Roller coasters. Mountains. Valleys. Storms brewing. Storms raging. Storms passing. No matter what metaphor we use to describe our lives, every day requires steadfast faith.
I can't really "preach" about faith. Mine waxes and wanes like the moon (if the moon waxed and waned in a day instead of a month.) God has been growing my faith recently, though. Hopefully, I will remember these lessons and not hide in a cave like Elijah the next time a change in the norm threatens my sense of security.
I love how God speaks to me through His word and through others. When I need it most, the Scriptures I read speak to me. Lately, the Psalms I've read speak to my heart about God's faithfulness. And, in His infinite wisdom and omnipotence, whenever I needed encouragement the most, the Psalm I read on that particular day spoke most clearly. Kind of freaky weird if I really think about it. How did He do that? How did he know that I would read that Psalm on that day? Of course, if I could figure out God, He wouldn't be God.
Anyway, I digress...
The last few days I've worried, felt anxious. Not knowing where we would live by the middle of June was really messing with me. I combed the ads trying to find viable, short-term leasing options. What a colossal waste of time! (Lots of crooks post on Craigslist, by the way.) In the end, I didn't have to worry at all or spend my time trying to solve the problem. We had a need. God provided the answer. Duh. Of course, He would. That's what God does. Of course, the Lord of the whole universe would know exactly when and what I needed. And so, the buyer of our house is letting us stay through July.
My sweet, oldest son worries, too. He is so much like his mama. Poor kid. Anyway, I've been thinking about how to encourage and help him. How do I get him to recognize that he doesn't have to worry? Then, in God's infinite wisdom and omnipotence, BAM!...my daily devotional is about teaching children to have faith. (Check it out here: http://www.proverbs31.org/devotions/). What a very timely lesson for me!
What I'm trying to communicate in all these ramblings is that every day requires faith. When I don't have enough of my own, God supplies what I need. He is faithful. He delivers on his promises to meet our needs (and not just food, clothing and shelter). God knows we are fragile, that we came from dust, and we are not yet in the perfect form He designed for us. When Elijah hid in the cave, God nurtured Him, reminded Him, encouraged Him...gently, lovingly. When we seek God with our whole hearts we find Him. He knows we need Him in our journey of faith and He provides.
Wednesday, May 2
Tuesday, April 24
Frantic
I'm not sure how to capture my feelings in a single word appropriate for a title. Overwhelmed. Excited. Anxious. Surreal. Frantic. Yeah, that just about sums it up.
For years, my husband and I have talked about selling this house. We outgrew it nearly 8 years ago when our third child was born and busted the seams when we added a fourth. We made it work though and staying in this house has added blessings upon blessings to raising our kids. (I'll save some of those reflections for a later post.)
Now, we are in our "option" period. Don't ask me to explain it; all I know is the inspector comes on Thursday. We expect to close by May 3.
Excited.
We have to find a house.
Nervous.
We have to find a house, close and move by June 10.
Frantic.
Found a house that we love, but are the backup offer.
Anxious.
We sold our house in less than a week.
Surreal.
These thoughts swirl through my head in an endless track loop. I love and adore my husband. He is so calm and trusting. He fully expects, believes, trusts that we will find the most amazing house that meets our needs and our budget. Me?
Frantic, still.
I keep praying and thankfully, have wonderful, peace-filled moments when I realize and accept God is totally in control and taking care of the whole thing. I read Psalm 89 this morning and the resounding message in that chapter is "He is faithful." OK.
New words...
Breathe. Pray. Trust.
I'll start with the breathing part. Lately, I seem to be holding my breath a lot. :)
For years, my husband and I have talked about selling this house. We outgrew it nearly 8 years ago when our third child was born and busted the seams when we added a fourth. We made it work though and staying in this house has added blessings upon blessings to raising our kids. (I'll save some of those reflections for a later post.)
Now, we are in our "option" period. Don't ask me to explain it; all I know is the inspector comes on Thursday. We expect to close by May 3.
Excited.
We have to find a house.
Nervous.
We have to find a house, close and move by June 10.
Frantic.
Found a house that we love, but are the backup offer.
Anxious.
We sold our house in less than a week.
Surreal.
These thoughts swirl through my head in an endless track loop. I love and adore my husband. He is so calm and trusting. He fully expects, believes, trusts that we will find the most amazing house that meets our needs and our budget. Me?
Frantic, still.
I keep praying and thankfully, have wonderful, peace-filled moments when I realize and accept God is totally in control and taking care of the whole thing. I read Psalm 89 this morning and the resounding message in that chapter is "He is faithful." OK.
New words...
Breathe. Pray. Trust.
I'll start with the breathing part. Lately, I seem to be holding my breath a lot. :)
Saturday, February 25
Growing Up
My oldest son had his birthday party last night. He opted for a sleepover again this year.
Around 5 pm, his friends started to arrive. Video games began, but we convinced the crew to go outside while they had some daylight and decent weather. We ordered a couple of pizzas and I made two more for variety and healthier options. (Mine were made on a thin whole wheat crust piled with veggies and just a smattering of cheese.)
After dinner, the boys launched into a boxing tournament on the Kinect. They had a blast. We had brackets and paired them against each other until a victor emerged. They were hot and sweaty and ready for ice cream cake.
The rest of the evening progressed as any sleepover does; more games, a couple of movies and talking until they were too tired to stay awake. The chatter ended at about 11:15.
This year I suggested to my son that we ask his guests not to bring gifts. He willingly consented. He knew he would get what he really wanted from his family and recognized that he's abundantly blessed already. I let the parents know that we only wanted their kids' "presence" at this party. I learned later this simple request was much appreciated.
What really touches my heart as I watch my sweet boy, now 11 years old and just a scant 8 inches shorter than me, grow up is that he isn't just growing taller or older. My dear child is growing in maturity, spiritually and emotionally.
Thank you, Lord, for my son who grows in "wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men." Thank you for answering my prayers and helping him grow up a little bit more according to your plan.
Around 5 pm, his friends started to arrive. Video games began, but we convinced the crew to go outside while they had some daylight and decent weather. We ordered a couple of pizzas and I made two more for variety and healthier options. (Mine were made on a thin whole wheat crust piled with veggies and just a smattering of cheese.)
After dinner, the boys launched into a boxing tournament on the Kinect. They had a blast. We had brackets and paired them against each other until a victor emerged. They were hot and sweaty and ready for ice cream cake.
The rest of the evening progressed as any sleepover does; more games, a couple of movies and talking until they were too tired to stay awake. The chatter ended at about 11:15.
This year I suggested to my son that we ask his guests not to bring gifts. He willingly consented. He knew he would get what he really wanted from his family and recognized that he's abundantly blessed already. I let the parents know that we only wanted their kids' "presence" at this party. I learned later this simple request was much appreciated.
What really touches my heart as I watch my sweet boy, now 11 years old and just a scant 8 inches shorter than me, grow up is that he isn't just growing taller or older. My dear child is growing in maturity, spiritually and emotionally.
Thank you, Lord, for my son who grows in "wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men." Thank you for answering my prayers and helping him grow up a little bit more according to your plan.
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