Just contemplating this morning…

This is one of my favorite hymns and it came to mind this morning, so I thought I would share. 🙂

And Can It Be?
by Charles Wesley

And can it be that I should gain
An int’rest in the Saviour’s blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain?
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! how can it be
That Thou, my God shouldst die for me?

He left His Father’s throne above,
So free, so infinite His grace!
Emptied Himself of all by love,
And bled for Adam’s helpless race!
“Tis mercy all, immense and fee,
For, O, my God, it found out me.

Long my imprisoned spirit lay
Fast bound in sin and nature’s night.
Thine eye diffused a quick’ning ray:
I woke–the dungeon flamed with light!
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.

No condemnation now I dread:
Jesus, and all in Him, is mine!
Alive in Him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness divine.
Bold I approach the eternal throne,
And claim the crown, thru Christ my own.

When There is Not Much Physical Light…

…God shines His light brighter.

That was so true this morning! 

My 3 kids wanted to go to the beach so badly this week. This was the only day I had our car, and I had promised them when I had the car we would go to the beach. However, when we woke up it was 71 degrees and cloudy – very cloudy. But, as soon as 9 o’clock came, we grabbed all our gear and headed out the door.

Before we left the driveway, one of my boys prayed that the rain would hold off until we had time to swim. Then, praying in my heart, I pulled out.

The beach was empty when we arrived, but the water was wonderfully warm. All 3 kids ran in the water laughing and splashing. I think Peter even had time to chase off a flock of Canadian Geese. 🙂

Around 1 hour later Nienna’s teeth started clattering and I knew it was time to get going. After I got her warmed up, I called the boys in. Then, and only then, I felt raindrops… We got mostly dried off and hopped in the car. As soon as we drove back in our driveway the rain started falling harder and we heard thunder.

I was so glad for the swim, workout, time with my kids, and the chance to see God answer my kids’ prayer. I wouldn’t change this morning for anything! Thank you Lord.

Out of the mouth of babes…

This morning, I made a promise and then because I was frustrated and overwhelmed I renigged on it. After a few minutes calming down in my room my 6-year-old daughter walked in and gave me a very sweet piece of humble pie.

She looked at me and softly said, “Mommy, your really hurt my brothers’ feelings. That was wrong.” Then she started to cry and added, “You need to apologize to God.”

Needless to say, I was properly rebuked and humbled. There is nothing like being shown your sin directly from your child…

Thank you God for giving her boldness and love to talk to me like that!

Remembering…

My wonderful small group of ladies from church are working through Because He Loves Me by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick right now. Though we are only on chapter 2 it has already enriched my heart and reminded me of why I was created and who I am in Christ.

In the first chapter Elyse goes through the story of Christ and redemption by just listing verses for 10 pages. I was so encouraged and my heart was reminded again of God’s plan of redemption for me (and you).

I needed this reminder this week:

God has already done everything that needs to be done for us in Christ. Through Jesus, he has lovingly revealed himself to us: “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkenss,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ”(2 Cor. 4:6)

In all the busy-ness of my home and life the reminder that everything is in God’s control and for my good. I pray that when my house is so messy that I can’t think straight or my kids disobey me (again) and I lash out or yell at them (again) that I am reminded of this. That I behold the glory of the Lord and it transforms me.

May it be so Lord: right now…

Hugs…

In my opinion, the best thing that God created was the hug.I have had quite a few hugs from my sister; and that is the best taste of God’s love so far today…

Family…

I read Romans 8:28-29 with fresh eyes this morning and it was such a joy to my heart. Now I want to share it with you…

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.”

When I read that last phrase my heart was filled with joy! God chose me – and you – to be in his family just so Jesus could have me as his sibling. Wow!

Not only did God adopt me into his family, he also is helping me become part of his family to where I fit in perfectly. He is making me more like my big brother Jesus, so that when others look at me they can tell which family I am a part of.

That brings so much joy to my heart this morning. I pray that as you think on this, it may encourage your heart too!

2012 Resolutions?

 

Since I usually am a very in-the-moment person I tend not to make resolutions for the new year. Instead, I reflect back on things and share current things. So for my New Year’s Resolution I am writing out my current ‘happinesses’ and ‘light-bringers’. Enjoy!

1. Reading books with my kids…
Even Monsters Need Haircuts by Matthew McElligott

The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner’s Dilemma by Trenton Lee Stewart

2. Playing new games…
Heroica from LEGO games

Castle Keep from Gamewright

Monopoly Deal from Parker Brothers

3. Finding a good book to read myself…
I, Coriander  by Sally Gardner

The Case of the Cryptic Crinoline: an Enola Holmes Mystery by Nancy Springer

 
picture taken from Cathe Holden at justsomethingimade.com 

Happy New Year!

apple image thanks to Amy at TheVintageWorkshop: Workshop Window
 

A Good Story…

As a volunteer librarian at my kids’ school in Minneapolis; there are so many ways to see God’s light and joy.

I can bring home books to preview and then be able to recommend them to the students. I also get to enjoy a great new story. I also have a chance to help kids discover new books and stories; to be curious and search for books that will enhance things they enjoy.

But I think the thing that brings me the most joy is taking a class of 18-20 happy, hyper students and gaining their undivided attention for 15 minutes while I read a story to them. When God takes something and lights an imagination it is wonderful to behold. And when you can be the starting block for that imagination flight it is joyful beyond words.

I will never forget one particular time when a class came into the library and everyone was having a very hard day. The kids weren’t listening; the teacher was stressed.  But when they were finally seated and I started reading the story (it was Mercy Watson to the Rescue by Kate DiCamillo) all 19 of them – teacher included – were still, quiet, enraptured and engaged.

Only God could have done that. And he used a wonderfully sweet book to do it.

Thank you Lord for the chance to engage children’s imaginations. Thank you for allowing us to read and write. Thank you that we have books to help us grow. Thank you for your greatest book that draws our imaginations to the deepest extent.

Sadness is…

…trying to console your son after he accidentally flushes his bouncy ball down the toilet.