God's Timing

My husband and I have been dealing with some tough issues at church for the past few months.  We are so blessed to have amazing friends that we share life with, also members @ our church.  We have all recently decided to challenge and question some of the decisions being made about our children's ministries.  Rather than complain and point fingers, we all got together to talk about our concerns and list some possible solutions.  We have since presented our ideas to the leadership and are still frustrated by the lack of validation we are feeling.  UGGH!! This has not been fun, in fact it is starting to really affect us in a negative, emotional kind of way.  Through this process I have started to ask myself some questions:

1.  Is God trying to speak to me about something I haven't been willing to deal with?
2.  Is Satan working on us?
3.  How can I move forward in love from this point, right here today?

I do not have the answers to these questions, but am continuing to seek God's will as we journey through this weird and confusing time.  I am trying not to be impatient.  I keep saying over and over inside my head "This will all work itself out in God's timing, not mine." 

I am so encouraged when I remember Pauls words given to us in this passage from Romans:

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose from them.  Ch. 8 V. 28

Words of Wisdom Wednesday

     I love to read!  I have been known to have my head into 2 or 3 books at the same time.  Right now I am working through BREAKING FREE  by Beth Moore.  It has been recommended to my by 2 friends whom I respect.  This is not a light, pick up and fly through type of read; it is a change your life, bring you to your knees kind of read.  I have my notebook with me when I read, so I can take lots of notes and do some reflecting.  Anything I've ever read by Beth Moore has quite a bit of power to it and I have learned a lot from her over the past few years.  She has a way of getting to the heart of the matter in an honestly, unapologetic way that stirs me to want more:  more of Christ, less of me, more knowledge, more time, more love, more of everything good that has been planned for me. 
     Although the words of wisdom I'm going to share with you today seem a little confusing at first glance, you will find that the more you reflect on them, the more you will be believe.  (At least, that has been true for me).
     " We glorify God to the degree that we externalize the internal existence of the living Christ.  A life that glorifies God is not something we suddenly attain.  As we spend time in the presence of God, His glory both transforms us and radiates from us."    
     I I just melt at the last part:  "His glory both transforms us and radiates from us."  Oh that I would glorify God in any and everything I do.  I am trying to become a person who is better today then yesterday, and closer to the me God created me to be.  I have sooo far to go, but I am learning to find joy in the process.  (wow, I can't believe I just said that)! 
     The other day my kids and I were in the van running errands and we saw an ambulance.  My oldest asked if I thought God was really proud of the EMT's for the job they've chosen.  I told him that yes, I did think God would be proud of them.  I then told him that God is proud of anyone who has chosen to work in a way that glorifies Him, whether it be a doctor, teacher, janitor or garbage collector.  There are so many hours in our day in which we can choose to glorify God in the big moments and even in the mundaneness of our everyday lives.  That would be my wish for all of us today!
    
    
    
 

GRACE

Gratituesday

     It has been way too long since my last post.  Life has been crazy for me with the start of a new school year and the responsibilities that go along with all that it entails.  I've decided that the older I get the longer it takes me to transition from one season in life to the next.  I have always thrived on consistency, order, and high expectations, yet life with 3 active children and a great husband does not always make it conducive to reach these standards.  Needless to say, there have been many moments in these past few weeks when I know I let my priorities get out of whack.  I can look back and see where Satan most definitely was able to get a foothold and cause me to become rattled.  The only thing that has pulled me out of this dark place has been  GRACE:

Grace given to me by my understanding husband when I got caught up in a whining tirade,

Grace so sweetly given by my children when I asked for their forgiveness over losing my cool

Grace given by my supportive friends when I was less than fun to talk with

and most importantly:

GRACE SO UNCONDITIONALLY POURED OUT FOR ME BY MY SAVIOR JESUSCHRIST

On this Gratituesday and every day in between I am so grateful for GRACE.

Words of Wisdom Wednesday

I recently read a book called Faith Training:  Raising Kids Who Love the Lord by Dr. Joe White.  I really enjoyed his insight, testimonies and wonderful guidelines for raising children in a Godly way.

There is a section of the book titled 365 Ways to Tell Your child "I love you."  I'll just list 5 of those ways and hopefully leave you wanting more.  I currently have this book on checkout from the library but plan on adding it to my "want to own" library at home.

-Make popcorn, curl up together on the couch, and watch your son or daughter's favorite video.
-Make up and tell stories with your kids as the heroes.
-Keep a scrapbook of your child's awards, newspaper clippings, photos, and so on.  Get it out often and look at it together.
-Ask your child, "What is your favorite passage in the Bible, and why is it your favorite?"
-Snuggle in bed together as you tell a good-night story.

Aren't those great ideas?  It seems like a lot of his ideas are things most of us probably do already, but there are some listed that are new, and would just stretch us a bit as parents who want to instill a love and life that reflects a relationship with Jesus Christ.  I highly recommend this book and I know I will continue to refer to this list (the competitive side to me wants to make a checklist and of course start checking things off).

Blessings for a great Wednesday!

First Day of Homeschool

     In Michigan, all schools start after Labor Day.  This year that's pretty late (Sep. 8 I think).  Although we've enjoyed our summer, my kids have been a little restless and in need of some structure and routine.  This was one of my reasons for starting school a little early (we usually follow the school's calendar).  Plus, Mom was really ready!

                                             

     Yesterday, we gathered around the couch for devotions and then found some space to do our individual work.  What a great feeling!  Two years ago I sat crying in my living room while watching my 2 oldest get on the bus and fly away to the local public school.  It pained me to know that for the next 8+ hours they would be in someone else's care, trying to formulate a sense of belonging, keeping up with important friend "stuff", all the while trying to to stay sharp for the important information they needed to learn.  Since homeschooling, the change in our family has been significant.  The anxieties, outside influences and unnecessary hectic mornings have vanished.  The long days, cranky kids and pushy Mom have transformed into 1/2 days, happy kids and a confident Mom.  It warmed my heart to hear all 3 of my kids excitedly tell Dad all about how much fun they had on their first day.   God continues to bless us and on this GRATITUESDAY  I am so grateful for THE FIRST DAY OF HOMESCHOOL (and every homeschool day after that). 

Sledding in August?

The weather here in Michigan has been cold (according to experts anyway-I personally have enjoyed it) and somewhat sporadic this summer.  My kids have enjoyed swimming in the backyard, camping, tons of baseball, playing with friends, vacactioning with Grandparents, birthday celebrations, and many other fun activities all summer long.  Now that we are winding down, they are beginning to become kind of particular about the weather.  Have you ever listened to your children's conversation w/out getting involved?
The other day all 3 of mine were at the counter eating soup for lunch (it was a little on the cool side that day) and here's what I heard:

""I'm sick of summer."
"Yeah, me too."
"Its been really cold."
"Yeah, we can't go swimming when its like this."
"You know what I can't wait for?"
"What?'
"Winter.  I can't wait to go to Charlie's Dump so we can go sledding,"
"Oh yeah, me too.  I love sledding."
"I think winter's my favorite time of year. Bring on the snow."

I had to really try hard not to laugh at this! (Although we laugh a ton as a family, I have to make sure its not over something they are being serious about).  They were serious. Just a few months ago they couldn't wait to jump in the pool!
Check out their sweet faces in the picture above.  They don't know how wonderfully silly they are and how much they enrich my life with them just simply being who they are. 

Hope you enjoyed this little story. Have a wonderful rest of your summer.  I'll leave you with one of the beautiful aspects of Michigan Sunsets:

Words of Wisdom Wednesday

Judy Garland once said:

"Always be a first rate version of yourself instead of a second rate version of someone else"

I love this!  I'm not ashamed to admit that I spent a great deal of time in my 20's worrying about what people thought of me, constantly comparing myself to the women around me, and needlessly agonizing over whether I measured up or not.  The scary thing about this is that I was putting myself up against society's standards.  It makes me really sad to think about the time I wasted and how I did not put my full trust in God.  The reason I can confidently share this with you is because God has done amazing things in my life since then.

Now, as a wiser woman in my 30's, I've learned that putting any weight on the world's standards is pointless, painful and more importantly not God-honoring.  I've learned the hard way that what God wants from me is to continue striving towards the woman he has designed me to be.  This always helps me when I need a reminder: 

I am BLESSED, CHOSEN, ADOPTED, ACCEPTED, REDEEMED AND FORGIVEN!  This was something from a Beth Moore study the ladies at our church did a few years ago.  It has stuck with me and has reminded me so many times how God sees me.

I am not perfect, but I am striving to be a better Me:  the one He created me to be.

I'd like to leave you with one of my favorite passages from Romans:
Romans 8: 38-39
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Are you striving to be a first rate version of yourself?