Tuesday, January 10, 2012

"Now experience it."

Read this post from one of my favorite blogs ande the following words stood out to me:

“I passed a billboard and it made me think. Made me start reading my Bible, starting in the book of Proverbs.”
“What did the billboard say?” I need to know — what are the answers in places like dumps?
What do signs say when you need a sign?
“The billboard, it said: “God is love. Now experience it.

Do I experience it? how? Do I take time to watch and wait. To SEE the many ways that God has blessed me and His love manifested in each moment. Do I give thanks? and find joy there? in the thanksgiving?

Continuing to count my own one thousand gifts...and then some....
51. walks in the cold winter air
52. encouraging words from my children
53. the shock on their faces as they consider sibling rivalry and how it happens in other families
54. Brae offering to make Drew an omlette for breakfast - with toast!
55. coming home to a spotless kitchen
56. the snap of crisp gingerbread
57. the breathing of a baby as he sleeps with no monitors or help - praise God for healing!
58. the light in Wil's eyes and the crinkle of his nose as he smiles at me - my heart melts.
59. the decadence of triple chocolate mousse cake
60. my new favorite baking/serving dish
61. three hours of uninterrupted sleep!
62. weight loss for me....weight gain for Wil!
63. new jeans the fit just right
64. hand crochetted cotton dish towels
65. finding the exact one-word necklace I love
66. late night talks with a good friend
67. celebrating their 55 years of ministry and the impact they have had on my family.
68. the investment of another homeschool mom in my son and others through debate
69. visits from "camp kids"
70. sitting down to dinner as a family each evening.

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Intimately

While my sweet little baby was in the NICU, it seemed that he was aware of my presence on the floor even when I was nowhere near his isolete.

Nine months of listening to the cadence and tones of my voice....of feeling the rhythm of my movements and the sensing the peace of my rest....of soothing to the beat of my heart and the rise and fall of my breathing...this boy knew me so well, so intimately, that he could sense my presence even when I could not be seen or heard.

Do I know God, that well? Am I that intimately attuned to His Spirit that I can sense Him....His presence in my life even when He is silent?

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Another meaning

In my dream last night, my word for the year, ABIDE, was the topic of discussion. The alternate meaning - to put up with or tolerate was brought to light.

When I woke, I pondered a quote I have in my kitchen  ~ "God will not tolerate being tolerated.". I don't recall who said it but it impacted me enough to want a daily reminder. Do I tolerate God? or do I willingly run into His presence, eager for time with Him?

I wouldn't want to know that people, especially those who call themselves my children, just tolerate me. That would hurt depending on my view of the relationship, even devastate me.

What an affront that would be to the God of Love who sent His Son as a sacrifice so that we could have communion with Him!

Do you simply tolerate Him or do you build your nest near His alter each day?

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Seek Intently

This resonates with me:

"It is age old to want to fit in–but only those who listen closely, who seek intently, will have the blessing and privilege to hear Him, to see His ways and to live in the grace that only comes from resting in Him, and obediently walking by faith."

This post rings so true for me. Its author and her book have had great impact in my homeschooling and living- learning. I am currently reading Dancing With My Father and finding truth and joy in the pages. Finally, I am looking forward to starting a study of The Mission of Motherhood at the end of the month with a group of amazing Christ followers.

Jeremiah says "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you..." Are you seeking? The book studies I am doing don't replace my time in God's Word and my quiet time alone with Him. My reading and studies are often slow going as time is at a premium!

This year I am challenged to abide - I want to soak in His presence, build my nest near His alter,so that I can know Him more and find more of Him in my days...hours...moments. Will you join me?

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

A New Year ~ A New Word

*sigh* well, the year of "follow" was a challenging and difficult one - I admit - I failed miserably! Starting with my obedience in regular blogging. My good intentions and great post ideas never seemed to make it to the computer screen.

So, we start a new year with renewed intentions AND a new word!

My word for 2012 is ABIDE....continue, endure, persevere, persist, remain, dwell, anticipate, bide, expect, linger, pause, remain , rest, sojourn.

Psalm 91:1  He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
 will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

Psalm 84: 2-4 2 My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD;
my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.
 3 Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself,
   where she may have her young— a place near your altar,
   O LORD Almighty, my King and my God.
4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house;they are ever praising you.

 Like the swallow, I want my place to be near the alter of the Most High. A place where I can rest.... dwell. ....sojourn.....abide.

Followers

About Me

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I am the very blessed wife of my best friend. The humble mother of five precious children. Walking a life-road that is more amazing than I could ever imagine.