What I want for my family is not too far off from what the Lord wants for us. I want a peaceful home, a safe neighborhood and neighbors we can trust. Life containing peace, being in a safe place and having trustworthy friends are all things that the Lord wants for us too. The difference is found in the placement and packaging.
As we search for our next home my mind paints a picture that the Lord may not be 100% behind. I struggle to hold loosely the double oven, real wood floors, lush back yard and stroller friendly sidewalks. The Lord knows what I want more than I do and he also sees what we will need, beyond what we see. These truths get me looking beyond our next spot to call home and into my life as is. What routes have I pursued, planned and purchased that are not on the Lord's list of things he wants me to be, do and have?
So many verses come to my mind about this. The one that sticks though says to seek his kingdom first and that all these things I need will be provided for me. (Matt 6:33) I have to keep focused on the true purpose of my life and the true provider for my life. All I can ever need is in him and I do not need to go searching elsewhere for anything.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Just A Call
Today I was reminded of something I often forget, my husband is to be my first priority. He called just to say hi in between surgeries and do you know what I did? You do! I told him about my whole day so far with the kids in about 1min. LOL. I have to laugh at myself, alot. He just called to say hi & I love you. He did not call to check on the kids or to get the daily report. All I needed to do was say that I love him too and I'm glad he took time to call, oh and that I can't wait to see him tonight.
The call was good for me. I got a personal call and a listening, more like trapped, ear. But what was that call like for my dear husband? Was he affirmed? Will he want to call again another day if he has time? I'm not sure he will want to. Actually I know him and I know he will call again and I will have another opportunity to spill it all or just affirm him in love. Next time he calls like that I will think before I speak and I will be planning to just keep the kid report for another time.
The call was good for me. I got a personal call and a listening, more like trapped, ear. But what was that call like for my dear husband? Was he affirmed? Will he want to call again another day if he has time? I'm not sure he will want to. Actually I know him and I know he will call again and I will have another opportunity to spill it all or just affirm him in love. Next time he calls like that I will think before I speak and I will be planning to just keep the kid report for another time.
Monday, July 14, 2008
M & M
Mary & Martha. These two women represent most of us in one way or another. Mary's tender people first, listen then speak attitude permeates the scriptures about her. She made the choice to listen when it was time and the Lord protected her choice to put him first. Her sister Martha wants to get it done and have it done right for the guests, but more for herself. We learn that she is also a worrier, anyone? She had so much on her mind about what needed to be done that she lost sight of what was the true priority, Jesus.
I struggle to balance the roles I am called to fill. My children need my undivided attention and training as well as a clean floor and lunch. Because I stay at home with them I find it hard to get all that I should be doing done. This week I have much to do, but is it a to do list I have made or one the Lord has laid out? Have I set expectations for myself that push me into the Martha corner of doing it all? Are there times to listen to the Lord?
I am more of a doer by nature. I enjoy knowing that Martha learned her lesson, but like me wasn't perfect in living it out. The chores are piling up, the 2 year old needs some attention and the boys need a snack. I know the Lord can lead me through an orderly day with clarity about what should be the priority in each moment, but I need to lay down my list and my plan and listen for his.
Thankfully I can write that most mornings I have had the time to be in his presence without the kids being present! I do struggle though with what I could be getting done in the time I have while they are sleeping and the laundry is creeping out of the basket...
Martha, Martha you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her. Luke 10:41-42
What about you?
Do you tend to lean towards Mary or Martha?
Are you taking the time he gives you to get things done or to be with Him?
I struggle to balance the roles I am called to fill. My children need my undivided attention and training as well as a clean floor and lunch. Because I stay at home with them I find it hard to get all that I should be doing done. This week I have much to do, but is it a to do list I have made or one the Lord has laid out? Have I set expectations for myself that push me into the Martha corner of doing it all? Are there times to listen to the Lord?
I am more of a doer by nature. I enjoy knowing that Martha learned her lesson, but like me wasn't perfect in living it out. The chores are piling up, the 2 year old needs some attention and the boys need a snack. I know the Lord can lead me through an orderly day with clarity about what should be the priority in each moment, but I need to lay down my list and my plan and listen for his.
Thankfully I can write that most mornings I have had the time to be in his presence without the kids being present! I do struggle though with what I could be getting done in the time I have while they are sleeping and the laundry is creeping out of the basket...
Martha, Martha you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her. Luke 10:41-42
What about you?
Do you tend to lean towards Mary or Martha?
Are you taking the time he gives you to get things done or to be with Him?
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Sarah
In response to the Internet Cafe Devotional question...
What is one woman from the Bible that you can relate to, and explain why you relate to her?
Well, I have found myself moving every few years. In almost 10 years of marriage we have lived in 5 different towns. So, on the here and there of Sarah's life I can easily relate. She and her hubby traveled a bit too. She does not seem to complain about leaving her convenient suburban life for life on the road and in rural areas. I will admit that I was less than thrilled about a few of our moves out of the city, and I mean way out! Sarah's example has been such a rock for me. I can embrace the moves and changes that come with each, remembering that God does have a reason for each part of the journey.
I also relate to her on another level, temper, temper... Sarah was an amazingly ordinary woman. She struggled, overcame and yelled a bit in between the highlights. She was real. She knew the answers to fix the problems, and lived what happens when we step out of God's perfect will to get the job done. When I first realized that another woman did struggle with the same things as I do, it was liberating! Through Sarah God validated my struggle as real, as common and as something that we could overcome together. Sarah is a Mother figure in my mind, she has been where I am and learned that we don't have to live our whole life here.
What is one woman from the Bible that you can relate to, and explain why you relate to her?
Sarah
Well, I have found myself moving every few years. In almost 10 years of marriage we have lived in 5 different towns. So, on the here and there of Sarah's life I can easily relate. She and her hubby traveled a bit too. She does not seem to complain about leaving her convenient suburban life for life on the road and in rural areas. I will admit that I was less than thrilled about a few of our moves out of the city, and I mean way out! Sarah's example has been such a rock for me. I can embrace the moves and changes that come with each, remembering that God does have a reason for each part of the journey.
I also relate to her on another level, temper, temper... Sarah was an amazingly ordinary woman. She struggled, overcame and yelled a bit in between the highlights. She was real. She knew the answers to fix the problems, and lived what happens when we step out of God's perfect will to get the job done. When I first realized that another woman did struggle with the same things as I do, it was liberating! Through Sarah God validated my struggle as real, as common and as something that we could overcome together. Sarah is a Mother figure in my mind, she has been where I am and learned that we don't have to live our whole life here.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Two Again
Yes, I am in the tub with all my clothese on...
My 'little lady' is about to turn 2!
She has been and remains to be such a delight to all of us in so many ways. It seems, though, that the past week or so we have enjoyed her a bit less than usual...she has begun the transition into what some refer to as the trying two's. I am already exhausted by her 100% tantrums, defiant looks and aggressive play. As it all begins at our house again I look at my boys and remember we survived before and that God is the same now as he was then! I need those reminders as 2's are the most challenging phase, for me, to date. So, as you breeze by and read a few writings I'd appreciate your prayers for the road ahead, especially because she is just like me...
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Serving Him
God is not unjust; he will not forget your work
and the love you have shown him as you have helped his
people and continue to help them. Hebrews 6:10
What a huge encouragement to us! I love my family, but I find that there are days that I tire of serving them. It is then that this verse, and others like it, help spur me on and refocus my efforts on serving the Lord. Without being in the word I begin to carry out my daily duties with an increasing attitude of pride, resentment and emptiness.
Whatever you do, be it in word or in deed,
do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to
God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17
This particular verse reminds me that the 5th load of laundry, mopping and diaper changing can each be done with all my heart for the Lord! The attitude and motive of my heart in each task can glorify him, or not. I need these reminders when the day gets long, the laundry gets boring and the diapers get messy!
About 8 months ago I had enough and was up to my neck in daily responsibilities. After a few weeks of wrestling with my attitude, purpose and influence in this world I got honest with the Lord. I sat down one evening, after another long day, and said what was really in my heart, "Lord, I am tired of serving them!" (He is so good! Our loving Father always knows what our struggle is and how to lead us to a safe place and to victory.) So, he spoke to my heart and asked me if I was tired of serving him. "No, I'll never tire of serving you!" I could not imagine giving up on serving him, ever. Then, he opened my eyes as his tender wise words entered my heart,"You are serving me as you are serving them." Oh, how could I have lost my way that long? Why couldn't I see the truth all this time?
I had let the Martha syndrome run wild in my life. My home was clean, my family well fed, my soul starving! I had gone on for so long that I was even tired and resentful of what I was so busy doing. Relationships had taken a back seat and now I was spent on doing all that had to be done. We needed the Lord's reminders and discipline. This is the very reason he wrote all his words to us down and gave us a copy! Its not a suggestion that we be in his word and in relationship with him, he is the source of all life!
All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching,
rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the
woman of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16 & 17So let us remember to not let our to do list be the ruler of our days! Make an effort, be it 5 minutes or hours, to be in the word and in honest communication with our Lord and Savior so that we will be thoroughly equipped for the days work and reminded of who it is we are to be serving.
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