Summer Book Club

Ok I am a big fan of Francine Rivers' book, Redeeming Love is a required reading for all. However, this summer I am reading her Mark of the Lion Series. Wow! The first one grabbed my heart in a way that I did not expect. The kids and I had been reading about important events in Christian History. The time of Nero and Titus around 70-90 A.D. was fresh in my mind when I began the first book of the series, A Voice in the Wind. The persecution that was happening was extreme and horrifying. We don't have a clue. But it spoke to my heart in a way that renew my confidence that God will hold us and allow us to stand firm to the end. Jesus is the author and perfecter of our faith. And He cannot fail! The work of His hands cannot be destroyed.
Hadassah's character is the embodiment of the desire of my heart. Humilty coupled with fear and dependence on God alone for guidance and strength. Wholehearted devotion to a God that cannot fail and will not let me go. What a no-brainer! But for some reason I get tossed with doubt. I am more convince than ever that time spent with Him like Mary at Jesus' feet is far better and necessary. There will never not be a moment of any day when we don't need Him. He is the requirement!

Summer Time, Sweet!

Oh, how I love the summer. Even with the relaxed schedule and time spent at the beach , pool and vacation, I can find something to worry about. For some reason down time brings me stress. Crazy right? The other day I heard a story on the radio about a ten-year old little girl who read the bible all the way through. Her mother asked her, "What did you learn?" She replied, "God is really, really God!" It brought such a well of emotion to my heart. No need to worry, no need to fear. God is really, really God. With that said, I will enjoy God today and treasure the work He has given me.

Say it, Say it Often

When one of my children come and say "thank you," I am so blessed. Not by coercion or reminder. They are truly thankful from the heart or just want to let me know. What an tenderness it creates within my heart. If I get that way, what would it mean to God. The God of all. What a privilege we have to walk through the torn veil right into the Most Holy Place to say "thank you." What joy it brings God. Say it and say it often even if your circumstances are less than favorable or just plain tough. Say it! Say it often!

"What if"

Today my sweet precious husband had his gall bladder removed after two years of chronic pain and discomfort. Even though it was a easy surgery there was a small "what if" in the pit of my soul that cause me to wonder. What a transformation God has done in our lives individually and as a couple. I can truly say that he is my biggest fan and my most loved friend. We need each other. We value each other. We have come so far in how we disagree and how we handle the tough things that come our way. I am grateful to God for his sustaining work in each of us and our marriage. I know we can be an example but at one point I just wanted it to be pure and genuine and enjoyable without regard to who was looking. Today whatever we portray to those who might see, I can honestly say with integrity that I love my man! I love his passion. I love his drive. I love his provision. I love the way he laughs. I love his honesty (mostly). I love the father that he is and how it is willing to acknowledge when he is wrong. I love that he is in love with me. And I can see God in him. Thank you Lord. Thank you for changing us and making us more like you. Making us one!

Eureka!

We did it! Some things are so simple that I continue to make them so much more complicated. It is so true of me. Nearly a year after beginning this blog we just now fixed it. And I ask myself "Why?" And the answer is easy--lack of knowledge. Oh well, lesson learned--at least for today!

This is an aside: Today driving home after lunch we passed the Best Buy and Nathan told Lainey that when she grows up she need to be on the Geek Squad. Clueless to the compliment, Lainey was offended. However, he stated that it is because she knows everything about computers and tv. Well, Geek Squad or not. She helped me get this blog going. Smart girl!!

Help!!

OH! I do not know what I am doing. I know many wouldn't be surprised. This blog has been a mess. I knew I was in trouble when Lainey could not figure it out.

It is going to be worth it all

Today is the day. I dove in to one of the biggest steps of faith ever. Todd and I have brought our babies home to school them. What a challenge! Today was the beginning of a journey that I know will be so rich and full of change. Well, it is was good overall. The kids had a great time and responded well. It definitely needs improvement but it was real. The pressure is so different. We enjoyed the night. Todd found me reading books to the little ones after such a full day. Also, able to take a walk with Lainey who made the comment that we might need to get another teacher to help. I thought it was so chaotic that I had to laugh. It was definitely a full day but I feel so close to them. I feel a connection that I don't think I have ever felt or it has just been a long time. I look forward tommorrow. I want to enjoy what God is doing.

Why can't I just have great faith and trust Him. He has never let me down! He has allowed hard times and great voids, but they never fail to drive me away from the recognition of my need of Him to be my life. Our bible study this morning was on Colossians 3:4, "Christ, who is your life,..." Charles Spurgeon writes a wonderful sermon on this small but powerful passage. He cannot be part of our life. We can't just add him to our own agenda and make it fit. He has to be the substance, sustenance, solace, object and exemplar of our life. Spurgeon writes, "If we have close fellowship with Him we will grow more like Him... How safe, how honored, how happy is the Christian since Christ is his life!" The calling of a Chirstian is so far more sacrificial than the church wants to admit. If "to live is Christ," as Paul says, then why should our sacrifice be any less than our own life as well. I know that I do not comprehend that in my own human understanding. But, I know that if we pray the prayers with the right intent and true words of gratitude, we will see glimpses of the depth of sacrifice that make the religous shudder and scoff. I have believed many lies of the enemy. My committment is to listen to the voice of truth that tells me a different story. (Thank you Casting Crowns for that anthem) Not a voice that makes me feel special. One that satisfies my soul. After all, it is what I desire most. It may a some times become a desire cloaked by the things of the world but they slide through never to fill. It is a place that only can be filled by the one for which I was created to love and praise. Oh Lord, teach my heart how to love you.

I did not mean for this to turn into a sermon. I am preaching it to my own weak faith. God, you are good and I know that full well.

Praise God for Todd, my cheerleader. He is my biggest fan in this whole journey. He is my best friend. Thank God for a friend who tells the truth and wants God's best for me even if it causes him to have to sacrifice. Proverbs says, "The wounds of a friend can be trusted." I want it real. I am tired of nailing ugly plastic fruit to dead faith. We all should be. Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise him all creatures here below. Praise him above ye heavenly hosts. Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen!

P.S. Can't wait to share about our precious church family.