Hope you all had a blessed weekend!
Ours was packed but a good one.
Friday daddy came home early and surprised the boys. When they saw him drive up in the drive way S had to hold them back until he was parked before they went barreling out the door. They were glad to have him home.
Saturday morning D had a meeting with the Emmaus committee to prayerfully choose the group of men that he will be leading for the next Men's walk which will be in October. There is alot that goes into planning each meeting so they have to start early. He's very excited. God's been doing some good work in his heart as well. I look forward to seeing all that God does with these guys.
I stayed home with the boys and did some house work, and got my work out in. I was reminded why it is that I usually exercise when the boys are sleeping...lol It's difficult to keep up with the steps of the video when "mommy" is repeated so frequently...lol
We spent the afternoon at the beach. I wish I had had my camera with me this time. N tried his hand at boogie boarding. He was great!!! Of course...lol E, not so much. He wanted to be on it and try it but then when I placed him on it he would scream to get off. It was a bit frustrating for us both. He wanted desparately to get on and go, but was too scared to. Poor little man.
We also had some interesting interactions. As I was standing at the water's edge a little girl, about 5 yrs old, walked up to me, took my hand and said... "let's go in the water". Some interesting observations about this interaction to me were, that she was only about 5 yrs old, she was AA, she was alone and she didn't know me from Adam. I looked around, wondering if she had family around. I didn't see any. I then asked her where her family was, and she said absently "over there". I told her we needed to find her family. She then let go of my hand, said no, and began to walk away. I was kind of stuck at this point because I had E in the water with me, and D and N were to far out to see what was happening. Right at that point a woman who looked to be her grandmother walked up. I asked if the little girl was with her, and she said that she was. The thing that struck me was her lack of concern. I honestly had to pray hard to keep those whispering voices of Judgement and Pride out of my ears. They were almost yelling. Doggon those little devils. I didn't know these people, I didn't know they situation...perhaps the grandmother was there by herself and overwhelmed. She needed some compassion from me, not judgement.
Ok so why was it interesting that she was AA? Because in the past I have never had a child of another race walk up so comfortably to me and ask to play in such a random setting. Perhaps because I had E with me? Perhaps because it's such an integrated beach, I love that!... perhaps because finally some of those barriers are dropping... or perhaps just because she thought I would go in the water with her and she didn't care what color I was... lol
Interestingly enough after that incident I was playing in the sand with the boys and another little girl, also AA, came over to ask if she could play with us. I sat there smiling for a bit... thinking of what wonderful doors our boys have been able to open for us. We all sat together and built sand castles. It was a fun afternoon.
We went home exhausted and happy. Then went out for ice cream after dinner with a dear friend. (not so good for the diet...oops)
Sunday D had to leave again. This time he had to drive to Chattanooga TN. Ugh that's a long lonely drive.
I took the kids to church and then back to a different beach for a Sunday school get together. It's more of a local's beach, not the touristy one we usually go to.
It was a good time...sort of. ;o) I think the boys were over being at the beach.... or just being with mom... or because we went during nap time... or because we missed daddy...but they were both missing listening ears, and E ended up screaming the whole way off the beach when it was time to leave. Oh, the joys of parenting.
After we got home though we got washed up and had some quiet time just hanging out and doing nothing. That was MUCH better. ;o)
S and I ended the day by adding some strength training to our work out. All I could think of was that turtle from Finding Nemo, I could hear him saying " hey, jelly man" ;o) It did feel good though, and today I feel strong. We are going to alternate strength and cardio every other day.
We added 3 more people to our mission team! We are now up to 11 people confirmed. YAY! God is Good!
Please pray for D and I as we both lead such large faith opportunities at the same time. We want to serve God faithfully and with the right hearts, but not put our families on the back burner. It will be a juggling act, but I know God can and will guide us.
That's about all for now. Have a blessed one.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
Finally Friday...
...being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)
What a great week!
Gettin' Healthy Update:
Monday began the work out commitment. S was sick so she wasn't able to join me. I did the Leslie Sansone 3 mile walk.
Tuesday S and I both did the 3 mile walk.
Wednesday I felt like I needed something more challenging. I love Leslie Sansone, but I didn't feel like it was doing anything for me. So I pulled out one of my Turbo Jam DVDs. It was much better... although S and spent much of the time laughing. My poor sweet girl doesn't have much in the way of coordination. I also discovered it would be be great to have a larger living room. We were running into each other... in some cases avoiding giving each other black eyes by mere inches...lol
Thursday we tried a different Turbo Jam. This was less challenging coordination wise...but man it makes you sweat! ;o)
I have been eating better. No soda, no sweets other than 1/2 a Three Musketeer's bar. ;o) YUM. I think I am going to work on better portion control.
Added benefit of the work out system is that I am in a much better mood already. I even read an article on Yahoo about how exercise can lift your mood for up to 12 hours afterwards. I had to giggle a bit because we work out at night (I am SO not a morning person) I figure at least I am happy while I sleep.
I did get on the scale yesterday I figured it might be good to see if I see any changes in weight over time. I never have been much of a scale mover, I am more of an 'inches lost' gal. I won't share what it said... eeewww... but I will share if it moves at all. ;o)
I have begun journaling my prayers and thoughts with God. That too has been such a great release.
The kids have had a good week. I always hesitate typing that here, because something always happens to make me want to eat those words. Weird blog Karma (if you believed in that kind of thing)
The boys have been working on letters, they write a new one each day. N knows the letters he's writing, and is doing a great job. E is doing well tracing them, but seems not to be able to recognize them after he writes them. I am not overly worried about it yet, as he can recognize pictures and recall other words. He does know the letter 'E'. ;o) And knows his name starts with it.
They go to the church on Thursday's for a day program. They have a blast. Yesterday N made a crown and staff out of paper. E painted a shirt. Last night when we called daddy to say good night (he's working out of town) E must of told him about his whole day. It's so funny because he's still very much learning language, he mostly says 1 and 2 word phrases followed by "yeah" ... He's very animated and you usually can get what he's saying. So cute!!! He did say a whole sentence last night "My cow fe-down" translated "My cow fell down" ( we had gotten kids meals from Chik-fil-a)
S is still learning to drive... yikes! Honestly it's so not fun to be at the mercy of your child behind the wheel. Any one want to come help her learn?
We are in high gear getting ready for the yard sale at our church for the mission team. We have had several donations of items to sell, lots of people interested in attending. Z helped me pick up some chairs last night. They are so ugly... BUT! They would be beautiful if upholstered. ;o) I think I will make a sign for them suggesting that...lol We have 7 confirmed people for our trip, and 3 or 4 others still praying about their involvement. I think it's going to be a great group! I was looking at pictures this morning of Ethiopia and just had such a longing to be there. Thank you God for making this happen.
Z has been working at his church this summer in the youth day program. Mostly middle schoolers. He is getting a taste of what it means to parent...lol He's really doing an excellent job. I am so proud of him.
Thank you to all of you that have said you would pray with me while I work on getting healthier! I can feel it. It's working.
This coming week I plan to continue working out at least 6 days, 45 mins each day. It's been my schedule this week and I love it. I will continue eating healthier, and journaling my prayers.
Please keep the prayers coming!
Have a blessed weekend.
What a great week!
Gettin' Healthy Update:
Monday began the work out commitment. S was sick so she wasn't able to join me. I did the Leslie Sansone 3 mile walk.
Tuesday S and I both did the 3 mile walk.
Wednesday I felt like I needed something more challenging. I love Leslie Sansone, but I didn't feel like it was doing anything for me. So I pulled out one of my Turbo Jam DVDs. It was much better... although S and spent much of the time laughing. My poor sweet girl doesn't have much in the way of coordination. I also discovered it would be be great to have a larger living room. We were running into each other... in some cases avoiding giving each other black eyes by mere inches...lol
Thursday we tried a different Turbo Jam. This was less challenging coordination wise...but man it makes you sweat! ;o)
I have been eating better. No soda, no sweets other than 1/2 a Three Musketeer's bar. ;o) YUM. I think I am going to work on better portion control.
Added benefit of the work out system is that I am in a much better mood already. I even read an article on Yahoo about how exercise can lift your mood for up to 12 hours afterwards. I had to giggle a bit because we work out at night (I am SO not a morning person) I figure at least I am happy while I sleep.
I did get on the scale yesterday I figured it might be good to see if I see any changes in weight over time. I never have been much of a scale mover, I am more of an 'inches lost' gal. I won't share what it said... eeewww... but I will share if it moves at all. ;o)
I have begun journaling my prayers and thoughts with God. That too has been such a great release.
The kids have had a good week. I always hesitate typing that here, because something always happens to make me want to eat those words. Weird blog Karma (if you believed in that kind of thing)
The boys have been working on letters, they write a new one each day. N knows the letters he's writing, and is doing a great job. E is doing well tracing them, but seems not to be able to recognize them after he writes them. I am not overly worried about it yet, as he can recognize pictures and recall other words. He does know the letter 'E'. ;o) And knows his name starts with it.
They go to the church on Thursday's for a day program. They have a blast. Yesterday N made a crown and staff out of paper. E painted a shirt. Last night when we called daddy to say good night (he's working out of town) E must of told him about his whole day. It's so funny because he's still very much learning language, he mostly says 1 and 2 word phrases followed by "yeah" ... He's very animated and you usually can get what he's saying. So cute!!! He did say a whole sentence last night "My cow fe-down" translated "My cow fell down" ( we had gotten kids meals from Chik-fil-a)
S is still learning to drive... yikes! Honestly it's so not fun to be at the mercy of your child behind the wheel. Any one want to come help her learn?
We are in high gear getting ready for the yard sale at our church for the mission team. We have had several donations of items to sell, lots of people interested in attending. Z helped me pick up some chairs last night. They are so ugly... BUT! They would be beautiful if upholstered. ;o) I think I will make a sign for them suggesting that...lol We have 7 confirmed people for our trip, and 3 or 4 others still praying about their involvement. I think it's going to be a great group! I was looking at pictures this morning of Ethiopia and just had such a longing to be there. Thank you God for making this happen.
Z has been working at his church this summer in the youth day program. Mostly middle schoolers. He is getting a taste of what it means to parent...lol He's really doing an excellent job. I am so proud of him.
Thank you to all of you that have said you would pray with me while I work on getting healthier! I can feel it. It's working.
This coming week I plan to continue working out at least 6 days, 45 mins each day. It's been my schedule this week and I love it. I will continue eating healthier, and journaling my prayers.
Please keep the prayers coming!
Have a blessed weekend.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Self Discovery
Woo wee God has been talkin' to me this week! ;o)
Most of it good. Some of it painful... and that's mostly because it's been one of those weeks when I am reminded of some things that need to change with in me.
I have realized that there are changes that need to be made. Mostly interior.
I was reading Amy Jo's post here. (I recommend her site highly, she's got some really great insight!!) This particular post was about Pride and Judgement. One of the things she said was that she had "Pride and Judgement whispering in each ear"... oh how often does that happen to me? I immediately recognized that when they are whispering in each ear I am certainly not listening to God. I have always thought that I tried to see the best in people, to give them the benefit of the doubt, because you just never know another's circumstances, but I was struck by what God was telling me when I read the post. I found that at home I am not nearly as forgiving as I am of others. Ouch!
Recently I was lamenting over my hubby's short comings and issues. I know...not so nice. ;o( But as I was thinking about them and getting all self righteous, I realized I was in no position to have Pride and Judgement whispering in my ears. You know.. get the plank out of my own eye before I try to remove his speck?
My friend Cindy shared this with me earlier this week. It's an exerpt from a radio show done on Series: Love and Respect: An Interview with Dr. Emerson Eggerichs
Hmmm... more ouch.
I have been learning that there is more than physical exercising that I need to commit to. I also need to commit to spiritual exercising.
Isaiah 40:31 says But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength....
Strengthening my physical core will make me stand up straighter, provide waist management, and help my clothes to fit better.
Strengthening my spiritual core will also make me stand up straighter, provide waste management and put my spiritual armor back into place.
When I am focused on God and His word, on His love and grace, I don't give room for Pride and Judgement.
lol... I am getting more oxygen to my brain while exercising... could be why I am thinking more?
Most of it good. Some of it painful... and that's mostly because it's been one of those weeks when I am reminded of some things that need to change with in me.
I have realized that there are changes that need to be made. Mostly interior.
I was reading Amy Jo's post here. (I recommend her site highly, she's got some really great insight!!) This particular post was about Pride and Judgement. One of the things she said was that she had "Pride and Judgement whispering in each ear"... oh how often does that happen to me? I immediately recognized that when they are whispering in each ear I am certainly not listening to God. I have always thought that I tried to see the best in people, to give them the benefit of the doubt, because you just never know another's circumstances, but I was struck by what God was telling me when I read the post. I found that at home I am not nearly as forgiving as I am of others. Ouch!
Recently I was lamenting over my hubby's short comings and issues. I know...not so nice. ;o( But as I was thinking about them and getting all self righteous, I realized I was in no position to have Pride and Judgement whispering in my ears. You know.. get the plank out of my own eye before I try to remove his speck?
My friend Cindy shared this with me earlier this week. It's an exerpt from a radio show done on Series: Love and Respect: An Interview with Dr. Emerson Eggerichs
Hmmm... more ouch.
I have been learning that there is more than physical exercising that I need to commit to. I also need to commit to spiritual exercising.
Isaiah 40:31 says But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength....
Strengthening my physical core will make me stand up straighter, provide waist management, and help my clothes to fit better.
Strengthening my spiritual core will also make me stand up straighter, provide waste management and put my spiritual armor back into place.
When I am focused on God and His word, on His love and grace, I don't give room for Pride and Judgement.
lol... I am getting more oxygen to my brain while exercising... could be why I am thinking more?
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Who is holding you up?
Exodus 17: 10-13
10 So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. 11 As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. 12 When Moses' hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. 13 So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.
This was our scripture from Sunday's sermon at church. I love this scripture because I see how God orchestrates a visual and I am a visual thinker.
God told Joshua to fight...Moses was to hold up his arms at the top of the hill as a gesture of support to Joshua...Moses' arms got tired...Aaron and Hur brought Moses a rock to rest on and held up Moses' arms because he was tired. When Moses was not being supported, Joshua's army wasn't successful...when he was being supported Joshua was victorious!
How very true is this in life?!
I love how scripture is still so relevant.
I had a conversation with a loved one this weekend that tore at my heart. He told me that he wasn't sure he had ever fully given his heart to Christ. He has been going through the motions, but felt he had been talking the talk...not walking the walk. He wasn't being a leader in his home, or in his life outside of the church.
I am not sure he's very far from being alone. How often do we just go through the motions? But this person truly felt convicted that he was not acting the way he was supposed to and truly wanted prayer for His whole heart to be given to Christ.
After hearing this scripture on Sunday morning I knew God was asking me to hold up my loved one's arms. To lift him in prayer as he asks Christ to fully take over his life.
The other thing I noticed in the scripture was that Aaron and Hur brought a large rock for Moses to sit on. Christ is my rock. He is our rock. We can rest on him while our brothers and sisters in Christ lift our arms and support our mission for God.
I am now asking you bloggy friends to help me keep my arms lifted. I have decided to work on my health. I keep trying to start something and then come up with excuses as to why I can't go on. Usually it's just lack of motivation.
I want to be motivated...and I figure if I post it here in blog land...perhaps 1 or 2 of you that admit to following me would be willing to help keep me accountable? ;o)
I want to get strong again. I want to get off my duff and begin strengthing it. I am no good to my children when I am tired. The more I keep putting myself on the back burner I feel myself get discouraged. When I am discouraged I am crabby and tired.
What kind of mom does that make me? What kind of wife? I want to be the kind of wife, mom and friend that is able to hold up the arms of those around me that need it.
If I am healthy both physically and spiritually then I can do both. What a concept.
Geez, besides...this whole mission team thing takes alot of energy, can't be all crabby and tired while I am trying to do God's work now can I?
So what I am asking you for is support...prayer support. I will try to post on Friday's how my week has gone. Where I have triumphed and where I have fallen short.
I started last night with exercise, and today I made better choices in my food. S wants to work out with me so I have a partner. ;o) Not that she needs it to lose any weight, but exercise is always good for you. And bless her little tushy she was blessed with my back end...we have a bit of junk in our trunks. ;o)
If I can be of prayer support for you in any way. Please leave me a post, or email me. God clearly does not want us to live our lives alone, but with the support of others. Christ will be the rock we can rest on, but we can all hold each other's arms up and together, like Joshua, triumph!
10 So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. 11 As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. 12 When Moses' hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. 13 So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.
This was our scripture from Sunday's sermon at church. I love this scripture because I see how God orchestrates a visual and I am a visual thinker.
God told Joshua to fight...Moses was to hold up his arms at the top of the hill as a gesture of support to Joshua...Moses' arms got tired...Aaron and Hur brought Moses a rock to rest on and held up Moses' arms because he was tired. When Moses was not being supported, Joshua's army wasn't successful...when he was being supported Joshua was victorious!
How very true is this in life?!
I love how scripture is still so relevant.
I had a conversation with a loved one this weekend that tore at my heart. He told me that he wasn't sure he had ever fully given his heart to Christ. He has been going through the motions, but felt he had been talking the talk...not walking the walk. He wasn't being a leader in his home, or in his life outside of the church.
I am not sure he's very far from being alone. How often do we just go through the motions? But this person truly felt convicted that he was not acting the way he was supposed to and truly wanted prayer for His whole heart to be given to Christ.
After hearing this scripture on Sunday morning I knew God was asking me to hold up my loved one's arms. To lift him in prayer as he asks Christ to fully take over his life.
The other thing I noticed in the scripture was that Aaron and Hur brought a large rock for Moses to sit on. Christ is my rock. He is our rock. We can rest on him while our brothers and sisters in Christ lift our arms and support our mission for God.
I am now asking you bloggy friends to help me keep my arms lifted. I have decided to work on my health. I keep trying to start something and then come up with excuses as to why I can't go on. Usually it's just lack of motivation.
I want to be motivated...and I figure if I post it here in blog land...perhaps 1 or 2 of you that admit to following me would be willing to help keep me accountable? ;o)
I want to get strong again. I want to get off my duff and begin strengthing it. I am no good to my children when I am tired. The more I keep putting myself on the back burner I feel myself get discouraged. When I am discouraged I am crabby and tired.
What kind of mom does that make me? What kind of wife? I want to be the kind of wife, mom and friend that is able to hold up the arms of those around me that need it.
If I am healthy both physically and spiritually then I can do both. What a concept.
Geez, besides...this whole mission team thing takes alot of energy, can't be all crabby and tired while I am trying to do God's work now can I?
So what I am asking you for is support...prayer support. I will try to post on Friday's how my week has gone. Where I have triumphed and where I have fallen short.
I started last night with exercise, and today I made better choices in my food. S wants to work out with me so I have a partner. ;o) Not that she needs it to lose any weight, but exercise is always good for you. And bless her little tushy she was blessed with my back end...we have a bit of junk in our trunks. ;o)
If I can be of prayer support for you in any way. Please leave me a post, or email me. God clearly does not want us to live our lives alone, but with the support of others. Christ will be the rock we can rest on, but we can all hold each other's arms up and together, like Joshua, triumph!
Monday, July 6, 2009
The July 4th weekend
We had so much fun out and about this past weekend. Fun had with friends and family. We are truly blessed by both the friends and family God has given us.
Friday we spent with the 2 other couples we meet with regularly for an accountability group. One of them lives out in the country so we played in the pool, the kids drove around on the go-kart. Well the kids and D...lol He's just a big kid anyway. They are surrounded by pasture land so the boys got to feed the horse as well. N even tried his had at skate boarding. He's so my fearless do it all little man.
LOL... look at that face!
E was chasing the big kids on the golf cart. Funny little man.The next pics are from the 4th. We went to my parents house to eat lunch and do a sort of cook out. My mom ever the resourceful one has these little tubs out for the kids to play in. How fun is that?! They chose their own tubs.
Then it was on to our other friends house to play in the pool some more. And eat too much food. I also found that I stink rather badly at Ladder Ball. ;o) That's ok, I have never been very good at sports...lol I will just be happy with my cheerleader position.
These 2 are such peas in a pod! SO much alike, no fear, so sweet, yet very little self control. ;o) They are a force to be reckoned with when they get together!
E loves the water. He would just float around in his floats and splash around. I think he would have stayed there for the whole time if we had let him.
Who is the big 4-0?
Silly girl
Look mom... I am swimming!
Then it was on to our other friends house to play in the pool some more. And eat too much food. I also found that I stink rather badly at Ladder Ball. ;o) That's ok, I have never been very good at sports...lol I will just be happy with my cheerleader position.
These 2 are such peas in a pod! SO much alike, no fear, so sweet, yet very little self control. ;o) They are a force to be reckoned with when they get together!
E loves the water. He would just float around in his floats and splash around. I think he would have stayed there for the whole time if we had let him.
Who is the big 4-0?
Silly girl
Look mom... I am swimming!We did get out to watch fireworks, and then we all crashed. Sunday was church and then it rained all afternoon. We all chose various spots in the living room and took naps together. What a wonderful way to end the weekend.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Boundaries
Children and boundaries. Oiy! What a combo.
N's 4th year has been one of many struggles for us all. Take terrible 2's and double them, maybe triple them at times.
As he gets ready to turn 5 in a month we have all kind of smoothed out. He still has struggles and I still think he's a 16 yr old... stuck in a tiny body. I tell you what...that kid can cop some attitude! He is maturing some, and I pray that is going to continue as he begins Kindergarten this fall. He's ready academically. On a funny academic note, we have been working on his letter writing. He's not got such great hand writing. Of course he's only just turning 5, I am not expecting perfection... but I see shades of his big brother and uncle. Both are extremely intelligent and both have 4 yr old handwriting. ;o) I see signs of genius!
E on the other hand is just starting his 4th year of life. And oh honey hold on to your hats!!! If there is a boundary he is trying to cross it, and he's one tough little cookie. Correction is difficult because even that he defies. We have started some holding techniques, and that has been helping some. But there are times that we just can't stop what we are doing to go into a hold. I am trying to be consistent, but it's so hard sometimes. Last night he was up from 130am until 3am just being obnoxious and not wanting to sleep. Luckily D is out of town and I just brought him into bed with me. I tried to sleep while he tried to keep me up. He was then up with me at 6am, right back at it. Oh how I love that boy... I just had to keep reminding myself at that last night.
As I was laying there listening to him jabber, I was in prayer, and then kind of chuckled to myself as I thought of Romans 8:28. I was trying so hard to see God working the good in my lack of sleep. LOL
S, my actual teen has been testing the boundaries so much less than the little guys. Thank God for small favors. She and I have decided that we are going to begin an exercise program together, once the boys are in bed. Since she is watching the boys during the day and things in life for me have ramped up to crazy level, we are going to stress relieve together. I am really looking forward to that! ;o)
I pray you all enjoy your long holiday weekend! We will be busy as usual. ;o)
N's 4th year has been one of many struggles for us all. Take terrible 2's and double them, maybe triple them at times.
As he gets ready to turn 5 in a month we have all kind of smoothed out. He still has struggles and I still think he's a 16 yr old... stuck in a tiny body. I tell you what...that kid can cop some attitude! He is maturing some, and I pray that is going to continue as he begins Kindergarten this fall. He's ready academically. On a funny academic note, we have been working on his letter writing. He's not got such great hand writing. Of course he's only just turning 5, I am not expecting perfection... but I see shades of his big brother and uncle. Both are extremely intelligent and both have 4 yr old handwriting. ;o) I see signs of genius!
E on the other hand is just starting his 4th year of life. And oh honey hold on to your hats!!! If there is a boundary he is trying to cross it, and he's one tough little cookie. Correction is difficult because even that he defies. We have started some holding techniques, and that has been helping some. But there are times that we just can't stop what we are doing to go into a hold. I am trying to be consistent, but it's so hard sometimes. Last night he was up from 130am until 3am just being obnoxious and not wanting to sleep. Luckily D is out of town and I just brought him into bed with me. I tried to sleep while he tried to keep me up. He was then up with me at 6am, right back at it. Oh how I love that boy... I just had to keep reminding myself at that last night.
As I was laying there listening to him jabber, I was in prayer, and then kind of chuckled to myself as I thought of Romans 8:28. I was trying so hard to see God working the good in my lack of sleep. LOL
S, my actual teen has been testing the boundaries so much less than the little guys. Thank God for small favors. She and I have decided that we are going to begin an exercise program together, once the boys are in bed. Since she is watching the boys during the day and things in life for me have ramped up to crazy level, we are going to stress relieve together. I am really looking forward to that! ;o)
I pray you all enjoy your long holiday weekend! We will be busy as usual. ;o)
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Why?
Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, whohave been called according to his purpose.
This is one of my favorite verses. It comes back to me time and time again.
I know there are some that don't like this verse because it can be interpreted in different ways I guess.
But the way I read it is that no matter what happens, good or bad God can and does work it out for good. I don't read here that God causes bad things to happen so that he can do good things. I believe we live in a fallen, sinful world...ugly things happen. And I believe it grieves God when they do, and He then will work things out for good for those who believe in Him.
I am not trying to get into theological debate, although I guess since I am writing this perhaps I am opening myself up for it. ;o)
I guess because this is on my mind so heavily right now...I don't believe God gives children cancer, but I do believe that He changes people's hearts and minds and souls that are effected by that child's cancer. People are strengthened, they are lifted, they are made to see things differently and in a different light. Perhaps they begin to see that He does love, both the child that is hurting as well as the family caring for them. What I see is that God hurts too.
Why does He not heal the child?
I have no clue. I honestly have no clue as to why some people are healed, helped, rescued, or spared and others aren't. Believe me, it will be one of those things I will ask Him about when I get to heaven.
What I do know is that over and over in my life I have had things happen that, when looking back, I can see where God used the situation for my good. Some of the situations were extremely painful, some were ugly, some were my own doing... and God has used them to change me. At the very least I have grown from each one.
Some things have happened and I have yet to see why they happened, or the good that is coming from it. But then again, I am not God (phew!!!) nor do I see all aspects of other's lives.
Some people talk about going back to a certain time and doing life over with what they know now. I wouldn't do that if you paid me!
There are many times that I forget to rely on God. I forget to trust in Him. I forget that He has things in control, and He's not surprised by what is happening. If I would only trust Him, He will work it all out. It may not be the way I want it, or the way I plan it, but it's always good for me.
Who knew that He would lead us to adoption? To adoption from Ethiopia? To adoption from Ethiopia of an HIV+ child? To planning a mission team?
I can't wait to see what else He has planned!!!!
His ways are SO SO much bigger than mine. His thoughts are so much better.
This is one of my favorite verses. It comes back to me time and time again.
I know there are some that don't like this verse because it can be interpreted in different ways I guess.
But the way I read it is that no matter what happens, good or bad God can and does work it out for good. I don't read here that God causes bad things to happen so that he can do good things. I believe we live in a fallen, sinful world...ugly things happen. And I believe it grieves God when they do, and He then will work things out for good for those who believe in Him.
I am not trying to get into theological debate, although I guess since I am writing this perhaps I am opening myself up for it. ;o)
I guess because this is on my mind so heavily right now...I don't believe God gives children cancer, but I do believe that He changes people's hearts and minds and souls that are effected by that child's cancer. People are strengthened, they are lifted, they are made to see things differently and in a different light. Perhaps they begin to see that He does love, both the child that is hurting as well as the family caring for them. What I see is that God hurts too.
Why does He not heal the child?
I have no clue. I honestly have no clue as to why some people are healed, helped, rescued, or spared and others aren't. Believe me, it will be one of those things I will ask Him about when I get to heaven.
What I do know is that over and over in my life I have had things happen that, when looking back, I can see where God used the situation for my good. Some of the situations were extremely painful, some were ugly, some were my own doing... and God has used them to change me. At the very least I have grown from each one.
Some things have happened and I have yet to see why they happened, or the good that is coming from it. But then again, I am not God (phew!!!) nor do I see all aspects of other's lives.
Some people talk about going back to a certain time and doing life over with what they know now. I wouldn't do that if you paid me!
There are many times that I forget to rely on God. I forget to trust in Him. I forget that He has things in control, and He's not surprised by what is happening. If I would only trust Him, He will work it all out. It may not be the way I want it, or the way I plan it, but it's always good for me.
Who knew that He would lead us to adoption? To adoption from Ethiopia? To adoption from Ethiopia of an HIV+ child? To planning a mission team?
I can't wait to see what else He has planned!!!!
His ways are SO SO much bigger than mine. His thoughts are so much better.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)