Thursday, March 15, 2012
Waiting on God
What a beautiful morning! Even though the sun has not risen yet, it is unusually warm here for march (78* or more yesterday and currently at 6 or 7 a.m. it is 60*) so I have a window open, I can hear the birds singing, and have a quiet morning of reading devotionals from godly men, and the best book of all with everything I need for life.
Colossians 3:12 " Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."
I really need to do this. Clothe myself with all these things, in order to glorify God. So my kids, neighbors, anyone I meet will see something different. I want to live for Christ. Right now, I am in a home I don't care for. It has so many things that drive me crazy, especially in winter when we are all cooped up in here together. So, selling is on my heart! But, does God want us to move now? Maybe it's not in his timing yet. Waiting on the Lord now is extremely difficult and it is hard to know if we are getting ahead of God, or walking with Him. So, prayerfully, I ask you Lord, to close any door you don't want us to walk through. Give me wisdom, eyes to see you, patience. Compassion and kindness to show my neighbors. Give me a ready smile and ease. You have given me a dream. I have seen the house I will have someday, so I have hope. Now, I need patience. It could be like David, who had to wait over 20 years to become king. How long will you have me wait? You are sovereign, and I can rest in that. Lead us Lord!
excerpt from:
http://www.intouch.org/magazine/content/topic/waiting_on_the_sun
"One such faith hero is Joseph. Through a dream, God allowed him to glimpse his destiny as a ruler. Perhaps the young man thought this was to happen soon. But on the contrary, the same favor that would one day make him king also incited jealousy and false accusation from others, resulting in more than a decade of slavery and prison. But then, in a sudden and unpredictable way, the Lord lifted him from the dark of a dungeon to the height of a palace—at last fulfilling Joseph’s long-awaited purpose."
I feel like I am awaiting my purpose. Yes, right now I am mother to my children, the most precious in the world to me. But I feel I could do it better in another home, for several reasons I won't go in to. I chose joy and patience while we are here, and will learn to be content and do my best as long as God keeps us here.
Colossians 3:12 " Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."
I really need to do this. Clothe myself with all these things, in order to glorify God. So my kids, neighbors, anyone I meet will see something different. I want to live for Christ. Right now, I am in a home I don't care for. It has so many things that drive me crazy, especially in winter when we are all cooped up in here together. So, selling is on my heart! But, does God want us to move now? Maybe it's not in his timing yet. Waiting on the Lord now is extremely difficult and it is hard to know if we are getting ahead of God, or walking with Him. So, prayerfully, I ask you Lord, to close any door you don't want us to walk through. Give me wisdom, eyes to see you, patience. Compassion and kindness to show my neighbors. Give me a ready smile and ease. You have given me a dream. I have seen the house I will have someday, so I have hope. Now, I need patience. It could be like David, who had to wait over 20 years to become king. How long will you have me wait? You are sovereign, and I can rest in that. Lead us Lord!
excerpt from:
http://www.intouch.org/magazine/content/topic/waiting_on_the_sun
"One such faith hero is Joseph. Through a dream, God allowed him to glimpse his destiny as a ruler. Perhaps the young man thought this was to happen soon. But on the contrary, the same favor that would one day make him king also incited jealousy and false accusation from others, resulting in more than a decade of slavery and prison. But then, in a sudden and unpredictable way, the Lord lifted him from the dark of a dungeon to the height of a palace—at last fulfilling Joseph’s long-awaited purpose."
I feel like I am awaiting my purpose. Yes, right now I am mother to my children, the most precious in the world to me. But I feel I could do it better in another home, for several reasons I won't go in to. I chose joy and patience while we are here, and will learn to be content and do my best as long as God keeps us here.
Friday, March 9, 2012
I love being an introvert
When I first heard the term introvert and learned that's what I was, it was a negative thing. It was shy, withdrawn, quiet, too much focus inward. I was always told I was so shy. I should speak up. Participate more in the group activities. You know what? I like to work alone. But there were a few precious times I was able to work in a group and really contributed and spoke out. I was working with other introverts, that's what I see looking back. We worked really well together!
Recently, I can't even remember what sparked me to google introvert, but I did, and boy, it has been absolutely refreshing! Being introverted is not a bad thing, it is the wonderful way God created me! He wanted me to be more quiet and listen to others, to contemplate things and be creative, to love solitude and peacefulness. If all birds sang the same song, the world would not be as beautiful. (Not exactly the right quote, but, well, now I have to look it up to make sure I get it right!) Just a moment.
Well, I had the quote wrong. Maybe I made up the same song one, but here is the one I was thinking it was: "Use what talents you possess: the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best." - Henry Van Dyke
I suppose if you thought extraverts had the best song, this would apply. I am going to sing though. I think introverts are actually the ones with the best song! :) The woods are now alive with singing.
In reading about the introvert qualities, I can now understand why sometimes being with my 5 kids all day long, day after day, drains me so much that I feel like I am about ready to go insane! Indoors during the cold winters, not having the outdoors to send them to play, I now know why I just sometimes say "I quit. I can't do it right now." I retreat. To my room, to a book, somewhere where I can re-energize my self. Alone with God is precious time! Un-interrupted solitude. When I get my quiet time, I can come back and be a great, patient, loving, fun mom! If not, my head may start spinning! I can't even catch my own thoughts at times!
I know why my Caleb can't just sit and be quiet,find something to occupy himself with, and why he always wants to be with friends! He thrives on activity and being with others, lots of others, all the time. My other kids are a bit more of a mix. They fall more in the middle, a little introverted or a little extroverted. But defininately identifiable.
I am embracing my introvert me! Thank you Lord, that you don't make mistakes. You created my innermost being. Just as I am. I am free to be who you created me to be!
Of course, I have to add some of our pictures. I love my kids!
Recently, I can't even remember what sparked me to google introvert, but I did, and boy, it has been absolutely refreshing! Being introverted is not a bad thing, it is the wonderful way God created me! He wanted me to be more quiet and listen to others, to contemplate things and be creative, to love solitude and peacefulness. If all birds sang the same song, the world would not be as beautiful. (Not exactly the right quote, but, well, now I have to look it up to make sure I get it right!) Just a moment.
Well, I had the quote wrong. Maybe I made up the same song one, but here is the one I was thinking it was: "Use what talents you possess: the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best." - Henry Van Dyke
I suppose if you thought extraverts had the best song, this would apply. I am going to sing though. I think introverts are actually the ones with the best song! :) The woods are now alive with singing.
In reading about the introvert qualities, I can now understand why sometimes being with my 5 kids all day long, day after day, drains me so much that I feel like I am about ready to go insane! Indoors during the cold winters, not having the outdoors to send them to play, I now know why I just sometimes say "I quit. I can't do it right now." I retreat. To my room, to a book, somewhere where I can re-energize my self. Alone with God is precious time! Un-interrupted solitude. When I get my quiet time, I can come back and be a great, patient, loving, fun mom! If not, my head may start spinning! I can't even catch my own thoughts at times!
I know why my Caleb can't just sit and be quiet,find something to occupy himself with, and why he always wants to be with friends! He thrives on activity and being with others, lots of others, all the time. My other kids are a bit more of a mix. They fall more in the middle, a little introverted or a little extroverted. But defininately identifiable.
 |
| Big helper Joe |
 |
| Concentration |
 |
| New wheels for dad! |
Of course, I have to add some of our pictures. I love my kids!
Thursday, February 23, 2012
A woman alone in her own home
"I have always said that a woman alone in her own home with her own limited self, sinful children and a house that is subject to falling apart, is a target for Satan. Joining hands with other women, having a prayer, starting a small group, is a defense against vulnerability." -Sally Clarkson
So true! I miss my friends, my best friends in Idaho. My family. I don't make friends easily. I don't like large crowds. I don't have a lot to say. I think a lot, I am at ease with my family. I love people. I think they are wonderful, but don't talk to any one. Definately time to find a small church, really small, spend some time with godly women. I hope. 1l.''''''''''''''''''''''';'''''''lllllllllllllllloiio[[]]\7889kkjbgdASFNK;12223ASFB
JJJJJJ,,..//1221122333321111LKKHVFDSAAo;lkjjhhggffddssa.,mLMNN //.,
/.BVCXZ..,MMNBBVCCXZ.,MNBBVFCbvfffda';lkjhhgcdvcza;LKNB XMNVNVVCCCCXZ.,MNGVCXCZZZZ
The above was typed by Joe, age 3. :)
So true! I miss my friends, my best friends in Idaho. My family. I don't make friends easily. I don't like large crowds. I don't have a lot to say. I think a lot, I am at ease with my family. I love people. I think they are wonderful, but don't talk to any one. Definately time to find a small church, really small, spend some time with godly women. I hope. 1l.''''''''''''''''''''''';'''''''lllllllllllllllloiio[[]]\7889kkjbgdASFNK;12223ASFB
JJJJJJ,,..//1221122333321111LKKHVFDSAAo;lkjjhhggffddssa.,mLMNN //.,
/.BVCXZ..,MMNBBVCCXZ.,MNBBVFCbvfffda';lkjhhgcdvcza;LKNB XMNVNVVCCCCXZ.,MNGVCXCZZZZ
The above was typed by Joe, age 3. :)
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
God is not harsh, He is Holy.
So it has been one of those times when God's sovereignty and ways are so apparent in my life! I had not done my Bible study all week. Life, homeschooling, housekeeping, days of busyness took over and spending time with God was pushed aside, time after time. Finally, last night I was in the deepest pit of sadness, this morning it was all self-pity and pouting and overwhelmed disgruntlement. Those feelings led to impatience, anger, speaking emotionally and downright sinfulness.
Then, I knew I had to get away with God. I thumbed through my Bible, then he took me to get my study book, Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed by Priscilla Shirer, Beth Moore and Kay Arthur. I opened up to week four, day one, and was greeted by Beth with "Hey Sweet Thing!" thank you Beth! She then goes on to describe her 2 year old grandson, and his faces. Happy, Angry, Pouting. She embellishes on the adult pouting that becomes our first naatural reaction to anything negative or inconvenient. How did she know I was acting like that today? God. He knew what I was doing this morning, and he used her to speak to me. Beth says, "We don't have to make sure everyone knows how unhappy we are to have our pain acknowledged. Instead, we can take it to God." That is what I had NOT done. I unleashed all my unhappiness and feelings of inadequacy and anger on my husband before he left for work, and my kids as they tried to get some time with me. I even said to my husband, John, that God abondoned us because of our disobedience and I ranted and raved saying all kinds of things I knew were untrue about God because, I wanted him to feel sorry for me. Oh, My. I am such a selfish disobedient 2 year old! The verse "He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good." from Matthew 2:45 squelched that argument from me. I knew it wasn't true, but why did I say it? Poor me, feel sorry for me!
The next verse brought up in the study also spoke directly to my heart: "For my troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails within me." That is exactly what I let happen. My troubles surrounded, I sinned, my heart failed. Thank you Lord Jesus, that you still love me, you can help and heal me!
God tells his people in Jeremiah to obey him, then he will be their God, and they would be his people. Walk in the ways he commands, that it may go well with you. But, they did not listen or pay attention. They followed the inclinations of their EVIL hearts. See that? Our hearts should not lead us, they are evil. Other verses point to the danger of following our hearts, the heart is wicked and desperately deceitful. There are verses about purifying our hearts. Guarding our hearts. That is a whole other lesson...
God's ways are higher than our ways. Beth wraps up day 1 with this thought:
God is not harsh. He is holy.
So, God spoke very clearly to me today. I had to confess my sin, ask forgiveness from my Lord, my husband, my kids. God is sovereign, he is at work. May you see His glory and presence in your life today as I have, sweet one.
Then, I knew I had to get away with God. I thumbed through my Bible, then he took me to get my study book, Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed by Priscilla Shirer, Beth Moore and Kay Arthur. I opened up to week four, day one, and was greeted by Beth with "Hey Sweet Thing!" thank you Beth! She then goes on to describe her 2 year old grandson, and his faces. Happy, Angry, Pouting. She embellishes on the adult pouting that becomes our first naatural reaction to anything negative or inconvenient. How did she know I was acting like that today? God. He knew what I was doing this morning, and he used her to speak to me. Beth says, "We don't have to make sure everyone knows how unhappy we are to have our pain acknowledged. Instead, we can take it to God." That is what I had NOT done. I unleashed all my unhappiness and feelings of inadequacy and anger on my husband before he left for work, and my kids as they tried to get some time with me. I even said to my husband, John, that God abondoned us because of our disobedience and I ranted and raved saying all kinds of things I knew were untrue about God because, I wanted him to feel sorry for me. Oh, My. I am such a selfish disobedient 2 year old! The verse "He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good." from Matthew 2:45 squelched that argument from me. I knew it wasn't true, but why did I say it? Poor me, feel sorry for me!
The next verse brought up in the study also spoke directly to my heart: "For my troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails within me." That is exactly what I let happen. My troubles surrounded, I sinned, my heart failed. Thank you Lord Jesus, that you still love me, you can help and heal me!
God tells his people in Jeremiah to obey him, then he will be their God, and they would be his people. Walk in the ways he commands, that it may go well with you. But, they did not listen or pay attention. They followed the inclinations of their EVIL hearts. See that? Our hearts should not lead us, they are evil. Other verses point to the danger of following our hearts, the heart is wicked and desperately deceitful. There are verses about purifying our hearts. Guarding our hearts. That is a whole other lesson...
God's ways are higher than our ways. Beth wraps up day 1 with this thought:
God is not harsh. He is holy.
So, God spoke very clearly to me today. I had to confess my sin, ask forgiveness from my Lord, my husband, my kids. God is sovereign, he is at work. May you see His glory and presence in your life today as I have, sweet one.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Rearranging
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