You can not have a life giving home unless you first imagine it
What are the needs of my middle school child?
What are the needs of my high school child?
What are the needs of my tired, stressed, principal husband?
What comforts each one of them?
Proverbs 14:1 says Every wise woman builds her house, but the foolish one tears it down with her own hands.
That verse shows me that I have so much power with in - and so much choice. I can choose to build a family, a life, a legacy that is life giving or I can tear it down with critical words.
The three things I believe I can do are:
Plan for a home of life
Work for a home of life
Design a home of life
Loving my children in a way that builds healthy relationships is crucial.
I've had a lot of time in my house since March - not just physically IN my house but also within my house. I've found that the most successful days are the ones that I choose to remember how I want to build it, and to stay focused on the good, not the bad. I know that I set the tone for joy, for learning, for peace.
My home, if it is to be life giving needs to be thankful, prayerful, cozy, nourishing in both meals and in words, playful, and peaceful.
In order for me to be that to all three of the people I cherish, I need to spend time every day with the Lord. I need to read the Psalms and take note of every promise of God. I need to read the gospel of Matthew or John to see that Jesus wants to teach me. I need to read Philippians to note all the ways Paul tells me to follow in a life giving home. Seeking God is my daily treasure. I love the quiet- the house all to myself - the steaming cup of strong tea -
It is there that I find the ideas, the strength, the place I can build my house.
I've been thinking about an email that we got this week regarding returning to school amid Covid19. There is so much work to do and everything must go. Every book, every bookcase, every small group table. A blank room so that the 23 desks can be as far apart as possible. It's the kind of email that is so stressful, so questioning, so many emotions. Scott and I will be going in on the weekend to start working. Amid the stress of trying to get my mind around all of it there is also sadness for what is being packed away, what won't be happening, and of course the unknown.
I shared my feelings with my girls when we were having our lunch today and Anna ran upstairs to get her Bible notebook. She felt led today to write down a verse that spoke to her heart.
Romans 11:36
For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. {For all things originate with Him and come from Him; all things live through Him, and all things center in and tend to consummate and to end in Him}. To Him be glory forever! Amen.
She explained that she wanted to be mindful of doing everything for God. And that it is in the M O M E N T that we loose sight of why we are doing something that we are really alone.
We choose to be alone when we choose to see each situation without God.
We choose to be alone when we choose to work at things without God.
We choose to be alone when we choose to forget why God has us in a situation and what He can bring to His glory through the situation.
We choose to be alone when we choose to get all wrapped up in what we have to do and not what God has for us to do.
Anna's wisdom touched my heart.
Abigail added in such childlike wonder: If we are choosing not to do all things through Him and in Him then we are ultimately choosing to do things with the enemy.
John 10:10 The thief only comes to kill, steal, and destroy; I have come that they might have life and have it to the full.
The thief comes to kill, steal, and destroy our moments.
I want to do each moment in the life God has for me and in Him peace.
And I am so grateful for my Spirit filled daughters for sharing their love for Him.
Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance, and above all that you guard for out of it flows the springs of life.
When this summer first started and I knew just how different it would be I felt a bit mixed up trying to figure it out and make it work for my daughters. I don't like change and how I long for a trip that we go on to be all mushed up for a week - a week of exploring, a week on our own, a week in God's beauty, a week discovering, even a week with difficulties because we bring those along wherever we go. Anna doesn't leave home without sensory integration disorder and Abigail doesn't leave home without food allergies. But it's still worth it.
I knew deep down that God had a perfect plan for beautiful days this summer - I just didn't know what they were yet. And I like a plan. This summer wasn't following our regular pattern. I wanted a new pattern and I just couldn't get my head around it.
When I read this verse I quickly felt in my heart that this would be the verse that I would concentrate on this summer. I wasn't just to "guard my heart". But I was to guard my heart with all vigilance.
Vigilance is "the state of keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties". This meant that I was to guard my heart by keeping a careful watch. What careful watch?
A careful watch from feeling anxiety because a heart filled with anxiety would not be able to hear God's sweet voice in my heart and He would not be able to lead me into beautiful summer days.
That verse goes on to say that not only do I have to guard my heart with all vigilance but also that it needs to be "above all that I guard."
We "guard" so many things in our lives. We guard our time. We guard our money. We guard our processions. We guard our dignity, our honor, our work - but God says above all that we guard, we need to guard our hearts.
I quickly knew that I wasn't at all guarding my heart. Certainly not with any vigilance and not "above all". I was guarding my fears. I was guarding uncertainty. I was guarding my anxiety about the summer.
Another verse from that same proverb that spoke to my heart: Proverbs 4:25 Let your eyes look right on with fixed purpose, and let your gaze be right before you.
Such a simple direction, really.
As I guard my heart from selfishness and uncertainty I need to keep my eyes looking straight ahead.
Straight ahead to the day before me. Not straight ahead with trying to figure out 'how to do' this summer.
And as I guard my heart from uncertainty and anxiety I need to let my eyes look right on with "fixed purpose."
My fixed purpose this summer is raising my daughters. God has filled me with so many ideas - areas to teach them - how to enjoy them. I've always used summer for a the purpose of teaching, mentoring, loving on my daughters - all with being very intentional. This summer I just get more or that. They are my fixed purpose and I need to keep my eyes right on them with my gaze right before me.
My gaze at the beginning of the summer was all around - eyes darting here and there - feelings up and down. This caused so much confusion and more anxiety.
When I began to meditate on these verses I felt the need for control lifting off.
All of a sudden summer days seemed simple.
And here is the promise that comes from that:
Proverbs 4:4 Let your heart hold fast to my words; keep my commandments and live. Get skillful and Godly wisdom, get understanding.
When I "hold fast to my words" (when I really lean in to what God is leading me to) I will get skillful and Godly wisdom and understanding.
I will know how to structure our days. I will know what to do with my daughters. I will be given ideas for fun and ways to grow even closer with my girls. I will understand and speak to their hearts. Each day will be a precious gift in mothering.
Loveliness.
And finally:
Proverbs 4:12 When you walk your steps will not be hampered, your path will be clear and open, and when you run you will not stumble.
I grabbed on to that promise too and loved it so. I think on that promise and declare it for my life each morning. MY steps will not be hampered. MY path will be clear and open (the path for my summer days). When I run (with the summer) I will not stumble.
I took that to mean that God will not allow our summer days days to be wasted. Above all He will use them for His purpose and I know that His purpose, through me this summer is mothering.
I am surrounded by books that inspire me - devotionals are in little piles all over my 'morning quiet time' desk. They are all so helpful and I wouldn't want to do this life without them - they are written by great teachers of theology - great teachers of the Bible - some are very practical - some are deep and cause me to think - all are treasures.
But above all is my plain notebook, plain pen, and my own Bible. I've loved the silver lining of having a bit more time in my morning quiet times - time in prayer and time in the Word of God. Today I was reading Proverbs 14.
It's is beautifully rich with wisdom - this verse spoke to my heart this morning.
Proverbs 14:30 A calm and undisturbed mind and heart are the life and health of the body.
Just that half of a verse spoke to me so much today.
In my prayer time I felt certain that a calm an undisturbed mind and heart is not jumping to conclusions - conclusions about what others are thinking - not jumping to conclusions about my own faults and failings - not jumping to conclusions on how it all should work out
It is staying in God's Grace as each moment unfolds -
It is doing right in that moment what God would have me to do -
It is not being quick to anger -
It is keeping negative emotions far from me -
And when I have a calm and undisturbed mind and heart I know that the Holy Spirit can work through me in each moment God has for me. In each moment of mothering. In each moment of being a wife. In each moment of doing all I need to in this home. In each moment of planning and teaching. In each moment. And when the Holy Spirit is working through me I can have what the Bible calls an ease to do all of those things because He has anointed me to be the things He has called me to.
And this verse has helped me so much today:
Proverbs 14:8 The wisdom (Godly wisdom, which is comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God) of the prudent is to understand His way.
I have a dictionary (yes a paper, big, heavy dictionary) in a basket next to my Bible desk. Today I looked up prudent. It is defined as exercising sound judgement in practical matters. Managing carefully.
It is sound judgement in the gifts God has given me: time, energy, strength, health, thoughts, words.
Jesus doesn't want us to waste - He wants us to be good managers of everything God has given us.
I love a verse leads me to prayer. Today I've asked God to reveal when I'm being wasteful. And then I listen my that still small voice in my heart and make changes accordingly. Sometimes I go about my day thinking something is a total waste of time. And then I make prudent changes and improve the quality of my life.
Comparing myself to others is not 'managing carefully' It is not being a prudent steward of the day God has given me.
It has been a spectacular summer for all things faith in our home.
Summer has been a time to unwind and really unwind our minds.
It's a lovely time to dig deep {because our minds are not cluttered} into God's Word.
And I adore that my girls love it.
This past spring I spent some time teaching Anna how I study the Bible. How I use it in my everyday life, how I keep track of what God is leading me to and teaching me.
God's Word - the Bible - my time in prayer is my everything.
Everything comes after that in prority in my life.
I am most grateful that Anna loves the Word too.
These pictures are what I often see in her bedroom -- it's so common I almost didn't take a picture. But then one day I realized that I wanted to remember the summer that she transitioned from our faith (as a family) to her own deep faith and desire to be closer to the Lord.
Girl, read your Bible. You can eat all the kale, buy all the things, lift all the weights, take all the trips, trash all that doesn't spark joy, wash your face and hustle like mad, but if you don't rest your soul in Jesus, you'll never find peace and purpose
Every single word of that I believe. You can have it all but if you don't have God, it's nothing.
It was a different kind of Good Friday for us but just as wonderful.
A few weeks ago when we were on April vacation week of no school, Abigail had the flu. So we cancelled our plans and just stayed home. It was fine, relaxing, and we got so much around the house done!
But with Friday being no school and such warm, wonderful weather, we decided to do something as a family - something fun! We went out to lunch and mini-golfing!
And we ended the evening with a cute little chicken game that was new to us and so spring-like.
I know that some days with my family are just as holy as days that are more traditional for us. This was one of them and it filled my soul up.
So thankful for my little family and the many ways God continues to remind me of His faithfulness each day.
I've always had a deep faith - always treasured my rich Catholic heritage and upbringing.
It wasn't until my college days when I met Father Bob (and the college Newman Center) that I really found my own deep personal relationship with Christ.
And it wasn't until my late twenties when I took Bible study seriously. Ever since my 20's I have always, every day, even when I'm away from home, sat in the early morning at my 'bible desk' and opened the Bible, my pen, and a plain lined notebook. In that time (sometimes short when it's a school morning) I read, and pray, and let God show me what to study.
And He always answers.
Lately, especially when this is my second go-around of 'back to the classroom' - I've been nervous about the end of April until the last day of school. Kind of 'stop me in my tracks' nervous. I've tried to push away the feelings but they creep up on me. May tends to have a really full calendar in our house. I've always been able to handle it when I was home - but now with teaching all day I feel like not having that 'home time' to regroup and prepare myself for the busy weekends and evenings has made me stressed and grouchy. Neither of which I want to be. I can teach and but teaching and running that calendar in May is my weakness. I can do my week and the 'things' that my girls do outside of school just fine. But my weakness lies in 'extra', and 'extra' evening concert thrown in there, an 'extra' rehearsal, an 'extra' school play, even an 'extra' Confirmation. I know that anything 'extra' above the normal week can send me into a tizzy of almost tears even when I rationally know how to ground myself and even enjoy it. - My best weeks are those that I teach, the teaching is goooood, I'm organized in my classroom, my lessons are planned well and prepared ahead of time and I get to come home and be their mama all afternoon and evening and those are many many days but I can't always have that and I know that the end of April through the beginning of June has not a lot of that.
6 am in my living room - I love the way the light looks at different times of the year
So this April break I poured all of this out to God in my early morning time asking Him for a way, His way to not just 'make it through' but to enjoy this spring.
And He answered. In my consistency in my early morning Bible study time He always answers.
He led me to certain verses and made them come alive in a new way in my heart -- in a way that I know was from Him.
I have pages and pages of 'poured out notes' that I'm going to type up so that I can access them anywhere {my classroom, my car, an orchestra auditorium} to remind myself.
Today I am going to sit my girls down for a little mommy and me Bible study to show them what God has been speaking to my heart this week. Because I want them to know how to access God's strength in their own weaknesses.
I'll spare you the pages and pages of notes - some Bible verses, some just practical tips He put in my heart and share with you just one verse.
(side note: I use a Catholic Bible each day but when a verse really sticks out to me and I know that God is leading me to it I'll look it up and several other translations. Some times a different wording will hit me and really make it clear to me. This is from the Amplified Bible)
2 Corinthians 12:9
But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving kindness and mercy) is enough for you (sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully); for my strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and showing them most effective in your weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ may rest (yes, many pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me!
So on those evenings or weekends when I feel like I just can't bear going out after teaching during the day to a rehearsal or event (my weakness) I know I have that the strength and power of Christ is pitching a tent over my weakness. That His power and strength will be dwelling upon me! That is so awesome! And His grace is enough because His strength and power are made PERFECT! in my weakness!
So instead of wondering if I can 'get through' I'll be resting {and enjoying this season} in His strength and power.
Don't fight with people, don't criticize your body so much, don't complain so much.
Don't lose sleep over your bills.
Look for the person that makes you happy.
If you make a mistake, let it go and keep seeking your happiness.
Never stop being a good parent.
Don't worry so much about buying luxuries and comforts for your home, and don't kill yourself trying to leave an inheritance for your family. Those benefits should be earned by each person, so don't dedicate yourself to accumulating money.
Enjoy, travel, enjoy your journeys, see new places, give yourself the pleasures you deserve.
Allow dogs to get closer.
Don't put away the fine glassware. Use the new dinnerware; don't save your favorite perfume, use it to go out with yourself; wear out your favorite sport shoes; repeat your favorite clothes.
So what? That's not that bad. Why not now? Why not pray now instead of waiting until before you sleep? Why not call now? Why not forgive now? We wait so long for Christmas; for Friday; for Reunions; for another year; for when I have money; for love to come; when everything is perfect... look...
Everything perfect doesn't exist. Human being can't accomplish this because it simply was not intended to be that way.
I'm filled up when they share their faith woven into their lives so much it spills out of them when they are talking to me.
Friday, June 23, 2017
How could one week hold so much goodness. I'm not sure.
1. last day of school
2. perfect first day of summer at the zoo and picnicking in a rose garden
3. Scott calling to tell me he's taking off the next 7 days
4. last night's concert
Today is Friday and I'm thinking that these were the most wonderful five days ever. Maybe because of the spring we had. All of the events. All the things we had to get ready for. It doesn't really matter why, I'm just grateful for them.
And the best part is that there are 10 more of these weeks. 10!!!
Last night Scott and I brought the girls to their first big concert. (outside of the hundreds of orchestra ones that they are involved in)
We've been to many Steven Curtis Chapman concerts over the past 23 years. Every time he played anywhere near New York or Boston we were there.
I was introduced to Steven Curtis Chapman as a freshman in college. (1991) when this album was out. (For the Sake of the Call, 1990).
I told the story a little bit way back here on my blog when I told you about my college friend Pam.
I was a catholic girl who was homesick at college. Homesick so much that I understand when they called it home SICK.
And the girl next door in my dorm asked me if I wanted to pray with her. We did and it changed everything. She let me borrow her CD 'For the Sake of the Call'. And I was hooked on this artist. I memorized every word he sang. And bought every single album he ever released.
And so if he sang anywhere never CT we were there. Those early concerts for us really helped to lay the foundation for our married/adult/we can't live on my parents faith anymore. And it was so so good.
When this album came out, I didn't know yet that God would lead our hearts toward adoption. But he did and I'm so grateful. A powerful time in our lives.
After Abigail came into our lives and we started to walk down the journey of EoE I can remember having one really bad test result in checking on her disease. We were so saddened. Scott sent this song to me the next day and told us all we had to we take another step and trust.
On and I could write and write about all of his songs that had an impact on my faith journey and my life. But I'd be here forever.
So last night we brought our girls to their first Steven Curtis Chapman concert. I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I mean, two little catholic girls at a christian, hands in the air praising event? I was excited.
It hard to put it all into words but amazing doesn't even come close. While his early concert days were more huge tours with huge bands, this concert was him, right in front of us. He sang songs and wove in stories throughout. He told the why he wrote the songs he did. And my girls were captivated.
They thanked me and thanked me for taking them. I am so glad I did.
He opened with this hymn and it was so beautiful to be in that room.
Let Us Pray (so glad my girls heard this song and this truth)
(yes, we were THAT close)
'When Love Takes You In' about his journey to adoption. I played this song as I read a letter in a scrapbook in 2002. Tears poured down as I listened to this song. With Scott on one side of me and Anna on the other, it felt like a complete circle. I couldn't believe I was listening to this song with Anna not little any more. This song, and all things adoption are so powerfully moving. Adoption is truly a miracle.
Another favorite moment was when he sang 'Cinderella'. Abigail climbed up in Scott's lap. I held that moment so close to me.
It was such an amazing night for our little family. A night to remember all of our blessings, all that God has moved in our life and all that He's entrusted to us.
Our faith grew. We watched our daughters faith grow, and for this night I am grateful.
I haven't done one of these posts in a loooooong time and so here I am right now thinking I might share with you one of my favorite 'go to' scripture verses from Saint Paul.
Therefore, do not become discouraged (utterly spiritless, exhausted, and wearied out through fear) Though our outer man is (progressively) decaying and wasting away, yet our inner self is being (progressively) renewed day after day.
For our light, momentary affliction (this slight distress of the passing hour) is ever more and more abundantly preparing and producing and achieving for us an everlasting weight of glory (beyond all measure, excessively surpassing all comparisons and all calculations, a vast and transcendent glory and blessedness never to cease!)
Since we consider and look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen; for the things that are visible are temporal (brief and fleeting), but the things that are invisible are everlasting.
I just love those verses, especially on days when there is that "momentary affliction" (that 'something' that is going on in my life. A problem to deal with the the girls, or a car that needs repair, Scott's ongoing back problem, or even a simple pimple I didn't want to wake up with. I can apply the wisdom from these verses to any "affliction" big or small.
I come back to these verse often, read them slowly, and let them wash over me.
I think "this too shall pass" "this can't last forever"
Even when I look back at a difficult time I've endured I can remember thinking "I can not go through this one. more. day." I can remember thinking that I've been tempted every five minutes to believe that they difficulty was going to last forever.
But then I remember that I DID make it to the other side. And that this time with this new difficultly I might be going through I will make it through again with Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13) And on that other side I can see how God turned those experiences into good for my life. (Romans 8:28)
The first one that comes to mind is waiting to be parents. I can remember what felt like EVERYONE around me pregnant. I had to 'endure' baby shower after baby shower after baby shower. And each one felt like a knife in my side. Grin and bear it, buy the gift, eat the cake, and get outta there before anyone sees you starting to cry.
But of course now I look back and KNOW that God had a plan (Jeremiah 29:11) and that I DID make it through with His strength (Philippians 4:13) and certainly God turned those experiences into good (Romans 8:28).
It's certainly difficult when you're in the middle of it. (big or really small affliction) For sure these scripture verses don't magically make the affliction wash away. But they do give me a peace that "passes all understanding" (Philippians 4:7)
And when I read them I am reminded that the season of trials will pass. And Saint Paul learned to keep his eyes on the prize of heaven and trust God to prepare him so that God's glory was revealed through his life.
These scriptures verses are "light and momentary" from the perspective of eternity. No matter how bad a certain situation may LOOK, God loves us. And we can trust Him.
"My son, attend to my words; consent and submit to my sayings. let them not depart from your sight, keep them in the center of your heart. For they are life to those who find them, healing and health to all their soul" ~Proverbs 4:20-22
Each Monday I write a new Bible verse and put it in the girls lunch boxes. It stays there until Friday, and on Friday they have it memorized. I love that they are storing up God's Word in them so that He can call it to mind when they need it. I love the treasure they'll have before they leave one day. It is my hope that they'll have so much in their heart that they'll grow to fall in love with His Word and love having it in their hearts.
Today I'm feeling very blessed. But I also know that I am blessed even when I don't FEEL that way. I'm just happy that I can feel it today, ya know?
I was at the girls school this morning; first grade math centers. One little girl in my group cried. And I said, "can I give you hug?" She let me and wiped her tears away. Cute kids tired and cranky from being up too late and too much candy. BLESSED... to give a hug to a little girl who needed one.
On my way out I was walking down the hallway and I got to have a little chat with my favorite Kindergarten teacher... BLESSED
My mind was going through all of the things I had to do; errands on my way out of school. And I almost walked by a very quiet fifth grade class. I spotted one of Anna's friends and then Anna first in line just standing there. My heart leaped. And I think I did that quick, happy surprised breath. My arms went out to her and I think I held on to our hug too long for a fifth grader.
It put such a smile on my face to see her. BLESSED... to feel so filled up by just seeing my girl unexpectedly. Oh to be a mother who feels do deeply. It's a gift from God and I know that I was BLESSED that my heart leaped.
Yesterday, Halloween, we were on our way to my parents to trick or treat. Me, alone with girls in the car. Later, after our visit we'd be driving back home to do our neighborhood trick or treating with daddy. But we've never ever skipped seeing my parents on Halloween. We were just pulling off the exit. One little mile to go.... "mommy, I'm going to throw up." Anna gets car sick if it's one moment past 30 minutes. In fact if it a minute past a 30 minute ride she has to take medicine. The drive to my parents is just at that mark.
I was quick with the bag... but not quick enough. Wearing her costume, no bag, and the brand new car... let's just say a mess. And do you know her first words, "Abigail lean away... it's allergic" Gross, I know but she thought of her sister first. BLESSED.
I called my dad from the road to not wait inside for his granddaughters to ring the doorbell so he could act surprised by their visit as they always do. I told him to come right out with lots of paper towels. When we pulled up he was out there with towels, a huge wet/dry vac and a bucket of cleaning solution. The girls jumped out of the car and he went to work; seats removed, carpet scrubbed; no trace of anything. And my dad can clean a car like no one I know. He did it with a smile on his face while Anna hopped in the shower. I felt 10 years old again; all taken care of. And it felt good; my dad's unconditional love in action. BLESSED.
I'm grateful for feeling this way. And I'm grateful for even those days when I don't FEEL blessed but know I am.
Later that night with her costume cleaned, back in our neighborhood, trick or treating...
~ Give thanks to the Lord for He is good; His love endures forever. ~
I don't always get it right, but like all of you I try. My time with God, my prayer time in the morning is not just an important part of my life, it is part of who I am.
I learned this long ago. Perhaps it was when I was 19 and on a bus to Denver for World Youth Day with Pope John Paul. Perhaps it was all of those college years. (and I'm not talking partying like the rest of the world) I spent my college years falling in love with my Catholic Church and my faith life. With the example and guidance of Father Bob (my college priest) and my parents gentle Catholic upbringing I knew that I needed each day time with God.
So for years I've carved out a bit of time in the morning; every morning. Now before you think that prayer time every single morning is amazing, I'll be the first to tell you it's not. I spend many more minutes per day right her at this computer editing pictures of my girls, writing blog posts, and just being online here and there. Don't get me wrong, I love that I blog and all of these memories that are recorded here on these "pages" over the past three years I've done this are not lost. I do think that memory keeping is important. But some days I say to myself, "get real, Tara, 16 minutes with God, and 36 with pictures and posts."
Anyway... it's usually right here at a rose painted cherry desk I bought when I was engaged. It's snuggled in the corner of our living room under a painting of Anna on her First Holy Communion. In the drawer is her roses and babies breath crown she wore that day dried now of course, but still so special.
I sit here with this devotional, the best and favorite I've ever had. It draws me in, focuses me, makes me feel relaxed, and before I know it, I'm in His Presence. It's a lovely 16 minutes.
I look up the corresponding verses in the Bible.
And sometimes I use these extra Bible helping tools right here in this handy dandy basket.
I write in a cheap notebook with my pencil. I like to record the verses that stood out to me or what I think that God is saying to my heart that morning.
And all of that ends when I hear the pitter patter of little Abigail feet coming down the stairs.
And today (just so I can remember) she was crying so much her nightgown was wet with tears. She could bearly tell me what was wrong. After a lot of yummy cuddles I found out it was a bad dream of someone making fun of her at school...
Bring Me the sacrifice of your time: a most precious commodity. In this action-additcted world, few of My children take time to sit quietly in My Presence. But for those who do, blessings flow like streams of loving water. I, the One from whom all blessing flow, am also blessed by our time together. This is a deep mystery; do not try to fathom it. Instead, glorify Me by delighting in Me. Enjoy Me now and forever!
I certainly could have done better on this picture. And I forgot to remind Abigail to put the place mats on the table. And only half of the dinner is there. But you get the idea...
We say this blessing every night as we sit down to dinner. I just love it! For The Food Before Us And The Family Beside Us And The Love that Surrounds Us For These Thy Gifts We Are About To Enjoy Let Us Be Truly Grateful Amen
Anna has always had a strong walk with God; a real thirst for Him in her heart. I'm not sure if it's because of her early childhood experiences but one thing I know is that I foster that thirst as much as I can. "God Time" as we call it in our house takes just that... time. And whenever Anna needs that time she is given that time. It doesn't matter what is swirling around in this house or what homework needs to get done. If it's time with God that she needs it's time with God that she gets.
Every child is different. Abigail loves to dance and shout with praise music on (usually in the kitchen while I'm working... oh and she likes to be as close to naked as she can.. don't know what that has to do with it but we let that go) Anna simply needs a pen, her notebook and some time alone.
She writes to God and really pours her heart out to him. I love that. Her notebook is filled with prayers really. A growing girl wanting and knowing she needs God close by her side every day. I pray for her too. That her time strengthens her relationship with the Lord and that God meets her in her time. But that I know is already true.
I don't have all of the answers but I do have a lot of resources that have helped us along the way. One day soon... we I have a few minutes I will share a favorite devotional that Anna uses...
In the day to day of raising my girls I don't want to forget the little things I weave into our lives to teach them about God, a personal relationship with Jesus, and to be earnestly seeking the Lord.
One of these days I'll do a big, long post on my faith journey but for now just a little tidbit from our morning. But first, a little background on this one...
I'm always trying to give them some wisdom, fill them with my love of the Lord, and how much we need God in our day to day lives. I'm not an expert mind you... just a mom trying to fill their hearts with the things of the Lord little by little as God leads me.
One of the ways I do that is through scripture memory. Oh to have those deep, beautiful words from God residing in our souls. To be able to call it up when it's needed without having to look it up.
This particular scripture I had Anna copy down when she was going through some school friendship issues this year. She was constantly thinking about these "problems" and how to solve them. She'd talk my ear off for the better half of the afternoon and the evenings. It just bothered her so that friendships could have problems. And she was constantly asking my advice and seeking a way to "fix" the problem.
My heart went out to her. I loved how much she cared but I also worried as the weeks went on that she was giving too much concern for this friend and her issues. So I told her it was time to really pray about it, release the problems into God's hands and let it go so that He could work on it.
Its the "let it go so He can work on it" that gave her the toughest time. I do think that we as adults struggle with the same thing. We pray and then we continue to hold on to the problem, still trying to fix it in the natural. I told her that mommy still works on that part of prayer too.
So she copied down this scripture. It was in her pocket at recess for months and she would take it out and read it just before recess every day. It wasn't long before God changed her thinking and she started talking about the problem less and "moved on" to happier things. And it wasn't long until she had memorized it and had it deep in her heart.
This morning that same card was on our kitchen table. Abigail picked it up and started reading it, sounding out the words bit by bit. Part of her reading was from 'memory' as she'd heard Anna read the verse so many times. Well, Anna wasn't so sure she wanted her card in her little sisters syrupy hands. "It's my verse, Abigail. I don't want you to get it dirty."
And then it hit me. "It's MY verse." (and nothing she could have said that morning would have made me happier.) Certainly "it's mine" usually gets you in trouble in this house. But not when you're talking about God's Word and it's finally sinking in by saying that that it is yours.
Yes it is. It's now your verse Anna. It belongs to you and you'll have it forever but wouldn't it be wonderful if Abigail had it too?
And so her little sister read it. And read it and read it. And one day little Abigail will be able to pull it out when she needs it. And now it belongs to her... to all of us really.
And so it goes...
Set your heart on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
Set your mind on things above, not on earthy things.
