A John Piper quote that pricked my soul at momtime today.
Followed by:
(my paraphrasing)
((of this wise young lady))
When you're drowning in the river, you don't reach out and grab onto something that is also in the river. You must reach out to someone on the river's edge.
(P.S. His name is Jesus.)
Showing posts with label spiritual thoughts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label spiritual thoughts. Show all posts
Friday, November 11, 2011
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
chained elephants
I heard the best "sermon" on the radio the other night.
It was about how baby circus elephants are chained to a stake dug deeply in the ground. They pull and pull and pull, then finally give up once they realize that they can't get loose. (That's not the great part.)
As mature elephants, they are still chained to a stake. The stake would never hold them if they tried to pull against it. They just assume that since the chain is there, and the stake is dug, they can't be loosed. So they stay. Chained.
The whole point was that we often believe some kind of lie about ourselves. A lie that keeps us chained. Held back. That if we only tried, we would find that we could be loosed.
I thought about myself. The lies that hold me back. My eating. I'm a good eater and always have been. I buy into the lie that I have no self control, and that I'm an eater and always will be. It's just who I am.
But it's a lie. I don't have to be a huge eater. I can have self control and be whom ever I want to be. No stake can hold me. I'm a huge elephant.
It was about how baby circus elephants are chained to a stake dug deeply in the ground. They pull and pull and pull, then finally give up once they realize that they can't get loose. (That's not the great part.)
As mature elephants, they are still chained to a stake. The stake would never hold them if they tried to pull against it. They just assume that since the chain is there, and the stake is dug, they can't be loosed. So they stay. Chained.
The whole point was that we often believe some kind of lie about ourselves. A lie that keeps us chained. Held back. That if we only tried, we would find that we could be loosed.
I thought about myself. The lies that hold me back. My eating. I'm a good eater and always have been. I buy into the lie that I have no self control, and that I'm an eater and always will be. It's just who I am.
But it's a lie. I don't have to be a huge eater. I can have self control and be whom ever I want to be. No stake can hold me. I'm a huge elephant.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
blessed assurance
I've been imagining my life as a fragile object nestled in a web of delicate threads. The threads are composed of strong fibers that have been suspended from a wooden frame, held by a strong hand.
Life's events make this fragile object sway. Sometimes one or two delicate threads splinter and break....causing an uncomfortable shift in the balance. When a shift occurs, I can try to make adjustments myself. There are times when self-adjusting seems to work. However, more often than not, self adjustments only make the problem worse. Because I am not looking from the outside in. I am feeling from the inside out.
I find that I am much better off when I allow the strong hand to correct the balance. And I need to be patient when that strong hand lets me learn about trust and dependence while remaining imbalanced. Because He does have two hands. One to hold the frame. And the other to hold this fragile object.
Life's events make this fragile object sway. Sometimes one or two delicate threads splinter and break....causing an uncomfortable shift in the balance. When a shift occurs, I can try to make adjustments myself. There are times when self-adjusting seems to work. However, more often than not, self adjustments only make the problem worse. Because I am not looking from the outside in. I am feeling from the inside out.
I find that I am much better off when I allow the strong hand to correct the balance. And I need to be patient when that strong hand lets me learn about trust and dependence while remaining imbalanced. Because He does have two hands. One to hold the frame. And the other to hold this fragile object.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
The Crazy
On my way home from dropping the kids off at school this morning, I drove past a city park. The frost was clinging to the weeds in the field. Such beauty.
I pulled into the lot, and sat there for a long while.
Taking it all in...
Lately, I've been wrestling with myself. With my thoughts. With a little part of myself I've named "The Crazy." The Crazy changes its focus often. Sometimes The Crazy is worried about kidnappers. Sometimes mice. Sometimes lice. Sometimes cancer.
The worries are always real things. But the intensity with which I focus on them does not equal the odds of their occurrence.
I've been praying about The Crazy. I'm recognizing a pattern. When I pray about my fears, I'm always bargaining with God. "So if you promise to never give us lice, I will promise to always be obedient." (Or something to that effect.)
As if I can manipulate Him. Which I know that I can't. But I still can't shake those contingent prayers. "My life is Yours. But PLEASE don't let my kids get cancer." Somewhere along the way, I connected total obedience to horrible trials and tribulations. And because I am a control freak of nature, I try to bargain with the trials and tribulations that may or may not befall me. "You can have my arms amputated as long as my children stay safe from sexual predators."
(I am feeling REALLY exposed right now....but am hoping that someone will be blessed by The Crazy. So here's some more...)
Back to the city park: I sat there and prayed. "Lord, I want to be able to give myself completely to You. But I'm afraid. I'm afraid of what that will look like. Please don't let my kids get scabies."
UGH! I couldn't shut off that conditional trailing thought.
"Lord. Take away the worry. Come what may, just give me Jesus. Give me strength. Give me courage. Give me peace."
As I drove out of that parking lot, I think I might have run over Please don't let my house burn down and Help us to never get bed bugs.
And so far since, The Crazy has been pretty quiet. I'm glad. Because The Crazy almost completely eclipses The Joy.
Monday, November 2, 2009
l.o.v.e.
I saw a post by Elizabeth Esther a while back. She grew up in an abusive, legalistic, fundamentalist church. She was saying how when she was little, she thought she was going to go to hell because she loved her mom more than God.
Her blog is one that I stumbled upon, and spent a whole bunch of time reading. It's hard to imagine some of what she grew up in, but some of it struck a chord with me. I was not raised in an abusive, legalistic, fundamentalist church. Thank God. But I think every church and every believer is in danger of becoming sidetracked. We can easily narrow our scope to include only the pieces and parts of Scripture that pertain to our pet issues.
There are many times I want to stand up in my own church and scream to my fellow congregates, "LOVE! What about the love??!!"
How many things would snap into focus if we would focus on loving? Not loving sin, but loving sinners?
Not being in love with myself, but being in love with Jesus?
And that's where the chord was struck reading Elizabeth's post. I remember when I was young feeling bad because I didn't love Jesus more than my parents. When I met my husband in high school, it seemed like I loved him more....and I felt guilty. I didn't worry about hell, but I knew that my love priority wasn't in the right order.
But how do you correct that?
How do you make your heart love?
I've been mulling this over for a while. And it's seems so simple. The real questions is, how can you love someone you don't know?
It's hard. But once you know what this person has done for you, once you begin spending some time with Him, and once you read His love letter to you....He corrects the order.
He makes your heart love.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
on Jesus and being chubby...
Well.
Hello.
So.
To preface...or not to preface.....that is the question.
This feels entirely too personal, and yet, I have been praying that this--the 'this' being the blog--would be what it is supposed to be. I have no idea what it is supposed to be. Mostly mental regurgitation on my keyboard that becomes public knowledge once I hit "publish." But that someone somewhere somehow would read these humble words and be changed, even a little...mostly that these words would tell you "THIS LADY LOVES JESUS!" Even when I'm writing something like: "I'm going a little more crazy every day." You know....that you could see Jesus between the lines.
I really have no purpose writing one of these here blogs. I started for my parents. And for me. And now, a whole three extra people read it every day. Hello, three readers!
But now that it's out there, and that I've been trying to be obedient in my living, I've been trying to give everything over in obedience. That said, these words I'm puking through my fingers are included in that obedience.
I realize that this likely makes no sense. But! That has not stopped me before, and it won't stop me today!
Any way.....
Last night, I was looking through pictures.
(Oh, those lots of words before that last sentence was the pre-preface. Next follows the REAL preface.)
So, last night, I was looking through pictures. Of me.
Why?
Well. Here's the thing...my entire twentieth decade was spent chubby. The fluctuation swung from "normal" to "just-had-a-baby" to "just-had-a-baby-three-years-ago-but-have-been-eating-like-there's-gonna-be-a-food-shortage-tomorrow-morning."
I wasn't really thrilled about it all, but my husband really didn't care and I love food, so why fix what isn't broken? Right? Except, if you've ever been chubby, you know that it isn't really any fun. Especially when you think things like "if I wear a turtle neck, my double chin can hide inside it."
Well, when my thirtieth birthday was looming around the corner, I thought to myself, "Self?! What is wrong with you?! You are not happy. What is your deal?"
So, I decided it was T.I.M.E. to get my act together. And then I got pregnant.
Which is normally a time of Arby's mozzarella cheese sticks and all things nacho for me. I knew that I needed a new approach. So I prayed. A lot. And Jesus gave me avocados.
And so that pregnancy went by with a good deal of weight gain, but nowhere NEAR the weight gain of the previous two. And once the baby was born, and the miracle weight loss that occurs right afterwards came and took away the pregnancy weight, I thought, NOW IS THE TIME FOR ALL GOOD MEN TO COME TO THE AID OF THEIR COUNTRY.
And I prayed some more.
Jesus! I need you. I need you to come and shut my open mouth. I prayed and prayed and prayed.
And He came. And when I would be digging in the cupboard for a little snacky snack, He would whisper, "You sure you want that, my love?" And I would say, "Yes, Jesus. I want fifty thousand Doritos." And Jesus would say, "Just checking. You wanted help. And I am giving it to you. Gently. Don't make me break your jaw."
(Just kidding on the breaking jaw.)
So that's how it went. It was all Jesus. Not me.
See the really sad thing is that the only way I knew how to lose weight was in my own strength. Which is really crappy. And unhealthy. It takes the form of an ugly eating disorder that I became acquainted with after high school. And then again after my first was born, and I started working. I know and knew that it not only wasn't healthy, but that it can't and couldn't work. So I resigned to give it up. And did. And had total control over it. And refused (R.E.F.U.S.E.D.) to go there ever again. So in some strange way, my chubbiness was a personal badge of honor over an eating disorder....but who wants to wear a chubby badge?
NO BODY!
This wasn't supposed to be depressing.
I hope it's not depressing.
Where was I?
Jesus.
Jesus stepped in, and gave me more avocados. He gave me will power. He whispered sweet nothings to me when I poked around my kitchen looking for food when I wasn't hungry.
And now...I'm not skinny. I'm not even thin. But I'm not chubby. I've lost 75 pounds from the day I delivered my sweet baby to yesterday.
The problem is that I'm having a hard time seeing it.
So last night, I was looking at pictures.
I have THE MOST AWFUL picture of myself. Taken right after my third was born. I look as though I have a shell fish allergy and have just finished dining at Red Lobster. Swollen. Puffy.
Big.
Mama.
I took out my camera, and set it up on the counter. I set the timer and sat in a chair just in front of it, and took a picture of myself. I had the same maternity shirt on as I did in that Red Lobster picture.
I put the two pictures on my screen side by side.
And I could see it.
I'm tempted to put the pictures up so you can see just what Jesus can do.
But someone I went to high school with might see it. And then I would have to die.
Not really.
But sort of.
I'll pray about it.
Because, if Jesus wants me to....obedience you know.
----------------------------------
Did I write this for you? Why did I write this? I'm feeling all naked and alone.....but praying that if I was supposed to write this, that you were supposed to read it, and that you might see Jesus between the lines.
He can save you from something even greater than chubbiness.
If you need to know more about that, this is a good place to start. Or you can email me....I am not the most articulate person to discuss these things with, but He said He'd give the words....so please feel free to ask.
Hello.
So.
To preface...or not to preface.....that is the question.
This feels entirely too personal, and yet, I have been praying that this--the 'this' being the blog--would be what it is supposed to be. I have no idea what it is supposed to be. Mostly mental regurgitation on my keyboard that becomes public knowledge once I hit "publish." But that someone somewhere somehow would read these humble words and be changed, even a little...mostly that these words would tell you "THIS LADY LOVES JESUS!" Even when I'm writing something like: "I'm going a little more crazy every day." You know....that you could see Jesus between the lines.
I really have no purpose writing one of these here blogs. I started for my parents. And for me. And now, a whole three extra people read it every day. Hello, three readers!
But now that it's out there, and that I've been trying to be obedient in my living, I've been trying to give everything over in obedience. That said, these words I'm puking through my fingers are included in that obedience.
I realize that this likely makes no sense. But! That has not stopped me before, and it won't stop me today!
Any way.....
Last night, I was looking through pictures.
(Oh, those lots of words before that last sentence was the pre-preface. Next follows the REAL preface.)
So, last night, I was looking through pictures. Of me.
Why?
Well. Here's the thing...my entire twentieth decade was spent chubby. The fluctuation swung from "normal" to "just-had-a-baby" to "just-had-a-baby-three-years-ago-but-have-been-eating-like-there's-gonna-be-a-food-shortage-tomorrow-morning."
I wasn't really thrilled about it all, but my husband really didn't care and I love food, so why fix what isn't broken? Right? Except, if you've ever been chubby, you know that it isn't really any fun. Especially when you think things like "if I wear a turtle neck, my double chin can hide inside it."
Well, when my thirtieth birthday was looming around the corner, I thought to myself, "Self?! What is wrong with you?! You are not happy. What is your deal?"
So, I decided it was T.I.M.E. to get my act together. And then I got pregnant.
Which is normally a time of Arby's mozzarella cheese sticks and all things nacho for me. I knew that I needed a new approach. So I prayed. A lot. And Jesus gave me avocados.
And so that pregnancy went by with a good deal of weight gain, but nowhere NEAR the weight gain of the previous two. And once the baby was born, and the miracle weight loss that occurs right afterwards came and took away the pregnancy weight, I thought, NOW IS THE TIME FOR ALL GOOD MEN TO COME TO THE AID OF THEIR COUNTRY.
And I prayed some more.
Jesus! I need you. I need you to come and shut my open mouth. I prayed and prayed and prayed.
And He came. And when I would be digging in the cupboard for a little snacky snack, He would whisper, "You sure you want that, my love?" And I would say, "Yes, Jesus. I want fifty thousand Doritos." And Jesus would say, "Just checking. You wanted help. And I am giving it to you. Gently. Don't make me break your jaw."
(Just kidding on the breaking jaw.)
So that's how it went. It was all Jesus. Not me.
See the really sad thing is that the only way I knew how to lose weight was in my own strength. Which is really crappy. And unhealthy. It takes the form of an ugly eating disorder that I became acquainted with after high school. And then again after my first was born, and I started working. I know and knew that it not only wasn't healthy, but that it can't and couldn't work. So I resigned to give it up. And did. And had total control over it. And refused (R.E.F.U.S.E.D.) to go there ever again. So in some strange way, my chubbiness was a personal badge of honor over an eating disorder....but who wants to wear a chubby badge?
NO BODY!
This wasn't supposed to be depressing.
I hope it's not depressing.
Where was I?
Jesus.
Jesus stepped in, and gave me more avocados. He gave me will power. He whispered sweet nothings to me when I poked around my kitchen looking for food when I wasn't hungry.
And now...I'm not skinny. I'm not even thin. But I'm not chubby. I've lost 75 pounds from the day I delivered my sweet baby to yesterday.
The problem is that I'm having a hard time seeing it.
So last night, I was looking at pictures.
I have THE MOST AWFUL picture of myself. Taken right after my third was born. I look as though I have a shell fish allergy and have just finished dining at Red Lobster. Swollen. Puffy.
Big.
Mama.
I took out my camera, and set it up on the counter. I set the timer and sat in a chair just in front of it, and took a picture of myself. I had the same maternity shirt on as I did in that Red Lobster picture.
I put the two pictures on my screen side by side.
And I could see it.
I'm tempted to put the pictures up so you can see just what Jesus can do.
But someone I went to high school with might see it. And then I would have to die.
Not really.
But sort of.
I'll pray about it.
Because, if Jesus wants me to....obedience you know.
----------------------------------
Did I write this for you? Why did I write this? I'm feeling all naked and alone.....but praying that if I was supposed to write this, that you were supposed to read it, and that you might see Jesus between the lines.
He can save you from something even greater than chubbiness.
If you need to know more about that, this is a good place to start. Or you can email me....I am not the most articulate person to discuss these things with, but He said He'd give the words....so please feel free to ask.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
spilling
I heard the best analogy in a sermon a while ago.
About cups.
And spilling.
Imagining that we are the cups. What happens when we get bumped?
When a cup gets bumped, its contents spill out.
When we get bumped, our contents spill out.
...................................
I was thinking on that concept. What spills out of me when I'm bumped? Love? Kindness? Grace? Mercy?
When my children rub on that last nerve....what is spilling out all over them? Is it a gentle balm? Or hot scalding annoyance?
....................................
Have you ever been scalded?
I don't want to do that to the souls of my children.
.....................................
I'm praying that from here on out, I spill only balm.
About cups.
And spilling.
Imagining that we are the cups. What happens when we get bumped?
When a cup gets bumped, its contents spill out.
When we get bumped, our contents spill out.
...................................
I was thinking on that concept. What spills out of me when I'm bumped? Love? Kindness? Grace? Mercy?
When my children rub on that last nerve....what is spilling out all over them? Is it a gentle balm? Or hot scalding annoyance?
....................................
Have you ever been scalded?
I don't want to do that to the souls of my children.
.....................................
I'm praying that from here on out, I spill only balm.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
staying home
I'm in a bible study over the summer with an awesome group of moms. Tonight's topic promises to be interesting. It takes a close look at "working moms"...not directly insinuating that God wants all moms to stay at home.....but leans in that direction.
I'm excited to hear the opinions of these women. We all have different experiences. Some work. Some stay home. Some work from home. Some want to stay home. Some want to work. And all of theses women know how to peacefully debate and discuss. I love the dynamic. The group has been such a safe place to vent and seek advice, to ask for prayer, to ask for clarification....I wish everyone could experience it. And I wish it would go on and on and on.
Anyhow, this last study has really prompted some deep thinking. Do I think God wants all mothers to stay at home? I don't. Do I think God wants me to stay at home? I do. At least for now. Do I want to be home? I do. Have I always wanted to be home? No. I was going to BE SOMEONE. Not that a mom isn't someone....but it wasn't on my radar when I had mapped out my future in the career of my choice. Motherhood was something I was going to think about after I became bigtime and hotstuff. But then I gave birth to bigtime and hotstuff.
So what's my take on staying home? I think that it falls into the category of personal convictions. I think it's a personal choice. A personal conviction. If God is prompting you to stay home, then stay home. If He's prompting you to work, then work. It's something to be decided by a husband and wife....for the good of their family.
Right now, this is where God wants me to be. But, just because He wants me here, doesn't mean He wants you here. And I would never try and push that on anyone. I haven't been given the job of handing out convictions.
I'd love to hear other's thoughts on this topic. Care to share what you think?
I'm excited to hear the opinions of these women. We all have different experiences. Some work. Some stay home. Some work from home. Some want to stay home. Some want to work. And all of theses women know how to peacefully debate and discuss. I love the dynamic. The group has been such a safe place to vent and seek advice, to ask for prayer, to ask for clarification....I wish everyone could experience it. And I wish it would go on and on and on.
Anyhow, this last study has really prompted some deep thinking. Do I think God wants all mothers to stay at home? I don't. Do I think God wants me to stay at home? I do. At least for now. Do I want to be home? I do. Have I always wanted to be home? No. I was going to BE SOMEONE. Not that a mom isn't someone....but it wasn't on my radar when I had mapped out my future in the career of my choice. Motherhood was something I was going to think about after I became bigtime and hotstuff. But then I gave birth to bigtime and hotstuff.
So what's my take on staying home? I think that it falls into the category of personal convictions. I think it's a personal choice. A personal conviction. If God is prompting you to stay home, then stay home. If He's prompting you to work, then work. It's something to be decided by a husband and wife....for the good of their family.
Right now, this is where God wants me to be. But, just because He wants me here, doesn't mean He wants you here. And I would never try and push that on anyone. I haven't been given the job of handing out convictions.
I'd love to hear other's thoughts on this topic. Care to share what you think?
Thursday, June 26, 2008
labor three {the Lord willing}
Labor one and labor two. Part of my life story. Experiences that helped shape who I am. If you read them both, you may have noticed something was missing from both.
They were both painful. Both worth it.
But did you notice Who was missing?
He was. The very One who watched as I tried (pretty miserably) to accomplish the job on my own. In my own strength. Which was feeble. And lacking.
I got skunked out of the epidurals. The pain meds I took didn't work for me the way they were intended to work. For a reason. They weren't supposed to. For me.
Because, He was the only thing I needed. "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:13 NIV) That is a promise being pressed into my heart. I'm going to go into this labor prayerfully.
I'm going to have a team of prayer warriors interceding on my behalf. This one will be different. This one is for HIS glory. This one will not be done through my own strength. You know, the one that isn't strong enough? I'm going to be seeking my Savior's face when the contractions become too painful to handle. I will be meditating on His words....His promises...
Someone was telling me about a gal that focused on the different names of Christ throughout her contractions. It was then that it struck me. Wow. Of course! What am I doing? Why didn't I see that?
It's not like I didn't know the Lord during my last labors. I knew Him. But not completely. These last few years have been different. The Lord used a move, and a new baby, the subsequent ppd, and my aloneness to reveal my NEED for Him. He stripped away everything else. It wasn't until I was "alone" that I realized it all. God doesn't want to be an every once in a while kind of acquaintance. He's not pushy. He's not vindictive. He's there. Always there. Waiting. It was for me to make the move. To see. He was there. As always.
So, as I walk into this next labor, I'm walking with Him.
They were both painful. Both worth it.
But did you notice Who was missing?
He was. The very One who watched as I tried (pretty miserably) to accomplish the job on my own. In my own strength. Which was feeble. And lacking.
I got skunked out of the epidurals. The pain meds I took didn't work for me the way they were intended to work. For a reason. They weren't supposed to. For me.
Because, He was the only thing I needed. "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:13 NIV) That is a promise being pressed into my heart. I'm going to go into this labor prayerfully.
I'm going to have a team of prayer warriors interceding on my behalf. This one will be different. This one is for HIS glory. This one will not be done through my own strength. You know, the one that isn't strong enough? I'm going to be seeking my Savior's face when the contractions become too painful to handle. I will be meditating on His words....His promises...
Someone was telling me about a gal that focused on the different names of Christ throughout her contractions. It was then that it struck me. Wow. Of course! What am I doing? Why didn't I see that?
It's not like I didn't know the Lord during my last labors. I knew Him. But not completely. These last few years have been different. The Lord used a move, and a new baby, the subsequent ppd, and my aloneness to reveal my NEED for Him. He stripped away everything else. It wasn't until I was "alone" that I realized it all. God doesn't want to be an every once in a while kind of acquaintance. He's not pushy. He's not vindictive. He's there. Always there. Waiting. It was for me to make the move. To see. He was there. As always.
So, as I walk into this next labor, I'm walking with Him.
Monday, June 16, 2008
huge sigh
Home. We are home after a planned-last-minute trip to my husband's parent's farm. Back near my old stomping grounds. It's always fun to visit. The kids become country-kids for a few days....playing outside, driving small motors, getting wood ticks, getting dirty, eating like royalty, and l.o.v.i.n.g. EVERY minute of it. My son cried the night before we were to leave. Our place is boring. We don't have tadpoles. Or the biggest coolest playhouse you've ever seen. Or three wheelers.
When he's big, he's building a house right next to theirs. I'm guessing it will be attached somehow, so he can run over for breakfast every morning. "Where's my sausages?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I was able to run into town and see a girlfriend for lunch....which is always super fun. Fun to eat the food that I dream about, with the secret sauce I suspect contains heroin, as your body nearly aches to eat it again...or to just drink it plain. And it's great to be able to catch up and chat like only minutes have passed since your last visit. I love that.
I tried to do a pop in on another friend, which felt like the meanest thing in the world to do. With out a 15 minute phone call warning...to allow for the mad dash toy pickup. Something tells me, this gal wouldn't have needed it. She wasn't home, and I didn't go and peek into her windows, but everything on the outside suggested perfection on the inside. Right down to the most adorable little dog in the window.
I also tried to see a cousin and aunt, but they were out and about....I really need to learn to use my phone. But somehow, just being near their homes felt like I had connected with them.
It's really a blast to go and visit the place of our youth, but I like coming home, too. Now to tackle that mountain of laundry. :)
When he's big, he's building a house right next to theirs. I'm guessing it will be attached somehow, so he can run over for breakfast every morning. "Where's my sausages?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I was able to run into town and see a girlfriend for lunch....which is always super fun. Fun to eat the food that I dream about, with the secret sauce I suspect contains heroin, as your body nearly aches to eat it again...or to just drink it plain. And it's great to be able to catch up and chat like only minutes have passed since your last visit. I love that.
I tried to do a pop in on another friend, which felt like the meanest thing in the world to do. With out a 15 minute phone call warning...to allow for the mad dash toy pickup. Something tells me, this gal wouldn't have needed it. She wasn't home, and I didn't go and peek into her windows, but everything on the outside suggested perfection on the inside. Right down to the most adorable little dog in the window.
I also tried to see a cousin and aunt, but they were out and about....I really need to learn to use my phone. But somehow, just being near their homes felt like I had connected with them.
It's really a blast to go and visit the place of our youth, but I like coming home, too. Now to tackle that mountain of laundry. :)
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
hormones and emotions
My girl finished Kindergarten. Next week, she'll be leaving for college. Her wedding will be three days after that, and before next month, I'll be a grandmother.
At least, that's how it feels. Two weeks ago, she was a newborn! How is it that time can be so warped?! People tell you that time flies...and you know, I never completely grasped that until I had babies. (Excuse, me. I need a box of tissues.)
I've heard it said that the days are long but the years are short. How true. How illogical and strange and spot on.
And, there seems to be a conspiracy with all radio stations. EVERY song is about how my girl is going to grow up and leave me. Don't they know that she can't? Ever leave? Never? She NEEDS me too much.
ahem
The people who warn you not to define yourself by motherhood alone are wise. Very wise.
I know that I have a job to do. An important job. A VERY important job. My mind knows that this is all a part of God's divine plan. We raise our children. We train them. We teach them who they are in Christ. We feed them, and buy them clothes and more toys than can fit into our home, and then we give them a gentle shove out of the nest. Or, we hold on to their tail feathers with white knuckles as they drag us behind them trying with all their might to loose our grasp.
I know all these things in my head, but this heart of mine has a REALLY hard time wrapping around it all.
At least, that's how it feels. Two weeks ago, she was a newborn! How is it that time can be so warped?! People tell you that time flies...and you know, I never completely grasped that until I had babies. (Excuse, me. I need a box of tissues.)
I've heard it said that the days are long but the years are short. How true. How illogical and strange and spot on.
And, there seems to be a conspiracy with all radio stations. EVERY song is about how my girl is going to grow up and leave me. Don't they know that she can't? Ever leave? Never? She NEEDS me too much.
ahem
The people who warn you not to define yourself by motherhood alone are wise. Very wise.
I know that I have a job to do. An important job. A VERY important job. My mind knows that this is all a part of God's divine plan. We raise our children. We train them. We teach them who they are in Christ. We feed them, and buy them clothes and more toys than can fit into our home, and then we give them a gentle shove out of the nest. Or, we hold on to their tail feathers with white knuckles as they drag us behind them trying with all their might to loose our grasp.
I know all these things in my head, but this heart of mine has a REALLY hard time wrapping around it all.
Monday, June 2, 2008
slow down.
I got a call from my husband this morning. Would my son and I be willing/have time to bring him some cupcakes and lunch? Several students are celebrating birthdays, and he thought it would be fun to sugar them all up on the second to last day of school. A good way to end the year...the same as they started...with cupcakes. (The first day of school was a birthday, too--and my husband is thoughtful and wonderful and awesome and handsome.)
Any who....yes! We had time! We love to see Daddy mid-day. I put the house in order, and we ran to the grocery store. I thought I had allotted ample time. We picked out the cupcakes, a soda (for Dad), and a candy bar for my boy. Headed to the check out. There were 12 checkers. All check out counters were full. We tried to go to the express lane, but it was closed. No big deal. We still have a few minutes before we needed to be on our way. We wandered back through the lines, and found a check out with only one customer. She had two carts full, but they were almost done ringing her out.
Perfect. Only a few minutes left. This gal will be done soon. They finish scanning, give her the total, and she digs through her purse. Out come hundreds of gift cards. Oh dear. Her total was over $200, and the cards all had $25 stamped on the plastic. Okay. It's okay. She is completely allowed to use her gift cards to purchase her two carts full of groceries. Of course! She might be going through a crisis. She might have 12 children at home. Maybe one is very ill. Maybe she can only shop once a month? Maybe she got those cards because her husband died? (when I start to feel entitled or snotty, I make up stories about the object of my wrath. Which makes me feel terrible, and sympathetic.)
It takes a good 5 minutes for all her cards to go through, and then 2 minutes for her receipt to print out. It was a long one, too. Like Santa's list of good children.
I did some Lamaze to keep my cool. Because, after all, this woman had done nothing wrong. At all. Nothing. But, make me a little behind schedule. Big deal. I'm delivering cupcakes to 6th graders. Not an organ for life saving surgery. Get over myself.
We raced to the school. We got there in plenty of time. I forgot all about the big deal I was making at the store until we were on our way home and someone cut me off. And drove slowly.
UGH!!!! What is wrong with you people?!?!?!
Seriously. This is what went through my mind. Because, you know that God put all you other people on this world to enjoy the ride as you revolve around me. Perhaps you didn't know this?
It started to become clear that I am in need of a serious attitude adjustment. I gotta start slowing down....recognizing that I am here to love you all....not mumble under my breath when your path crosses mine as you pull out in front of me and drive 15 mph slower.
I'm going to practice extending grace.
Any who....yes! We had time! We love to see Daddy mid-day. I put the house in order, and we ran to the grocery store. I thought I had allotted ample time. We picked out the cupcakes, a soda (for Dad), and a candy bar for my boy. Headed to the check out. There were 12 checkers. All check out counters were full. We tried to go to the express lane, but it was closed. No big deal. We still have a few minutes before we needed to be on our way. We wandered back through the lines, and found a check out with only one customer. She had two carts full, but they were almost done ringing her out.
Perfect. Only a few minutes left. This gal will be done soon. They finish scanning, give her the total, and she digs through her purse. Out come hundreds of gift cards. Oh dear. Her total was over $200, and the cards all had $25 stamped on the plastic. Okay. It's okay. She is completely allowed to use her gift cards to purchase her two carts full of groceries. Of course! She might be going through a crisis. She might have 12 children at home. Maybe one is very ill. Maybe she can only shop once a month? Maybe she got those cards because her husband died? (when I start to feel entitled or snotty, I make up stories about the object of my wrath. Which makes me feel terrible, and sympathetic.)
It takes a good 5 minutes for all her cards to go through, and then 2 minutes for her receipt to print out. It was a long one, too. Like Santa's list of good children.
I did some Lamaze to keep my cool. Because, after all, this woman had done nothing wrong. At all. Nothing. But, make me a little behind schedule. Big deal. I'm delivering cupcakes to 6th graders. Not an organ for life saving surgery. Get over myself.
We raced to the school. We got there in plenty of time. I forgot all about the big deal I was making at the store until we were on our way home and someone cut me off. And drove slowly.
UGH!!!! What is wrong with you people?!?!?!
Seriously. This is what went through my mind. Because, you know that God put all you other people on this world to enjoy the ride as you revolve around me. Perhaps you didn't know this?
It started to become clear that I am in need of a serious attitude adjustment. I gotta start slowing down....recognizing that I am here to love you all....not mumble under my breath when your path crosses mine as you pull out in front of me and drive 15 mph slower.
I'm going to practice extending grace.
Monday, May 19, 2008
You know Who's Awesome?
God.
I'm sure many will not understand this for what it is....
....but today, I was in such agony. My back pain was horrible. I was sure that I would have gone to bed last night, awoken this morning to be a little better than yesterday. That wasn't the case. Not even a little. I felt at least as bad as yesterday.
I went in to see my physician, who checked on the baby, and made sure that I hadn't done any serious damage to my spine. He wrote up papers for me to see PT, but I didn't feel like I was supposed to go that route. But, I had them in case tomorrow or the next day were like today...no progress.
Well, I called this amazing girlfriend to ask for prayer. She has The Gift. She prayed. We talked. I got off the phone still feeling crippled.
I laid down on the floor. And stretched. A little more. And some more. My husband helped me to stand. I felt a little better.
I walked around. Sat some more. Feeling maybe 10% better. Felt lead to give it another go.
More gentle stretching. Less pain.
Rest.
More stretching. Less pain.
And here I sit. At least 70% better.
Do you know what's funny? Several times today, I tried to do the stretches but had to stop. Because doing so made me involuntarily holler out in pain. "Ughyyyaahhh!!" I couldn't do it. He had to do it. And He did.
Praise be to God! He heals.
I'm sure many will not understand this for what it is....
....but today, I was in such agony. My back pain was horrible. I was sure that I would have gone to bed last night, awoken this morning to be a little better than yesterday. That wasn't the case. Not even a little. I felt at least as bad as yesterday.
I went in to see my physician, who checked on the baby, and made sure that I hadn't done any serious damage to my spine. He wrote up papers for me to see PT, but I didn't feel like I was supposed to go that route. But, I had them in case tomorrow or the next day were like today...no progress.
Well, I called this amazing girlfriend to ask for prayer. She has The Gift. She prayed. We talked. I got off the phone still feeling crippled.
I laid down on the floor. And stretched. A little more. And some more. My husband helped me to stand. I felt a little better.
I walked around. Sat some more. Feeling maybe 10% better. Felt lead to give it another go.
More gentle stretching. Less pain.
Rest.
More stretching. Less pain.
And here I sit. At least 70% better.
Do you know what's funny? Several times today, I tried to do the stretches but had to stop. Because doing so made me involuntarily holler out in pain. "Ughyyyaahhh!!" I couldn't do it. He had to do it. And He did.
Praise be to God! He heals.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
use me, Lord
I've been praying that. For awhile. I want God to be able to USE me to do His will. To bring people to Him. To speak His truth. To love those He loves. I really thought I was being sincere. Until...
...well, until He began to try and use me. Wait! Don't use me there! Not with them. I'm not comfortable with that one. Oh! And don't use me there, either. I'm building a 20 foot fence over there, so that won't work for me. Hee hee, ha ha...no thanks. Use me, but only use me within these parameters that I have clearly defined. Never use me when I'm uncomfortable.
Seriously.
That's what I was doing. It's what I AM doing. It's SO clear to me. And it is a painful realization. OUCH! I am SO FICKLE. It's grossing me out.
So my new prayer is that God will CHANGE my heart so that He CAN use me. WHEREVER He wants. Even when I'm uncomfortable. Because, as it turns out, I'm uncomfortable nearly everywhere.
...well, until He began to try and use me. Wait! Don't use me there! Not with them. I'm not comfortable with that one. Oh! And don't use me there, either. I'm building a 20 foot fence over there, so that won't work for me. Hee hee, ha ha...no thanks. Use me, but only use me within these parameters that I have clearly defined. Never use me when I'm uncomfortable.
Seriously.
That's what I was doing. It's what I AM doing. It's SO clear to me. And it is a painful realization. OUCH! I am SO FICKLE. It's grossing me out.
So my new prayer is that God will CHANGE my heart so that He CAN use me. WHEREVER He wants. Even when I'm uncomfortable. Because, as it turns out, I'm uncomfortable nearly everywhere.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Thursday, March 20, 2008
preparations
I'm trying to mentally gear up for the coming Holiday. THE Holiday. The big one. The one to end all others. "It is finished."
Can you grasp that?
Wow. My debt is paid. Your debt is paid. All debt is paid. Just believe.
The best analogy I've heard thus far was one of girl. Before the Judge.
See this gal had a rough day. A really rough day. She drove her little car over a few mailboxes. Through a couple of stop signs and into a parked car. A police car.
Well her day in court came, and she stood before the Judge.
"How do you plead?"
"Guilty." She responds.
"Well, your actions have a consequence. There is a fine. A debt to be paid."
She nods. Readying.
"The fine including damages is $500,000.00." He tells her.
All watch as the Judge sets down His gavel. Steps down from His bench, pulls out His checkbook and begins to write a check. To pay the fine. For His daughter.
"WAIT!" She yells. "I don't accept that! I don't want you to pay for my actions."
"But you don't have the money." her lawyer quietly reminds her.
"I don't care! I reject His help. I will endure the punishment myself."
The Judge concedes. It is her decision to make. Hers to accept or reject. He nods knowingly towards the bailiff.
She is handcuffed and taken away. She will pay. With her life.
See, this is how it is....God has paid the price! All our actions have consequences. Our sins need to be redeemed. A debt needs to be paid. You can choose to accept the gift of God's grace, or you can reject it. You can allow Christ's death to atone for your sins, or you can pay for them yourself. With your life.
The choice is yours. Choose Life.
Can you grasp that?
Wow. My debt is paid. Your debt is paid. All debt is paid. Just believe.
The best analogy I've heard thus far was one of girl. Before the Judge.
See this gal had a rough day. A really rough day. She drove her little car over a few mailboxes. Through a couple of stop signs and into a parked car. A police car.
Well her day in court came, and she stood before the Judge.
"How do you plead?"
"Guilty." She responds.
"Well, your actions have a consequence. There is a fine. A debt to be paid."
She nods. Readying.
"The fine including damages is $500,000.00." He tells her.
All watch as the Judge sets down His gavel. Steps down from His bench, pulls out His checkbook and begins to write a check. To pay the fine. For His daughter.
"WAIT!" She yells. "I don't accept that! I don't want you to pay for my actions."
"But you don't have the money." her lawyer quietly reminds her.
"I don't care! I reject His help. I will endure the punishment myself."
The Judge concedes. It is her decision to make. Hers to accept or reject. He nods knowingly towards the bailiff.
She is handcuffed and taken away. She will pay. With her life.
See, this is how it is....God has paid the price! All our actions have consequences. Our sins need to be redeemed. A debt needs to be paid. You can choose to accept the gift of God's grace, or you can reject it. You can allow Christ's death to atone for your sins, or you can pay for them yourself. With your life.
The choice is yours. Choose Life.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Borrowed words
I have been looking for a way to convey this idea. This truth. This necessity. Today, I received a powerful message in my inbox. It's from a great pastor, Dr. James MacDonald. I listen to his radio ministry any chance I get--so full of smack you in the face TRUTH! No watering down, no baby food! Just the real. deal. If you want to check it out: Walk in the Word.
Here is the email. These are, of course, not my words...but so worth sharing. I hope it does for you what it did for me. I'm praying it does.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Discovering the Heart, Mind, and Soul of Worship
"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind . . .” Luke 10:27
On every page of the Bible is the idea of worshipping God--that we are created and saved to the praise of His glory. But so much of what passes for worship today misses that mark. Worship is not about me and what God does for me. Worship is all about Him--recognizing that I am for Him. I breathe for Him. I live for Him. I spend my life for Him. God is not some exalted human being at the top of the mankind chain. God is ineffable glory. He dwells in unapproachable light (1 Timothy 6:16). The essence of worship is proclaiming God’s rightful worth and position. It’s one of the reasons why we come to church: to sweep the stuff off the table of our hearts and minds that have crowded out His rightful place, the central place where He belongs.
In Luke 10:27, Jesus was asked, “What is the greatest commandment?” “Love the Lord your God with all your mind.” God wants us to think great thoughts about Him. You’ll expand your capacity to worship God by studying His Word. The Psalms are a great place to start. An element of testimony is fine, but worship is singing to God. The joy of worship begins when we break the chains of self to be free to focus on God once and for all. So let’s be thoughtful in our worship.
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and soul.” When feelings are dead, so is our worship. How would it fly if I said to my wife, ‘Well, honey, it’s Sunday morning and this is always the time when I tell you I love you. So, I love you. I’ll see you next week.” Would you agree that’s probably not going to work with her? It’s not working with God either. God’s Word tells us what we should feel:
Grief over sin. David said, “My sin is ever before me” (Psalm 51:3) and “God does not despise a broken heart” (Psalm 51:17). When I come before God in worship, I recognize how I measure up to a pure and holy God.
Fear. “Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him” (Psalm 33:8). When I come before God I feel respect and reverence.
Longing. “As the dear pants for the water, so my soul longs for God” (Psalm 42:1) Worship draws me to the place where I long for a deeper relationship with Him.
Thankfulness: “Let us come into His presence with thanksgiving” (Psalm 95:2).
Indescribable joy: “In Your presence is fullness of joy” (Psalm 16:11).
You might be asking, “I want this--how do I get it?” I invite you to step forward from the role of observer to participant. Open your heart and enter in; let God bless you and build your faith. In John 4:23, Jesus tells us that “the Father is seeking such people to worship Him.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Here is the email. These are, of course, not my words...but so worth sharing. I hope it does for you what it did for me. I'm praying it does.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Discovering the Heart, Mind, and Soul of Worship
"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind . . .” Luke 10:27
On every page of the Bible is the idea of worshipping God--that we are created and saved to the praise of His glory. But so much of what passes for worship today misses that mark. Worship is not about me and what God does for me. Worship is all about Him--recognizing that I am for Him. I breathe for Him. I live for Him. I spend my life for Him. God is not some exalted human being at the top of the mankind chain. God is ineffable glory. He dwells in unapproachable light (1 Timothy 6:16). The essence of worship is proclaiming God’s rightful worth and position. It’s one of the reasons why we come to church: to sweep the stuff off the table of our hearts and minds that have crowded out His rightful place, the central place where He belongs.
In Luke 10:27, Jesus was asked, “What is the greatest commandment?” “Love the Lord your God with all your mind.” God wants us to think great thoughts about Him. You’ll expand your capacity to worship God by studying His Word. The Psalms are a great place to start. An element of testimony is fine, but worship is singing to God. The joy of worship begins when we break the chains of self to be free to focus on God once and for all. So let’s be thoughtful in our worship.
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and soul.” When feelings are dead, so is our worship. How would it fly if I said to my wife, ‘Well, honey, it’s Sunday morning and this is always the time when I tell you I love you. So, I love you. I’ll see you next week.” Would you agree that’s probably not going to work with her? It’s not working with God either. God’s Word tells us what we should feel:
Grief over sin. David said, “My sin is ever before me” (Psalm 51:3) and “God does not despise a broken heart” (Psalm 51:17). When I come before God in worship, I recognize how I measure up to a pure and holy God.
Fear. “Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him” (Psalm 33:8). When I come before God I feel respect and reverence.
Longing. “As the dear pants for the water, so my soul longs for God” (Psalm 42:1) Worship draws me to the place where I long for a deeper relationship with Him.
Thankfulness: “Let us come into His presence with thanksgiving” (Psalm 95:2).
Indescribable joy: “In Your presence is fullness of joy” (Psalm 16:11).
You might be asking, “I want this--how do I get it?” I invite you to step forward from the role of observer to participant. Open your heart and enter in; let God bless you and build your faith. In John 4:23, Jesus tells us that “the Father is seeking such people to worship Him.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Monday, February 4, 2008
Communion Sunday
Sunday, I went solo with the kids to church. Daddy has been working on his masters and had class this past weekend. Getting out the door is somehow easier when I am alone (?) and we left for church with time to spare. I thought it a good day to grab a coffee (for me) and some doughnut holes to keep the kids quiet and happy during the service. (Our church is comfortable--it is not uncommon for half of the congregation to be holding a cup of joe.)
It was Communion Sunday. There is something so wonderful about taking Communion. Isn't there? And on this particular Sunday, I was able to focus and get my heart in the right place (the kids were quietly coloring).
Their first Communion experience didn't go over quite as I thought it would, and for now, we don't feel as though they are ready to regularly partake. They know this, and are respectful of everyone else as the bread and the "wine" are passed around.
Little Miss sat down during the song that played while the bread was being handed out. She noticed that I had a piece of cracker in my hand, and grabbed herself one of the doughnut holes. And held it, as I held my cracker. The ushers went to the front, the pastor said, "And Jesus broke the bread, gave it to His disciples and said, "This is my body which is broken for you. This do in rememberance of me."
The congregation quietly ate "the Body."
L. Miss stuffed an entire doughnut hole in her mouth.
My moment of focused consentration was broken by the worst case of the giggles I have ever gotten.
Ahhhhhhhhh. I just love when my kids notice the important things. And, when they want to do those important things, too. Praying. Often. Spending time in the Word. Loving one another. Memorizing scripture. All the things that are good, and important....but especially the "things" that lay a firm foundation....the things that turn them towards Christ. So that when the time is right, and He knocks, they are ready to answer.
It was Communion Sunday. There is something so wonderful about taking Communion. Isn't there? And on this particular Sunday, I was able to focus and get my heart in the right place (the kids were quietly coloring).
Their first Communion experience didn't go over quite as I thought it would, and for now, we don't feel as though they are ready to regularly partake. They know this, and are respectful of everyone else as the bread and the "wine" are passed around.
Little Miss sat down during the song that played while the bread was being handed out. She noticed that I had a piece of cracker in my hand, and grabbed herself one of the doughnut holes. And held it, as I held my cracker. The ushers went to the front, the pastor said, "And Jesus broke the bread, gave it to His disciples and said, "This is my body which is broken for you. This do in rememberance of me."
The congregation quietly ate "the Body."
L. Miss stuffed an entire doughnut hole in her mouth.
My moment of focused consentration was broken by the worst case of the giggles I have ever gotten.
Ahhhhhhhhh. I just love when my kids notice the important things. And, when they want to do those important things, too. Praying. Often. Spending time in the Word. Loving one another. Memorizing scripture. All the things that are good, and important....but especially the "things" that lay a firm foundation....the things that turn them towards Christ. So that when the time is right, and He knocks, they are ready to answer.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
I've been doing a lot of praying lately. A lot. "Give me the patience to deal with this....let me respond out of love and not anger....please, give me the grace to get through the day.....could you please make them just be quiet??!!?" ...and so on.
It seems just as soon as "the boundaries" are set, the kids become boundary hunters. Is that boundary still there? Yes? Oh....if I keep pushing it, does it move? No? If I shout about it will it change? Huh. You mean there are still consequences to my actions? Right. How about now? Did anything change in the last two minutes? Oh. Gotcha. But what about this boundary? Is this one still the same? Man! What kind of racket is this?! I have to follow the rules?
Never, ever {EVER!!} pray for patience.
Sigh.
I'm just kidding of course....but be ready if you do pray that prayer....because the only way to LEARN patience, is to walk through the moments that allow you to practice patience. Thank the Lord! He is willing to shoulder the load. I could never do this in my own strength.
It seems just as soon as "the boundaries" are set, the kids become boundary hunters. Is that boundary still there? Yes? Oh....if I keep pushing it, does it move? No? If I shout about it will it change? Huh. You mean there are still consequences to my actions? Right. How about now? Did anything change in the last two minutes? Oh. Gotcha. But what about this boundary? Is this one still the same? Man! What kind of racket is this?! I have to follow the rules?
Never, ever {EVER!!} pray for patience.
Sigh.
I'm just kidding of course....but be ready if you do pray that prayer....because the only way to LEARN patience, is to walk through the moments that allow you to practice patience. Thank the Lord! He is willing to shoulder the load. I could never do this in my own strength.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Heaven
I've been thinking a lot about Heaven lately. I'm not sick. Just dying. Eventually. Like the rest of the world.
My kids ask about it...they want to know what it will be like. Well, I know that it is wonderful. WONDERFUL! W.O.N.D.E.R.F.U.L!!
We talk about how great it will be there. That we'll get to meet Noah, Jonah, Mary and Joseph, King David, et al. How it will be better than any place on earth. They'll get to meet grandparents they didn't know here. It will be awesome! Beautiful! Delicious!
And you know, those are the terms in which I've often thought of Heaven. How great it will be (and it will!). But the One MOST IMPORTANT REASON for wanting to be there, was usually left out of those thoughts. Am I kidding me?! Jesus will be there! We'll be able to sing His praises. He. is. there. That's why I want to be there. That's why I want to want to be there. That is why I want my kids to want to be there. Not because it is some magical land of wonderfulness. But because the Saviour of our souls is there, waiting for us!
I get so caught up, sometimes, that my focus shifts from the reason I'm here. The Reason for this Glorious Season. Christmas. CHRISTmas. Jesus Christ was born. And died. For me. (and for You!) HE is in Heaven. But the best news of all is that He paid the price of admission.
May you not lose sight of the Reason.
Merry Christmas!
My kids ask about it...they want to know what it will be like. Well, I know that it is wonderful. WONDERFUL! W.O.N.D.E.R.F.U.L!!
We talk about how great it will be there. That we'll get to meet Noah, Jonah, Mary and Joseph, King David, et al. How it will be better than any place on earth. They'll get to meet grandparents they didn't know here. It will be awesome! Beautiful! Delicious!
And you know, those are the terms in which I've often thought of Heaven. How great it will be (and it will!). But the One MOST IMPORTANT REASON for wanting to be there, was usually left out of those thoughts. Am I kidding me?! Jesus will be there! We'll be able to sing His praises. He. is. there. That's why I want to be there. That's why I want to want to be there. That is why I want my kids to want to be there. Not because it is some magical land of wonderfulness. But because the Saviour of our souls is there, waiting for us!
I get so caught up, sometimes, that my focus shifts from the reason I'm here. The Reason for this Glorious Season. Christmas. CHRISTmas. Jesus Christ was born. And died. For me. (and for You!) HE is in Heaven. But the best news of all is that He paid the price of admission.
May you not lose sight of the Reason.
Merry Christmas!
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