This post is floating around Facebook and the blogging world and there is a reason. It is that good.
"Why You Should Brainwash Your Children"
If you are a parent or someone who loves the children in your life you should go read it.
Mark has always said that he is going to always build our children up and be their biggest cheerleader because the world is just waiting to tear them down. Its the same with spirituality and doctrine. We need to constantly tell our children what we believe and why we believe it.
Showing posts with label What I Believe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label What I Believe. Show all posts
Monday, October 7, 2013
Monday, April 15, 2013
Beyond My Control....
This past week has been filled with things that were totally out of my control. SATs for Abbie-which I personally think are useless and should not be mandatory-but they are for us right now. So off I went and did the right thing. All the while hating the time (with car time and actual test-taking time-about 18 hours) and money that was being put into something I did not think was good. Beyond my control.
I had to get our taxes in-very late for us. Again-beyond my control. We had to wait on some paperwork that I could do nothing about but wait. But they are done-and it was all beyond my control.
Oh me, I could go on and on, -Heritage Girl Paperwork (no kidding, I bet I spent 6 hours on it alone this past week), money worries, six year old boys who won't read, a house that needs attention, bills need to be paid, groceries need to be bought, oh my stinkin goodness-my ironing pile is huge. Our living room has turned into a unwilling family closet because I am trying to switch out our winter/summer clothes while still making sure everyone actually had something clean to wear each day. The painting still is not done and at this point I have learned to live with it, but it looks horrible and something needs to be done.
Just the normal whines and complaints of a mom I guess. But He cares. I don't understand it, but God cares. And all I can do is keep on loving Him, loving my family, and doing what I am called to do each day. And those things I think I have control over-I really don't. He does though.
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Friday, December 21, 2012
Too Much...
I've been a little overwhelmed these past three weeks. I won't bore you with all the hoopla that has been going on in my house, or lack of things that have been going on in my house (like new flooring), but I will say that today, a real normal day at home, when I could iron and look at the Christmas tree, has been such a blessing. In some ways it has been all too much and this morning at 8:30 AM I told the handyman he could just head on home as it was obvious things would not be completed before Christmas Day.
I've been overwhelmed by the events in this world. I don't think our brains are truly capable of processing it all. We were not created to bear the weight of sin and evil. Its all too much. Too much.
I have felt anger and sadness and despair as I think what every parent has thought as they heard the news, "What if it happened to my child?" Its too much.
I looked at my six year old and my mind cannot wrap itself around the emotions I begin to feel and then I can cut them off and start supper and then I feel guilt because I can and there are parents that can't stop the emotions tonight. Its too much.
We can't bear it. But Jesus can. He is at the throne interceding for us. I don't understand it and won't even try.
Many bloggers have blogged about us needing Christmas more than ever this year. And they are right. We need to know that Jesus came as a babe and He will come back as our King. We need to know that Jesus became fully human and that He understands our grief and pain and despair. We need to know that God is in control now just as He was in control when King Herold ordered the killing of innocent babies and Jesus was spared.
But we also need to know that we don't just need Jesus at Christmas. We need Him every day, minute by minute, second by second. Our hearts, souls, and minds were not created to bear the weight of our own sin, just as we cannot bear the weight of the sins of others.
Please, even if you never read here again, please read this,
You will never be good enough. There is such freedom in knowing that. No one will ever be "good enough." - for God, for heaven, for now, for anything.
Only Jesus is Good Enough. Run to Him. Cling to Him. Nothing else will give the freedom to live but Jesus.
It is all too much for us, but nothing is too much for Him.
I've been overwhelmed by the events in this world. I don't think our brains are truly capable of processing it all. We were not created to bear the weight of sin and evil. Its all too much. Too much.
I have felt anger and sadness and despair as I think what every parent has thought as they heard the news, "What if it happened to my child?" Its too much.
I looked at my six year old and my mind cannot wrap itself around the emotions I begin to feel and then I can cut them off and start supper and then I feel guilt because I can and there are parents that can't stop the emotions tonight. Its too much.
We can't bear it. But Jesus can. He is at the throne interceding for us. I don't understand it and won't even try.
Many bloggers have blogged about us needing Christmas more than ever this year. And they are right. We need to know that Jesus came as a babe and He will come back as our King. We need to know that Jesus became fully human and that He understands our grief and pain and despair. We need to know that God is in control now just as He was in control when King Herold ordered the killing of innocent babies and Jesus was spared.
But we also need to know that we don't just need Jesus at Christmas. We need Him every day, minute by minute, second by second. Our hearts, souls, and minds were not created to bear the weight of our own sin, just as we cannot bear the weight of the sins of others.
Please, even if you never read here again, please read this,
You will never be good enough. There is such freedom in knowing that. No one will ever be "good enough." - for God, for heaven, for now, for anything.
Only Jesus is Good Enough. Run to Him. Cling to Him. Nothing else will give the freedom to live but Jesus.
It is all too much for us, but nothing is too much for Him.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
The Hope of Heaven...
Wow. Once you haven't posted in awhile its hard to get up the gumption to post again. So, I'll just jump in and start writing.
My sweet father-in-law passed away Sunday morning. He was 91 and had been sick for so long and even though it wasn't a shock, it has been very surreal.
The kids are doing okay. I think it will hit them later as they go about their everyday activities. Louis was a very big part of our lives as he lived right next to us in an in-law apartment. Betty, his wife of 70 years, is still up there and we consider it a privilege to be able to be so close to her.
I can't imagine how Mark feels as I have not lost a parent and I know the days ahead will be hard for him.
We saw lots of family the past few days and it is truly amazing the comfort your family can be. Just being together was good.
We have been loved on like crazy by the older ladies in Betty's church. They have bought food, food, and more food to our home and wept with us as they had lost their friend also.
Things will never be the same now and we are just moving day by day to see what the new normal will be and this is truly an opportunity to show love to each other more and more.
Louis loved the song, "I've Got A Mansion Over the Hilltop" and we sang it at his funeral. It was strange how it could be joyful and heartbreaking at the same time. Louis has his mansion now and is with our Saviour. He is well now.
Thank you God for the hope of heaven.
My sweet father-in-law passed away Sunday morning. He was 91 and had been sick for so long and even though it wasn't a shock, it has been very surreal.
The kids are doing okay. I think it will hit them later as they go about their everyday activities. Louis was a very big part of our lives as he lived right next to us in an in-law apartment. Betty, his wife of 70 years, is still up there and we consider it a privilege to be able to be so close to her.
I can't imagine how Mark feels as I have not lost a parent and I know the days ahead will be hard for him.
We saw lots of family the past few days and it is truly amazing the comfort your family can be. Just being together was good.
We have been loved on like crazy by the older ladies in Betty's church. They have bought food, food, and more food to our home and wept with us as they had lost their friend also.
Things will never be the same now and we are just moving day by day to see what the new normal will be and this is truly an opportunity to show love to each other more and more.
Louis loved the song, "I've Got A Mansion Over the Hilltop" and we sang it at his funeral. It was strange how it could be joyful and heartbreaking at the same time. Louis has his mansion now and is with our Saviour. He is well now.
Thank you God for the hope of heaven.
Monday, March 5, 2012
My New Favorite Old Hymn...
We sang this song in church yesterday and I was reminded again of why I love it. I am committed to learning it completely this week. Such truth and deep theology hidden in beautiful lyrics and music. The last stanza is pure beauty and has to be some of the most beautiful words ever written.
- The love of God is greater far
Than tongue or pen can ever tell.
It goes beyond the highest star
And reaches to the lowest hell.
The guilty pair, bowed down with care,
God gave His Son to win;
His erring child He reconciled
And pardoned from his sin. - O love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure
The saints' and angels' song. - When hoary time shall pass away,
And earthly thrones and kingdoms fall;
When men who here refuse to pray,
On rocks and hills and mountains call;
God's love, so sure, shall still endure,
All measureless and strong;
Redeeming grace to Adam's race—
The saints' and angels' song. - Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made;
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade;
To write the love of God above
Would drain the ocean dry;
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky.
Words & Music © 1923, Ren. 1951 by Hope Publishing Co., Carol Stream, IL 60188.
Friday, December 23, 2011
From Us...To You...
Source: Uploaded by user via Jodi on Pinterst
You know how you can think of all those eloquent things to say in the middle of the night? Or you have these great thoughts while you are driving down the road alone and have no one to share them with.
Well, Amy, has all my Christmas thoughts typed up right here. She is a beautiful writer and a beautiful person and we all need to read what she wrote.
Merry Christmas to you and your family from the Clarks!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Watch This...
The Kimyal People Receive the New Testament from UFM Worldwide on Vimeo.
I saw this from a link on Amy's Humble Musings. (Love her blog, btw). She had linked to Take Your Vitamin Z. I know nothing of the Vitamin Z blog except for this link, but I thought this was pretty powerful. It's true-this is a picture of heaven. We are studying Revelation in Community Bible Study right now and I am reminded of when "every nation and tribe" will worship together.
I also was struck by the reverence the men had as they walked forward to accept the Bibles. This has given me a lot to think about. Hope you enjoy as much as I did.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
What Child Is This....
I thought this was going to be corny and silly. Instead it absolutely took my breath away. The Incarnation. A Mystery I will never be able to understand, but a Truth that keeps me moving ahead every day. God With Us. A Grace I will never deserve.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
“When people see our big family traipsing through the market or walking to the park or leaving for church squeaking clean or arriving at church slightly dirty because a few of us have already fallen down in the dirt, they say things like, ‘My! You’re busy’ or ‘You have your hands full!’
But, the way I see it, isn’t that the point? Since when is the goal to have your hands empty?
Whether I get it all done or whether I don’t, it doesn’t really matter. Whose tombstone ever said, ‘She was always caught up with her mending’ anyway?”
–Daja @ In Other Words
(Or in my case, the ironing.) I saw this post on Kelly's Generation Cedar blog and it has become one of my new favorites.
For today my hands have been full. I have had some homeschool struggles, a disobedient two year old, a to-do list that will never get done today, a garden that needs so much attention, and the termite inspection man just showed up unexpectedly and I had to write him an unexpected $113 dollar check. Emotionally I have been on the verge of crying all day. I want to just sit and cry (and sometimes I do that and think everyone should do that), but just a minute ago I was reminded by the Spirit that it is not about me. Oh, it is about my sanctification because God loves me and cares about me. But, this day was ordained before the beginning of time for HIS glory, not mine. I would love to have it all together and be able to know just what to do with my children and my home. I heard a woman, a very well-respected woman in the homeschool community, say she wanted to be a SuperMom because her children deserved a SuperMom. Guilt, guilt I felt as I heard that. Of course, I thought my children deserved a SuperMom also so I set out again to "get it all together" and make everyone miserable so my children could look good on the outside and hate me on the inside. I thought about this statement for a long time. And just a few minutes ago as I was on the exercise machine the Spirit reminded me that my children don't need a SuperMom, they need a SuperJesus. One whom they can turn to when their mother fails them again. One they can turn to when they are having to make a wise choice on how to treat their siblings. One that will give them joy when the world hurts them.
They need me of course. God put them in my family and I am to love, protect, and raise them by His Word. They need me to cuddle, to kiss boo-boos, to discipline, to listen to their ideas and stories. And yes, they need me to teach them handwriting and to cook their lunch. They need clean clothes and fun days to just be children.
But they don't need a mom who doesn't need Jesus too.
I hope my hands are always full. We were put here on the Earth to work and I happen to love my work-helping my husband, raising these children, and keeping my home. Today has just been a very full day, and its not even over, and I am so thankful that I don't have to have it together for Jesus.
But, the way I see it, isn’t that the point? Since when is the goal to have your hands empty?
Whether I get it all done or whether I don’t, it doesn’t really matter. Whose tombstone ever said, ‘She was always caught up with her mending’ anyway?”
–Daja @ In Other Words
(Or in my case, the ironing.) I saw this post on Kelly's Generation Cedar blog and it has become one of my new favorites.
For today my hands have been full. I have had some homeschool struggles, a disobedient two year old, a to-do list that will never get done today, a garden that needs so much attention, and the termite inspection man just showed up unexpectedly and I had to write him an unexpected $113 dollar check. Emotionally I have been on the verge of crying all day. I want to just sit and cry (and sometimes I do that and think everyone should do that), but just a minute ago I was reminded by the Spirit that it is not about me. Oh, it is about my sanctification because God loves me and cares about me. But, this day was ordained before the beginning of time for HIS glory, not mine. I would love to have it all together and be able to know just what to do with my children and my home. I heard a woman, a very well-respected woman in the homeschool community, say she wanted to be a SuperMom because her children deserved a SuperMom. Guilt, guilt I felt as I heard that. Of course, I thought my children deserved a SuperMom also so I set out again to "get it all together" and make everyone miserable so my children could look good on the outside and hate me on the inside. I thought about this statement for a long time. And just a few minutes ago as I was on the exercise machine the Spirit reminded me that my children don't need a SuperMom, they need a SuperJesus. One whom they can turn to when their mother fails them again. One they can turn to when they are having to make a wise choice on how to treat their siblings. One that will give them joy when the world hurts them.
They need me of course. God put them in my family and I am to love, protect, and raise them by His Word. They need me to cuddle, to kiss boo-boos, to discipline, to listen to their ideas and stories. And yes, they need me to teach them handwriting and to cook their lunch. They need clean clothes and fun days to just be children.
But they don't need a mom who doesn't need Jesus too.
I hope my hands are always full. We were put here on the Earth to work and I happen to love my work-helping my husband, raising these children, and keeping my home. Today has just been a very full day, and its not even over, and I am so thankful that I don't have to have it together for Jesus.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Tuesday
Today has been one of those days. A day when I am discouraged. About everything. Even those things that are not discouraging normally. I have been worried about money for the adoption, about my kid's schooling, about my house, about the million little tiny things on my to-do list for Scouts, Heritage Girls, kids pictures, grocery buying, etc... I could make ten different lists from my one list.
I have been wanting to post about Easter and what I have been learning lately. I have been hesitant to post because I have been in such a bad mood, but then I realized that is when exactly when I need to write. It helps me to write and I need to tell these things to myself, especially when I am down. That is what the Gospel is for.
Our pastor encouraged us to read John 13-21 throughout this week to prepare our hearts for Easter. I was thinking Sunday in church that this week is what it is all about for Christians. Without this week in history there would be no Christians. I know there are some believers who even object to using the word Easter because it has it's roots in pagan Roman tradition, but its not really the words we use. Its what we are celebrating. We are celebrating the fact that a man died and rose from the dead. Yes, it can be hard to believe~it is supernatural. It's something that goes against everything we see and know. Its defies all reasoning. It seems too good to be true. But it is true. I know it is because my life is different. Its not perfect, its not goody-goody, but its entirely different than 18 years ago when I let go of trying to earn my salvation myself. The Gospel ~the simple fact that God loved we sinners and Jesus came to die and rise again to restore our broken relationship with God~ is for me when I was converted and is for me now~ as I struggle with believing that He really cares for me.
I noticed this passage for the first time two years ago. John 18:1-8. Jesus is in the garden praying and Judas and the Roman detachment of troops (about 200-600 men depending on what they thought necessary) came to arrest Jesus. Jesus looked at them and said, "Who are you seeking?" "They answered Him, Jesus of Nazareth." And then Jesus said, "I AM HE." Verse 6 says that when He said that "they drew back and fell to the ground." At that moment Jesus unveiled His majesty with his statement of Deity. It literally threw them to the ground. They could not stand up in His presence.
But then they got up after this moment was over, and arrested Him. I am amazed. I don't understand this, but it is true. How could they arrest Him and just go about their business of being a soldier. Didn't they just realize what had happened?
I do this everyday. I have been saved and changed by the same power that said "I AM HE" and yet I live so much of my life like nothing is different. I still battle with my flesh. I don't want to. I want to live a good life and do the "right"things. I want to honor God with my life. I want to be grateful for the salvation and grace that He gave me. But so many times I am not. But.... and here is where it can really get hard to believe. Just as I cannot earn my salvation with my works, I can not earn my sanctification or my right standing with God by my works. He loves me and Jesus' work on the cross is not dependent on my emotions on a particular day. Only He can change me daily as I run to the Cross over and over and turn it all over to Him. When I fail to live up to His perfect standards (which I do all day long) all I can do is give my failings to Him. As I learn more of Him and His grace and His Word He changes me and makes me different. It is not overnight. I have been a believer for 18 years and sometimes I think "what's the point, I will never change." But I have. I am redeemed. Saved from myself. I can't wait to get to heaven and see how His plan for me has all unfolded.
I'm not sure if this will make sense to anyone, but it's something I need to tell myself over and over. I was a woman dead in my sins and now I am alive in Christ. That's what I need to remember this Easter season. It's nothing I have done, it's everything that Jesus has done.
I have been wanting to post about Easter and what I have been learning lately. I have been hesitant to post because I have been in such a bad mood, but then I realized that is when exactly when I need to write. It helps me to write and I need to tell these things to myself, especially when I am down. That is what the Gospel is for.
Our pastor encouraged us to read John 13-21 throughout this week to prepare our hearts for Easter. I was thinking Sunday in church that this week is what it is all about for Christians. Without this week in history there would be no Christians. I know there are some believers who even object to using the word Easter because it has it's roots in pagan Roman tradition, but its not really the words we use. Its what we are celebrating. We are celebrating the fact that a man died and rose from the dead. Yes, it can be hard to believe~it is supernatural. It's something that goes against everything we see and know. Its defies all reasoning. It seems too good to be true. But it is true. I know it is because my life is different. Its not perfect, its not goody-goody, but its entirely different than 18 years ago when I let go of trying to earn my salvation myself. The Gospel ~the simple fact that God loved we sinners and Jesus came to die and rise again to restore our broken relationship with God~ is for me when I was converted and is for me now~ as I struggle with believing that He really cares for me.
I noticed this passage for the first time two years ago. John 18:1-8. Jesus is in the garden praying and Judas and the Roman detachment of troops (about 200-600 men depending on what they thought necessary) came to arrest Jesus. Jesus looked at them and said, "Who are you seeking?" "They answered Him, Jesus of Nazareth." And then Jesus said, "I AM HE." Verse 6 says that when He said that "they drew back and fell to the ground." At that moment Jesus unveiled His majesty with his statement of Deity. It literally threw them to the ground. They could not stand up in His presence.
But then they got up after this moment was over, and arrested Him. I am amazed. I don't understand this, but it is true. How could they arrest Him and just go about their business of being a soldier. Didn't they just realize what had happened?
I do this everyday. I have been saved and changed by the same power that said "I AM HE" and yet I live so much of my life like nothing is different. I still battle with my flesh. I don't want to. I want to live a good life and do the "right"things. I want to honor God with my life. I want to be grateful for the salvation and grace that He gave me. But so many times I am not. But.... and here is where it can really get hard to believe. Just as I cannot earn my salvation with my works, I can not earn my sanctification or my right standing with God by my works. He loves me and Jesus' work on the cross is not dependent on my emotions on a particular day. Only He can change me daily as I run to the Cross over and over and turn it all over to Him. When I fail to live up to His perfect standards (which I do all day long) all I can do is give my failings to Him. As I learn more of Him and His grace and His Word He changes me and makes me different. It is not overnight. I have been a believer for 18 years and sometimes I think "what's the point, I will never change." But I have. I am redeemed. Saved from myself. I can't wait to get to heaven and see how His plan for me has all unfolded.
I'm not sure if this will make sense to anyone, but it's something I need to tell myself over and over. I was a woman dead in my sins and now I am alive in Christ. That's what I need to remember this Easter season. It's nothing I have done, it's everything that Jesus has done.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Redeemed
I think the meaning of names is very interesting. I don't think they declare to the world your personality or your innate characteristics, but I think it is fun to hear what they mean. God can use anything, even our names, to teach us about Himself.
When I have looked up my name in the past I always turned my nose up a little. Wendy - wanderer. How boring. Who wants to be known as a wanderer? A wonder maybe, but not a wanderer. One day at a Bible Study someone had a name book and as we would introduce ourselves she would tell us the meaning of our names. In this book my name meant "Redeemed." Now that I could get on board with. Because I truly have been redeemed. I was a wanderer, lost in my sin and my legalism, always trying to be "good enough" for God. Always striving in my very mixed up way to prove that I was "good enough" to even be saved. When I think back to the couple of years when I first realized I could NEVER be good enough and it was only by His grace that I could be saved (Ephesians 2:8-9) I felt freedom from wandering and began to realize even just a little bit of His redeeming love. Jesus was enough. What He did was enough. I did not have to DO anything else.
These past couple of weeks so much of my sin has been evident to me. I don't like that. It is so easy to dismiss it as stress, or hormones, or things that other people are doing to you. But it is sin and at this point in my Christian journey I know there is no point in trying to justify it. I would love to, but I can't.
I am so thankful that is not the end though. So many times I get to the point to where I am sick of my sin and sick of my whining about my sin and sick of thinking about my sin and I don't know what to DO next. I repent and then find myself doing it again, the very thing I hate, as Paul says. I was thinking about this Saturday night. What could I DO next? My performance personality and my legalistic sinful flesh always wants to DO something.
Sunday morning at church a speaker was talking about this very thing. What to do next? Here is the prescription for our repeat sins, our fleshly nature.
Faith. Faith that He is enough for my salvation, and faith that He is enough for me in my daily life, with all my daily struggles and small victories and dealings with children and adults, and the pains and the joys of life. He is enough. And He will be until the day I die. He is changing me daily. As I am aware of more and more sin I am also aware of how He has covered that sin. What grace He gives to me ~ the more I know of what I have been redeemed from, the more I can know of my Redeemer. I love that I have been a Christian for so long now. I am not the same person I was all those years ago. He is working on me and in me and being aware of my sin is a wonderful gift. Humbling and painful, but He is showing me more of Himself everyday.
Does this mean I cannot choose not to sin or I have no responsibity for my actions. Of course not. My pastor equates the Christian walk with what He calls the 3-Step Waltz. We Repent our our sins, we Believe that Jesus is enough, and we Fight the Good Fight. The Bible is full of commands about how to fight the Good Fight and I want to do those things. He has been so merciful to me I can't but help to want to obey His commands.
But on this day I needed to be reminded again of the Believe Step. Jesus is enough. He has done all the work on the cross. He will change me. His Grace is sufficient for this day.
When I have looked up my name in the past I always turned my nose up a little. Wendy - wanderer. How boring. Who wants to be known as a wanderer? A wonder maybe, but not a wanderer. One day at a Bible Study someone had a name book and as we would introduce ourselves she would tell us the meaning of our names. In this book my name meant "Redeemed." Now that I could get on board with. Because I truly have been redeemed. I was a wanderer, lost in my sin and my legalism, always trying to be "good enough" for God. Always striving in my very mixed up way to prove that I was "good enough" to even be saved. When I think back to the couple of years when I first realized I could NEVER be good enough and it was only by His grace that I could be saved (Ephesians 2:8-9) I felt freedom from wandering and began to realize even just a little bit of His redeeming love. Jesus was enough. What He did was enough. I did not have to DO anything else.
These past couple of weeks so much of my sin has been evident to me. I don't like that. It is so easy to dismiss it as stress, or hormones, or things that other people are doing to you. But it is sin and at this point in my Christian journey I know there is no point in trying to justify it. I would love to, but I can't.
I am so thankful that is not the end though. So many times I get to the point to where I am sick of my sin and sick of my whining about my sin and sick of thinking about my sin and I don't know what to DO next. I repent and then find myself doing it again, the very thing I hate, as Paul says. I was thinking about this Saturday night. What could I DO next? My performance personality and my legalistic sinful flesh always wants to DO something.
Sunday morning at church a speaker was talking about this very thing. What to do next? Here is the prescription for our repeat sins, our fleshly nature.
DO nothing. Just as we cannot DO anything to earn our salvation, we cannot do anything to earn our sanctification. Jesus is enough. He has to DO it.
Romans 1:17 says "...The just shall live by faith."
Faith. Faith that He is enough for my salvation, and faith that He is enough for me in my daily life, with all my daily struggles and small victories and dealings with children and adults, and the pains and the joys of life. He is enough. And He will be until the day I die. He is changing me daily. As I am aware of more and more sin I am also aware of how He has covered that sin. What grace He gives to me ~ the more I know of what I have been redeemed from, the more I can know of my Redeemer. I love that I have been a Christian for so long now. I am not the same person I was all those years ago. He is working on me and in me and being aware of my sin is a wonderful gift. Humbling and painful, but He is showing me more of Himself everyday.
Does this mean I cannot choose not to sin or I have no responsibity for my actions. Of course not. My pastor equates the Christian walk with what He calls the 3-Step Waltz. We Repent our our sins, we Believe that Jesus is enough, and we Fight the Good Fight. The Bible is full of commands about how to fight the Good Fight and I want to do those things. He has been so merciful to me I can't but help to want to obey His commands.
But on this day I needed to be reminded again of the Believe Step. Jesus is enough. He has done all the work on the cross. He will change me. His Grace is sufficient for this day.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
There are nights when I can get so discouraged. It seems I am constantly doing something, but nothing ever looks "done" in my house! Awhile back I was feeding the baby and trying to figure out how I could do better job at managing my home. I thought of an excerpt from a book I had only glanced at briefly. It said something to the effect of that her day and her husband's day would look totally different as far as productivity goes. I thought about all the things I DID do in my days and begin to write them down. The list got longer and longer. It was mostly things I could cross of the list and be done with until next time.
These are the things I need to be thinking about though.
Hold my husband tight as he left for work and greet him sweetly as he walked in the door?
Rock and sing to the baby?
Let a child "help" in the kitchen?
Discipline as needed and referee sibling squabbles and AGAIN point them to our need for a Saviour, even as I see the need for myself?
Encourage and build them up even when my my Matt built a "lightening catcher to produce electricity" in our front yard?
Show with my actions and words that serving my God and my family were pleasant and desirable to me?
Let my kids have lots of playtime and get outside and get really dirty?
Drop everything and rush to the doctor when a little one is sick and then let them pick out their favorite ice cream when we pick up their prescription?
Read to the kids lots of books?
Really listen to my sweet hubby when he calls from work just to talk?
Not get frustrated and yell when explaining a school concept for the 39th time?
Make my baby giggle as I sing silly songs when I change his diaper?
Teach my children that working hard for something is always worth it?
Play Littlest Pet Shop with my little girl even if it meant something else was not getting done?
Really stop and laugh at all the wonderful jokes and stories my hubby comes up with?
Rub baby lotion on the baby and rock and smell his little head and try to imprint that sweet baby smell in my mind forever?
There are many other things I have to do in my day. I have to pay bills, make school plans, buy groceries, and so on and on and on and on. And there are a lot of things I want to do in my day, talk with my friends, learn to make bread, learn to really sew, and so on and on and on.
But, at the end of the day if I can glance at this list and say I did manage a few of these, then my day will be productive. It may not seem like it today, but when the children are out on their own and following our God in their own lives, it will have been a very productive life indeed.
These are the things I need to be thinking about though.
Today, did I...
Talk to my children about Jesus and our need for Him and His great love for us?Hold my husband tight as he left for work and greet him sweetly as he walked in the door?
Rock and sing to the baby?
Let a child "help" in the kitchen?
Discipline as needed and referee sibling squabbles and AGAIN point them to our need for a Saviour, even as I see the need for myself?
Encourage and build them up even when my my Matt built a "lightening catcher to produce electricity" in our front yard?
Show with my actions and words that serving my God and my family were pleasant and desirable to me?
Let my kids have lots of playtime and get outside and get really dirty?
Drop everything and rush to the doctor when a little one is sick and then let them pick out their favorite ice cream when we pick up their prescription?
Read to the kids lots of books?
Really listen to my sweet hubby when he calls from work just to talk?
Not get frustrated and yell when explaining a school concept for the 39th time?
Make my baby giggle as I sing silly songs when I change his diaper?
Teach my children that working hard for something is always worth it?
Play Littlest Pet Shop with my little girl even if it meant something else was not getting done?
Really stop and laugh at all the wonderful jokes and stories my hubby comes up with?
Rub baby lotion on the baby and rock and smell his little head and try to imprint that sweet baby smell in my mind forever?
There are many other things I have to do in my day. I have to pay bills, make school plans, buy groceries, and so on and on and on and on. And there are a lot of things I want to do in my day, talk with my friends, learn to make bread, learn to really sew, and so on and on and on.
But, at the end of the day if I can glance at this list and say I did manage a few of these, then my day will be productive. It may not seem like it today, but when the children are out on their own and following our God in their own lives, it will have been a very productive life indeed.
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