"Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God."
~Psalm 20:7
When you give God the opportunity to do something big completely for His glory, it is so fun to sit back in anticipation to see His hand at work. What a blessing He has given our family! We are so blessed to be close to our parents and most of our siblings. We are blessed to love and enjoy the work we do. So, asking more than that of God seemed a little tough.
But, boy did God come through. We have been working toward getting out of debt. With a little help from Uncle Sam this year and some extra income from doing a little extra work, we have cut our debt in half in the last two months. What an answer to prayer!
God says that He provides for our needs. He didn't have to give us money. We wanted to get out of debt. But I believe that it is only because we sought His will for the situation and desired to give Him the fame for it that He answered our prayer in such a powerful way. At this rate, we will have everything but the house completely paid off in no more than 18 months (and even less if God so desires). What a mighty God we serve!
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Monday, March 26, 2007
Buzzing Around
Come to Me all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
The bee is more honored than other animals,
Not because she labors,
Not because she labors for others.
But because she finds it sweet
To labor in the business
That her Maker has given her.
You can't enjoy the sweet things God
placed in your life
Until you replace busy-ness
with bee-ing with God. ~Debra Burton
I love the bee. Perhaps it is because the bee is so industrious. Or maybe it is because it seems as though the bee has a full grasp on its specific purpose in life. The bee does not make much honey, but she goes about making the little very often to avail much honey. That kind of clarity seems to be lacking in my life. That sense of discipline seems to be waining in my day-to-day schedule. However, I never seem to lack in the busyness that the bee is famous for.
I have had to look at my life and evaluate what is good and what is best. I find that if I toil in what is good, I grow very tired. I revel in the fact that if I truly seek out what is best and only give my time to that, I am energized and at peace at the end of my day. I suppose that is when I press into God for His strength to complete only the tasks that He has prepared for me and use the strength that only comes from Him. I suppose that is when I most want to be a bee. I want to be able to complete what is impossible by worldly standards to achieve and gives God the most glory in my life.
The bee is more honored than other animals,
Not because she labors,
Not because she labors for others.
But because she finds it sweet
To labor in the business
That her Maker has given her.
You can't enjoy the sweet things God
placed in your life
Until you replace busy-ness
with bee-ing with God. ~Debra Burton
I love the bee. Perhaps it is because the bee is so industrious. Or maybe it is because it seems as though the bee has a full grasp on its specific purpose in life. The bee does not make much honey, but she goes about making the little very often to avail much honey. That kind of clarity seems to be lacking in my life. That sense of discipline seems to be waining in my day-to-day schedule. However, I never seem to lack in the busyness that the bee is famous for.
I have had to look at my life and evaluate what is good and what is best. I find that if I toil in what is good, I grow very tired. I revel in the fact that if I truly seek out what is best and only give my time to that, I am energized and at peace at the end of my day. I suppose that is when I press into God for His strength to complete only the tasks that He has prepared for me and use the strength that only comes from Him. I suppose that is when I most want to be a bee. I want to be able to complete what is impossible by worldly standards to achieve and gives God the most glory in my life.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Monday, March 19, 2007
A Quiet Moment, but That's All I Get.....
Isaiah 26:2-4
Open the gates that the righteous nation may enter, the nation that keeps faith.
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.
Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal.
Open the gates that the righteous nation may enter, the nation that keeps faith.
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.
Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Investments for a Lifetime
No, no....this is not some outrageous dissertation on the power of an IRA or long-term earnings ratios made simple. I recommend listening to Dave Ramsey for better financial advice. Although, when we talk about investing, it is funny how tied we are to the idea of money.
Nathan has been tirelessly working a couple of jobs that will add some great financial benefit to our family. As with anything, work always comes feast or famine. We decided as a family to make an investment in our future by doing a little more work now, paying off some of our debt now, so that long-term we will have a little more financial benefit and happier family dynamic later down the road. Sound crazy or familiar?
To date, I think that this plan is working for several reasons. First, it is a SHORT-TERM plan. We cannot sustain this pace for more than a couple of months. Second, because we believe that this work came from us seeking God's will and being diligent to take care of what He gives us. We want to be smart with our finances and have begged Him to show us how to multiply our efforts to multiply His money for His service (reference my previous blog on asking God for big things in "Calling Indiana Jones"). And finally, this is working because we are still making some important investments.
Our family time and our couple time is still so important. If we are not investing in each other, we are building our bank somewhere else. Jesus said, "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:21) I believe that this applies to our time, our loyalties, and our money. Nathan and I determine to be set apart from how the world does marriage or family time, and make an investment in us and in our kids that will pay dividends for years to come. The work you do now with your kids is priceless down the road, and the kids really enjoy their daddy time.
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. ~Romans 12:2
Nathan has been tirelessly working a couple of jobs that will add some great financial benefit to our family. As with anything, work always comes feast or famine. We decided as a family to make an investment in our future by doing a little more work now, paying off some of our debt now, so that long-term we will have a little more financial benefit and happier family dynamic later down the road. Sound crazy or familiar?
To date, I think that this plan is working for several reasons. First, it is a SHORT-TERM plan. We cannot sustain this pace for more than a couple of months. Second, because we believe that this work came from us seeking God's will and being diligent to take care of what He gives us. We want to be smart with our finances and have begged Him to show us how to multiply our efforts to multiply His money for His service (reference my previous blog on asking God for big things in "Calling Indiana Jones"). And finally, this is working because we are still making some important investments.
Our family time and our couple time is still so important. If we are not investing in each other, we are building our bank somewhere else. Jesus said, "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:21) I believe that this applies to our time, our loyalties, and our money. Nathan and I determine to be set apart from how the world does marriage or family time, and make an investment in us and in our kids that will pay dividends for years to come. The work you do now with your kids is priceless down the road, and the kids really enjoy their daddy time.
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. ~Romans 12:2
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Snakes and snails and puppydog tails.....
We have a small sociology experiment going in our house. Growing up with two sisters, I never experienced what little boys are like. When my son was born, I was awed at how different little boys really are (practically from birth)! My finite mind wondered if it my experience around babies was outdated. Then came our little sugar and spice and everything nice. How fun it is to see that, in fact, our house has a little bit of balance and opposites to enjoy between the two.
I think that it is sad to live in a society that shames us for expecting boys and girls to be different, rather than celebrating the strengths that boys and girls individually have. My husband gently reminds me that I was not born with the "correct" noise chip in my brain to make sounds effects, but I can make reading a book just as captivating in a different way. I am so glad that my son is physically strong and my daughter is sweet-spirited. I long to teach them how to use the way God made them to utilize their strength and let God triumph through their weakness. That seems like it is true liberation.
The Bible says in Romans 8:28, "And we know in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." I am so thankful that God created us so specially, so specifically, and in a way that He can use us for a special plan. It is awe-inspiring how gifted my children already are and how God is working in and around them. What a neat plan God has in using children in our lives! I wonder who learns more.......
Romans 8:28, "And we know in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."
I think that it is sad to live in a society that shames us for expecting boys and girls to be different, rather than celebrating the strengths that boys and girls individually have. My husband gently reminds me that I was not born with the "correct" noise chip in my brain to make sounds effects, but I can make reading a book just as captivating in a different way. I am so glad that my son is physically strong and my daughter is sweet-spirited. I long to teach them how to use the way God made them to utilize their strength and let God triumph through their weakness. That seems like it is true liberation.
The Bible says in Romans 8:28, "And we know in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." I am so thankful that God created us so specially, so specifically, and in a way that He can use us for a special plan. It is awe-inspiring how gifted my children already are and how God is working in and around them. What a neat plan God has in using children in our lives! I wonder who learns more.......
Romans 8:28, "And we know in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."
A man of many companions may come to ruin.....
but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. ~Proverbs 18:24
(The girl with her cousin)
Monday, March 12, 2007
The Time Snatchers
There are thieves lurking in my home! They are constantly on the prowl, scouring my daily life in an illusive search for time. You probably have some in your house. I find even the common variety at times in my car, on phone calls, in common errand facilities, and everywhere in between. They come quietly, stay far too long, and successfully steal my life away.
It seems that they visit more frequently when I am busy, although I enjoy their company more when I have "spare time" on my hands (all of the mommy figures let out a collective laugh at that one!). There was so much that I wanted to do today, yesterday, this year, or sometime that, for well-intentioned reasons, has not or is not happening. I realize more daily that these time snatchers are intentionally stealing away precious moments of my life, and I am here to protest loudly by saying that I WANT THEM BACK!
John 10:10 says, "The thief (referencing Satan) does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." I have declared war on the time snatchers in an attempt to enjoy abundant life. That requires a couple of tools.
I am determining to be more intentional. That includes INTENTIONALLY starting my day off with prayer and surrender to God. I am deciding to plan my life better. This step requires writing a plan and sticking to it. I am making my priorities my priorities. I want to make sure my family gets their time and my tasks, in turn, get the attention that they need. Any tips or trials like mine?
"I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. " John 10:9
It seems that they visit more frequently when I am busy, although I enjoy their company more when I have "spare time" on my hands (all of the mommy figures let out a collective laugh at that one!). There was so much that I wanted to do today, yesterday, this year, or sometime that, for well-intentioned reasons, has not or is not happening. I realize more daily that these time snatchers are intentionally stealing away precious moments of my life, and I am here to protest loudly by saying that I WANT THEM BACK!
John 10:10 says, "The thief (referencing Satan) does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." I have declared war on the time snatchers in an attempt to enjoy abundant life. That requires a couple of tools.
I am determining to be more intentional. That includes INTENTIONALLY starting my day off with prayer and surrender to God. I am deciding to plan my life better. This step requires writing a plan and sticking to it. I am making my priorities my priorities. I want to make sure my family gets their time and my tasks, in turn, get the attention that they need. Any tips or trials like mine?
"I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. " John 10:9
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Calling Indiana Jones:
"I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darness into light before them and make the rough places smooth.These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them." Isaiah 42:16
The Bible is full of calls to adventure. Many still claim it is boring and outdated, but I see a long invitation. An invitation to adventure more thrilling than base jumping. An invitation to romance more juicy than any trashy romance novel. An invitation to hope that life is more than the enveloping circumstances our lives suffocate by. An invitation to work for something that is eternal, rather than just enjoying the fruits of labor that will shrivel away tomorrow.
The latest quest God laid before me was an invitation to prayer. What, after all, do you believe is possible? God really challenged me on my belief barrier through some trying circumstances this year. I read that, "Nothing lies beyond the reach of prayer except that which lies outside the will of God." (Mrs. Charles Cowman Streams in the Desert) I realized that there was so much I was leaving on the table and walking away from. How much blessing have I missed in my life simply because I was unwilling to seek after it, to pray for it?
So, I have quested to give God the forum to take credit for the amazing mountains He moves in my life. I welcome you to join me. I welcome you to put into words, either here or on your own paper, the incredible things that you ask God for. I urge you to pray, knowing in your heart that God CAN do these big things and expecting His answer for your life. But most of all, I invite you to share the answers God gives, both for what you want and what you do not. I invite you to make God famous for what He does in our live and the wisdom that He holds, both to give us "great gifts" or to bless us in ways that were better for us long term. Let us celebrate with you the work of the Lord. After all, "Faith is not believeing in my own unshakable belief. Faith is believeing an unshakable God when everything in me trembles and quakes."
My first example to share with you is that I begged God for souls. I begged Him to show me how He changes lives. This week I got to pray with someone to put their hope and faith in Jesus Christ and accept His free gift of salvation and eternal life. What better way to see a faithful God than to see Him changing other lives for eternity?
Friday, March 9, 2007
There is a Season...
I never read the job description to motherhood. I suppose that I should have. I am sure that there is one contained in a thick, maroon-bound book on a shelf somewhere that I could blow the dust off of and read. It would take volumes to contain the entire list of duties performed, expected, and thrust upon mothers. I am sure that I live a much happier existence celebrating my accomplishments as a mother, rather than cataloging the "requirements" that come with the territory.
The little experience I have in motherhood shows me one constant in the field: there are many seasons we in the mommy club survive. I suppose that was God's design, as He claimed the rights to that ingenious idea in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. I always thought that this passage told us that we would traverse through separate seasons, but in the midst of it all I am learning daily that seasons of life are more like an all-you-can-eat buffet rather than a course of a meal. "I'll take a plate of a time to gather stones, with a side of laughter and top it all with a time to be silent."
I hold onto the hope that Ecclesiastes 3:11 gives with, "He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end." I realize that through the trying times of potty-training, debt-reducing, working, loving, disappointment, and everything in between, God has amazing things to do in my life and amazing places to bring me through that I cannot even imagine. What a call to adventure and treasure-chasing! I suppose in the meantime I will occupy my time with another load of laundry and reading The Big Red Barn another hundred times.
The little experience I have in motherhood shows me one constant in the field: there are many seasons we in the mommy club survive. I suppose that was God's design, as He claimed the rights to that ingenious idea in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. I always thought that this passage told us that we would traverse through separate seasons, but in the midst of it all I am learning daily that seasons of life are more like an all-you-can-eat buffet rather than a course of a meal. "I'll take a plate of a time to gather stones, with a side of laughter and top it all with a time to be silent."
I hold onto the hope that Ecclesiastes 3:11 gives with, "He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end." I realize that through the trying times of potty-training, debt-reducing, working, loving, disappointment, and everything in between, God has amazing things to do in my life and amazing places to bring me through that I cannot even imagine. What a call to adventure and treasure-chasing! I suppose in the meantime I will occupy my time with another load of laundry and reading The Big Red Barn another hundred times.
Ecclesiastes 3: 12-13:
12 I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. 13 That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God.
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