Posts
It was one moment. Just once. Does that really determine everything?
To me...yes.
One moment changed my life a thousand times. Just once. And everything was determined.
I received a diploma.
I broke a heart.
I said good-bye.
I lied.
I said yes.
I said no.
I went in that house.
I left and never went back.
I drove away.
I arrived.
I took a drink.
I took a drag.
I called in sick.
I bought a car.
I over-slept.
I lost my keys.
My father died.
My mother remarried.
My divorce was finalized.
My house was empty.
My apartment was full.
I passed the test.
I had an interview.
The phone rang.
The job was mine.
He smiled at me.
I smiled back.
I said I do.
and so did he.
I held my daughter.
I held my son.
I signed my resignation.
I gave in.
I let go.
I held on.
I crossed the finish line.
She bought me a ticket.
I climbed aboard.
I saw the mountains.
I saw those eyes.
The war was over.
He prayed with me.
I prayed for them.
We prayed together.
I confessed.
He did too.
I was well.
She had a stroke.
I said I would go.
She could not walk.
We walked the mall.
I drove home.
I hugged them tight.
They hugged me tight.
The sun went down.
and there was peace.
The sun came up.
Here we are again today. 24 hours of moments.
One moment has in fact changed everything.
Many times. And so because of that. Yes. Every moment - to me - one alone - defines the next of everything else that follows.
Friday, September 16, 2011
wait for it.
Have you ever rushed into something - that seemed like it was going to be so good - because after all - THIS was what you were waiting for...and then CRASH - you find yourself in a pile of rubbish - at least rubbish of sorts???
I have done this. I have done this many times. Too many. A move. A job. A piercing. A jet ski. A house. A car. A date. A marriage. A trip. A dress. There were purchases, places, people, great pursuits along my rushing way that imploded on me simply because I did not wait. Because - why?I am the master of my own destiny. I say who - I say when - I say how - I say where (can you hear Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman?). At least this was my thinking then. Wait? what for? It's here. It's now. It's...dun-dun-dun...what I want. That's the heart of the matter anyway - right? It's what I want.
I am so grateful! So, so grateful!!!!! that God changed my heart...softly, gently, without condemnation - only with a broom and a mop...and His Word wrapped around my heart to heal my wounds and dry my tears...So grateful for the grace of God! No one - no philosophy - no argument that could be possibly given for the existence of my God - can remove what His Word - He alone - has done in this heart of mine. He won my heart - and I am never letting Him go.
So, having learned the hard way - after all these years - I am in a waiting place once again...but this time - I will wait. I dare not move on my gut instinct, in a weak moment, in a clever thought of rationalization...I will wait. For what? For what indeed. I don't know! Ha! How insane is that?!?! I am waiting on my God - and truly - in this circumstance I have no idea what that direction, that inspiration, that Word will look like. I only know this - to move forward without Him - is my downfall. And actually, I'm not stymied here in the waiting. I am blessed! Better is one day in the courts of God before Him - than a thousand elsewhere. So I am hanging out here - worshiping my God in today - with all that today is purposed to hold. And I will wait silently with MUCH HOPE. I know that I know that I know - what God has done. And I know that I know that I know - He is able to do much more than I could ever hope for or imagine...and so - I will wait.
Psalm 106:13 "...They forgot what He Had Done...and did not wait for His plan to unfold."
Psalm 106:13
Noah waited on God. Abraham, too - he waited. Moses waited. Esther waited. Jacob waited. Rahab waited. Joshua waited. Elijah waited. Isaiah waited. David waited. John waited. Mary waited. Joseph waited. Peter waited on God - and Paul he waited, too....and was it because they knew what it was like to move ahead without waiting. Perhaps. Perhaps indeed.
I have done this. I have done this many times. Too many. A move. A job. A piercing. A jet ski. A house. A car. A date. A marriage. A trip. A dress. There were purchases, places, people, great pursuits along my rushing way that imploded on me simply because I did not wait. Because - why?I am the master of my own destiny. I say who - I say when - I say how - I say where (can you hear Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman?). At least this was my thinking then. Wait? what for? It's here. It's now. It's...dun-dun-dun...what I want. That's the heart of the matter anyway - right? It's what I want.
I am so grateful! So, so grateful!!!!! that God changed my heart...softly, gently, without condemnation - only with a broom and a mop...and His Word wrapped around my heart to heal my wounds and dry my tears...So grateful for the grace of God! No one - no philosophy - no argument that could be possibly given for the existence of my God - can remove what His Word - He alone - has done in this heart of mine. He won my heart - and I am never letting Him go.
So, having learned the hard way - after all these years - I am in a waiting place once again...but this time - I will wait. I dare not move on my gut instinct, in a weak moment, in a clever thought of rationalization...I will wait. For what? For what indeed. I don't know! Ha! How insane is that?!?! I am waiting on my God - and truly - in this circumstance I have no idea what that direction, that inspiration, that Word will look like. I only know this - to move forward without Him - is my downfall. And actually, I'm not stymied here in the waiting. I am blessed! Better is one day in the courts of God before Him - than a thousand elsewhere. So I am hanging out here - worshiping my God in today - with all that today is purposed to hold. And I will wait silently with MUCH HOPE. I know that I know that I know - what God has done. And I know that I know that I know - He is able to do much more than I could ever hope for or imagine...and so - I will wait.
Psalm 106:13 "...They forgot what He Had Done...and did not wait for His plan to unfold."
Psalm 106:13
Noah waited on God. Abraham, too - he waited. Moses waited. Esther waited. Jacob waited. Rahab waited. Joshua waited. Elijah waited. Isaiah waited. David waited. John waited. Mary waited. Joseph waited. Peter waited on God - and Paul he waited, too....and was it because they knew what it was like to move ahead without waiting. Perhaps. Perhaps indeed.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Have faith in God.
Amazing what I ask God for. The nerve of me, ya know? Amazing what I know and believe He is able to do. Amazing what I doubt, and never ask for. Amazing what I am not, and amazing what He has made me to be. For all of it - I am so dependent on Him. Like breathing. Like moving my hands across a keyboard. Like a worth while thought. He is my Creator. He is my God. He is my all. Do I really believe that?
I'm studying faith; faith that is not fully defined by Webster - because I did go there - and was left wanting;...faith that the Bible defines by those who moved in it. Distinct loyalty. Motivated by love and hope. I don't get it fully if at all. However, I am inspired as I watch it move on the pages of God's Word - literally come to life in my heart through the people He chose to demonstrate it...And sensing the fullness of it overflow from people to God's purposes - to the pages I read, and my own gift of life here and now - I do long for more of it... overflowing from person to purposes. So,I'm not sure understanding it is really the answer. However, I do know that asking for it - and receiving it - most definitely is. I have been given a gift, and with it I long to please God - by His design of it - by His design of me for it.
I read this morning in Mark 11, about how Jesus had cursed a fig tree that did not produce fruit. It did not do what it was designed to do - and it would never bear fruit again. Then Jesus arrived at the temple, and there it was being used as a market place - for the buying and selling of goods - not what it was designed to be. The temple was to be a house of prayer for the nations - and it was being used for self-profit. This resonates with me. - Believers are the temple of God...and what is our God intended purpose...("Go out and preach the gospel to all nations" - not self profit...) and how do we move in that? My heart hurts. Back to text I go. There's more to realize...Jesus was angered by the perversion of God's design. Upon leaving the city the disciples and Jesus passed by the fig tree that Jesus had cursed - and it was withered. The disciples were amazed by this display - this proof of power. Can you imagine your own reaction? You heard Jesus curse it - and then you saw it dead. I would have been flipping out. Cuz who does that?
Jesus is a wise teacher - and the path he takes with his students is laid with scaffolding of GREAT purpose.
"Have faith in God," Jesus answered. "Truly I tell you, if you say to this mountain, 'Go throw yourself into the sea,' and do not doubt in your heart but believe that what you say will happen, it will be done for you. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive your sins."
Now here is where I pulled up a chair with the Lord and I thought almost out loud alongside of Him in my family room. "Lord - why with such a great display of power - mountain thrusting - would you add that while I pray - I take on the task of forgiving - and also ask you to forgive me?" This is almost ludicrous in my mind. I mean - if I were standing there listening to you tell me I could take a mountain and throw it into the sea - I would be getting so fired up - pumped with power that I had actually watched you display in a small way on that fig tree... -I'd be up on my tiptoes ready to run and give it a try - and then you say - "if you hold anything against anyone - forgive them, so that my Father in heaven may forgive your sins." You just leveled me.
Silence.
That was indeed the point.
Mountain thrusting - purposeless in my design. And yet - this is what fired me up. My purpose is to live in relationship to others - and to God ... in love. He has given me this power - and yet, do I assert it at all - with any kind of belief - any kind of enthusiasm.
How silent the moment must have been that followed. Nothing is written of their response, but I felt it in my own heart. Faith from person - to purpose on the pages of the living Word- to me. The heels that were raised to run to the mountains - lowered slowly in humility when they considered the true task at hand. Forgiveness to be given. Forgiveness to be received.
What a teacher. What a great teacher. Will I have faith in God enough to forgive others - and to believe that He indeed has forgiven me? Will I move in that life giving - burden releasing - power surging faith on the very tips of my toes - believing and moving in that faith with great enthusiasm and power? This is my purpose. My mountain thrusting purpose in Christ.
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength....Love your neighbor as yourself....You are not far from the kingdom of God." Mark 12:30, 31, 34
"And now these three remain: faith, hope, love - but the greatest of these is love." I Cor. 13:13
"We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father your work, produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that HE has CHOSEN you..." I Thessalonians 1:2-4
This is great faith.
I'm studying faith; faith that is not fully defined by Webster - because I did go there - and was left wanting;...faith that the Bible defines by those who moved in it. Distinct loyalty. Motivated by love and hope. I don't get it fully if at all. However, I am inspired as I watch it move on the pages of God's Word - literally come to life in my heart through the people He chose to demonstrate it...And sensing the fullness of it overflow from people to God's purposes - to the pages I read, and my own gift of life here and now - I do long for more of it... overflowing from person to purposes. So,I'm not sure understanding it is really the answer. However, I do know that asking for it - and receiving it - most definitely is. I have been given a gift, and with it I long to please God - by His design of it - by His design of me for it.
I read this morning in Mark 11, about how Jesus had cursed a fig tree that did not produce fruit. It did not do what it was designed to do - and it would never bear fruit again. Then Jesus arrived at the temple, and there it was being used as a market place - for the buying and selling of goods - not what it was designed to be. The temple was to be a house of prayer for the nations - and it was being used for self-profit. This resonates with me. - Believers are the temple of God...and what is our God intended purpose...("Go out and preach the gospel to all nations" - not self profit...) and how do we move in that? My heart hurts. Back to text I go. There's more to realize...Jesus was angered by the perversion of God's design. Upon leaving the city the disciples and Jesus passed by the fig tree that Jesus had cursed - and it was withered. The disciples were amazed by this display - this proof of power. Can you imagine your own reaction? You heard Jesus curse it - and then you saw it dead. I would have been flipping out. Cuz who does that?
Jesus is a wise teacher - and the path he takes with his students is laid with scaffolding of GREAT purpose.
"Have faith in God," Jesus answered. "Truly I tell you, if you say to this mountain, 'Go throw yourself into the sea,' and do not doubt in your heart but believe that what you say will happen, it will be done for you. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive your sins."
Now here is where I pulled up a chair with the Lord and I thought almost out loud alongside of Him in my family room. "Lord - why with such a great display of power - mountain thrusting - would you add that while I pray - I take on the task of forgiving - and also ask you to forgive me?" This is almost ludicrous in my mind. I mean - if I were standing there listening to you tell me I could take a mountain and throw it into the sea - I would be getting so fired up - pumped with power that I had actually watched you display in a small way on that fig tree... -I'd be up on my tiptoes ready to run and give it a try - and then you say - "if you hold anything against anyone - forgive them, so that my Father in heaven may forgive your sins." You just leveled me.
Silence.
That was indeed the point.
Mountain thrusting - purposeless in my design. And yet - this is what fired me up. My purpose is to live in relationship to others - and to God ... in love. He has given me this power - and yet, do I assert it at all - with any kind of belief - any kind of enthusiasm.
How silent the moment must have been that followed. Nothing is written of their response, but I felt it in my own heart. Faith from person - to purpose on the pages of the living Word- to me. The heels that were raised to run to the mountains - lowered slowly in humility when they considered the true task at hand. Forgiveness to be given. Forgiveness to be received.
What a teacher. What a great teacher. Will I have faith in God enough to forgive others - and to believe that He indeed has forgiven me? Will I move in that life giving - burden releasing - power surging faith on the very tips of my toes - believing and moving in that faith with great enthusiasm and power? This is my purpose. My mountain thrusting purpose in Christ.
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength....Love your neighbor as yourself....You are not far from the kingdom of God." Mark 12:30, 31, 34
"And now these three remain: faith, hope, love - but the greatest of these is love." I Cor. 13:13
"We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father your work, produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that HE has CHOSEN you..." I Thessalonians 1:2-4
This is great faith.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
wedding day
For Chrissy and Eddie on their wedding day…August 14, 2011
I John 4:16,18-19 says, “We know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. ..There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love – because He first loved us.
Perfect love: infinite, radical, genuine, supreme, unconditional, champion, incomparable, crowning, unrivaled, august– which means marked by majestic dignity.
This perfect love is what you have and hold – hand in hand, heart to heart, life to life – because of God.
He is love – and He is the source of perfect love – Jesus Christ – and you have Him.
You are in His love and everything about your lives reflects that perfect love is real, and it is possible – to see, and realize, to receive, and give away without hesitation. What a gift to witness in your lives - a picture of what our God has done for us: – Chosen. Pursued. United by a covenant. Forever in perfect love.
A love that is infinite – because this love’s wellspring and teacher is God…
A radical love that waits.
A genuine love that rejoices in you and for you.
A supreme love that is humble – and will seek to serve and not be served…to honor others -never self.
An unconditional love that will not get angry easily, or keep a list of wrongs.
A champion love that will protect your heart – your mind – your body – your covenant relationship.
An incomparable love that always trusts.
A crowning love that always hopes.
An unrivaled love that always perseveres. Forever in this love - an august love... August love – that never fails.
Monday, August 1, 2011
my child
I have been here long before you. I have loved you before you knew my voice, my name, my touch. I have made decisions and choices on your behalf that will bring you joy, comfort and peace. I have also made decisions and choices on your behalf that you will not understand - not for some time. Some of those decisions may cause you discomfort - possibly pain - and sorrow. It is never my intention to harm you - only to help you in this life. Trust that I love you, no matter what you might feel in your skin - against your will. Trust that my love is both through instruction and correction. My love is through the challenges and, yes, through the ease in your day. Trust that my love for you is secure, and this love can never end. I will lavish you with it day in and day out, because you are mine.
I want for you to know me - to know my story - and see life through me so so that you will see the pitfalls, and dangers that I have marked with my own tears and blood; and then in turning from those dangers, I want you to see the blessings that come from self-discipline, humility, and obedience. I want for you to know me, my children, - to know my story so that you will have a guide for the rest of your life for what is good and true and right - and what is not. I want for you to know me, my story, so that you will know know who you are in this life you have been given - and consider well your own story. I want for you - the satisfaction of your created purpose - and to know where that purpose is found.
I want for you to seek a kingdom not of this world, and for that reason I want you to know full well the reality of the one in which you now grow. You must know the riches it offers - the way they fade and crumble - you must know the battle for good and evil - and see the reality of what evil is and how it destroys - what is truly good and how good prevails. You must know what it means to fight on behalf of others so that they, too, can fight for someone else. You must know that everything you choose to do - and say - and be - will affect those around you; - you must feel the weight of that cause - and the ease of it as well. - You must learn what is truth and what is a lie, and you must learn how to hold on to truth when no one else around you will. You must dig for truth deep into rock so that truth covers you and grounds you. And you must learn the face of temptation, his voice and his reasoning - and then be able to endure the lure of beauty and power that he offers. You must know the pleasures of this life, and ache over the emptiness in your soul when you've had your fill. Nothing constrained by flesh and blood can ever satisfy you, because you are created in the image of Spirit. You must know your image is not found here, and learn the sense of great expectation for what you are yet to be.
This world is passing away, and you were made to rule over it - not to be ruled by it.
There is so much I long to give you - but if I were to give you everything - you would miss the glory of the hunt - the joy of the quest for what is yours to hold, and know, and be, and give away in return, and you would miss everything you have been gifted to know by the Word that lives to make you see - and my child - you would miss the miracle of seeing LIFE without eyes.
I love you. Oh for the moment that you look to me - and truly know.
Psalm 139
I want for you to know me - to know my story - and see life through me so so that you will see the pitfalls, and dangers that I have marked with my own tears and blood; and then in turning from those dangers, I want you to see the blessings that come from self-discipline, humility, and obedience. I want for you to know me, my children, - to know my story so that you will have a guide for the rest of your life for what is good and true and right - and what is not. I want for you to know me, my story, so that you will know know who you are in this life you have been given - and consider well your own story. I want for you - the satisfaction of your created purpose - and to know where that purpose is found.
I want for you to seek a kingdom not of this world, and for that reason I want you to know full well the reality of the one in which you now grow. You must know the riches it offers - the way they fade and crumble - you must know the battle for good and evil - and see the reality of what evil is and how it destroys - what is truly good and how good prevails. You must know what it means to fight on behalf of others so that they, too, can fight for someone else. You must know that everything you choose to do - and say - and be - will affect those around you; - you must feel the weight of that cause - and the ease of it as well. - You must learn what is truth and what is a lie, and you must learn how to hold on to truth when no one else around you will. You must dig for truth deep into rock so that truth covers you and grounds you. And you must learn the face of temptation, his voice and his reasoning - and then be able to endure the lure of beauty and power that he offers. You must know the pleasures of this life, and ache over the emptiness in your soul when you've had your fill. Nothing constrained by flesh and blood can ever satisfy you, because you are created in the image of Spirit. You must know your image is not found here, and learn the sense of great expectation for what you are yet to be.
This world is passing away, and you were made to rule over it - not to be ruled by it.
There is so much I long to give you - but if I were to give you everything - you would miss the glory of the hunt - the joy of the quest for what is yours to hold, and know, and be, and give away in return, and you would miss everything you have been gifted to know by the Word that lives to make you see - and my child - you would miss the miracle of seeing LIFE without eyes.
I love you. Oh for the moment that you look to me - and truly know.
Psalm 139
Monday, July 25, 2011
growing in love
I remember when he was born 8 years and 9 months ago today. His life was as miraculous to me then as it is now. He is me and my husband and he is created in the image of our God. Astounding that flesh and blood are wrapped in the eternal image of God. What do I do with such a gift? Daily I ask that God would help me guide and teach his heart to reflect the heart of his Creator. Would God have given me a son if this request were not possible? As I consider the good and the bad influences of men - those here and now men, and men long ago... maybe that's not the question. Maybe I should be asking would God have placed this desire on my heart if it were not His desire? Oh how true is His Word! "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4 May this word to us - bless our children always and be their blessing to live out as well for their children.
He is eight today, and so I am reflective on - not just his beginning - his life in ours since then - but also the still small moments I have touched him, taught him, and held his heart with mine. Love such love, such powerful love in a mother's heart. Do I fully express this love? Is that the question? No. That is not the question. How do I express this love? THAT is indeed what I must consider....every single day, and sometimes one breath given and one held back at a time.
My favorite love story begins with a boy, His Father, and His mother. In the story it is the mother who invokes love in the child's heart. And it is His Father who teaches Him love's responsibility. He learned well, and He loved well, because He was loved and taught so well.
Oh that God would bless our story. No. Again I've misspoken. Oh how God HAS blessed our story! ALL of us! He has indeed given us much to know - and learn - and share of His love.
"For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations." Psalm 100:3
I prayed this verse for my son this morning. And when I finished my eyes were lead to Psalm 101, so that I would know what Jesus has prayed for - and also died for - this boy to know and live. Let me share it with you here. I am overwhelmed again as I type each word that comes to life before my eyes - and hoping in this image of Jesus through David's Psalm for my own son.
Psalm 100
I will sing of your love and justice;
to you, Lord, I will sing praise.
I will be careful to lead a blameless life -
when will you come to me?
I will conduct the affairs of my house with a blameless heart.
I will not look with approval on anything that is vile.
I hate what faithless people do;
I will have no part in it.
The perverse of heart shall be far from me;
I will have nothing to do with what is evil.
Whoever slanders their neighbor in secret,
I will put to silence;
Whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart,
I will not endure.
My eyes will be on the faithful in the land,
that they may dwell with me;
those whose walk is blameless
will minister to me.
No one who practices deceit will dwell in my house;
no one who speaks falsely
will stand in my presence.
Every morning I will put to silence
all the wicked in the land;
I will cut off every evildoer
from the city of the Lord.
And so I joined Him in this prayer, and thanked Him through tears that He will grow us in His love - together. It is His will - His good and perfect will. And His will is secure.
How DEEPLY profound and intimate is the love of our God. Oh how I pray you know this love! Seek Him at His Word. He will speak to you in a way that no one else ever could. Eye to eye - heart to heart - in the delicate place you hold on to hope; yes, yes dear reader, He is really there...loving you. right now.
He is eight today, and so I am reflective on - not just his beginning - his life in ours since then - but also the still small moments I have touched him, taught him, and held his heart with mine. Love such love, such powerful love in a mother's heart. Do I fully express this love? Is that the question? No. That is not the question. How do I express this love? THAT is indeed what I must consider....every single day, and sometimes one breath given and one held back at a time.
My favorite love story begins with a boy, His Father, and His mother. In the story it is the mother who invokes love in the child's heart. And it is His Father who teaches Him love's responsibility. He learned well, and He loved well, because He was loved and taught so well.
Oh that God would bless our story. No. Again I've misspoken. Oh how God HAS blessed our story! ALL of us! He has indeed given us much to know - and learn - and share of His love.
"For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations." Psalm 100:3
I prayed this verse for my son this morning. And when I finished my eyes were lead to Psalm 101, so that I would know what Jesus has prayed for - and also died for - this boy to know and live. Let me share it with you here. I am overwhelmed again as I type each word that comes to life before my eyes - and hoping in this image of Jesus through David's Psalm for my own son.
Psalm 100
I will sing of your love and justice;
to you, Lord, I will sing praise.
I will be careful to lead a blameless life -
when will you come to me?
I will conduct the affairs of my house with a blameless heart.
I will not look with approval on anything that is vile.
I hate what faithless people do;
I will have no part in it.
The perverse of heart shall be far from me;
I will have nothing to do with what is evil.
Whoever slanders their neighbor in secret,
I will put to silence;
Whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart,
I will not endure.
My eyes will be on the faithful in the land,
that they may dwell with me;
those whose walk is blameless
will minister to me.
No one who practices deceit will dwell in my house;
no one who speaks falsely
will stand in my presence.
Every morning I will put to silence
all the wicked in the land;
I will cut off every evildoer
from the city of the Lord.
And so I joined Him in this prayer, and thanked Him through tears that He will grow us in His love - together. It is His will - His good and perfect will. And His will is secure.
How DEEPLY profound and intimate is the love of our God. Oh how I pray you know this love! Seek Him at His Word. He will speak to you in a way that no one else ever could. Eye to eye - heart to heart - in the delicate place you hold on to hope; yes, yes dear reader, He is really there...loving you. right now.
Friday, July 15, 2011
mean mommy.
I don't give my children many choices. Really. I'm serious. I know. I'm mean; well at least some may call that mean. I don't. I call it great - intentional love. Sometimes they do have choices. If you were here day in and out - you'd hear them choose from time to time - yes...when it's a light issue of sorts like...well, I can't think of any right now...but it happens once in awhile. And - some may argue with me that perhaps when they're 18 and they leave this house and have to actually choose for themselves what they'll eat, drink, how they'll dress, and what their day will indeed hold - maybe they'll be stymied...but, really? think about it for a moment with me... SERIOUSLY...Because from my own life - my own strict mama and daddy -I don't think so. I chose and chose a thousand times without hesitation of wondering how to...Because it is always in us to want to choose - and to make a choice - especially - ESPECIALLY - for ourselves...Now for others??? well...hmmm. Not so much. Free will is innate. Submission is not. No one has to be taught to seek their own good. We do have to be taught self-discipline and to consider our choices for the sake of others.
So even though I may be a mean mommy to some in this respect, I will still dare say, that someday - SOMEBODY - might thank me when we are invited over for lunch and my children eat everything prepared, or when my son marries someone's daughter and he eats what she prepares without criticism. But let's just say that does not ever happen (i need to remind myself that validation is not the point) - and let's say no one else - not even my children in all of their wanderings in the world of different cuisines and cultures - experiences galore of choosing and having no choice, of comfortable and uncomfortable situations...where they may or may not realize the words I have told them since they learned to hold a spoon... I will still be satisfied, because I have taught them one thing consistent with the whole Word of God - Are you ready for those words??? Your life is not about what you like - but about what is good for you. And the kicker - that I pray they see with all their heart, and mind, and body -... God will work all things together for our good. Even if we hate it.
Thank you, Jesus. Moses. Abraham. Esther. Job. Joseph. Mary. Rahab. Joshua. Jonathan. Noah. Paul. Matthew. Mark. Luke. John. Ruth. Naomi.... should I go on? Because I know more - many, many more; my family members included....and maybe some of yours as I think of people I get to know and love...maybe you.
This life is not about always getting what we like. But somehow - SOME amazing WAY - TRUTH and LIFE - how...God makes it good. So very, very good.
So even though I may be a mean mommy to some in this respect, I will still dare say, that someday - SOMEBODY - might thank me when we are invited over for lunch and my children eat everything prepared, or when my son marries someone's daughter and he eats what she prepares without criticism. But let's just say that does not ever happen (i need to remind myself that validation is not the point) - and let's say no one else - not even my children in all of their wanderings in the world of different cuisines and cultures - experiences galore of choosing and having no choice, of comfortable and uncomfortable situations...where they may or may not realize the words I have told them since they learned to hold a spoon... I will still be satisfied, because I have taught them one thing consistent with the whole Word of God - Are you ready for those words??? Your life is not about what you like - but about what is good for you. And the kicker - that I pray they see with all their heart, and mind, and body -... God will work all things together for our good. Even if we hate it.
Thank you, Jesus. Moses. Abraham. Esther. Job. Joseph. Mary. Rahab. Joshua. Jonathan. Noah. Paul. Matthew. Mark. Luke. John. Ruth. Naomi.... should I go on? Because I know more - many, many more; my family members included....and maybe some of yours as I think of people I get to know and love...maybe you.
This life is not about always getting what we like. But somehow - SOME amazing WAY - TRUTH and LIFE - how...God makes it good. So very, very good.
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