Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Inspiration Wednesday...Laughter!
Over the past few days, I have had tears stream down my face without warning. I cannot describe to you how much I miss James Twining. He believed in my parenting when few others did. I struggled with fear and anxiety when my children were younger. This is partly due to Jorden having two heart surgeries and partly due to the way my mind worked at the time. He stood beside me and encouraged me forward. He did not sugar coat things, and he was known to kindly stop my fearful words with truths. (Notice I said kindly. He was never rude or condescending.) He talked to me with respect and told me on numerous ocassions that I was doing a great job. His love reached past office visits, as he was known to call our home and check on our children. It's funny, I knew I loved and admired him, but I didn't realize the enormity of it until he was called home by the Lord.
Last night as I washed my face my heart was heavy. I began telling my husband some of the funny times I had with Dr. Twining. I began to...laugh. It felt so good to laugh after days of tears. I hadn't even realized all of the funny moments our family had shared with him. Man, he had a great way of calling me out! My heart continues to be heavy, but I am finding the joy in the laughter that God provides me. I am grateful that Jesus caused my mind to remember the fun times we had.
What a true blessing laughter is. It is a healing balm for our souls. If you are feeling down today, ask Jesus to bring something to your mind that will cause you to chuckle. That chuckle just might turn into a smile. For that, I am grateful to our One and Only source of true joy.
Wordless Wednesday
31 days of love...day 31 (The greatest love)
Ah, I saved the best for last. Were some of you wondering if I had forgotten the greatest verse about love? No way! I planned all along to save it for the last day. :-)
I love my children more than the breath I take in. I would do anything for them. When they are filled with happiness, I almost can't contain myself. On the other hand, when they are sad, my eyes fill with tears and I wish beyond anything that I could take their pain away. When they need discipline, I have to remind myself that it is because I love them that I must redirect their behavior. There are times that I look at them and gasp because I am so full of pure love for them.
God loves us even more than we love our children. He would do anything to show us His love and be able to have us live with Him for eternity. He did the unthinkable. He had His Son die on a wooden cross at the top of a hill with people mocking Him so that you and I could dwell in His house forever.
It is easy to read this verse and think about the beauty of what Jesus did for mankind. Take it one step further, my dear sister. Consider if you were the only one on earth. Jesus would have still been crucified and mocked. He died for each one of us. It was not for the whole of mankind. It was for each of us individually. That gives me chills and causes my heart to fill with awe for my sweet Savior.
As you go about your day, know that YOU are loved like crazy. May you bow your head and thank Jesus for His gift of eternal life. One day we will all dance together in heaven as we sing praises to our One and Only Love.
**This post is dedicated to our sweet Dr. James Twining. Thank you Jesus for going to the cross so that he could have eternal life. I smile as I think of him dancing and praising his One True Love. I will forever love you Dr. T....
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
31 days of love...day 30 (Freedom)
Freedom...
What does it really mean? It is more than a word, it is a way of life. Freedom in Christ means you have been set free from the chains of strongholds and destructive thinking and living.
Prior to truly living in Christ and for Christ, I was a prisoner to numerous strongholds. I feared rejection and loneliness. I lived a life in constant search of love. I was insecure and desperately seeking approval. Aka...I was miserable.
Jesus reached down and saved me from me. He cleared my head and my heart and made it available for true love that only comes from knowing my Savior. As I fell to my knees in awe of His love, I was released from the chains I had grown accustomed to. He cleansed me and set me free.
As I reflect back on my life as a prisoner, I am amazed at how different my life is now. I am free to be me and love my Jesus with a passion. I no longer feel the chains cutting into my flesh and being left to gasp for air. I am able to breath in the beautiful scent of my Savior's love and know, without a doubt, that my worth comes from Him. There is no longer a desire to search for love. Praise Jesus, it is ingrained into my soul.
If you feel chained to a stronghold, Jesus can, and will, set you free. His love unlocks the chains and sets you free to soar in His all powerful love.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Our family is so blessed to have known him
If you have read my post(s) in the past few days, then you know our family received some sad news on Friday. I chose not to share it until it was an appropriate time. I wanted to honor the family and allow them ample time to inform people.
On Friday, our dear Pediatrician was taken to heaven. I cry as I type this post. You see, he was not just my children's doctor. He and his precious wife have become a part of our family. Words cannot express the sorrow we feel. I knew before I even officially knew that Dr. James Twining was a Jesus man. His care went above and beyond the books of medicine. He loved on my children like he was their grandfather. The bond he created with them will forever remain. He and Emily were bonded beyond words.
Dr. Twining saw us through heart surgery, two neck surgeries, an elbow surgery, broken bones, asthma hospitalizations, and a list of illnesses. When my children were exposed to a bat, he was on the phone in an instant. He was known to call my home and check on my children and, at times, their mama. Oh, how I love this man.
I once was told that it must be nice to be so close to my children's doctor. I replied that when you have gone through all that we have, it was a given. In reality, it was much more than that. There was just a bond formed early on.
Friday night as I sat crying and aching in my heart I told Jesus, "You got a good one." I clearly heard, "Yes I did." We will hurt for a long time over this. However, I know that we are truly blessed to have known him. I wouldn't trade knowing and loving this wonderful man for all the pain we are feeling. I have the assurance that one day we will again be with him. We will see his shy smile and hear his gentle voice. My daughter told me today that she can feel him with her and it brings her peace. She said that she knows without a doubt that he is with her. She is right, he is in her heart and will be forever. I thank Jesus for giving her this peace and the knowledge that he is with her.
I will miss our sweet Dr. James Twining.
Please pray for his wife. I love her more than I can even express. Pray for his 5 boys and their families. Also, please pray for our family.
Psalm 34:18...The Lord is near the brokenhearted; He saves those crushed in spirit.
On Friday, our dear Pediatrician was taken to heaven. I cry as I type this post. You see, he was not just my children's doctor. He and his precious wife have become a part of our family. Words cannot express the sorrow we feel. I knew before I even officially knew that Dr. James Twining was a Jesus man. His care went above and beyond the books of medicine. He loved on my children like he was their grandfather. The bond he created with them will forever remain. He and Emily were bonded beyond words.
Dr. Twining saw us through heart surgery, two neck surgeries, an elbow surgery, broken bones, asthma hospitalizations, and a list of illnesses. When my children were exposed to a bat, he was on the phone in an instant. He was known to call my home and check on my children and, at times, their mama. Oh, how I love this man.
I once was told that it must be nice to be so close to my children's doctor. I replied that when you have gone through all that we have, it was a given. In reality, it was much more than that. There was just a bond formed early on.
Friday night as I sat crying and aching in my heart I told Jesus, "You got a good one." I clearly heard, "Yes I did." We will hurt for a long time over this. However, I know that we are truly blessed to have known him. I wouldn't trade knowing and loving this wonderful man for all the pain we are feeling. I have the assurance that one day we will again be with him. We will see his shy smile and hear his gentle voice. My daughter told me today that she can feel him with her and it brings her peace. She said that she knows without a doubt that he is with her. She is right, he is in her heart and will be forever. I thank Jesus for giving her this peace and the knowledge that he is with her.
I will miss our sweet Dr. James Twining.
Please pray for his wife. I love her more than I can even express. Pray for his 5 boys and their families. Also, please pray for our family.
Psalm 34:18...The Lord is near the brokenhearted; He saves those crushed in spirit.
31 days of love...day 29 (It's all good)
As I read this verse, I think upon the many things in my life that I was certain were going to cause me to give up. When I handed my oldest over to have open heart surgery, I was devasted. I could barely breath. I was on my knees grateful that he did well during the surgery and after. However, for it to be used for good was not something I could imagine.
Honestly, I still can be consumed with worry and fear when I think about his heart. Any difference in breathing will cause my stomach to flip flop. God, however, is always true to His Word. He turned this experience, as well as numerous others, into something good. My compassion for parents with sick children is something I cannot control. I can't help but reach out with everything I have to help a parent in need. When I hear of a child facing a heart surgery, I am on my knees in prayer and my eyes flood with tears. Due to this overwhelming desire to pray and help others, I have met a dear friend. She is my friend whose grandson was given a Berlin heart and he is awaiting a heart transplant. I read her story and I had to contact her. It turns out that we have so much in common. She has become very dear to me and I have grown to love her. God used the heartwrenching experience with my son to bring me a true friend and a compassionate heart that can't be contained.
God can, and will, work things for good for those who love Him. His love for us is so immense that He turns something dreadful into something beautiful.
What has God used for good in your life? I praise Him for all that He does. As we face hard times, may we be certain that He will turn our valley into a beautiful mountain of opportunity. Praise Him dear sister, He is up to something great in your life right now.
Honestly, I still can be consumed with worry and fear when I think about his heart. Any difference in breathing will cause my stomach to flip flop. God, however, is always true to His Word. He turned this experience, as well as numerous others, into something good. My compassion for parents with sick children is something I cannot control. I can't help but reach out with everything I have to help a parent in need. When I hear of a child facing a heart surgery, I am on my knees in prayer and my eyes flood with tears. Due to this overwhelming desire to pray and help others, I have met a dear friend. She is my friend whose grandson was given a Berlin heart and he is awaiting a heart transplant. I read her story and I had to contact her. It turns out that we have so much in common. She has become very dear to me and I have grown to love her. God used the heartwrenching experience with my son to bring me a true friend and a compassionate heart that can't be contained.
God can, and will, work things for good for those who love Him. His love for us is so immense that He turns something dreadful into something beautiful.
What has God used for good in your life? I praise Him for all that He does. As we face hard times, may we be certain that He will turn our valley into a beautiful mountain of opportunity. Praise Him dear sister, He is up to something great in your life right now.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Weekend Wrap Up
I'm in love with the cool weather that blew threw Houston on Friday. I love the chilly air and the cold nights. We opened our windows a few hours before bed to cool our house down. I don't know about you, but I sleep best when I am cold. Makes me happy just thinking about it!! :-)
My girl had a volleyball tournament on Saturday. Unfortunately, her team did not do well. It was a bummer because when they do well, the smiles on their faces are priceless. Our family received some sad news on Friday evening. It affected Emily greatly. She decided that she would play with her team regardless of her sadness. My sweet girl tried her hardest, but she couldn't hold back her tears at the game. Her coach was so sweet to her. She knew that tears are not usual for Emily and she took the time to pull her aside and talk with her. I am very grateful for the love she showed her.
We live near an air field and this weekend it hosted an air show. Our family always looks forward to the last weekend in October. We love watching the planes fly over and do really cool tricks. As were outside the Blue Angels flew over us and they were so low that I could see the pilots. It was super cool! Jorden was at the park playing a pick up game of football. He said they stopped the game to watch the Blue Angels do their thing. I love that a group of 16 year olds think the air show is neat. :-)
Unfortunately, I did not get close up pictures of the Blue Angels, but you can see them flying together in this picture.
Jorden informed us today that he wants to start a charity for soldiers. He wants to give food and clothes to them. He also wants to help them find jobs. I am super proud of him. He talked to his youth minister at church and asked him to help him. We are ready and willing to help him with anything and everything to get this up and running. If you can offer any advice or help with this, it would be greatly appreciated!!
Weekly menu:
Monday...meatball pizza casserole
Tuesday...Creamy Italian Chicken over rice
Wednesday...Baked Potato Soup
Thursday...Chick-Fil-A
Friday...Homemade Pizza
Sunday...Kings Ranch Chicken, Salad with walnuts and dried cranberries
**I will add the recipes tomorrow. It is late and my bed is calling me. I'm going to answer the call! ;-)
Have a wonderful week. Much love to everyone!!!!
My girl had a volleyball tournament on Saturday. Unfortunately, her team did not do well. It was a bummer because when they do well, the smiles on their faces are priceless. Our family received some sad news on Friday evening. It affected Emily greatly. She decided that she would play with her team regardless of her sadness. My sweet girl tried her hardest, but she couldn't hold back her tears at the game. Her coach was so sweet to her. She knew that tears are not usual for Emily and she took the time to pull her aside and talk with her. I am very grateful for the love she showed her.
We live near an air field and this weekend it hosted an air show. Our family always looks forward to the last weekend in October. We love watching the planes fly over and do really cool tricks. As were outside the Blue Angels flew over us and they were so low that I could see the pilots. It was super cool! Jorden was at the park playing a pick up game of football. He said they stopped the game to watch the Blue Angels do their thing. I love that a group of 16 year olds think the air show is neat. :-)
Unfortunately, I did not get close up pictures of the Blue Angels, but you can see them flying together in this picture.
In a couple of weeks, the volleyball season will be coming to a close. Boo, hoo!! Our family has really enjoyed watching the games and getting to know the parents of the other players. Emily has so enjoyed being a part of the team. She has gotten close with the players and has decided to try out for the basketball team. I may be bias, but she looks so cute handling a basketball! Barry is Mr. basketball and is working with her on skills. Luke, too, enjoys basketball and she is even letting him teach her a thing or two.
Jorden informed us today that he wants to start a charity for soldiers. He wants to give food and clothes to them. He also wants to help them find jobs. I am super proud of him. He talked to his youth minister at church and asked him to help him. We are ready and willing to help him with anything and everything to get this up and running. If you can offer any advice or help with this, it would be greatly appreciated!!
Weekly menu:
Monday...meatball pizza casserole
Tuesday...Creamy Italian Chicken over rice
Wednesday...Baked Potato Soup
Thursday...Chick-Fil-A
Friday...Homemade Pizza
Sunday...Kings Ranch Chicken, Salad with walnuts and dried cranberries
**I will add the recipes tomorrow. It is late and my bed is calling me. I'm going to answer the call! ;-)
Have a wonderful week. Much love to everyone!!!!
31 days of love...day 28 (God's comfort)
Someone I love is experiencing deep hurt and loss. My heart aches for this person and all I can do is wrap my arms around her and let her cry. Honestly, I feel so inadequate. I wish I could take this pain from her. It greatly hurts my heart to see her in such pain.
This verse brings me comfort and the realization that I am doing exactly what God intends for me to do. I am loving on her. By my Father's example, I am able to wrap my arms around her and let her feel the comfort of love. While this may not eliminate her pain, it does reinforce that she is not alone.
I think on the many times that I have had pain in my life. When I have reached out to God, He has loved me through it. The pain may not have instantly vanished, but His love left me feeling protected.
Do you know someone who is currently going through a valley? God models for us how to love and comfort those around us. Let's reach out to hurting people, wrap our arms around them, and drench them with the love that God so willingly shares with us.
Saturday, October 27, 2012
31 days of love...day 27 (loving those we don't like)
I have a confession to make....
There are some people I just don't like. Believe me, I have tried to like them but it's near impossible. Please tell me I am not the only one who feels this way. There are people you don't like, right??
I used to feel really guilty because God tells me to love EVERYBODY. Uuuhh, really God? Everybody?? I began to think about His commandment to love my brothers and sisters. I prayed about it and asked Him to change my heart. What He changed was my thinking. I realized it is ok if I don't like everybody. What is not ok, is if I don't love them. You see, liking someone is a feeling. Loving the way God intends is an action. I may dislike someone, but I am to be kind, generous, and godly when I am around that person (or people). I may feel like being rude, but my actions must honor Jesus.
Do you struggle with this too? Remember, God knows our hearts and our intentions. When we act upon a feeling we are forgetting the action He has called us to do....Love one another.
Friday, October 26, 2012
Faves of the week
Before I post my faves this week, I need to say that God, at times, puts people in our lives to teach us and enrich us. I am so blessed that many years ago He placed someone in our lives that did just that. This person is so extremely special to us. We will forever be blessed. As the new week begins, I will write more....
This week has been a whirlwind of activity and emotions. I am grateful that I have a family who truly loves each other and stands together in all times. Words cannot express the gratitude I have for my husband for the support he offers in good times and bad.
My faves this week are:
1. Visiting with my friend, Michelle, and holding her new sweeties. Aren't they cuties?! God blessed her with two. He is so good and generous!
This week has been a whirlwind of activity and emotions. I am grateful that I have a family who truly loves each other and stands together in all times. Words cannot express the gratitude I have for my husband for the support he offers in good times and bad.
My faves this week are:
1. Visiting with my friend, Michelle, and holding her new sweeties. Aren't they cuties?! God blessed her with two. He is so good and generous!
2. Jorden received his SAT score and he rocked it. I am so very proud of him!! He worked so hard preparing. Now on to college applications....
3. Barry and I were able to sneak two movies in this week. We love taking in a movie while the kids are in school. His work schedule allowed us to do it twice this week. We aren't sure what we love more-the popcorn or the actual movie?!
4. A cool front finally blew through Houston. The high was in the mid 60's today. We are definitely hootin' and hollerin'. I may have to pull out the electric blanket tonight....aww, just kidding!!!
5. As I have said before, I am a laundry freak! I LOVE doing laundry. I finally bought Downy Unstopables. Woo, hoo they are wonderful. My entire laundry room smells wonderful. Don't even get me started on how our clothes smell!!
May your weekend be full of many faves, but may love be at the top of your list. Remember, nothing is as sweet as a hug and kind words.
31 days of love...day 26 (Miracles)
Isaiah 29:14
Therefore I will again confound these people with wonder after wonder. The wisdom of their wise men will vanish, and the understanding of the perceptive will be hidden.
The Bible is filled with miracles. We read of the Red Sea parting and of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Some may think that He is not in the business of miracles anymore. My friend, nothing is further from the truth. He loves us with a passion that cannot be contained. Out of that love flows miracle after miracle.
My friend's grandson recently had a Berlin heart surgically attached to his little body. His heart was failing and without it he would die. Two days ago this precious child suffered a massive brain bleed. The doctors were afraid to operate for fear that he would bleed out on the table and they would lose him. However, without the surgery to drain the blood, he would surely die. My friend and I have obviously prayed for healing, but we have also been persistant in praying that those around this child would be amazed by God in such a way that they are left in pure awe of Jesus. As the doctor opened this child up, the bleed had stopped on its own and a clot the size of an adults hand had formed. It had clotted so well that the doctor did not even need to insert a drainage tube into his precious head. My friend told me that the medical staff was amazed. This was not usual at all. Medically speaking, there should have been a bleed that needed to be stopped by the doctors. On top of that, the only effect he should have is mild weakness on his right side.
As I type this, I almost can't contain myself. I am filled with such love for Jesus. He loves this child so much that He stopped that bleed from continuing and He made Himself evident for all to see. That causes my heart to beat fast and my eyes to fill with tears. As my friend told me what happened yesterday, all I could do was stare straight ahead and say, "Wow!" I was so overcome with His magnificent love that I could only sit and cry.
Miracles are all around us. One of my dear friends just had twin boys. As I held them yesterday I stared in amazement that God created these precious people. They are so tiny, yet so perfect. Friend, praise God today for the miracles He has blessed you with. Be certain that as long as you are living on this earth, you will be provided miracles. May you be left in awe of your Father.
What miracles have taken your breath away?
Thursday, October 25, 2012
31 days of love...day 25 (Living for Christ)
True love means putting aside our selfish desires and giving completely to the one we love. At times, this can be difficult, especially if we are faced with giving up something that we have come to enjoy. For instance, Luke, my 4th grader, has informed me that I am no longer able to bring him lunch. He is a third child, and, therefore, sees himself as much older than nine. I'm not ready to give up seeing him at lunch, even if it's just to hand him a Chick-Fil-A bag and tell him to enjoy. I will respect what he has asked of me, however, because I love him in a way that causes butterflies to swarm my belly when I see his cute blond head bouncing off of the bus each afternoon.
As followers of Christ, we are commanded to die to ourselves and follow Him. We are to give up things in our lives that do not honor Him. The Bible tells us that EVERYTHING we do must honor Him. As hard as it may be, we must decide what we love more, Jesus or the thing(s) we are holding onto. If we have to make excuses or justifications for things, then our hearts know it is time to let go. The way I explain it to my children is this: If Jesus were to physically walk into a room and see what was on the TV or hear the music, would you be ashamed or would you be excited to share it with Him? The same is true for all of us. Will we die to self and follow everything Christ has asked of us, or will we hang onto those things that bring us carnal pleasure?
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Thumping Thursdays Blog Hop
I am co-hosting my first ever blog hop! :-) I have teamed up with Diana over at Nanny to Mommy who is hosting the hop. I hope everyone has a great time finding wonderful new blogs to follow. Happy Thursday.
Also if you are interested in becoming a co-host, please email me at diana.n.chastain@gmail.com so I can get you set up!
Just Copy and Paste the Following!:
Rules:
1. Follow your host and co-hosts via GFC. It's just polite etiquette. We try to follow everyone who links up but please help us by commenting when you follow. Thanks!
2. Place the badge somewhere on your blog. Side bar, separate tab (like I have), or if you would like to add the linky below to your own post! It gets the word around about the linky, therefore more people link up, getting you more followers! :)
3. This is a blog hop, you have to be involved for it to work. Hop around, make some friends, comment letting them know you are a new follower from the hop, and they'll return the favor. :)
4. One more rule: Have Fun! ;)
Thanks again. Please leave feedback on what we can do to improve this blog hop to make it more fun and beneficial for everyone.
Wordless Wednesday
31 days of love...day 24 (You are beautiful) AND Inspiration Wednesday
Genesis 1:26
Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness."
Mark 12:30-31
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.
If we are truly following Christ, it is easy to say we love Him. We try and center our lives around His word. We strongly desire to hear, "Well done my good and faithful servant." We even strive to love those around us as Jesus instructed us to. If you are anything like me, you don't pay as much attention to the loving yourself part. This can be a result of many things.
1. We don't want to be prideful.
2. It may feel selfish to love ourselves.
3. We don't feel worthy of love.
As I studied these verses, I realized that loving ourselves is not prideful or selfish. We are actually instructed to love ourselves. By loving who God created us to be, we are being thankful and even showing humility. God made you and me in His image. He gave us our personality, our humor, and even our beautiful hips! It is so easy to doubt ourselves and pick apart our bodies. I am raising my hand guilty of this. We can either side with Satan or side with God. Satan wants us to doubt everything about ourselves. God wants us to love who He created. He planned every part of you and me. He is proud of who He created. Let's be purposeful and choose to appreciate His creation. May you be thrilled with who you are, hips and all!
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
31 days of love...day 23 (kindness)
John 13:34-35
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have loved one another.
James 3:13
Who is wise and understanding among you? He should show his works by good conduct with wisdom's gentleness.
Kindness begins in our hearts. It is not aggressive or self serving. Kindness flows out of love for Jesus. When we are filled with the love of Jesus, we are able to show kindness to those around us, regardless of their behaviors.
In Bible study last week, our leader discussed the importance of kindness that flows from the heart. She stated that it begins with how we treat ourselves. Are we kind and loving with ourselves, or do we cut ourselves down while placing a smile on our face? Jesus desires for our kindness to be directed at ourselves just as much as we are to direct it to those around us.
Part of our homework was to be aware of our kindness. We were instructed to make extra efforts to be kind to everyone we encountered, including ourselves. On Thursday I just happened to be outside when the garbage truck came by. I said hello to the man taking our garbage. Honestly, I wasn't even thinking of the homework. I was just saying hello. Yesterday I was walking to the bus stop to get Luke and the garbage truck passed by. The same man I had said hello to waved really big and said hello. It immediately hit me that the kindness I showed him on Thursday touched him. I wondered how often he is ignored? It actually was a bittersweet moment for me. I was so glad that he felt respected and experienced the love of Christ in my hello. However, it hurt my heart to think of all of the times he had been ignored and looked over.
As the quote at the top of this post states, "Kindness is the best accesory". Showing kindness really does share God's love. May we all put on our best accesory today and shine the love of Jesus. Wear it well my friend!
Monday, October 22, 2012
Good times!
My daughter officially thinks Barry and I are old! ;-) We hear her using words and so we try to use them back. My husband and I crack up at how out of it we are! We went out to dinner on Saturday night and my husband and I were in a goofy mood. Somehow we started throwing these words into every sentence we spoke. I was laughing so hard I had tears. Emily was laughing but kept shaking her head. We purposely, ok not always purposely, kept mispronouncing these words.
When my kids were little I thought every stage they hit was the BEST stage. I haven't outgrown that. This has to be the best stage Emily has had. I am having the time of my life watching her blossom into a teenager. :-)
Oh, and by the way, my boys are in their best stages too! These are good times we are having!!
When my kids were little I thought every stage they hit was the BEST stage. I haven't outgrown that. This has to be the best stage Emily has had. I am having the time of my life watching her blossom into a teenager. :-)
Oh, and by the way, my boys are in their best stages too! These are good times we are having!!
31 days of love...day 22 (Speaking the truth)
Recently, I had to speak the truth to one of my children. It was going to be hard to tell my child what I needed to say. In no way did I want to cause hurt. I love this person with all of my heart and would do anything to keep pain away. I struggled with how I would say what I needed to say. My gut ached as I walked up the stairs to my child's room. I prayed for Jesus to help my words not feel like daggers. I needed to speak truths, but I knew they would sting my little love.
The turmoil inside my heart boils down to love. I could choose to love myself and avoid talking to my child because I knew it would be painful to say what I needed to say. Or, I could put myself aside and think of what was best for my child. I love this person and the pain I would feel for a bit was worth the healing that the truths I needed to say would bring.
As I ponder this, I wonder how many times I have avoided truths because they were certain to cause me discomfort? I'm not speaking of selfish truths that cause a person to sting for no reason other than to build myself up. I'm referring to truths that ultimately help someone. When I look to Jesus, I see that He spoke truths each and every time. He did not sugar coat words to take out the sting. He spoke truths that were covered in love. I want every part of my life to be pleasing to Him, even when I am uncomfortable. My prayer today is that I allow Him to show me when I need to speak in love. I pray that I let the Holy Spirit give me the words and I won't rely on my sugar coated words that result in protecting myself.
The turmoil inside my heart boils down to love. I could choose to love myself and avoid talking to my child because I knew it would be painful to say what I needed to say. Or, I could put myself aside and think of what was best for my child. I love this person and the pain I would feel for a bit was worth the healing that the truths I needed to say would bring.
As I ponder this, I wonder how many times I have avoided truths because they were certain to cause me discomfort? I'm not speaking of selfish truths that cause a person to sting for no reason other than to build myself up. I'm referring to truths that ultimately help someone. When I look to Jesus, I see that He spoke truths each and every time. He did not sugar coat words to take out the sting. He spoke truths that were covered in love. I want every part of my life to be pleasing to Him, even when I am uncomfortable. My prayer today is that I allow Him to show me when I need to speak in love. I pray that I let the Holy Spirit give me the words and I won't rely on my sugar coated words that result in protecting myself.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Weekend happenings
I love beautiful weekends when all is well. The weather certainly isn't what most would consider fall, but the mid 80's were perfect for a lot of outdoor play.
Barry bought an awesome disc for our family. If thrown well, it will make it more than halfway down our long street. It is so fun to watch it fly. The kids giggle with excitement at the distance each can throw it. Well, Emily was certain hers would make it the farthest. It made it the farthest up the tree! It got stuck so high in our neighbor's tree. Luke was determined to get it out with a green kickball. We tried for a good while and it didn't even budge. Thankfully, Barry got home and was able to knock it out. Our hero!!
Jorden didn't have to work on Saturday and we were SO happy to have him hang out with us! They all get along so well. They really enjoyed being together....as the pictures clearly show. It does a mama's heart good to see her kids loving each other. I often tell them that even when they are adults, they are to remain close. It is very important that they respect each other and each other's spouses at all times. I just love these people that are mine!! :-)
Luke is a master of his scooter. He flies down the driveway and up the neighbor's. I love watching him get a kick out of scaring me. Often I pretend that his dare devil moves freak me out. Honestly, there are times they really do!! He thinks it's hilarious to watch me squirm. Boys!!
LOOK!!! Birds really do fly south for the winter. They have been all over our house lately. I love hearing them sing each morning. It sounds so beautiful as the sun is coming up. Their good morning songs thrill my heart. I am a nature lover....but I require great amenities! I will hang out in nature all day, but come nighttime, I need a clean shower, soft bed, and a porcelain toilet that is CLEAN. :-)
I hope everyone's weekend was blessed with great times that lead to fond memories. Times with family are so precious. Nothing is as important as being together. Walking away from my iPad can be difficult at times, but my family's laughter is sweeter than anything I can read or accomplish in that sitting. I wish I could bottle up these times so when they are grown and living next door (Just kidding....not really, but don't tell them!!) I can open the jar and feel this joy over and over again.
Weekly menu: As always, the recipes are listed in the tab above.
Monday...Pioneer Woman's Chicken Spaghetti, salad
Tuesday...Black Bean and Quinoa Enchiladas, Guacamole and baked chips
Wednesday...BBQ in the crockpot, baked potatoes, baked beans
Thursday...Chick-Fil-A
Friday...Fish Tacos, Killer Quinoa Salad
Sunday...Roasted Chicken Noodle Soup
Have a wonderful week doing what God has called all of us to do....love, and love well. xoxo
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