On a hot day, I truly hate turning on my stove for anything. So cooking dinner is a little daunting because I know it will add ten degrees to my house. Unfortunately being too hot truly annoys me. So on Monday night I was cooking dinner, my hubby and boys were building a train in the living room. All of a sudden my tired 20 month old love bug is pulling on my leg for me to hold him. I tell him "no baby mama's busy right now." Then James calls Noah back to the excitement in the living room. But instead of complying and making my life a little easier, he stands his ground and continues to pester me until I have to place him back into the living room. Frustrated with the heat, and my child I, let him throw his temper tantrum and go about cooking dinner. What is wrong with this picture?
My son was doing nothing wrong, he just wanted his mommy. Why is it we so readily get annoyed with our children when all they want to do is love on us? God has put this incident on my heart all week.
I remember being a young mom ,holding my first born little boy ,listening to the advice of everyone around me. Most people, even strangers told me to cherish the time I had with him, because it goes by in the blink of an eye. I laughed at them, literally, thinking no way. Oh boy I was so wrong. I have a four year old and a 20 month old. Where did four years go with my bouncing baby? Where did the past 20 months go with my youngest? I haven't cherished enough, I haven't had enough time with them and yet they grow up so fast. My nephew is now officially a kindergartner... Where is the time going? Some days I look at my little Noah so proud because he is learning phrases and talking but my heart is aching because soon his cute little words will evolve into speech. My little man is growing up. Or I look at Logan and his endless imagination, remembering the past four year and how much he has grown and changed. My heart hurts for the loss of time we get with our kids. This life is so so so short. Sometimes, most times, it is so easy to forget the importance of one day at a time.Tomorrow will be different. We as people take so much for granted. The air we breathe, the life we live, the heart that beats, the little moments of annoyance for our children who just want to snuggle.
The phrase it could all be gone tomorrow is so true. They could be gone tomorrow.
One day, very soon, the wanting of mommy or the random I need you moments, will be gone. Our kids are a blessing from God. They are not ours to keep. The belong to Him, our Savior. He graciously gives us these little lives, to nurture in the the Truth. We only get them for a short span of time, and in that short span they grow and change in a blink of an eye. So look at the moments of chaos with joy instead of annoyance. Look at the entire box of cheerios thrown everywhere as a moment to laugh with your kids. Or burn dinner just to love on that child who so desperately wants a hug. Dinner or things can wait. Our kids can't. In 5 years I will be looking back and wanting the moment back in the kitchen when I could have just snuggled my baby. Actually I wish I had it back now. But we will look back on our lives in times to come, and long for the imperfect moments.
Take everyday as a new day. Every little incident or challenge with our kids as a growth opportunity in love. Our kids just want our love and attention. In retrospect, that not asking for much.
Father God,
Forgive me, for not cherishing the moments you give me with my family. Thank you for them and all they bring me. The joys, the tears, the sorrow and truimph. Thank you for blessing me with an amazing husband and daddy and two amazing boys. Thank you for letting me have them on this earth for this short time. Help me , guide me daily through the struggles and challenges of that day. And teach me to be grateful for the the precious little moments. Thank you for cherishing me and them. I love you Jesus! Above all else I love you and cherish you!
Thank you Lord,
Amen
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Monday, August 9, 2010
Faith like a child
-Faith like a child-
( One of my most memorable moments)
Let me paint the picture. It's the beginning of summer, surrounded by the hum of family voices, the smell of meat cooking on the barbecue, wood smoke billowing from the fire-pit, laughter in the wind from my children. The sun is shining, and peace is resting upon me. Until I hear a scream and crying. The beautiful picture is shattered and I jump to see my 4 year old rushing to me , my heart is violently jumping in my chest with the mommy panic that seems to squeeze so hard it hurts. I glance over in the direction of where he was coming from, the fire-pit. My stomach sinks, and then anger sets in when the 5 adults sitting over yell across the field at me, he just burned his hand. I rush to my son who is sobbing holding his burned hand and my mind is racing.."Oh Lord what do I do. " I expect to hear my son cry for me to make it better. To make it stop hurting, but once he is safely in my arms all is hear him wail is ... " I need my God!!! " . I stood there astounded. My son, who is hurt doesn't need his mommy to make it better. He needs his God.
He cried over and over "I need my God." I quickly picked up my son, brought him into the house, placed his hand in a cool bowl of vinegar and looked at him and said " Okay baby, let's pray." We prayed for healing, for comfort, for ease of the child's heart. " My family then rushes in to tell me he had touched a cast iron skillet sitting on the edge of the fire. I prayed the anger I felt towards these adults would vanish. I looked down at my sons hand and saw the line of burnt flesh, and the blisters. I then told him, " Logan let's go walk and pray." We walked alone into the adjoining pasture. The sun was beautifully shining from behind the clouds. We sat in the tall green grass, he climbed in my lap and we prayed. I am not sure how long we sat there. But my sons patience was endless while he waited for his healing. No doubt. No questioning. Just waiting. I held Logan's burnt hand in mine and just prayed for healing so miraculous it would astound those unbelievers by the fire. But I also prayed the Lord would answer my sons prayer, fearing if He didn't it would shatter my son. My doubt and fear had crept in. After a time, I just sat there in the field holding my baby, my head comfortably resting on his hair. I could feel us being touched by God. Logan then looked up from his hand and said " Look!!! I am healed!!! God healed me Mama!! " Again I was astounded. The Lord had heard the cry of his child. But not only that, my sons faith was so strong the miraculous happened. God leaned down, not only touching my son, but touching my heart. I was the one doubting and fearing and in that moment my doubt and fear disappeared.
My son and I rejoiced saying how great our God is.. We immediately ran back to the party. Logan proudly declared that God had healed him. His faith for God poured out of him. His hand held no mark or blister. He was healed.
God tells us to have faith like a child Matthew Chapter 18:3-4. My sons faith in the Lord is my living astonishment. When my faith wanes, Logan's restores. This is one of my most memorable moments because it taught me in an instant, that God listens. He loves us. He heals. He comforts. He brings joy. He touches. He holds. He takes away fear and doubt. Our God is so great!
( One of my most memorable moments)
Let me paint the picture. It's the beginning of summer, surrounded by the hum of family voices, the smell of meat cooking on the barbecue, wood smoke billowing from the fire-pit, laughter in the wind from my children. The sun is shining, and peace is resting upon me. Until I hear a scream and crying. The beautiful picture is shattered and I jump to see my 4 year old rushing to me , my heart is violently jumping in my chest with the mommy panic that seems to squeeze so hard it hurts. I glance over in the direction of where he was coming from, the fire-pit. My stomach sinks, and then anger sets in when the 5 adults sitting over yell across the field at me, he just burned his hand. I rush to my son who is sobbing holding his burned hand and my mind is racing.."Oh Lord what do I do. " I expect to hear my son cry for me to make it better. To make it stop hurting, but once he is safely in my arms all is hear him wail is ... " I need my God!!! " . I stood there astounded. My son, who is hurt doesn't need his mommy to make it better. He needs his God.
He cried over and over "I need my God." I quickly picked up my son, brought him into the house, placed his hand in a cool bowl of vinegar and looked at him and said " Okay baby, let's pray." We prayed for healing, for comfort, for ease of the child's heart. " My family then rushes in to tell me he had touched a cast iron skillet sitting on the edge of the fire. I prayed the anger I felt towards these adults would vanish. I looked down at my sons hand and saw the line of burnt flesh, and the blisters. I then told him, " Logan let's go walk and pray." We walked alone into the adjoining pasture. The sun was beautifully shining from behind the clouds. We sat in the tall green grass, he climbed in my lap and we prayed. I am not sure how long we sat there. But my sons patience was endless while he waited for his healing. No doubt. No questioning. Just waiting. I held Logan's burnt hand in mine and just prayed for healing so miraculous it would astound those unbelievers by the fire. But I also prayed the Lord would answer my sons prayer, fearing if He didn't it would shatter my son. My doubt and fear had crept in. After a time, I just sat there in the field holding my baby, my head comfortably resting on his hair. I could feel us being touched by God. Logan then looked up from his hand and said " Look!!! I am healed!!! God healed me Mama!! " Again I was astounded. The Lord had heard the cry of his child. But not only that, my sons faith was so strong the miraculous happened. God leaned down, not only touching my son, but touching my heart. I was the one doubting and fearing and in that moment my doubt and fear disappeared.
My son and I rejoiced saying how great our God is.. We immediately ran back to the party. Logan proudly declared that God had healed him. His faith for God poured out of him. His hand held no mark or blister. He was healed.
God tells us to have faith like a child Matthew Chapter 18:3-4. My sons faith in the Lord is my living astonishment. When my faith wanes, Logan's restores. This is one of my most memorable moments because it taught me in an instant, that God listens. He loves us. He heals. He comforts. He brings joy. He touches. He holds. He takes away fear and doubt. Our God is so great!
Woes and Trials = Peace
I can honestly say, I hate money. I hate it's greed, and frustration. It's claws that sink so far into us we lose perspective. I hate our dependence on it and truly wish we still lived in the 1800's when bartering was the way of life. ( My favorite era btw)
But we don't. We live in a fast pace, money hungry society. Where everything costs something. But that's okay. Money is just a way of life. Today I felt like from every angle, A money issue was thrown at me trying to cloud the beauty of the day that God created. What's amazing is, I felt immediately the stress and worry and the how am I going to's, start to rise up. I forced the fear down. You see I serve an amazing God. So powerful, and Almighty. You know nothing surprises God... Not the bills or late rent payment, or the medical issues or anything. Nothing surprises God. Because He knows us. He knew us before we were in existenece. Powerful right?
Psalm 139 explains that God knit us together in our Mother's womb. He pieced all of us so beautifully together. Nothing we do or will do or have done can surprise our Creator. For he saw it before we were here. The beauty of these financial woes is this: I sought God over fear... I felt Truimph over the enemy. I look at what faces me, 2 new bills that have to be added into a extremely tight budget. Normally I would be terrified.
I was pondering these bills wondering and I heard God say " WHO am I?" " God" I answered. "Will I not take care of those how belong to me?" He asked . You see God loves me. He loves you. He won't let me fall. Life happens. It's just the way it is. We can not let our circumstance or fear of unknowns cling to us. Wasn't it God who rained down manna from heaven for the Israelites when they wandered in the wilderness for 40 year? He was faithful and new every morning. Why wouldn't He be for me?
God is always there. He knows our problems. Our trials and pain. But the greatest thing we can do is give these issues to Him. Let Him have the control. Let Him deal with it. He is the great provider.
"Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
Circumstance can not be a ruler of our life. GOD is our ruler, his WORD holds us. Life is diffucult. It wasn't meant to be easy. The phrase " Easy Street" Does not exist. He warns us the road to salvation is narrow and difficult. But because we have Jesus the burden is light. So whatever is burdening you, I ask and pray you hand to Jesus. HE is our GOD! The One and ONLY Savior. He is magnificent. And wonderous. And all loving. He wants us to seek Him not only when things are hard and dark and scary. But also when things are going great.
Father. My God. My love. My Savior.
Thank you for showing me you are Almighty. For pressing to me. Holding me and comforting me. You're peace is my santuary. I love you Jesus. And I know without a doubt you will provide and help me along this narrow wonderfully trial filled journey to your Gates. To Your throne. I long for you Jesus. I long for Your coming. Thank you for hearing my worry and answering it so beautifully. You will take care of me because you love me.
Amen
But we don't. We live in a fast pace, money hungry society. Where everything costs something. But that's okay. Money is just a way of life. Today I felt like from every angle, A money issue was thrown at me trying to cloud the beauty of the day that God created. What's amazing is, I felt immediately the stress and worry and the how am I going to's, start to rise up. I forced the fear down. You see I serve an amazing God. So powerful, and Almighty. You know nothing surprises God... Not the bills or late rent payment, or the medical issues or anything. Nothing surprises God. Because He knows us. He knew us before we were in existenece. Powerful right?
Psalm 139 explains that God knit us together in our Mother's womb. He pieced all of us so beautifully together. Nothing we do or will do or have done can surprise our Creator. For he saw it before we were here. The beauty of these financial woes is this: I sought God over fear... I felt Truimph over the enemy. I look at what faces me, 2 new bills that have to be added into a extremely tight budget. Normally I would be terrified.
I was pondering these bills wondering and I heard God say " WHO am I?" " God" I answered. "Will I not take care of those how belong to me?" He asked . You see God loves me. He loves you. He won't let me fall. Life happens. It's just the way it is. We can not let our circumstance or fear of unknowns cling to us. Wasn't it God who rained down manna from heaven for the Israelites when they wandered in the wilderness for 40 year? He was faithful and new every morning. Why wouldn't He be for me?
God is always there. He knows our problems. Our trials and pain. But the greatest thing we can do is give these issues to Him. Let Him have the control. Let Him deal with it. He is the great provider.
"Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
Circumstance can not be a ruler of our life. GOD is our ruler, his WORD holds us. Life is diffucult. It wasn't meant to be easy. The phrase " Easy Street" Does not exist. He warns us the road to salvation is narrow and difficult. But because we have Jesus the burden is light. So whatever is burdening you, I ask and pray you hand to Jesus. HE is our GOD! The One and ONLY Savior. He is magnificent. And wonderous. And all loving. He wants us to seek Him not only when things are hard and dark and scary. But also when things are going great.
Father. My God. My love. My Savior.
Thank you for showing me you are Almighty. For pressing to me. Holding me and comforting me. You're peace is my santuary. I love you Jesus. And I know without a doubt you will provide and help me along this narrow wonderfully trial filled journey to your Gates. To Your throne. I long for you Jesus. I long for Your coming. Thank you for hearing my worry and answering it so beautifully. You will take care of me because you love me.
Amen
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