We've been thinking recently that A might be ready for a toddler bed. We simultaneously found an amazing deal and a local family delivered it to our house today. YEY craigslist!
We just put A down for the night and she splendidly well. We prayed together, placed her in bed, covered her up, and walked towards the door. As I looked back, I saw this big girl laying there, covered up with her blanket, looking dearly back at us. She looked so much older! Gone are crib days forever. She's in a big girl bed. It was bittersweet.
All day long I could not wait to make the bed, introduce her to it, get excited, etc. And, the moment we took the crib down I just wanted to cry. ;-) Oh, the life of a mom. S is such a wonderful balance for me. :-)
So, here we are in the quiet of the evening with our big girl dreaming on her new bed in the next room. Sleep tight, love!
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Dust
I'm an Israelite. I’ve complained against the Lord in the heat of the desert. If it weren’t so hot and if the wind was not in my face, I would have a better perspective and be fine. Why is the desert essential to growth? Does God really allow us to walk through the desert to glorify Him?
You may recall the end of the story: the Israelites put their trust and hope in the power of the Lord and the truth of His Word. They realized that He was in control the entire time. It must have been a little embarrassing for them, humbling at the least. Isn’t the same true for us? Why did I fret? Why did I get so angry at you and others, Lord, when really, it was all for my good? Ultimately, it was all for Your glory, Lord.
God is faithful and rules sovereignly over ALL our trials; He governs and orders them. Do you believe that? Could it possibly be true? Why would He bring something so painful and difficult into our lives? So that in the end, when it is all said and done, we will fear Him and put our trust in Him. Strong words, but true. I assure you of this. God is holy and wants us to be holy and it just so happens that circumstances are one way to draw us closer to Him and holiness. And, sometimes these circumstances appear to us as too much to bear.
I once faced a very difficult situation and had to face much of it alone. Although not many people audibly heard my complaints, I can say with honesty that they existed in my heart. Tears flowed inside me. Why, Lord? Why this? Why now? What at all? It was extremely difficult to understand, let alone to aim to trust Him through it. Yet, in God's great mercy and love, He remained faithful to me when I was faithless. And, the end result continues to be something beautiful, not outward, but deep and lasting within.
I’ve seen fruit of the trial. I’ve seen His goodness, and even if I never see the ultimate answers to some questions, I trust Him. And, I saw it again tonight. How kind of Him to show me through a friend that He continues to use what I saw as darkness to bring light to others. HE uses the trial, which He brought into my life, so He might be glorified and others might grow in holiness.
Our God has a history that is worth studying. He has a way in which He cares for His people, and He is committed to continue to declare His fame both on His own, and through our lives. How blessed we are to be a part of that!
So, the sand, the heat, the wind and dust are okay, as long as I know He governs it all.
You may recall the end of the story: the Israelites put their trust and hope in the power of the Lord and the truth of His Word. They realized that He was in control the entire time. It must have been a little embarrassing for them, humbling at the least. Isn’t the same true for us? Why did I fret? Why did I get so angry at you and others, Lord, when really, it was all for my good? Ultimately, it was all for Your glory, Lord.
God is faithful and rules sovereignly over ALL our trials; He governs and orders them. Do you believe that? Could it possibly be true? Why would He bring something so painful and difficult into our lives? So that in the end, when it is all said and done, we will fear Him and put our trust in Him. Strong words, but true. I assure you of this. God is holy and wants us to be holy and it just so happens that circumstances are one way to draw us closer to Him and holiness. And, sometimes these circumstances appear to us as too much to bear.
I once faced a very difficult situation and had to face much of it alone. Although not many people audibly heard my complaints, I can say with honesty that they existed in my heart. Tears flowed inside me. Why, Lord? Why this? Why now? What at all? It was extremely difficult to understand, let alone to aim to trust Him through it. Yet, in God's great mercy and love, He remained faithful to me when I was faithless. And, the end result continues to be something beautiful, not outward, but deep and lasting within.
I’ve seen fruit of the trial. I’ve seen His goodness, and even if I never see the ultimate answers to some questions, I trust Him. And, I saw it again tonight. How kind of Him to show me through a friend that He continues to use what I saw as darkness to bring light to others. HE uses the trial, which He brought into my life, so He might be glorified and others might grow in holiness.
Our God has a history that is worth studying. He has a way in which He cares for His people, and He is committed to continue to declare His fame both on His own, and through our lives. How blessed we are to be a part of that!
So, the sand, the heat, the wind and dust are okay, as long as I know He governs it all.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Weekend Away
We're getting ready to meet up with my roommates from college and their families for the weekend. We've all rented cabins at a campground. I am so looking forward to it! We're the kind of friends that just pick up where we left off, so it always goes smoothly when we're together.
It will be especially nice for all of our kids to get to know each other better. We're hoping this is something we can continue each year.
So, I'm off to pack, pray, and trusting the Lord for a great time of catching up, sharing, and growing together. :-)
It will be especially nice for all of our kids to get to know each other better. We're hoping this is something we can continue each year.
So, I'm off to pack, pray, and trusting the Lord for a great time of catching up, sharing, and growing together. :-)
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Sunday Morning
My heart was overflowing with gratitude this morning at church. I am thankful to be in a place where truth is preached unashamedly, and hearts are impacted by the Word of God.
As I looked around the sanctuary, it seemed that everywhere I turned, I knew personally of those around me. We’ve shared in Bible Study together, in prayer, over dinner, or in the lobby. We’ve gotten to know each others’ names and stories. We’ve encouraged one another in our spiritual growth.
I’ve met godly women who walk in truth and desire the same for others. I’ve seen them live out the word of God unashamedly, yet gently and graciously. I’ve shared tears with those struggling, and joy with those rejoicing.
Most importantly, the Word of God is shared boldly and accurately. I’m thankful for a Pastor that truly loves his flock and shepherds us. And, he's not afraid to share the things that could be offensive to the world around us because it's what God wants us to know in His Word.
I am thankful for people being willing to share their weaknesses and personal struggles, and that I in-turn can be transparent and expose areas of sin in my own life. I’m thankful that Adah will grow up among such a wonderful spiritual family.
S and I have seen what the church can be, and we are so thankful to be here.
As I looked around the sanctuary, it seemed that everywhere I turned, I knew personally of those around me. We’ve shared in Bible Study together, in prayer, over dinner, or in the lobby. We’ve gotten to know each others’ names and stories. We’ve encouraged one another in our spiritual growth.
I’ve met godly women who walk in truth and desire the same for others. I’ve seen them live out the word of God unashamedly, yet gently and graciously. I’ve shared tears with those struggling, and joy with those rejoicing.
Most importantly, the Word of God is shared boldly and accurately. I’m thankful for a Pastor that truly loves his flock and shepherds us. And, he's not afraid to share the things that could be offensive to the world around us because it's what God wants us to know in His Word.
I am thankful for people being willing to share their weaknesses and personal struggles, and that I in-turn can be transparent and expose areas of sin in my own life. I’m thankful that Adah will grow up among such a wonderful spiritual family.
S and I have seen what the church can be, and we are so thankful to be here.
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