile and hope for the best. Although I’ve taken this theory for a test drive, it always seems to come up short. God has shown me a better way and given me a new song to sing:
Cry when your heart is aching
Seek God especially when its breaking
When there are clouds in the sky, ask Him why
If you search God’s word through your fear and sorrow
Trust Him and I assure you tomorrow
You’ll see the Son come shining through for you
We live in a fallen world tainted by sin. This guarantees us some pain and sorrow along the way. God doesn't expect us to smile through our grief and sorrow. As a matter of fact, He counts our tears and weeps along with us. So where do we go from here? If we seek Him, we will find Him. Don't be afraid to bring your sorrows, your fears, and your questions to God. Wrestle through your heartaches with the One who can bring hope and healing. Allow the Bible to speak truth into your life. When your emotions are running wild, allow God's truth to penetrate your heart. He loves you, He cares for you, He will never leave you. God has a plan for our lives and nothing that happens has not first been sifted through His loving hands. So, the next time you are faced with heartache, turn off the radio and tune into the One who has overcome the world.
. . . in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
Romans 8:37
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