i have a lot of emotions and thoughts swirling around inside me lately. things have been happening in the most resent today's that has been throwing me back to many yesterdays.
some throwbacks are good. they remind me that God has been most blessed and loving to me when i least deserved it. Words from my Lord's letter have been reminding me of times in the past when the black and white seemed to lift off the page and become stamped on my heart. i claimed these words as meant for me. and still to this day return to those lines again and again.
some remembrances come with dread and memories of times when those i love most were almost like strangers. when i was powerless to do anything at all and yet it was required of me to be the strong one. to be the leader. to be the mover of events and the net holding my little family together, yet my heart was a crumbled mess tumbling around inside me.
the two types of memories have been coming to me in a tangled mess. it is impossible to remember the hard days without recalling the lovingkindnesses of my Father. yet also, it is burden to bring back the blessings in times past because they are riddled with pain and grief. grief and pain that has felt more fresh lately due to possibilities that are minuscule; yet, not impossible.
Psalm 105:1-5
"Oh give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name;
Make known His deeds among the peoples.
Sing to Him, sing praises to Him;
Speak of all His wonders.
Glory in His holy name;
Let the heart of those who seek the Lord be glad.
Seek the Lord and His strength;
Seek His face continually.
Remember His wonders which He has done,
His marvels and the judgments uttered by His mouth,"
words i read today by "coincidence", but meant the world to me almost exactly 2 years ago. these were my chemo verses, for the days when my husband felt like someone else. these were my laboring verses, while i waiting 3 days for my body to bring me the little one i was carrying.
and today i'm running back to these verses.
history may repeat it's self. then again, it may never happen again. and both of those statements are bringing me to my knees in tears.
today is an average day in events, but within my emotions it is filled with tormenting waves of possibilities that hang over my head and threaten to break me into a million little shards. the waiting feels as though it may strangle me, day after day, just waiting for something or nothing to happen.
we wait for the test results. the follow up to routine check up that was a hair weird. and even though the doctor is 99% sure it's nothing, we can't ignore that 1% that threatens to be something.
i wait month after month for that little stick to give me 2 lines instead of 1. they told us that we won't have any more. but i still get my hopes up every month, second guessing nothings and counting days and crossing my fingers. and yet every month the answer is the same. 1 stupid line.
i am frail and weak and simple. my God is strong and powerful and complex. He knows my inner struggles. He knows that some days i do not have the strength to smile in front of others because my heart is so heavy. He will give me His Words; and listen closely to my confessions; and bring my heart into His own and comfort this little child who has wound herself up into a tizzy over things that might or might not be. and whatever comes, it will be from Him. and it will be good. because He is Good.
He will give me songs to sing... (Psalm 104:33) "I will sing to the Lord as long as i live; I will sing praise to my God while i have my being." ... and with that, i think words to speak as well. those words will be full of thankfulness to Him so that others will not hear about my hard days, but will continually hear about my great God!
He will guide my thoughts... (Psalm 104:34) "Let my meditation be pleasing to Him; As for me, I shall be glad in the Lord." ... the 2 go together. when my thoughts are right about the Lord, my heart will be glad. it will be very glad because i will remember how faithful my God is, how enormous His power is, how loving He is to me day in and day out, how much patience He shows me, how merciful He continues to be, and how perfect He is in every aspect of His character.
so i will live my life for the glory of my Father. there will be hard days now and then, but the over whelming theme of my life shall be the gladness that He gives me. so forgive me while today i hide away and grieve these things that might or might not come to pass. tomorrow will be a new day, and i will be glad.
"Let the heart of those who seek the Lord be glad."
Showing posts with label children. Show all posts
Showing posts with label children. Show all posts
Friday, May 13, 2011
Monday, January 31, 2011
the painful truth of Proverbs 29
2 verses that i read on Saturday that stuck with me all weekend.
Proverbs 29:11
"A fool always loses his temper,
But a wise man holds it back."
Proverbs 29:15
"The rod and reproof give wisdom,
But a child who gets his own way
brings shame to his mother."
both are kind of a slap in the face for me. i have been losing my temper with the boys from time to time. even once a day is too much (kind of ties back to my whole idea of "daily" this year. i must daily have fresh patience.). i must remember that when i lose it, i'm being a fool. point blank. no beating around the bush. that's just the fact. and since my boys copy everything, the last thing i want them trying to be is a temper losing fool. not the best english there, but hopfully you understand my point.
i want to be like the Provers 31 woman. (which is what i read today). she is constantly characterized by wisdom and grace. and i'm sure you will agree that wisdom & foolishness cannot co-exist.
the second one is convicting on 2 levels.
1) wisdom doesn't come through lectures or warnings or second chances. it comes through the rod and reproof. if i do use words, i pray God gives me His Word, because mine are not perfect or divine like His are. but i have to remember that if my boys are to grow in wisdom, it's going to come though consistant discipline.
2) it struck me how the verse speaks of the mother. the father is the spiritual leader in the home & he will be held accountable for that before the Lord. but it's to my shame if my kid get's his way all the time. i'm the one with him all day long, so God calls on me to be consistant in training and disipline (here's that theme of "daily" again). i know all too well that it's easier to just give in. and while i try to pick my battles (i don't want to be a dictator), if he doesn't listen in the little things, why on earth will he listen in the big things?
but it's not really about me getting my way either. it's about me giving him guidance and taking care of him while he lacks the discretion needed to make good choices. it's about treaching him to love and obey the Lord! and that starts with him learning to obey me. so how do i teach this little unbeliever to love the Lord? i must be willing to teach by example.
Matt 5:16
"Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven."
so it's not about me winning the battle of getting my kids to listen. it's about teaching them to glorify the Lord. it's about ME glorifying the Lord. even if they try my patience, & even if they whine and want their way. if i take care of what i'm called to do, then God will take care of them.
Proverbs 29:11
"A fool always loses his temper,
But a wise man holds it back."
Proverbs 29:15
"The rod and reproof give wisdom,
But a child who gets his own way
brings shame to his mother."
both are kind of a slap in the face for me. i have been losing my temper with the boys from time to time. even once a day is too much (kind of ties back to my whole idea of "daily" this year. i must daily have fresh patience.). i must remember that when i lose it, i'm being a fool. point blank. no beating around the bush. that's just the fact. and since my boys copy everything, the last thing i want them trying to be is a temper losing fool. not the best english there, but hopfully you understand my point.
i want to be like the Provers 31 woman. (which is what i read today). she is constantly characterized by wisdom and grace. and i'm sure you will agree that wisdom & foolishness cannot co-exist.
the second one is convicting on 2 levels.
1) wisdom doesn't come through lectures or warnings or second chances. it comes through the rod and reproof. if i do use words, i pray God gives me His Word, because mine are not perfect or divine like His are. but i have to remember that if my boys are to grow in wisdom, it's going to come though consistant discipline.
2) it struck me how the verse speaks of the mother. the father is the spiritual leader in the home & he will be held accountable for that before the Lord. but it's to my shame if my kid get's his way all the time. i'm the one with him all day long, so God calls on me to be consistant in training and disipline (here's that theme of "daily" again). i know all too well that it's easier to just give in. and while i try to pick my battles (i don't want to be a dictator), if he doesn't listen in the little things, why on earth will he listen in the big things?
but it's not really about me getting my way either. it's about me giving him guidance and taking care of him while he lacks the discretion needed to make good choices. it's about treaching him to love and obey the Lord! and that starts with him learning to obey me. so how do i teach this little unbeliever to love the Lord? i must be willing to teach by example.
Matt 5:16
"Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven."
so it's not about me winning the battle of getting my kids to listen. it's about teaching them to glorify the Lord. it's about ME glorifying the Lord. even if they try my patience, & even if they whine and want their way. if i take care of what i'm called to do, then God will take care of them.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
confessions of a floundering mama...
let me offer these words of comfort for any other mommies who feel like their house is eating them alive, like they are failing at training up their children, and have nothing left to give their husbands at the end of the day...
... i only managed to get 7 pictures this christmas. i am in none of them (which i am ok with being in pictures, it just didn't happen). the lighting stinks, the angles are funny, and there are none remotely nice enough to even post on facebook.
Christmas is a time to remember the birth of my Savior.
... this is what my kitchen table has looked like for the past 6 days. my husband smiles and deals with it graciously, but will be appalled when he finds that i have posted this for the world to see. but other mommies need to know, we all have these times. and it's ok.
Jesus has still covered me with His blood and washed me white as snow.
... i got claustrophobic today when Christian was climbing on my lap. i had to set him down and find my own seat. he gave me a look like he thought i was crazy. i probably am.
Blessed be our Lord who holds us close and never let's go.
... Isaac is watching his new curious george movie for the 2nd time today. he didn't take an afternoon nap so this evening will be ruff.
Praise the Lord for He is Good! ... and p.t.L. for dvd's.
the point is not that i'm making a list of excuses for bad behavior. on the contrary. i try to work hard within my home for the glory of God, for the honor of my husband, and for the good of my sons. but sometimes things can become a bit very overwhelming. and whether my home is spotless or not, God is still God!
my family can function in a messy house for a couple weeks if the need is there. they cannot deal with a mama who is have a mental breakdown. it just doesn't work.
so here are a couple suggestions to try and help save mamma's sanity...
... do something with your kids that will make you all laugh. sit down and watch a kids movie, or have a game of tag around the piles of laundry.
Proverbs 17:22 "A joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones."
... throw half of the toys in a box, seal it & throw it in a storage place for a while. if your kids are little, they won't even notice and less stuff means less to clean up later. (plus, when you get it out again it will be new and exciting toys for free!)
... mix 1/4 white sugar with a tablespoon or 2 of lemon juice and a tiny bit of water by shaking it all up in a little container. use it right away as an amazing body scrub that is super refreshing and CHEAP! (note: you will not be sticky as all the sugar rinses clean in the shower. trust me, this is a favorite of mine.)
... sing something! children love to sing and mine love to dance. they don't care what you sing or how it sounds. plus, i heard that singing releases endorphins (those are the happy hormones in your body).
... before bed, read some chapters from the Song of Solomon, pray, brush your hair, and put on some pretty pj's. i don't want to embarrass anyone, but, a husband who is satisfied is more understanding and patient with all the stuff around the house.
... i only managed to get 7 pictures this christmas. i am in none of them (which i am ok with being in pictures, it just didn't happen). the lighting stinks, the angles are funny, and there are none remotely nice enough to even post on facebook.
Christmas is a time to remember the birth of my Savior.
Jesus has still covered me with His blood and washed me white as snow.
... i got claustrophobic today when Christian was climbing on my lap. i had to set him down and find my own seat. he gave me a look like he thought i was crazy. i probably am.
Blessed be our Lord who holds us close and never let's go.
... Isaac is watching his new curious george movie for the 2nd time today. he didn't take an afternoon nap so this evening will be ruff.
Praise the Lord for He is Good! ... and p.t.L. for dvd's.
the point is not that i'm making a list of excuses for bad behavior. on the contrary. i try to work hard within my home for the glory of God, for the honor of my husband, and for the good of my sons. but sometimes things can become a bit very overwhelming. and whether my home is spotless or not, God is still God!
my family can function in a messy house for a couple weeks if the need is there. they cannot deal with a mama who is have a mental breakdown. it just doesn't work.
so here are a couple suggestions to try and help save mamma's sanity...
... do something with your kids that will make you all laugh. sit down and watch a kids movie, or have a game of tag around the piles of laundry.
Proverbs 17:22 "A joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones."
... throw half of the toys in a box, seal it & throw it in a storage place for a while. if your kids are little, they won't even notice and less stuff means less to clean up later. (plus, when you get it out again it will be new and exciting toys for free!)
... mix 1/4 white sugar with a tablespoon or 2 of lemon juice and a tiny bit of water by shaking it all up in a little container. use it right away as an amazing body scrub that is super refreshing and CHEAP! (note: you will not be sticky as all the sugar rinses clean in the shower. trust me, this is a favorite of mine.)
... sing something! children love to sing and mine love to dance. they don't care what you sing or how it sounds. plus, i heard that singing releases endorphins (those are the happy hormones in your body).
... before bed, read some chapters from the Song of Solomon, pray, brush your hair, and put on some pretty pj's. i don't want to embarrass anyone, but, a husband who is satisfied is more understanding and patient with all the stuff around the house.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Psalm 127
1 "Unless the Lord
builds the house,
They labor in vain who
build it;
Unless the Lord guards
the city,
The watchman keeps
awake in vain.
2 "It is vain for you to rise up
early,
To retire late,
To eat the bread of
painful labors;
For He gives to His
beloved even in His sleep.
3 "Behold, children are a
gift of the Lord,
The fruit of the womb is
a reward.
4 "Like arrows in the hand of
a warrior,
So are the children of one's
youth.
5 "How blessed is the man
whose quiver is full of
them;
They shall not be
ashamed
When they speak with
their enemies in the gate."
(verse 5 King James Version
"Happy is the man that hath
his quiver full of them:
they shall not be ashamed,
but they shall speak with
the enemies in the gate.")
i post this chapter because it has been on my heart. i have a bit of a soap box when it comes to the timing of bearing children (i.e. birth control), and i don't want to get on it. but i do have a burden on my heart lately to share with my beloved friends about the joys of God's little blessings, those souls that we call our children. i say simply this...
Consider the Lord. read His Word (not just the part i've put here, but read more/all of it). pray and ask for His wisdom.
Proverbs 19:2
"Also it is not good for a
person to be without
knowledge,
And he who hurries his
footsteps errs."
consider the Lord. look for His timing in all things. especially babies.
builds the house,
They labor in vain who
build it;
Unless the Lord guards
the city,
The watchman keeps
awake in vain.
2 "It is vain for you to rise up
early,
To retire late,
To eat the bread of
painful labors;
For He gives to His
beloved even in His sleep.
3 "Behold, children are a
gift of the Lord,
The fruit of the womb is
a reward.
4 "Like arrows in the hand of
a warrior,
So are the children of one's
youth.
5 "How blessed is the man
whose quiver is full of
them;
They shall not be
ashamed
When they speak with
their enemies in the gate."
(verse 5 King James Version
"Happy is the man that hath
his quiver full of them:
they shall not be ashamed,
but they shall speak with
the enemies in the gate.")
i post this chapter because it has been on my heart. i have a bit of a soap box when it comes to the timing of bearing children (i.e. birth control), and i don't want to get on it. but i do have a burden on my heart lately to share with my beloved friends about the joys of God's little blessings, those souls that we call our children. i say simply this...
Consider the Lord. read His Word (not just the part i've put here, but read more/all of it). pray and ask for His wisdom.
Proverbs 19:2
"Also it is not good for a
person to be without
knowledge,
And he who hurries his
footsteps errs."
consider the Lord. look for His timing in all things. especially babies.
Friday, November 12, 2010
short on patience?
i'm not sure how to put all of my thoughts into order on this, but i will try. (to the single ladies, this post will talk a lot about parenting, but can be applied to all relationships.)
God has been convicting of how i react to my sons. i know that 3 year olds and 1 year olds can be a handful and are still learning what is good, though they seem to know all the bad already. as a parent, i have been commanded by God to train up my children (Proverbs_22:6) and there will great blessing and joy from teaching him God's ways (Proverbs_23:15-16).
God blessed me with this verse that is actually written to the young pastor Timothy in reguard to his church. However, i do think that it can also be applied to parenting.
2 Timothy 4:2
"preach the Word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction."
(note: instruction should be godly, so, use the Word of God)
Great words to take to heart and apply within our homes. read it again and absorb the multitude of instruction in that verse. isn't it fantastic and yet terrifying at the same time? Yet, we have no need to get ourselves in a tizzy. Our great and awesome God supplies not only the command, but also the strength and Spirit to help us obey it.
But what about when i fail to obey? especially in the patience part? Because you fail that one and pretty quickly all the others will go flying out the window. i mean, i've never heard a parent screaming scripture at their children. yeah, just doesn't fit together.
So when i have no patience, what do i have?
well first of all, i am practicing this...
Galatians 5:19-21
"Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which i forewarn you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God."
firstly, a clarification for all who might be confused. these verses are not saying that people who do bad go to hell and people who do good go to heaven. we know that our God does not save on the basis of works (Eph_2:8-9) because everyone deserves an eternal stay in hell (Romans_6:23) were it not for the death of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, God's Son, who paid our penalty on the cross and demonstrated his victory over sin by rising from the dead. As a result, all are offered salvation by simply repenting from their sin and turning their life over to the true God of all (Romans_10:9-11).
that being said, Galatians 5 does contrast what the life of an unbeliever looks like and the life of a true believer (Gal_5:22-25). so if strife and outbursts of anger are characteristic of an unsaved person, why am i partaking in them? and why do i make excuses for doing them? don't sit there like you don't. we all make excuses for losing patience.
-i'm tired. they kept me up late/woke me up early today!
-i don't feel well. this headache is killing me!
-they have been so naughty today, this is just the straw that broke the camels back!
-the day has been crazy! i've had so much to do and nothing is going like i planned.
just like when we were first saved, we have to admit our sin and take it to God.
so just like i asked before, when i don't have patience, what do i have?
i have anger
Proverbs 19:19, 16:32, 17:27, 19:11
i have selfishness/pride
Proverbs 18:1, 16:18, 18:12, Phil 2:3,
all wrapped up in those i found that i personally also have self pity due to my bad day, lack of joy in my heart and in my house, envy of single individuals or newly weds, discontentment with my stage of life, the list goes on and on as sinful actions snow ball.
let me leave you with a quote & a verse...
"Righteous indignation leads to right actions. Unrighteous indignation leads to unright actions." - Andy Thompson
When blatant sin makes you upset, it will lead you to remove that sin from your life, motivate you to share the gospel with the one sinning, or drive you away from a possibly compromising situation. that is right action from righteous anger.
When your anger is not godly (note: i didn't use the word justified because we misuse that word) it will lead to actions that are not godly (refer back to Galatians 5 if need be).
1 John 3:18
"Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth."
as always, answer honestly...
have you really repented from your sin and turned your life over to Christ, making you a child of God?
if you answered yes, are you acting like it??
how can you remind yourself to be more patient with others?
how can you cool down a situation that you are quickly loosing patience with?
God has been convicting of how i react to my sons. i know that 3 year olds and 1 year olds can be a handful and are still learning what is good, though they seem to know all the bad already. as a parent, i have been commanded by God to train up my children (Proverbs_22:6) and there will great blessing and joy from teaching him God's ways (Proverbs_23:15-16).
God blessed me with this verse that is actually written to the young pastor Timothy in reguard to his church. However, i do think that it can also be applied to parenting.
2 Timothy 4:2
"preach the Word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction."
(note: instruction should be godly, so, use the Word of God)
Great words to take to heart and apply within our homes. read it again and absorb the multitude of instruction in that verse. isn't it fantastic and yet terrifying at the same time? Yet, we have no need to get ourselves in a tizzy. Our great and awesome God supplies not only the command, but also the strength and Spirit to help us obey it.
But what about when i fail to obey? especially in the patience part? Because you fail that one and pretty quickly all the others will go flying out the window. i mean, i've never heard a parent screaming scripture at their children. yeah, just doesn't fit together.
So when i have no patience, what do i have?
well first of all, i am practicing this...
Galatians 5:19-21
"Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which i forewarn you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God."
firstly, a clarification for all who might be confused. these verses are not saying that people who do bad go to hell and people who do good go to heaven. we know that our God does not save on the basis of works (Eph_2:8-9) because everyone deserves an eternal stay in hell (Romans_6:23) were it not for the death of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, God's Son, who paid our penalty on the cross and demonstrated his victory over sin by rising from the dead. As a result, all are offered salvation by simply repenting from their sin and turning their life over to the true God of all (Romans_10:9-11).
that being said, Galatians 5 does contrast what the life of an unbeliever looks like and the life of a true believer (Gal_5:22-25). so if strife and outbursts of anger are characteristic of an unsaved person, why am i partaking in them? and why do i make excuses for doing them? don't sit there like you don't. we all make excuses for losing patience.
-i'm tired. they kept me up late/woke me up early today!
-i don't feel well. this headache is killing me!
-they have been so naughty today, this is just the straw that broke the camels back!
-the day has been crazy! i've had so much to do and nothing is going like i planned.
just like when we were first saved, we have to admit our sin and take it to God.
so just like i asked before, when i don't have patience, what do i have?
i have anger
Proverbs 19:19, 16:32, 17:27, 19:11
i have selfishness/pride
Proverbs 18:1, 16:18, 18:12, Phil 2:3,
all wrapped up in those i found that i personally also have self pity due to my bad day, lack of joy in my heart and in my house, envy of single individuals or newly weds, discontentment with my stage of life, the list goes on and on as sinful actions snow ball.
let me leave you with a quote & a verse...
"Righteous indignation leads to right actions. Unrighteous indignation leads to unright actions." - Andy Thompson
When blatant sin makes you upset, it will lead you to remove that sin from your life, motivate you to share the gospel with the one sinning, or drive you away from a possibly compromising situation. that is right action from righteous anger.
When your anger is not godly (note: i didn't use the word justified because we misuse that word) it will lead to actions that are not godly (refer back to Galatians 5 if need be).
1 John 3:18
"Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth."
as always, answer honestly...
have you really repented from your sin and turned your life over to Christ, making you a child of God?
if you answered yes, are you acting like it??
how can you remind yourself to be more patient with others?
how can you cool down a situation that you are quickly loosing patience with?
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
a book...
so i love a good book! preferably something fictional with great characters and a resolved ending.
i'm not usually into the books that claim they will help me get more done or get/stay more organized. where are they when clothes need to be folded or closets need to be sorted? i'm not really sure, but they definitely aren't here where i need them!
that being said, i've finished the book, "Peanut Butter on my Pillow" by rita w. kramer and found it refreshing and motivating, to the point i would like to share a little about it. not because of her grand ideas, but because she simply took every idea before the Lord. every concept she presented was compared before scripture to make sure it was in line. every suggestion she made seemed to be prayed about before putting it out there for me to try. so much scripture packed into a book has be to a good thing!
it's an older book i picked up off a used book sale at church (a big thank you to whoever donated it!). she puts many verses from the Bible, a few poems and quotes and her own confessions though out.
if you decide to give it a look, be sure to pray first that God will use this book in your life for His glory and your good.
i wanted to share a few things that hit me...
my inspiration for getting up a little earlier to pray
I didn't have time to pray
I got up early one morning
and rushed right into my day;
I had so much to accomplish
I didn't have time to pray.
Troubles just tumbled about me
and heavier came each task.
Why doesn't God help me, I wondered.
He answered, "You didn't ask."
I tried to come into God's presence,
I used all my keys at the lock.
God gently and lovingly chided,
"Why, child, you didn't knock."
I wanted to see joy and beauty,
But the day toiled on grey and bleak.
I wondered by God didn't show me.
He said, "You didn't seek."
I woke up early this morning
and paused before entering my day.
I had so much to accomplish
The I had to take time to pray.
-Author unknown
a comforting thought about the state of my home
(i'm paraphrasing here) the whole idea of "cleanliness is next to godliness" is not in the Bible. in fact it was the idea of Phinehas ben Yair who thought that religion is a bunch of acts (he includes carefulness, vigorousness, abstemiousness [which is a big word for sparing or abstaining]) in and of themselves that become godliness. now i'm not about to take this guys advice!
John Wesley is the one who actually spoke this "treasured creed" in a sermon on dress. and John got it from Francis Bacon who actually said "cleanness of body was ever deemed to proceed from a due reverence to God," the whole idea was that keeping your body clean is out of respect for your Lord God who made it!
rita also quotes the Living Bible in Proverbs 14:4 (i'm not usually a big fan of the Living Bible, but i kind of like this one) "An empty stable stays clean - but there is no income from an empty stable."
life is messy. between kids, husbands, cooking & eating, playing & learning, there is going to be some messes. praise the Lord, He looks at my heart and my stewardship in all areas of my life, not just how much dust is on the piano.
little notes about her house that made me smile
This is NOT Treasure Island.
Please find a more appropriate place for your valuables.
Relax. God loves you.
This, too... (by rita) hit me off guard
Diaper changing became so routine and automatic that i couldn't remember doing the last one.
And the Lord said, "this, too, shall pass."
Brothers, surrounded by a yard full of toys, fought over a battered tennis ball.
And the Lord said, "this, too, shall pass."
Sleepless nights during flu season were followed by long, headachey days.
And the Lord said, "this, too, shall pass."
Little hands reached into the cookie jar for "just one more?"
And the Lord said, "this, too, shall pass."
We didn't go to "buck night" at the drive-in movie because of insufficient funds.
And the Lord said, "this, too, shall pass."
I stiffened in the passenger seat while my student driver first-born practiced her left turns.
And the Lord said, "this, too, shall pass."
We sat elbow-to-elbow around the supper table, everyone talking at once.
And the Lord said, "this, too, shall pass."
The afternoon schoolbus dispersed a half-dozen chattering Kramers, and from the first one thought the door i heard, :i got a hundred in spelling today, Mom!"
And the Lord said, "this, too, shall pass."
My husband and I came home to a quiet house after an evening out and peeked in on our offspring sleeping peacefully in their beds.
And the Lord said, "this, too, shall pass."
a verse that reminded me to pray more
I love the Lord, for He heard my voice;
He heard my cry for mercy.
Because He turned His ear to me,
I will call on Him as long as I live.
-Psalm 116:1,2
i'm not usually into the books that claim they will help me get more done or get/stay more organized. where are they when clothes need to be folded or closets need to be sorted? i'm not really sure, but they definitely aren't here where i need them!
that being said, i've finished the book, "Peanut Butter on my Pillow" by rita w. kramer and found it refreshing and motivating, to the point i would like to share a little about it. not because of her grand ideas, but because she simply took every idea before the Lord. every concept she presented was compared before scripture to make sure it was in line. every suggestion she made seemed to be prayed about before putting it out there for me to try. so much scripture packed into a book has be to a good thing!
it's an older book i picked up off a used book sale at church (a big thank you to whoever donated it!). she puts many verses from the Bible, a few poems and quotes and her own confessions though out.
if you decide to give it a look, be sure to pray first that God will use this book in your life for His glory and your good.
i wanted to share a few things that hit me...
my inspiration for getting up a little earlier to pray
I didn't have time to pray
I got up early one morning
and rushed right into my day;
I had so much to accomplish
I didn't have time to pray.
Troubles just tumbled about me
and heavier came each task.
Why doesn't God help me, I wondered.
He answered, "You didn't ask."
I tried to come into God's presence,
I used all my keys at the lock.
God gently and lovingly chided,
"Why, child, you didn't knock."
I wanted to see joy and beauty,
But the day toiled on grey and bleak.
I wondered by God didn't show me.
He said, "You didn't seek."
I woke up early this morning
and paused before entering my day.
I had so much to accomplish
The I had to take time to pray.
-Author unknown
a comforting thought about the state of my home
(i'm paraphrasing here) the whole idea of "cleanliness is next to godliness" is not in the Bible. in fact it was the idea of Phinehas ben Yair who thought that religion is a bunch of acts (he includes carefulness, vigorousness, abstemiousness [which is a big word for sparing or abstaining]) in and of themselves that become godliness. now i'm not about to take this guys advice!
John Wesley is the one who actually spoke this "treasured creed" in a sermon on dress. and John got it from Francis Bacon who actually said "cleanness of body was ever deemed to proceed from a due reverence to God," the whole idea was that keeping your body clean is out of respect for your Lord God who made it!
rita also quotes the Living Bible in Proverbs 14:4 (i'm not usually a big fan of the Living Bible, but i kind of like this one) "An empty stable stays clean - but there is no income from an empty stable."
life is messy. between kids, husbands, cooking & eating, playing & learning, there is going to be some messes. praise the Lord, He looks at my heart and my stewardship in all areas of my life, not just how much dust is on the piano.
little notes about her house that made me smile
This is NOT Treasure Island.
Please find a more appropriate place for your valuables.
Relax. God loves you.
This, too... (by rita) hit me off guard
Diaper changing became so routine and automatic that i couldn't remember doing the last one.
And the Lord said, "this, too, shall pass."
Brothers, surrounded by a yard full of toys, fought over a battered tennis ball.
And the Lord said, "this, too, shall pass."
Sleepless nights during flu season were followed by long, headachey days.
And the Lord said, "this, too, shall pass."
Little hands reached into the cookie jar for "just one more?"
And the Lord said, "this, too, shall pass."
We didn't go to "buck night" at the drive-in movie because of insufficient funds.
And the Lord said, "this, too, shall pass."
I stiffened in the passenger seat while my student driver first-born practiced her left turns.
And the Lord said, "this, too, shall pass."
We sat elbow-to-elbow around the supper table, everyone talking at once.
And the Lord said, "this, too, shall pass."
The afternoon schoolbus dispersed a half-dozen chattering Kramers, and from the first one thought the door i heard, :i got a hundred in spelling today, Mom!"
And the Lord said, "this, too, shall pass."
My husband and I came home to a quiet house after an evening out and peeked in on our offspring sleeping peacefully in their beds.
And the Lord said, "this, too, shall pass."
a verse that reminded me to pray more
I love the Lord, for He heard my voice;
He heard my cry for mercy.
Because He turned His ear to me,
I will call on Him as long as I live.
-Psalm 116:1,2
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)