Thirteen years ago tonight my sweet husband and I were just starting our lives together as man and wife. Happy Anniversary to us!!
We just returned from a great date at a favorite restaurant, courtesy of our loving parents ($$) and the Stout family (childcare!). But as we neared home, I realized (for the upteenth time) that this season of the year never reflects the "Silent Night" of Christmas I wish for. This year, as in many before, we are serving in different capacities that are stretching us far and wide. Host and Hostess to my parents and brother who will be staying several days with us, Music Director/Assistant for the church Christmas Musical (I'm still trying to figure out my role there!) which will keep us busy for many hours this weekend, and then the normal roles of mommy/daddy, husband/wife, schoolteacher, cook, maid, personal shopper,...I'll stop now! And I hear my voice over and over "I just can't do it all..." And the Lord is quick to remind me, "No, you can't. Not by might, nor by power, but by MY Spirit!" But that requires faith, and faith is trusting God for what is humanly impossible. "The evidence of things not seen..." Hebrews says. Well the evidence of things not seen is what I am praying for this week!
Ironically, (Providentially, no doubt) my oldest daughter's bible verse to memorize for her school curriculum this week is "Come to me all you who are weary and heavy burdened and I will give you rest." Matthew. I've known the truth in that verse many times over in my life. It's the "come to me" part that sometimes gets squeezed out when we are busy...too busy to sit and wait on God. It feels like a luxury to wait upon the Lord in a busy time. Yet, I don't know that our rest comes until we humble our heart long enough to put all the demands aside and seek the Lord. A quiet heart is a humble heart. Oh, help Lord! Today I quickly read from Spurgeon's "Morning and Evening" then a Psalm and a few "thought prayeers." But quickly went on to start accomplishing things. And I've been running all day. I missed my "waiting" time so much, but felt I couldn't stop long enough to have it. Perhaps others can exist like that, but I don't want to. Help me Lord-- not to lose sight of You this week...to have "No other gods" before you. To be utterly dependent. My earnest prayer. Thank you for 13 years with my sweet husband!
Monday, December 17, 2007
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
I look like George Washington!
Hoping to catch a few eyes with my entry title today! I see there aren't any comments on my last one...maybe too lengthy? Or perhaps people are dropping off as my frequency is becoming, shall we say "slackish?"
Well, the reason for the title is that yesterday, my oldest, Keaton, was sketching silhouettes as part of her art lesson and study of France for school (apparently silhouette art was big in France). So she tried Kara first...who could not hold still long enough. Then me, who had no problem holding still, but had I known how my profile would come out.....I NEVER would have sat there! Anyway, when I saw what my daughter had "traced" from the silhouette of my profile, I could only screech out "George Washington! I look like George Washington!" My husband and I collapsed in laughter when he arrived home from work last night as I unveiled my "profile."
Right away I saw the application....our children (as well as others) do not see us as we see ourselves. This is why seeking counsel and input from others can be so helpful...and revealing. If my daughter sees me so differently from how I see myself...there is something there I need to investigate. Now yesterday was not a true interpretation of how she "sees" me, but what would she say about me if given the chance? It made me stop and think about my heart as I looked at the profile my daughter had drawn. How does she see me? Am I living before her the way I think I am? Or does she see something vastly different than I want her to? Oh, may God give me the grace to live truly before my children. That my love for God would permeate all I say and do. And that when I fail to mirror Christ to them, I will be quick to repent and seek forgiveness, both from them, and from the Lord. By His grace, may the profile they draw of me look more and more like Jesus everyday.
Well, the reason for the title is that yesterday, my oldest, Keaton, was sketching silhouettes as part of her art lesson and study of France for school (apparently silhouette art was big in France). So she tried Kara first...who could not hold still long enough. Then me, who had no problem holding still, but had I known how my profile would come out.....I NEVER would have sat there! Anyway, when I saw what my daughter had "traced" from the silhouette of my profile, I could only screech out "George Washington! I look like George Washington!" My husband and I collapsed in laughter when he arrived home from work last night as I unveiled my "profile."
Right away I saw the application....our children (as well as others) do not see us as we see ourselves. This is why seeking counsel and input from others can be so helpful...and revealing. If my daughter sees me so differently from how I see myself...there is something there I need to investigate. Now yesterday was not a true interpretation of how she "sees" me, but what would she say about me if given the chance? It made me stop and think about my heart as I looked at the profile my daughter had drawn. How does she see me? Am I living before her the way I think I am? Or does she see something vastly different than I want her to? Oh, may God give me the grace to live truly before my children. That my love for God would permeate all I say and do. And that when I fail to mirror Christ to them, I will be quick to repent and seek forgiveness, both from them, and from the Lord. By His grace, may the profile they draw of me look more and more like Jesus everyday.
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