I hope to use this as my journal - things the Lord has been speaking to my heart over the last few weeks.....starting with today.
For some odd reason, today all the kids were napping for a long time, and I had the ambition to read. I read my Bible study first - Experiencing God, where we continue to learn more about Faith, and what that looks like - choosing immediate obedience by putting our faith into actions.....Questions for me to ponder: why am I not allowing my SELF and MY plans to get out of the way - and why am I not seeking God to do God sized tasks in and through me?
What I learned: That nothing I do in my own strength and knowledge will be helpful to anyone or lead anyone to Christ - it will only lead them to ME.
The Action I am going to take: I am going to read, listen, learn and take in all I can in order to allow God to speak into my life - I want to be overflowing and also ready and equipped when he calls me. I know that God does not call the equipped, but he equips the called - but this is one thing I can tangibly do today.
The second book I started reading today was "Real Marriage" by Mark Driscoll, which has very mixed reviews. I highly respect Pastor Mark, therefore I want to make my own judgement call on his book. I read the first three chapters, and was impressed by their authenticity and ownership in the problems in their marriage. I also was very impressed with the chapter on friendship.
What I learned: I guess I was just reminded to be a FRIEND to Jeremiah. They spell out FRIENDS in a cool way - and lay out what being a healthy friend looks like. I was challenged, and realized I've fallen short in the fun factor of friendship with my husband.
What Action I will take: I am going to work out weekly date night - and make a point to be FUN with each other - having snow ball fights, playing games together, and making a point to make sure he's number one in my list of friends.
The third book I read: Was Genesis 12-24 (I had gotten behind in my Bible read through a year schedule) - I read all about Abram, Lot, Sodom and Gomorrah, and ended with Isaac and Rebecka getting married.
What I learned: I don't think I ever knew about the 3 messengers that came to Abram, and how he pleaded for Sodom and Gomorah. I was also struck with the covenant that God made, and it followed with the faith factor from earlier today - I am so impressed that Abraham walked in such faith that he was willing to kill his own child - he knew KNEW that God was in charge, and he TRUSTED God completely.
What Action I will take: I want to have that same trust in God - to walk so closely in relationship with him, that when he asks me to take the most impossible of tasks on, that I will walk in obedience w/o question, saying "My God will provide". The whole time remembering his provision and his promises.
The fourth thing I read today was a chapter out of "The Resolution for Women" - I started this study last night, and I am so encouraged to be a part of it. The first "resolution" statement was a tough one for me to swallow - "I do solemnly resolve to embrace my current season of life and will maximize my time in it. I will resist the urge to hurry through or circumvent any portion of my journey but will live with a spirit of contentment." ==== YOWSER!! I feel shakey just copying it down!!!
What I learned: I love Priscilla Shirer and her writing style - she just speaks so plainly, and I can get exactly what she is saying. I am so glad that she too has a tough time with this one, but as I was reading this chapter, she was talking about savoring these moments, not rushing ahead to the next, and really allowing these moments in time to learn, and rest in them. As I was reading it, Elliot and I were sharing a cup of noodles, and he was slurping up his noodles, explaining to me that he had a truck that was scooping up these noodles and that it would make a BIG slash - the whole time his face was just lit up with excitement sharing his silly story with me. I appreciated the timing, because normally, I'd be doing the dishes, and actively moving to keep ahead of three little ones...instead I got out some popsicles and we enjoyed painting our tongues and giggling quietly as other little ones napped. It was a moment in time that I won't get back, and I am glad that Priscilla reminded me to cherish these moments.
What Action I will take: I hope that each evening at the dinner, we take turns sharing a special moment of our day. I love laughing with my boys, and I want to take lots of mental "snapshots" of these times -remembering that life is going by SO fast.
Well, that's my work for today. There were lots of runny noses today, low key kiddos that just wanted lots of cuddling, and well, honeslty, I have neglected most of my housework for the day - so I'd better get back to work now - work on honoring my family, and cherishing these moments in time.
Thanks for reading and checking in with me!!!
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