Brother Lawrence said, he concentrated on doing the little things for Him (God), since he was unable to do bigger things.
So often I become discontent in my thoughts because I am not doing greater things for God yet if I adopted Brother Lawerence's attitude all things would become significant and all things would become a gift done for Him.
Recently I got irritated with my beloved (and I was determined he would know it, see it my way, and CHANGE!). Okay, this may seem really trivial (but aren't those the things which get under our skin the most?).... every night when we go to bed, I turn back my husbands covers, fluff his pillow, and put a little chocolate on it (welcome to the Hyatt, right?)... okay, you may think this is silly but it was a simple way of saying, after 25 years, I still love you and I appreciate all you do. I did notice that on the rare occasion he was in bed first the covers were just thrown willy nilly and my side was not even cleaned off (ugh.... one of my ever present piles). I became so irritated that I just had to say something. I tried to tell him, but he deferred to another conversation.... I went to bed irritated. The next night I employed a tactic from a popular preacher, saying, " I feel __________ when you ________." (fill in the blanks with your own petty stuff). That totally back fired as all he wanted to do was eat his supper and relax! (bad timing ladies.... never talk to your husband when he's hungry). So the next morning I took advantage of our porch time to broach it again (why couldn't I just let this go.....Oh no, my flesh was way too involved). After explaining clearly my irritation not only did he not see it my way he reminded me that very early in our marriage I told him do not touch my piles. OUCH!
After our porch time I was so disheartened by my own lack of control over my flesh. What was here-to-fore a gift for my beloved each night had now become something other because I EXPECTED something back. I'm no genius but I'm pretty sure that it is now not a gift when you expect payment in return. It somehow cheapened my gift to him and to our FATHER in heaven (do ALL things unto the LORD).
What's the lesson? If something bugs you in your marriage... BE THE ONE TO TAKE CARE OF IT.... without expecting ANYTHING in return! If you want the shower curtain closed, close it (as a gift to God), if you want the counter cleaned off, clean it, as unto the Lord............ if JESUS, Himself, were spending the night in my house you better believe I'd fluff His pillow and put chocolate on it! Do it. Do it happily. Do it willingly. Die to your self...... and as Nike says, just do it!
Happy Valentines' day
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Sunday, February 8, 2009
It's a funny thing, the heart....How our hearts begin to fall in love with someone we have never seen. That's what happened though, every time I was pregnant ( and that was a lot!). I found myself falling in love with this tiny person I had never even seen. I would think about them at the oddest times during the day or night. For nine months I felt like I was carrying around a secret in my heart. A secret no one else could know or understand or love. Maybe my husband felt that way too but not being a man I cannot say for sure.
I can't say I understand it but that seems to be happening in my heart now. I begin thinking about our next child, whoever or wherever they may be, and a little smile begins to creep across my heart; sinking into all the cracks and crevices, making a home there. Who knew a heart could have so much room!
Just like when I was pregnant I know this is going to be a long wait. (I was usually two weeks overdue). I know I will have many obstacles to overcome..... but when I was pregnant I was willing to go through ANYTHING to hold that baby...... because I loved him already!
Hang on heart....we are in for the long haul!
(Our next round of paperwork is done)!!!
I can't say I understand it but that seems to be happening in my heart now. I begin thinking about our next child, whoever or wherever they may be, and a little smile begins to creep across my heart; sinking into all the cracks and crevices, making a home there. Who knew a heart could have so much room!
Just like when I was pregnant I know this is going to be a long wait. (I was usually two weeks overdue). I know I will have many obstacles to overcome..... but when I was pregnant I was willing to go through ANYTHING to hold that baby...... because I loved him already!
Hang on heart....we are in for the long haul!
(Our next round of paperwork is done)!!!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Remember the game of Mother-May-I? You know the person who is "it" can give orders to people about taking big steps or little steps to see who reaches "it" first. Of course it was totally unfair and rigged because you could always make the person of your choosing win or loose. (yes, I was that callous as a child). We are discovering that the process of adoption is rather like the game of mother-may-I: "take three steps back....one teeny step forward"
I refuse to be disappointed by any of this. In all fairness we were warned that the process can be tricky. It's funny because I have this perfect peace that God is so in this that I cannot despair. To be honest, I wish I felt this way about all areas of my life
I recently received a Voice of the Martyrs update on which the cover was written, "opposition is our opportunity". HHHMMMM? Really? Is that how I view things? I'm pretty sure when I run into opposition of any kind my first inclination is to quit or at least complain. When I have finally run out of myself THEN I turn to God and say "okay, here's an opportunity for you to show up".
Often times opposition is crushing because it can come from unexpected places. It takes us by surprise when it comes from our circle of friends or our church family, or even from within our own family. It hurts us and causes us to doubt if we are doing the right thing. Instead of feeling hurt or doubt myself the next time opposition comes I'm going to see it as an opportunity. An opportunity to share my vision, my passion, my Christ!
I refuse to be disappointed by any of this. In all fairness we were warned that the process can be tricky. It's funny because I have this perfect peace that God is so in this that I cannot despair. To be honest, I wish I felt this way about all areas of my life
I recently received a Voice of the Martyrs update on which the cover was written, "opposition is our opportunity". HHHMMMM? Really? Is that how I view things? I'm pretty sure when I run into opposition of any kind my first inclination is to quit or at least complain. When I have finally run out of myself THEN I turn to God and say "okay, here's an opportunity for you to show up".
Often times opposition is crushing because it can come from unexpected places. It takes us by surprise when it comes from our circle of friends or our church family, or even from within our own family. It hurts us and causes us to doubt if we are doing the right thing. Instead of feeling hurt or doubt myself the next time opposition comes I'm going to see it as an opportunity. An opportunity to share my vision, my passion, my Christ!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Streams in the Desert is one of my favorite devotionals!! God always has a comforting or encouraging word through its pages. Get a copy! Devour it!
“This thing is from me.” 1 Kings 12:24
“Life’s disappointments are veiled love’s appointments.” Rev. C. A. Fox.
My child, I have a message for you today; let me whisper it in your ear, that it may gild with glory any storm clouds which may arise, and smooth the rough places upon which you may have to tread. It is short, only five words, but let them sink into your inmost soul; use them as a pillow upon which to rest your weary head. This thing is from me.
Have you ever thought of it, that all that concerns you concerns Me too? For, “he that toucheth you, toucheth the apple of mine eye.” (Zech. 2:8) You are very precious in My sight. (Isa. 43:4) Therefore, it is My special delight to educate you.
I would have you learn when temptations assail you, and the “enemy comes in like a flood,” that this thing is from Me, that your weakness needs My might, and your safety lies in letting Me fight for you.
Are you in difficult circumstances, surrounded by people who do not understand you, who never
consult your taste, who put you in the background? This thing is from Me. I am the God of circumstances. Thou camest not to thy place by accident, it is the very place God meant for thee.
Have you not asked to be made humble? See then, I have placed you in the very school where
this lesson is taught; your surroundings and companions are only working out My will.
Are you in money difficulties? Is it hard to make both ends meet? This thing is from Me, for I am your purse-bearer and would have you draw from and depend upon Me. My supplies are limitless. (Phil. 4:19) I would have you prove my promises. Let it not be said of you, “In this thing ye did not believe the Lord your God” (Deut. 1:32).
Are you passing through a night of sorrow? This thing is from Me. I am the Man of Sorrows and acquainted with grief. I have let earthly comforters fail you, that by turning to Me you may obtain everlasting consolation. (2 Thess. 2:16,17) Have you longed to do some great work for Me and instead have been laid aside on a bed of pain and weakness? This thing is from Me. I could not get your attention in your busy days and I want to teach you some of my deepest lessons. “They also serve who only stand and wait.” Some of My greatest workers are those shut out from active service, that they may learn to wield the weapon of all-prayer.
This day I place in your hand this pot of holy oil. Make use of it free, my child. Let every circumstance that arises, every word that pains you, every interruption that would make you impatient, every revelation of your weakness be anointed with it. The sting will go as you learn to see Me in all things.
Laura A. Barter Snow
“This is from Me, the Saviour said, As bending low He kissed my brow,For One who loves you thus has led. Just rest in Me, be patient now,Your Father knows you have need of this, Tho’, why perchance you cannot see.Grieve not for things you’ve seemed to miss. The thing I send is best for thee.Then looking through my tears, I plead, Dear Lord, forgive, I did not know,Twill not be hard since Thou dost tread, Each path before me here below.And for my good this thing must be, His grace sufficient for each test.So still I’ll sing, Whatever be, God’s way for me is always best.”
From Streams in the Desert by Mrs. Charles Cowman
“This thing is from me.” 1 Kings 12:24
“Life’s disappointments are veiled love’s appointments.” Rev. C. A. Fox.
My child, I have a message for you today; let me whisper it in your ear, that it may gild with glory any storm clouds which may arise, and smooth the rough places upon which you may have to tread. It is short, only five words, but let them sink into your inmost soul; use them as a pillow upon which to rest your weary head. This thing is from me.
Have you ever thought of it, that all that concerns you concerns Me too? For, “he that toucheth you, toucheth the apple of mine eye.” (Zech. 2:8) You are very precious in My sight. (Isa. 43:4) Therefore, it is My special delight to educate you.
I would have you learn when temptations assail you, and the “enemy comes in like a flood,” that this thing is from Me, that your weakness needs My might, and your safety lies in letting Me fight for you.
Are you in difficult circumstances, surrounded by people who do not understand you, who never
consult your taste, who put you in the background? This thing is from Me. I am the God of circumstances. Thou camest not to thy place by accident, it is the very place God meant for thee.
Have you not asked to be made humble? See then, I have placed you in the very school where
this lesson is taught; your surroundings and companions are only working out My will.
Are you in money difficulties? Is it hard to make both ends meet? This thing is from Me, for I am your purse-bearer and would have you draw from and depend upon Me. My supplies are limitless. (Phil. 4:19) I would have you prove my promises. Let it not be said of you, “In this thing ye did not believe the Lord your God” (Deut. 1:32).
Are you passing through a night of sorrow? This thing is from Me. I am the Man of Sorrows and acquainted with grief. I have let earthly comforters fail you, that by turning to Me you may obtain everlasting consolation. (2 Thess. 2:16,17) Have you longed to do some great work for Me and instead have been laid aside on a bed of pain and weakness? This thing is from Me. I could not get your attention in your busy days and I want to teach you some of my deepest lessons. “They also serve who only stand and wait.” Some of My greatest workers are those shut out from active service, that they may learn to wield the weapon of all-prayer.
This day I place in your hand this pot of holy oil. Make use of it free, my child. Let every circumstance that arises, every word that pains you, every interruption that would make you impatient, every revelation of your weakness be anointed with it. The sting will go as you learn to see Me in all things.
Laura A. Barter Snow
“This is from Me, the Saviour said, As bending low He kissed my brow,For One who loves you thus has led. Just rest in Me, be patient now,Your Father knows you have need of this, Tho’, why perchance you cannot see.Grieve not for things you’ve seemed to miss. The thing I send is best for thee.Then looking through my tears, I plead, Dear Lord, forgive, I did not know,Twill not be hard since Thou dost tread, Each path before me here below.And for my good this thing must be, His grace sufficient for each test.So still I’ll sing, Whatever be, God’s way for me is always best.”
From Streams in the Desert by Mrs. Charles Cowman
Monday, February 2, 2009
I heard on the radio today that "life is about relationships". If this is so then sometimes I wonder how I'm doing in life. Let's face it sometimes I just don't have time to do relationships really well. You know with, ortho appointments and Dr.'s visits and shuffling kids to and from every event known to man who really has time for relationships. And it strikes me as funny that we have to be told that life is about relationships. Did my grandparents have to be told or were they just living them. How about great grands? Did they know that life is about relationships or when someone was sick did they take food without being told to?
How am I doing on relationships? With my kids?...who swear that my greatest ability is to act like I'm listening to them when quite frankly I'm not (I've heard that same story 100 times). My husband?...Yes, I've got this one, oh unless the fact that for the last three weeks I've been asleep long before our usual bedtime chat. Friends?...yep, I've managed to throw in a few phone calls in the pick up line at school. Parents?...I know I called home last week, or was it two? My sister? Yes! Score one!
Okay maybe I'm not as bad as all that at relationships.... but it does leave me to wonder. Maybe I should put this on the top of my list (if I could find it)
How am I doing on relationships? With my kids?...who swear that my greatest ability is to act like I'm listening to them when quite frankly I'm not (I've heard that same story 100 times). My husband?...Yes, I've got this one, oh unless the fact that for the last three weeks I've been asleep long before our usual bedtime chat. Friends?...yep, I've managed to throw in a few phone calls in the pick up line at school. Parents?...I know I called home last week, or was it two? My sister? Yes! Score one!
Okay maybe I'm not as bad as all that at relationships.... but it does leave me to wonder. Maybe I should put this on the top of my list (if I could find it)
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