I'm not exactly sure the path I took to get there...but once I arrived, I was stuck. Such an encouragement and such a place to learn. Thanks for your hard work, Joy!
http://www.thestayathomemissionary.com/
go there. You'll appreciate it and you'll learn.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Saturday, September 18, 2010
When You Find Yourself on a Journey
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Mt 11:29-30
I stop to rest a while, to look back and remember where I have been. My feet hurt from the journey, through many mountain highs and valley lows, and they are dirty. They are cut in a few places and they are weary. They tell of places been and experiences earned. My feet will tell a lot, but my heart will tell more. My feet cannot tell of the places they did not walk, for in those places were where I was carried.
When one season is complete and another begins anew, it is easier to look back and see what truly happened. During the season, vision and ability to understand reason is often blurred. It is only in looking back that we see how far we were brought. How much we have accomplished through His plan. How much we would have missed if we were the ones deciding...deciding in those moments where all hope had been lost.
I am just coming out of such a season. I am starting to look back and see truly what just happened. How it has shaped me, how it has changed me, and how I am supposed to learn from it. Now, please understand something...this season was a long journey for me, but it may not even be signifacant enough to dirty another's feet. That is an important truth about seasons. They will be translated differently in every life. A lesson that took me a long time to learn may not even be discussed in another's life. There are some seasons that will stay hushed. There are some that will stay dormant for another time. And then there are some that should be talked about so other's may learn too.
I want to share my season. Other's may learn. Or I will learn more from documenting my lessons. More so, this will enable my young children to learn from something they are too young to remember now. They will meet their own such seasons soon enough. But I believe there is also power in their seeing their parents learn and grow under the strong yet gentle hand of the Almighty. His faithfulness should be spoken and taught from generation to generation. When we cried out, He answered us.
This is the year, the season, in which I started learning to take His yoke. To give up my burden and take His. Where I started learning the true power of WHOM we pray to. It's not about the details or the miracle that took place for our life...it's about deep cries and answered prayers. It's about meeting amongst the people and sharing about HIS glory. It's about those who have been around us or who encountered us for the very first time seeing that when we're on a journey it is not us deciding. It is Him. It is not us accomplishing anything. It is Him. The only thing we can claim at all is being weak. Even the strength to cry out to Him for help in our weakness came from the power of His glory and grace.
In my years of knowing Him and being His child, I have often chosen the easy way. The burden that looked deceptively light. The life that was appearing in obedience but had never really been tested. While I understand, in His grace, the Father started me on more of a quiz than a true test...I've never been a quick learner. Never a good test performer. It took me a while to walk through this lesson. To be ready for the quiz that might equip me for the later exam.
In this season there was kicking and screaming. There was questioning of direction. There was repetition. If God was a literal teacher, there probably would have been red pens and bad grades and flash cards to review once again. It was not always handled with the graciousness that is attractive to remember. Trust and submission were not always displayed firsthand.
And there is the path once more. When in my humanity, I was achieving dirty and scraped feet, He was there. He was there to offer His way. His burden that was light. His arms to pick me up and carry me. He did not want my earned experiences to only be those of a sinful heart. He had plans for a hope and a future. He wanted my earned experiences to be those of a faithful God who met His child and showed unending grace and power. He wanted to bring me from this season to where I could look back and know the ONE "who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's." Psalm 103:3-5
There will be seasons to come on this journey. There will be mountains that seem higher and valleys that seem much lower. However, these seasons will be different. They will have a traveler who is more experienced in learned faithfulness, powerful faith-prayers, and trusting a God who is strong and gentle. A God who provides rest for this traveler.
I stop to rest a while, to look back and remember where I have been. My feet hurt from the journey, through many mountain highs and valley lows, and they are dirty. They are cut in a few places and they are weary. They tell of places been and experiences earned. My feet will tell a lot, but my heart will tell more. My feet cannot tell of the places they did not walk, for in those places were where I was carried.
When one season is complete and another begins anew, it is easier to look back and see what truly happened. During the season, vision and ability to understand reason is often blurred. It is only in looking back that we see how far we were brought. How much we have accomplished through His plan. How much we would have missed if we were the ones deciding...deciding in those moments where all hope had been lost.
I am just coming out of such a season. I am starting to look back and see truly what just happened. How it has shaped me, how it has changed me, and how I am supposed to learn from it. Now, please understand something...this season was a long journey for me, but it may not even be signifacant enough to dirty another's feet. That is an important truth about seasons. They will be translated differently in every life. A lesson that took me a long time to learn may not even be discussed in another's life. There are some seasons that will stay hushed. There are some that will stay dormant for another time. And then there are some that should be talked about so other's may learn too.
I want to share my season. Other's may learn. Or I will learn more from documenting my lessons. More so, this will enable my young children to learn from something they are too young to remember now. They will meet their own such seasons soon enough. But I believe there is also power in their seeing their parents learn and grow under the strong yet gentle hand of the Almighty. His faithfulness should be spoken and taught from generation to generation. When we cried out, He answered us.
This is the year, the season, in which I started learning to take His yoke. To give up my burden and take His. Where I started learning the true power of WHOM we pray to. It's not about the details or the miracle that took place for our life...it's about deep cries and answered prayers. It's about meeting amongst the people and sharing about HIS glory. It's about those who have been around us or who encountered us for the very first time seeing that when we're on a journey it is not us deciding. It is Him. It is not us accomplishing anything. It is Him. The only thing we can claim at all is being weak. Even the strength to cry out to Him for help in our weakness came from the power of His glory and grace.
In my years of knowing Him and being His child, I have often chosen the easy way. The burden that looked deceptively light. The life that was appearing in obedience but had never really been tested. While I understand, in His grace, the Father started me on more of a quiz than a true test...I've never been a quick learner. Never a good test performer. It took me a while to walk through this lesson. To be ready for the quiz that might equip me for the later exam.
In this season there was kicking and screaming. There was questioning of direction. There was repetition. If God was a literal teacher, there probably would have been red pens and bad grades and flash cards to review once again. It was not always handled with the graciousness that is attractive to remember. Trust and submission were not always displayed firsthand.
And there is the path once more. When in my humanity, I was achieving dirty and scraped feet, He was there. He was there to offer His way. His burden that was light. His arms to pick me up and carry me. He did not want my earned experiences to only be those of a sinful heart. He had plans for a hope and a future. He wanted my earned experiences to be those of a faithful God who met His child and showed unending grace and power. He wanted to bring me from this season to where I could look back and know the ONE "who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's." Psalm 103:3-5
There will be seasons to come on this journey. There will be mountains that seem higher and valleys that seem much lower. However, these seasons will be different. They will have a traveler who is more experienced in learned faithfulness, powerful faith-prayers, and trusting a God who is strong and gentle. A God who provides rest for this traveler.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Living Life and Settling In
Playing "Super!!" We truly have a super Daddy. Sophie was running around with her Super Sophie blanket. Then she stopped, gathered blankets for Daddy and AJ, and said: "Oh, let's all be super together!"
Time with Daddy at Sunset Bay! Sophie was amazed by the water. AJ of course went right to work!
First Day of Kingsview Christian School! Preschool began on the 9th and she is LOVING it. Mommy is LOVING it too. I love taking her into the classroom. I love picking out her school clothes, seeing the papers, being in the classroom, having a routine, hearing about her day. All. of. it.
Today was picture day. I'm not going to lie. She looked adorable. Her account of the time: "I waited my turn. I sat in the spot. I smiled at the very funny man." These should be good pictures!
Time with Daddy at Sunset Bay! Sophie was amazed by the water. AJ of course went right to work!
First Day of Kingsview Christian School! Preschool began on the 9th and she is LOVING it. Mommy is LOVING it too. I love taking her into the classroom. I love picking out her school clothes, seeing the papers, being in the classroom, having a routine, hearing about her day. All. of. it.
Today was picture day. I'm not going to lie. She looked adorable. Her account of the time: "I waited my turn. I sat in the spot. I smiled at the very funny man." These should be good pictures!
Friday, August 20, 2010
A Baby Girl Turns 3
I'm not sure how it happened...but she grew up! My firstborn who turned my name into "Mommy" is now 3 years old. I feel like she's becoming a big girl, but so does everybody else...no more free admissions for this one! She is an entrance paying, pre-school attending, panty wearing, independance searching little missy who is giving me a run for my sanity!
There is no one else on this earth who can make my heart leap for joy and my mouth shout "don't you dare" at the same time. I'm so proud of all she is accomplishing independantly and I just wish she'd want my help for things all at the same moment.
I know if we can channel it correctly for God's glory, her determination and desire for fairness will accomplish great things for the Kingdom one day. I'm so excited to see what God has in store for our little girl who surprised us with her existance!
Keep surprising us, Sophie Jean. We love your sweet personality, your kind heart, your wild love for adventure, and your determination to accomplish whatever is in your mind (we'll channel that one of these days)!! We're so glad that you are learning to love and serve Jesus with all your heart!
Some glimpses from her miniature, pink, painting party!
There is no one else on this earth who can make my heart leap for joy and my mouth shout "don't you dare" at the same time. I'm so proud of all she is accomplishing independantly and I just wish she'd want my help for things all at the same moment.
I know if we can channel it correctly for God's glory, her determination and desire for fairness will accomplish great things for the Kingdom one day. I'm so excited to see what God has in store for our little girl who surprised us with her existance!
Keep surprising us, Sophie Jean. We love your sweet personality, your kind heart, your wild love for adventure, and your determination to accomplish whatever is in your mind (we'll channel that one of these days)!! We're so glad that you are learning to love and serve Jesus with all your heart!
Some glimpses from her miniature, pink, painting party!
Wednesday, July 07, 2010
I choose JOY
Main Entry: 1joy
Pronunciation: \ˈjȯi\
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French joie, from Latin gaudia, plural of gaudium, from gaudēre to rejoice; probably akin to Greek gēthein to rejoice
Date: 13th century
1 a : the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune
Joy is something that is given to us from the LORD, but we have to make a choice whether or not we will display it in our lives. We have the well-being of the LORD'S provision, we have the success of the LORD achieving His plans in and through us, and we have beyond good fortune (so to speak, because it is really so much more) of eternal life. How is it even possible that we would display any other emotion other than joy?!
You do. I do. It is possible for sin to sneak in to the quiet places where no one notices. The areas of our heart that we think are hidden from the light. We may repent. For some things. But we may also choose to ignore some areas as well. Especially if we feel justified for our sinful feelings.
Slow down. Quiet your mind. Allow yourself to be searched. The LORD already knows what is "hiding" but we're called to invite Him in and ask Him to search us. To know us. To reveal to us where we are dirty, messy, ugly.
I know where I have "dirt" hiding. The past few days I have been shown my ugliness more than I would have liked to. It makes me saddened. Lonely. Discouraged.
The Lord is beckoning me. He is asking me to trade those feelings in for forgiveness. Joy. Fellowship with Himself. He meets me where I am at and promises to carry me to the place where He wants to commune with me. Where He wants to wash my dirty heart, my messy choices, my ugly sin. He wants me to bathe in Him alone and be clean.
A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit. Prov 15:13
...For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. Mt 12:34
The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks. Lk 6:45
Our quiet, hidden places must be cleaned because they will not stay quiet and hidden no matter how hard we try. My sin nature is much louder than my Godly joy if I am striving by myself. The LORD must have control. He must increase. He must be given full reign.
He will provide joy and we make an obedient choice to display it. He will provide the path but we have to take steps. He will be faithful if we submit, ask to be cleaned, and move forward in the abundant life He offers.
Go. Choose the LORD. Choose His joy. Be changed.
Pronunciation: \ˈjȯi\
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French joie, from Latin gaudia, plural of gaudium, from gaudēre to rejoice; probably akin to Greek gēthein to rejoice
Date: 13th century
1 a : the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune
Joy is something that is given to us from the LORD, but we have to make a choice whether or not we will display it in our lives. We have the well-being of the LORD'S provision, we have the success of the LORD achieving His plans in and through us, and we have beyond good fortune (so to speak, because it is really so much more) of eternal life. How is it even possible that we would display any other emotion other than joy?!
You do. I do. It is possible for sin to sneak in to the quiet places where no one notices. The areas of our heart that we think are hidden from the light. We may repent. For some things. But we may also choose to ignore some areas as well. Especially if we feel justified for our sinful feelings.
Slow down. Quiet your mind. Allow yourself to be searched. The LORD already knows what is "hiding" but we're called to invite Him in and ask Him to search us. To know us. To reveal to us where we are dirty, messy, ugly.
I know where I have "dirt" hiding. The past few days I have been shown my ugliness more than I would have liked to. It makes me saddened. Lonely. Discouraged.
The Lord is beckoning me. He is asking me to trade those feelings in for forgiveness. Joy. Fellowship with Himself. He meets me where I am at and promises to carry me to the place where He wants to commune with me. Where He wants to wash my dirty heart, my messy choices, my ugly sin. He wants me to bathe in Him alone and be clean.
A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit. Prov 15:13
...For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. Mt 12:34
The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks. Lk 6:45
Our quiet, hidden places must be cleaned because they will not stay quiet and hidden no matter how hard we try. My sin nature is much louder than my Godly joy if I am striving by myself. The LORD must have control. He must increase. He must be given full reign.
He will provide joy and we make an obedient choice to display it. He will provide the path but we have to take steps. He will be faithful if we submit, ask to be cleaned, and move forward in the abundant life He offers.
Go. Choose the LORD. Choose His joy. Be changed.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
A Family Mission
Lately I've been thinking a lot about having a family mission statement. Josh has been interviewing with a church, and consequently he has been talking a lot about the programs he likes to run in relation to accomplishing the mission of the ministry.
Most families probably know what they would like to accomplish or how they would like to represent themselves in public. However, when schedules get full and each person is going in a different direction, the mission is often lost under a pile of papers or tucked away with the toys that got frantically shoved in closets on the way out the door.
Without a purposed mission, that is the common goal of every participant, a ministry will fail. I think the same can be said of a family, especially in today's society where the "family unit" is under attack like never before.
As I've thought about this, I decided I wanted my family to purpose for excellence. We are going to be intentional about what we are doing so that our family will be healthy and strong. We will filter our scheduled activities through our mission statement to ensure that we are doing things for a purpose, not just to be busy. When I sign the kids up for an activity, I would like to have an end result in mind that lines up with what we want for our children.
Kintigh Family Mission Statement:
To behave in excellent behavior, showing grace to those around us and to each other while we represent our Father in Heaven. To participate in healthy and edifying activities so that Sophie and Aaron become individuals who know how to love the Lord their God with all their heart, soul, strength, and mind while also loving their neighbor as themselves.
This is a broad statement and our kids are still young. But knowing our goals now will help in the direction of our parenting too. To make it more tangible, we came up with some specific ways that the overall mission statement can be accomplished. You can find this by clicking on the "Kintigh Family Values" tab at the top of this page.
I hope you're encouraged and are inspired to be purposeful with your family too!
Most families probably know what they would like to accomplish or how they would like to represent themselves in public. However, when schedules get full and each person is going in a different direction, the mission is often lost under a pile of papers or tucked away with the toys that got frantically shoved in closets on the way out the door.
Without a purposed mission, that is the common goal of every participant, a ministry will fail. I think the same can be said of a family, especially in today's society where the "family unit" is under attack like never before.
As I've thought about this, I decided I wanted my family to purpose for excellence. We are going to be intentional about what we are doing so that our family will be healthy and strong. We will filter our scheduled activities through our mission statement to ensure that we are doing things for a purpose, not just to be busy. When I sign the kids up for an activity, I would like to have an end result in mind that lines up with what we want for our children.
Kintigh Family Mission Statement:
To behave in excellent behavior, showing grace to those around us and to each other while we represent our Father in Heaven. To participate in healthy and edifying activities so that Sophie and Aaron become individuals who know how to love the Lord their God with all their heart, soul, strength, and mind while also loving their neighbor as themselves.
This is a broad statement and our kids are still young. But knowing our goals now will help in the direction of our parenting too. To make it more tangible, we came up with some specific ways that the overall mission statement can be accomplished. You can find this by clicking on the "Kintigh Family Values" tab at the top of this page.
I hope you're encouraged and are inspired to be purposeful with your family too!
Monday, June 28, 2010
We ALL love Baby Callie Sue
Sophie was so proud to be holding Callie. She just kept smiling at her and kissing her all over her face. Really, none of us are any more contained when we get to hold her either!
She is being dedicated this Sunday and I told Amy that I was planning to check my kids into the nursery and hold Callie the whole service! I claimed the snuggle, so there :-) Yes, I'm really that immature. I'm trying to beat Grammy to the spot :-)
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Baby #3
Hahaha...made you look, didn't I?! There is a baby and she's been the easiest by far! All the snuggles, love, smiles, little conversations...without any of the hard times. Easiest kiddo I have. I'm talking about my petite, beautiful little niece. Callie Sue is my sister Amy's little lady. I absolutely adore her and it is always too long between visits.
I know that your love for your own is always different than your love for another person's child, but Callie is not very. I'm so in love with this little girl. Amy and I have always been best friends and I'm so excited to see the relationship between her and Sophie develop too. Our whole family loves this little girl, even Josh can't resist a snuggle. It's a fun gift since our kids are getting to the "too busy to snuggle" stage.
As we pray for Sophie and AJ to become children who grow in strength and love for the LORD, we're praying too for sweet Callie.
Beyond my immediate family, talking about our family as a whole. My parents began such a Godly legacy and I'm so thankful for how God has blessed my sister's family with Callie.
Dave and Amy are great parents. Callie made the first weeks tricky and my sister championed right through them. My favorite is when I'm on the phone with her and I get to hear her talk with Callie. Even her voice pours forth with love. I know they are now very much on the difficult and rewarding road that is laid out before parents who strive for excellence, but I'm excited for them too.
We love you and we'll be walking alongside with you on our own journey too. May we share the burdens, rejoice in unison, and reach victory together! To God be the glory and thanks to Him for these children who made us Daddy and Mommy.
A Grown Up Boy
I found this chair at a garage sale for $10 and it is like new. My baby who is quickly becoming a little man loves his grown up freedom. He'll sit and bring toys to be with him in the chair or just snuggle a blanket. Sophie sneaks to read books in it but he always pushes her out! It's so funny to watch! A grown up boy for sure!
4 Years
We've had a very busy past week, which included celebrating 4 years of marriage. Seeing as I just got finished posting about our kiddos, including our almost 3 year old...it seems like I should be saying something about more years :-) Life is funny sometimes.
We were blessed to have an evening out and then a weekend marriage conference thanks to Josh's family for watching the kids! I think Grandma is probably still recovering :-)
I'm so thankful for my husband. We've been on a lot of roads during our marriage and I have seen my man go through a lot! I'm humbled and blessed by his commitment to the LORD, to our family, and to being a man of integrity.
The blog started when we got married. I titled it "A Daily Adventure in the LORD" because when we were dating, Josh would call some dates "adventures." That meant he wanted to do something together, but he usually didn't have a specific plan (NOT what parents like!).
The LORD knows His plans. I do not. But, I'm on an adventure. It means we're together in this and whatever happens...it'll be good!
Father's Day
We had a great Father's Day, relaxing and then spending time with Josh's family. Josh's one request was to watch the US Open Golf Tournament, so that's what we did! Ha Ha. I'm lucky...my man is easy to make happy!
Here's our crazy, little family before church. Finally, we teach Sophie how to smile for the camera and AJ loses it! So typical.
Disclaimer...When taking the picture, I did not realize my precious little girl was showing off her hard earned pantie-wearing privileges by not closing her cute little legs...but this is our family and I'm posting a Father's day picture. We'll work on that lesson next time. She was smiling and I wasn't going to lose that moment!
Here's our crazy, little family before church. Finally, we teach Sophie how to smile for the camera and AJ loses it! So typical.
Disclaimer...When taking the picture, I did not realize my precious little girl was showing off her hard earned pantie-wearing privileges by not closing her cute little legs...but this is our family and I'm posting a Father's day picture. We'll work on that lesson next time. She was smiling and I wasn't going to lose that moment!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Priorities
What do you notice when you enter a home? Do your eyes initially take in the decor or the children running and squeezing past each other to see who has come to see them? Are you naturally an environment oriented person or a company (as in people) oriented person?
As I take you to Mary and Martha's home, I want you to tuck these questions into your heart for a few minutes. That's right, I said tuck them into your heart. Today, you and I need to be concerned about something reaching us to the core...as busy women we do not need more head knowledge crowding our brains. We need the Heavenly Father to touch our soul.
I did just invite you into another woman's home. But, don't worry...she's too consumed with herself, she will not even notice us.
The story picks up in the tenth chapter of the Gospel of Luke (the BIBLE).
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:38-42
Martha is not all bad. She definitely had the gift of hospitality. She opened her home to Jesus and his disciples (remember there were 12 of them, so including Jesus, that is 13 men who had been traveling). She had good intentions for being distracted. I'm sure she was baking, stacking sandles, filling water vases and glasses, fluffing pillows, doing what women do. She wanted them to be comfortable in her home. Within itself, none of these things were bad. There was just something that was BETTER. Martha felt justified in her pursuits and she thought Mary was being lazy and selfish to leave her to do all the work. But remember there was something BETTER.
Jesus reminded Martha. She was worried and upset but she didn't need to be. He wanted her to focus on the better option. Himself. His message for her. His desire to give her a gift.
Although we will not be hosting Jesus and His disciples in our home this summer, this is a season where we will probably be doing a lot of hosting. From barbecues to overnight guests. In each occasion, there is an opportunity to offer a gift to all who enter our home. May they be welcomed with grace and depart with feelings of refreshment and a desire to return soon.
It is good and right to prepare. It is right to create an environment where your guests will feel welcome. But in all of the efforts to prepare, do not lose sight of what is better. Do not be so worried about your fluffed pillows, your perfectly swept floors, your enticing meals and backyard festivities that you forget the people are most important.
Prepare for what is better. Focus on pouring into your family. So, they still feel loved in spite of company being on the evening schedule. Remember your guests are coming to see your family...not your home. And when everyone arrives and then leaves again. May they say about you, that your home and family was inviting and they leave feeling refreshed.
Suggestions to make this possible:
Do a project or cleaning task everyday leading up to the event, rather than leaving it all to the day or night before. You won't feel so overwhelmed.
Make a list of things that are really important to accomplish. Do other things, only if time and sanity allow
Know your hosting limitations. Do not sign up for more than you and your family can handle. There are different seasons in a family's life that allow for more or less hosting
Remember that your guests are the reason for hosting not the event. Focus on relationship rather than your home.
Enjoy your summer!!
As I take you to Mary and Martha's home, I want you to tuck these questions into your heart for a few minutes. That's right, I said tuck them into your heart. Today, you and I need to be concerned about something reaching us to the core...as busy women we do not need more head knowledge crowding our brains. We need the Heavenly Father to touch our soul.
I did just invite you into another woman's home. But, don't worry...she's too consumed with herself, she will not even notice us.
The story picks up in the tenth chapter of the Gospel of Luke (the BIBLE).
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:38-42
Martha is not all bad. She definitely had the gift of hospitality. She opened her home to Jesus and his disciples (remember there were 12 of them, so including Jesus, that is 13 men who had been traveling). She had good intentions for being distracted. I'm sure she was baking, stacking sandles, filling water vases and glasses, fluffing pillows, doing what women do. She wanted them to be comfortable in her home. Within itself, none of these things were bad. There was just something that was BETTER. Martha felt justified in her pursuits and she thought Mary was being lazy and selfish to leave her to do all the work. But remember there was something BETTER.
Jesus reminded Martha. She was worried and upset but she didn't need to be. He wanted her to focus on the better option. Himself. His message for her. His desire to give her a gift.
Although we will not be hosting Jesus and His disciples in our home this summer, this is a season where we will probably be doing a lot of hosting. From barbecues to overnight guests. In each occasion, there is an opportunity to offer a gift to all who enter our home. May they be welcomed with grace and depart with feelings of refreshment and a desire to return soon.
It is good and right to prepare. It is right to create an environment where your guests will feel welcome. But in all of the efforts to prepare, do not lose sight of what is better. Do not be so worried about your fluffed pillows, your perfectly swept floors, your enticing meals and backyard festivities that you forget the people are most important.
Prepare for what is better. Focus on pouring into your family. So, they still feel loved in spite of company being on the evening schedule. Remember your guests are coming to see your family...not your home. And when everyone arrives and then leaves again. May they say about you, that your home and family was inviting and they leave feeling refreshed.
Suggestions to make this possible:
Do a project or cleaning task everyday leading up to the event, rather than leaving it all to the day or night before. You won't feel so overwhelmed.
Make a list of things that are really important to accomplish. Do other things, only if time and sanity allow
Know your hosting limitations. Do not sign up for more than you and your family can handle. There are different seasons in a family's life that allow for more or less hosting
Remember that your guests are the reason for hosting not the event. Focus on relationship rather than your home.
Enjoy your summer!!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Sophie's Big Morning
On Sunday Sophie had her big church debut with it being "Children's Sunday!" Her class sang 2 songs up front. Performance video coming soon (The church recorded the performance). I would just like to say, that my little girl looked SO big up on stage. She smiled, she sang, she did motions, she DID NOT run around and scream or run off the stage, she walked down the aisle with her "buddy", and she even waved perfectly at the end. All while being in the front row!
I was so proud that I cried. Yes, I'll admit it. I picked out the perfect dress and spent 20 whole minutes doing her hair. Even contemplating a little lipstick...don't worry, I stopped myself there! It was such a fun morning and she talked about it the rest of the day.
When we got home, I quickly hung the cute dress back up and tucked the "sheep ears" into her baby book!
Before we left for church, I took quite a few pictures because Sophie was smiling. And she never does that when a camera is in the vicinity. So we went overboard. And I will share. And you will be thankful I did. You will.
We're so proud of Sophie and the little lady she is becoming. Yes, some days are slower than others, but we see the light. And it is the light of the Lord in her. She is growing so fast but is getting her solid foundation in the Truth. I'm so thankful for this time that she is learning about Jesus and learning to love her Maker!
I was so proud that I cried. Yes, I'll admit it. I picked out the perfect dress and spent 20 whole minutes doing her hair. Even contemplating a little lipstick...don't worry, I stopped myself there! It was such a fun morning and she talked about it the rest of the day.
When we got home, I quickly hung the cute dress back up and tucked the "sheep ears" into her baby book!
Before we left for church, I took quite a few pictures because Sophie was smiling. And she never does that when a camera is in the vicinity. So we went overboard. And I will share. And you will be thankful I did. You will.
We're so proud of Sophie and the little lady she is becoming. Yes, some days are slower than others, but we see the light. And it is the light of the Lord in her. She is growing so fast but is getting her solid foundation in the Truth. I'm so thankful for this time that she is learning about Jesus and learning to love her Maker!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Days Like These...
"Oh, what a beautiful, lovely, noisy day" ("I dance in My Red Pajamas" Edith Thacher Hurd)
This is the very last line in one of my favorite children stories. It makes me think of life with young children, my life. My husband and I found out that we were pregnant with our oldest when we had been married for a short 5 and 1/2 months. Life has been filled with beautiful, lovely, noisy days ever since.
We have a little girl who is almost 3 and a little boy who just turned 1. Between Martha the dog talking on TV, sad cries, the laundry rattling in the dryer (which usually means a toy accidentally made it in), dishes, potty training, Sunday school lessons, play dates, wrestling bath time and nap time, etc, I could go crazy for the simple desire for quiet. For peace. For a simple minute of rest. It seems even too much to ask just to get a minute to myself when I use the restroom!
With all of that considered and the fact that I really do love my children, the Lord is teaching me that when the world around me is going crazy and I'm getting carried along with it, my spirit can be at rest. My inner heart can find peace. My soul can have quiet. This is only through my relationship with Him. He will provide these things to me, while He gives me the strength and endurance to take care of my family. All He wants me to do is love the family He gave me and to teach my children the ways of His Word. He will take care of us. He will provide. He will show us true beautiful, lovely, noisy days.
"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10
This song makes me think of my life. maybe. a little. too. much. I want to heed this advice and love these days.
Linking to:
This is the very last line in one of my favorite children stories. It makes me think of life with young children, my life. My husband and I found out that we were pregnant with our oldest when we had been married for a short 5 and 1/2 months. Life has been filled with beautiful, lovely, noisy days ever since.
We have a little girl who is almost 3 and a little boy who just turned 1. Between Martha the dog talking on TV, sad cries, the laundry rattling in the dryer (which usually means a toy accidentally made it in), dishes, potty training, Sunday school lessons, play dates, wrestling bath time and nap time, etc, I could go crazy for the simple desire for quiet. For peace. For a simple minute of rest. It seems even too much to ask just to get a minute to myself when I use the restroom!
With all of that considered and the fact that I really do love my children, the Lord is teaching me that when the world around me is going crazy and I'm getting carried along with it, my spirit can be at rest. My inner heart can find peace. My soul can have quiet. This is only through my relationship with Him. He will provide these things to me, while He gives me the strength and endurance to take care of my family. All He wants me to do is love the family He gave me and to teach my children the ways of His Word. He will take care of us. He will provide. He will show us true beautiful, lovely, noisy days.
"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10
This song makes me think of my life. maybe. a little. too. much. I want to heed this advice and love these days.
Linking to:
A Wise Momma
I saw the following on a post by Jill from Barnes Yard. It made me realize, this is not my natural bent. It also made me realize, this is what I should be trying for. I hope you're challenged and encouraged too! I lean more towards putting too high of an importance on appearance in my children because that is what I struggle with in my personal heart. As our house is on the market and it is not my job to find the buyer...I will lay it down. As my child will sometimes have accidents in her panties, despite the hours I've sat with her in the bathroom...I will lay it down.
I will unwrap the gift of two healthy children who are growing to be children who walk in a manner worthy of the gospel. May they be following the Lord, as they play with my shoes and take steps after mine.
"If I live in a house of spotless beauty with everything in its place, but have not love, I am a housekeeper - not a homemaker.
If I have time for waxing, polishing, and decorative achievements, but have not love, my children learn cleanliness - not godliness.
Love leaves the dust in search of a child's laugh.
Love smiles at the tiny fingerprints on a newly cleaned window.
Love wipes away the tears before it wipes up the spilled milk.
Love picks up the child before it picks up the toys.
Love is present through the trials.
Love reprimands, reproves, and is responsive.
Love crawls with the baby, walks with the toddler, runs with the child, then stands aside to let the youth walk into adulthood.
Love is the key that opens salvation's message to a child's heart.
Before I became a mother I took glory in my house of perfection. Now I glory in God's perfection of my child.
As a mother, there is much I must teach my child,
but the greatest of all is love."
--Unknown Author, At least to Me.
May you take this to heart today, and unwrap the gift God is giving you.
I will unwrap the gift of two healthy children who are growing to be children who walk in a manner worthy of the gospel. May they be following the Lord, as they play with my shoes and take steps after mine.
"If I live in a house of spotless beauty with everything in its place, but have not love, I am a housekeeper - not a homemaker.
If I have time for waxing, polishing, and decorative achievements, but have not love, my children learn cleanliness - not godliness.
Love leaves the dust in search of a child's laugh.
Love smiles at the tiny fingerprints on a newly cleaned window.
Love wipes away the tears before it wipes up the spilled milk.
Love picks up the child before it picks up the toys.
Love is present through the trials.
Love reprimands, reproves, and is responsive.
Love crawls with the baby, walks with the toddler, runs with the child, then stands aside to let the youth walk into adulthood.
Love is the key that opens salvation's message to a child's heart.
Before I became a mother I took glory in my house of perfection. Now I glory in God's perfection of my child.
As a mother, there is much I must teach my child,
but the greatest of all is love."
--Unknown Author, At least to Me.
May you take this to heart today, and unwrap the gift God is giving you.
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
The Fire Truck
AJ received this fire truck from Josh's parents for his birthday! I wasn't sure if he would figure it out at the beginning (I was pretty sure, he's just never tried one before this) but he's taken off...literally! He LOVES it. Sophie loves it too, so we work on taking turns and learning that it belongs to AJ.
It's been so fun to see him drive everywhere. He is constantly amazing me with what he can do!
It's been so fun to see him drive everywhere. He is constantly amazing me with what he can do!
Monday, May 03, 2010
A Big Step
I am not going to post pictures :-), but I wanted to document that Sophie is excelling in this time of potty training! She is doing so well in her big girl panties and has overall had very few accidents. She is in panties during nap time, waking up dry, and actually woke up with a dry diaper just this morning after bed time!
Yesterday was the first day that we were away from home but she did very well. She had dry panties the whole day and even told me when she needed to go! I was so impressed that she wasn't scared to go in all the different restrooms!
This is the latest milestone in a long list that shows me how much my baby is growing up. She is an absolute delight and always makes us smile with her cute phrases or stories. She gives big hugs and loves people. She is so smart in her playtime, loving puzzles and matching and counting. She enjoys books very much, yet still has her deep love for running, climbing, and playing outside. She has so much fun when friends come over and delights in her class (Sunday School). She is very good at learning songs, especially the ones with dancing and motions. We still have to remind her sometimes, but she's very good with her brother and is so excited when he's up from his naps. She is a big helper and loves to "do it" herself.
We'll be signing her up for swim lessons this summer and contemplating preschool for fall. It is beyond me how she can already be turning 3 in August! I should realize this since I just had to get her new shoes and clothes. She's petite but very tall!
We are so glad she's in our family and delight in her spirit. We're praying she continues with her love for Bible songs and praying. We are so proud of the little lady she is becoming and are excited to see what God has in store for her life.
Yesterday was the first day that we were away from home but she did very well. She had dry panties the whole day and even told me when she needed to go! I was so impressed that she wasn't scared to go in all the different restrooms!
This is the latest milestone in a long list that shows me how much my baby is growing up. She is an absolute delight and always makes us smile with her cute phrases or stories. She gives big hugs and loves people. She is so smart in her playtime, loving puzzles and matching and counting. She enjoys books very much, yet still has her deep love for running, climbing, and playing outside. She has so much fun when friends come over and delights in her class (Sunday School). She is very good at learning songs, especially the ones with dancing and motions. We still have to remind her sometimes, but she's very good with her brother and is so excited when he's up from his naps. She is a big helper and loves to "do it" herself.
We'll be signing her up for swim lessons this summer and contemplating preschool for fall. It is beyond me how she can already be turning 3 in August! I should realize this since I just had to get her new shoes and clothes. She's petite but very tall!
We are so glad she's in our family and delight in her spirit. We're praying she continues with her love for Bible songs and praying. We are so proud of the little lady she is becoming and are excited to see what God has in store for her life.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)