I have a lot of things I should do every day.
I should get out of bed, make my bed, feed my children, read my bible, shower, excercise, get dressed, bathe children, brush my teeth, sweep the floor, pray for friends, reach out to neighbors, write notes of encouragement, call my mom, make meals, put laundry away, read to my kids, laugh, memorize scripture and floss. This is not an exhaustive list- just exhausting.
But yesterday I heard of an idea that I think is worth of adding to my list.
Repentance.
It seems to me that just perhaps if I can cultivate a habit of repentance in my daily life that perhaps God will find a softer soil to do his work in all the other "to dos".
I think it's worth a try.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
*whew*
I love how personal the Word of God is.
In my past weeks study we were reading about God calling himself the "Sovereign God" and the "gentle Shepherd". I spent some time reflecting on the two contrasts and similarities between these two titles.
Sovereign- reigning over all, in all, through all. A bigger-than-life concept that is a bit hard to grasp.
Shepherd- ranging from a fierce protector to a tender guide.
So how do I see these titles living out in my own relationship with God?
And then it struck me.
I don't.
Not because God isn't these things to me- but because I tend to look for them elsewhere- namely my husband.
As a woman, I LONG to be treated tenderly. I want to be taken care of, provided for, sheltered. Perhaps that is not true of every woman but it certainly is true with me.
Then oh so gently I heard God say- it's me! I can fill these desires that I've given you!
I'm asking my dear husband to treat me the way God longs to and already does!
I am looking for this perfect, tender protection that Brad simply cannot give simply because he is human! He certainly DOES treat me oh so very well- please hear that! I am so blessed by my humble, and gentle husband. But I cannot and should not expect him to fill that need that can only be completely satisfied by Christ.
Maybe I'm just a bit slow on the growing up part of things but I'm thankful I have a patient teacher.
Wait- oh just wait...I can hear Brad sighing with relief. ;-)
*whew*
In my past weeks study we were reading about God calling himself the "Sovereign God" and the "gentle Shepherd". I spent some time reflecting on the two contrasts and similarities between these two titles.
Sovereign- reigning over all, in all, through all. A bigger-than-life concept that is a bit hard to grasp.
Shepherd- ranging from a fierce protector to a tender guide.
So how do I see these titles living out in my own relationship with God?
And then it struck me.
I don't.
Not because God isn't these things to me- but because I tend to look for them elsewhere- namely my husband.
As a woman, I LONG to be treated tenderly. I want to be taken care of, provided for, sheltered. Perhaps that is not true of every woman but it certainly is true with me.
Then oh so gently I heard God say- it's me! I can fill these desires that I've given you!
I'm asking my dear husband to treat me the way God longs to and already does!
I am looking for this perfect, tender protection that Brad simply cannot give simply because he is human! He certainly DOES treat me oh so very well- please hear that! I am so blessed by my humble, and gentle husband. But I cannot and should not expect him to fill that need that can only be completely satisfied by Christ.
Maybe I'm just a bit slow on the growing up part of things but I'm thankful I have a patient teacher.
Wait- oh just wait...I can hear Brad sighing with relief. ;-)
*whew*
Monday, January 24, 2011
Darth Tater and Puke buckets
We had a run in with the flu this past week.
Not a pleasant meeting.
While I will spare you the gory details let's just say I'm glad I had carpet cleaner, laundry detergent and lot of love for my boys.
If there can be much good of anything from a week with the flu (besides the boys getting to watch a LOT of movies!) it was a neat time to be able to take care of each other. There were times when one boy was...uh...sick...and I would ask his brother to come rub his back or get him a drink. It was neat to see them helping each other out. It was also very gracious of God to allow Brad to be sick first and then me following a few days later....at least there was one mostly capable adult around. ;-)While I will spare you the gory details let's just say I'm glad I had carpet cleaner, laundry detergent and lot of love for my boys.
We've decided to try a new approach to teaching about money with the boys. We're still in experiemental mode but it could be promising. We have a list of jobs that help benefit the family that they can get paid for. One of them is unloading the dishwasher (which really isn't all that helpful other because I still have to put them mostly away ;-)
If you know anything about our Seth - you know he is constantly playing. Even while doing his job of dishes he opted for Darth Tater for a tag along. I'm not sure if he was using the force on the dishware but the job did (eventually) get done.
Monday, January 17, 2011
My newest read
A few months ago our church had their missions highlight weekend. We have some pretty creative people on our staff- last year they handed out a bag of lentils and rice "meals" for every family in the congregation. The point was this is the meal (or something similar) that the majority of the world would be eating today. Pretty eye opening.
This year they handed out a copy of this book:
Wow- what a worthwhile read this is!
It is an easy read (although long) but just full of information that will 1. awaken you to the realities of life in the rest of the world and 2. challenge you with what you're going to do with that information! Although it is impossible to sum up a read such as this I would dare say a statement for this book would be :
If we consider ourselves people of faith- then we also need to be people of action.
He very thoroughly describes is own journey from CEO of Lenox to president of World Vision (a non-denominational charity that supports child sponsorship as well as a HOST of other hands-on ministries in the world) He humbly describes his own realization that his view of God's Word was flawed- it had a Hole in it. Basically- it was easier to write a check to a mission than care about the people the mission encounter. It is easier. But what did Jesus do?
I was reading thru Matthew recently and looking for action words associated with Jesus.
he came
he was purposeful
he was obedient
he was led by the Spirit
he fought with Scripture
he preached
he walked alongside
he saw
he talked
he fed
he taught
he called
he cared
he healed
And that's just the first several chapters. Jesus was a man of action. And, as the author of this book mentions too, Jesus takes care of the peoples physical needs - food, healing etc... before addressing their spiritual needs. What a challenge- if we allow it be one and not just gloss over it- to examine our own view of the Gospel- What does my life say that I believe about God?
yikes.
The author also addresses the Hole in our Churches-
This quote just blew me away:
"A church that lives within its four walls is no church at all."
What does our church activities, classes, and outreach say about what our church believes about God?
yikes.
Here is a Franciscan benediction to reflect on (and pray if you're really adventurous!)
"May God bless you with a restless discomfort
about easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationship, so that you may seek truth boldly and love deep within your heart.
May God bless you with holy anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people so that you may tirelessly work for justice, freedom and peace among all people.
May God bless you with the gift of tears to shed with those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation, or the loss of all that they cherish, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and transform their pain into joy.
May God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you reall y can make a difference in this world, so that you are able, with God's grace, to do what others claim cannot be done. "
And hey- I don't even get PAID to promote! =D
This year they handed out a copy of this book:
Wow- what a worthwhile read this is! It is an easy read (although long) but just full of information that will 1. awaken you to the realities of life in the rest of the world and 2. challenge you with what you're going to do with that information! Although it is impossible to sum up a read such as this I would dare say a statement for this book would be :
If we consider ourselves people of faith- then we also need to be people of action.
He very thoroughly describes is own journey from CEO of Lenox to president of World Vision (a non-denominational charity that supports child sponsorship as well as a HOST of other hands-on ministries in the world) He humbly describes his own realization that his view of God's Word was flawed- it had a Hole in it. Basically- it was easier to write a check to a mission than care about the people the mission encounter. It is easier. But what did Jesus do?
I was reading thru Matthew recently and looking for action words associated with Jesus.
he came
he was purposeful
he was obedient
he was led by the Spirit
he fought with Scripture
he preached
he walked alongside
he saw
he talked
he fed
he taught
he called
he cared
he healed
And that's just the first several chapters. Jesus was a man of action. And, as the author of this book mentions too, Jesus takes care of the peoples physical needs - food, healing etc... before addressing their spiritual needs. What a challenge- if we allow it be one and not just gloss over it- to examine our own view of the Gospel- What does my life say that I believe about God?
yikes.
The author also addresses the Hole in our Churches-
This quote just blew me away:
"A church that lives within its four walls is no church at all."
What does our church activities, classes, and outreach say about what our church believes about God?
yikes.
Here is a Franciscan benediction to reflect on (and pray if you're really adventurous!)
"May God bless you with a restless discomfort
about easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationship, so that you may seek truth boldly and love deep within your heart.
May God bless you with holy anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people so that you may tirelessly work for justice, freedom and peace among all people.
May God bless you with the gift of tears to shed with those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation, or the loss of all that they cherish, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and transform their pain into joy.
May God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you reall y can make a difference in this world, so that you are able, with God's grace, to do what others claim cannot be done. "
And hey- I don't even get PAID to promote! =D
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
The Owenator
2 Years old is a wonderful blend of stubborn independence and insecure snuggles. One moment I am in awe of his growing up and the next moment wanting to pull my hair out in frustration. Owen is cracking us up lately. Last night he handed Jaedon a napkin and said "Here Daden, you messy." Then (after being handed back the used napkin) he handed it to Brad and said "Here, Daddy. Dis is gross." He is fun to watch as he does his thing. Here's some pics for ya, Mom. =)
Sunday, January 2, 2011
a few of my favorite things...
These past 2 weeks have been a truly enjoyable blend of the busy and the nothing. Other than my much-earlier-than-lately wake up call tomorrow morning, I am a bit excited to get back to life as usual. I think it makes these special times all the more special-because they are not the usual.
Out of the many moments spent together one of my favorites include one specific "advent adventure" (as our December devotions became to be known by). Jaedon read the verse about the shepherds going to look for Mary, Joseph and Jesus- so we did too! We all piled in the van, drove around looking for nativity scenes and enjoyed Christmas light looking. We were singing and counting (30!) - it was such an enjoyable time together.
My other top favorites were the times I was able to spend talking and laughing with friends (usually with some coffee or tea in hand for added sweetness). An added blessing- calling family "friends" - a gift in itself.
So here's my token pictures that in no way sum up our life- but are just what they are...a snapshot about some of my favorite things:
the joy of GIVING
Trying something new... and yummy. My personal favorite was the chocolate dipped cherries.
Games, games and more games!
Silliness with friends and family alike-
Out of the many moments spent together one of my favorites include one specific "advent adventure" (as our December devotions became to be known by). Jaedon read the verse about the shepherds going to look for Mary, Joseph and Jesus- so we did too! We all piled in the van, drove around looking for nativity scenes and enjoyed Christmas light looking. We were singing and counting (30!) - it was such an enjoyable time together.
My other top favorites were the times I was able to spend talking and laughing with friends (usually with some coffee or tea in hand for added sweetness). An added blessing- calling family "friends" - a gift in itself.
So here's my token pictures that in no way sum up our life- but are just what they are...a snapshot about some of my favorite things:
A picturesque mantle to enjoy my morning coffee and cuddle
the joy of GIVING
Trying something new... and yummy. My personal favorite was the chocolate dipped cherries.
The Nerf-ing boys- the tall and the small...
Games, games and more games!
Silliness with friends and family alike-
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