So...we made it. Well...at least one of us did....I've managed to successfully blog about all the beautiful things in my life for 31 consecutive days...and I survived.
I learned a few things along the way and I thought that might be a good way to wrap up the month. So here goes...
1. Blogging about one topic...no matter how broad...for 31 days is hard. It's a commitment and planning and scheduling and spell checking...and making that commitment should come with a 48 hour chance to back out.
2. Blogging takes a lot of time. I wanted to be sure that what I was writing was worth reading...and since I second guess what I write most of the time anyway...it took longer to publish a day's article. What you saw was sometimes second, third and even fourth drafts. Gracious....that's a lot of time!
3. Blogging about beautiful things helped me to realize how truly beautiful my life is. It's not so much the stuff or even the people or the things that have happened, but the grace and the love that God has blessed my life with. It truly has made me pay attention to the beauty all around me. And by beauty I'm not talking pretty. Sometimes the most beautiful things are found in the most unlikely places.
4. I realized that people actually read my blog. I watched all month long on my stats page to see which articles people were reading the most. It was interesting to see Beautiful Homes and Beautiful Loved Ones getting the most hits....and since that was largely about having a Christ-like home and loving the special people God places in your life...this made me pretty happy.
5. And lastly I learned that even when I feel weak and inadequate to do something that seems so trivial in the grand scheme of life, that God can use those words to meet someone where they are at, encourage them and bless them. He's so good.
So, it's been a beautiful month...and now we're heading into my fifth year of giving thanks each day in November. I'm excited and hope you'll join, privately or publicly in giving thanks to the only one truly worthy...the maker of all things beautiful in His time, Jesus.
For a complete list of all 31 Days of Beautiful Things CLICK HERE
Showing posts with label 31 Days. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 31 Days. Show all posts
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Day #30 Beautiful Rain
If you know me personally then you probably know that there isn't much I love better in this world than a rainy day. And we're getting one today. Everything just looks better after rain....the trees and grass are greener, the flowers brighter, the dust off everything washes and vegetation looks stronger. It's been nourished, watered, fed. Things slow down...people are more careful about how they drive and walk and we hold things a little tighter...like they matter a little bit more...so they won't slip or fall out of our grasp.
And sometimes we all need a day of rain to look better. A day of refreshment, of feeding on the Living Water, of being nourished in His Word, fed by the bread of life. We're stronger after sitting in the "rain". Things look brighter, the cloud of dust and dirt that once hindered our clear view of life, of God, of ourselves and others...it's lifted...and we are stronger, more deeply rooted. We slow down...we're more careful and we remember what's truly important.
And when His rain comes down...what refreshment it brings! When His glory comes down it fills our spirit...His presence fills us. We get a glimpse of who He is...and it's empowering. We're reminded of our smallness in the rain...of His greatness. It's in those moments...we find ourselves wondering why we don't pray for rain...beautiful rain... more often.
And sometimes we all need a day of rain to look better. A day of refreshment, of feeding on the Living Water, of being nourished in His Word, fed by the bread of life. We're stronger after sitting in the "rain". Things look brighter, the cloud of dust and dirt that once hindered our clear view of life, of God, of ourselves and others...it's lifted...and we are stronger, more deeply rooted. We slow down...we're more careful and we remember what's truly important.
And when His rain comes down...what refreshment it brings! When His glory comes down it fills our spirit...His presence fills us. We get a glimpse of who He is...and it's empowering. We're reminded of our smallness in the rain...of His greatness. It's in those moments...we find ourselves wondering why we don't pray for rain...beautiful rain... more often.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Day #29 Beautiful Landscapes
WOW! Some people just have a knack for placing vegetation in the right place...and it all end up looking beautiful! My mom is like this....and it also helps that she has a green thumb. These pictures show the evidence of hard work, diligence and careful planning by expert gardeners. And the result is stunning.
The same is true with our growth as a Christian. It takes hard work, diligence and careful planning to fight off the flesh and grow in the Lord...but the result is stunning. It's beautiful. So do the work. Follow the master gardeners guidebook and stay rooted in it. You will see results in no time!
Monday, October 28, 2013
Day #28 Beautiful Mommas
A New Perspective For Moms from Elevation Church on Vimeo.
Because sometimes we are hard on ourselves and on each other....you should know that you're a beautiful momma. God sees the intent of your heart..the desire to be better, more patient and loving...and your kids see it too. Take a look! Be encouraged.
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Day #26 Beautiful Body
Last night I watched our church serve our community. It was beautiful. It's happened before but this time I was paying better attention. There were carnival games, face painting, bounce houses, a dunking booth, barrel train, cotton candy, popcorn, snowcones, hot dogs, grilled bananas, tea, lemonade and hot chocolate and more...much more.
There were smiling faces and serving hands and encouraging words. There was laughter and hugging and conversation. There was community and love and concern. There was a body of believers giving to their city a taste of more than a hotdog....more than a grilled banana....more than sweet treats. They were giving them a taste of what it means to give and love and care. A taste of what it means to be part of the body...doing what you were designed to do...to serve using your particular ability. To enjoy the company of your brothers and sisters in Christ and to give without receiving anything in return...except maybe the priceless joy of those receiving the gift.
And hundreds of people enjoyed a night of fun and giving..thanks to the beautiful body of Christ. What a blessing to watch it all unfold. And how thankful I am that we have a reason to share and give and love. Jesus....the reason for every season and every day.
There were smiling faces and serving hands and encouraging words. There was laughter and hugging and conversation. There was community and love and concern. There was a body of believers giving to their city a taste of more than a hotdog....more than a grilled banana....more than sweet treats. They were giving them a taste of what it means to give and love and care. A taste of what it means to be part of the body...doing what you were designed to do...to serve using your particular ability. To enjoy the company of your brothers and sisters in Christ and to give without receiving anything in return...except maybe the priceless joy of those receiving the gift.
And hundreds of people enjoyed a night of fun and giving..thanks to the beautiful body of Christ. What a blessing to watch it all unfold. And how thankful I am that we have a reason to share and give and love. Jesus....the reason for every season and every day.
Friday, October 25, 2013
Day #25 Beautiful Day
We've had the most gorgeous weather this week in Texas. It's really the first real "fall" like temperatures I can remember in years....Watch out world...we might actually be having 3 seasons now...Summer, August and Fall. :)
Here's one of my favorite young artists singing a song about today and everyday...it's all perspective! Plus...It's Friday....and every Friday is BEAUTIFUL!
Here's one of my favorite young artists singing a song about today and everyday...it's all perspective! Plus...It's Friday....and every Friday is BEAUTIFUL!
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Day #24 Beautiful Photography
I'm a fan of beautiful photography. I just wish I could take beautiful pictures. With the help of instagram and other photo editing programs my pictures look decent...but not near as good as some I've seen.
These pictures were obviously not taken by me. They are clear and reflective and my thumb isn't in the corner. The focus is good, the clarity and colors are vivid. Truly there is an art to this.
I like how a photo tells a story. You can imagine yourself in that scene or recall what you did. Photos bring back memories of good times and happiness. They remind us of loved ones and the power of a negative developing into something beautiful. It's a reflection of tiny details coming together to make something worth remembering.
That's life isn't it? It's our story, all the scenes...the good and the not so good...the happy and the sad...the loved ones...the negatives developing us into something beautiful...all the tiny details coming together to make something that is worth remembering. Worth passing down. Worth sharing. Worth taking a second look at.
There are no perfect pictures. There is always something the photographer would do just a tad bit differently. But sometimes the imperfections make the photo really beautiful...really interesting....worth remembering. It's those photos that tell the stories worth repeating...those stories of hope and heartache and blessings and beauty. It's those stories that allow us to share the provision, greatness and blessings of our sovereign God. Because, for those who love Him, He is working all those things out for our good, they are being transformed in the dark rooms of life. And that truly is beautiful photography.
These pictures were obviously not taken by me. They are clear and reflective and my thumb isn't in the corner. The focus is good, the clarity and colors are vivid. Truly there is an art to this.
I like how a photo tells a story. You can imagine yourself in that scene or recall what you did. Photos bring back memories of good times and happiness. They remind us of loved ones and the power of a negative developing into something beautiful. It's a reflection of tiny details coming together to make something worth remembering.
That's life isn't it? It's our story, all the scenes...the good and the not so good...the happy and the sad...the loved ones...the negatives developing us into something beautiful...all the tiny details coming together to make something that is worth remembering. Worth passing down. Worth sharing. Worth taking a second look at.
There are no perfect pictures. There is always something the photographer would do just a tad bit differently. But sometimes the imperfections make the photo really beautiful...really interesting....worth remembering. It's those photos that tell the stories worth repeating...those stories of hope and heartache and blessings and beauty. It's those stories that allow us to share the provision, greatness and blessings of our sovereign God. Because, for those who love Him, He is working all those things out for our good, they are being transformed in the dark rooms of life. And that truly is beautiful photography.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Day #23 Beautiful Defense
It's no secret my kids...and now my husband are into marital arts. Taekwondo (TKD) to be specific. It's kind of comical since we are such a laid back kind of family. We started Tucker in TKD when he was four. He was interested and needed something to get rid of some energy, so we thought this might be a good outlet. Shorty after that, when Savannah saw some of her friends getting involved, she decided she might give it a try and now, two years later, Bruce has begun his own journey towards a black belt.
It's crazy to think that my sweet kids are only one year away from becoming black belts. Seriously? I may need to be concerned now that they are stronger and able to defend themselves with "killer" moves. One of the things I love about TKD is that the disciplines that are taught are more along the lines of self control, leadership and dedication, rather than fighting, hurting someone or making yourself look cool by showing off your moves. There are strict rules about defending yourself and using your weapons in any type of non-sportsmanship way.
But, truth be told, one reason I have my kids in TKD is so they learn to defend themselves if someone/something bad was to ever happen to them. Let's face it, we live in a world of kidnappers, child abusers and abductors and although I'm not into living in fear, I'm also not into going to children's funerals. The leadership skills that Savannah has learned as she has gone through the leadership program have been valuable and are right in line with the principles that we are teaching at home.
However, I realize that in life, an important lesson that I need to teach my kids is that the LORD is their defense. He's the ultimate Defender. When situations come their way that they can't or don't know how to handle, their shield and defender is right there to help them make wise decisions and protect them. Before TKD, before all the moves they know, all the skills they have learned, their Defender is there. In moments of name calling, bullying, hurt feelings, meanness, gossip, lying, unkindness....He is their shield and defender. And because we live in a world where there's such hatred and malice and sin, they need to know that He's the one that provides protection and their confidence should be in Him...not in their skills.
Isn't that a beautiful principle? I'm thankful my kids know how to defend themselves from the evil people of this world, but it's more important that they know how to defend themselves from the prince of evil and darkness of this world. They can only do that through knowing the great defender. It's much more important that I teach them about HIM than enroll them in self-defense classes. His skills set is one that they need to learn from, model the form and use to destroy the spiritual enemy.
Click here for a complete list of my 31 Days Posts
It's crazy to think that my sweet kids are only one year away from becoming black belts. Seriously? I may need to be concerned now that they are stronger and able to defend themselves with "killer" moves. One of the things I love about TKD is that the disciplines that are taught are more along the lines of self control, leadership and dedication, rather than fighting, hurting someone or making yourself look cool by showing off your moves. There are strict rules about defending yourself and using your weapons in any type of non-sportsmanship way.
But, truth be told, one reason I have my kids in TKD is so they learn to defend themselves if someone/something bad was to ever happen to them. Let's face it, we live in a world of kidnappers, child abusers and abductors and although I'm not into living in fear, I'm also not into going to children's funerals. The leadership skills that Savannah has learned as she has gone through the leadership program have been valuable and are right in line with the principles that we are teaching at home.
However, I realize that in life, an important lesson that I need to teach my kids is that the LORD is their defense. He's the ultimate Defender. When situations come their way that they can't or don't know how to handle, their shield and defender is right there to help them make wise decisions and protect them. Before TKD, before all the moves they know, all the skills they have learned, their Defender is there. In moments of name calling, bullying, hurt feelings, meanness, gossip, lying, unkindness....He is their shield and defender. And because we live in a world where there's such hatred and malice and sin, they need to know that He's the one that provides protection and their confidence should be in Him...not in their skills.
Isn't that a beautiful principle? I'm thankful my kids know how to defend themselves from the evil people of this world, but it's more important that they know how to defend themselves from the prince of evil and darkness of this world. They can only do that through knowing the great defender. It's much more important that I teach them about HIM than enroll them in self-defense classes. His skills set is one that they need to learn from, model the form and use to destroy the spiritual enemy.
Click here for a complete list of my 31 Days Posts
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Day #22 Beautiful Gratitude
God's Word...specifically the Psalms...command us to praise the Lord....for who He is...what He's done...This should be every Christian's mission...and it will be our eternal destiny. And that will be a beautiful eternity of gratitude.
In 2008, here on this blog, I took a challenge to record things I was thankful for during the week of Thanksgiving. I listed 20... you can take a look HERE
Over the next five years I have continued the tradition (actually expanding it to a whole month) and here's why:
1. Gratitude produces humility. I thank God and others and in the process realize how weak, needy and blessed that I am. I acknowledge my gratitude to God by giving me wonderful gifts that enrich my life.
2. Gratitude puts things into perspective. After a rough day, week or year...thinking back to the goodness of God on my life, gives me a clearer picture of just how good God is to me. That these trials will pass and that He has my good in mind. His sovereignty glows in history.
3. Gratitude is part of prayer...giving thanks for things/people/answered prayer... puts the glory back to God. Where it belongs. When the kids are well behaved...glory to God, when someone is saved at church...glory to God, when my family gets to go someplace special...glory to God. These aren't coincidences that God allows to happen...no matter how trivial...these are details worked out by the hand of the Lord. The glory, thanks and gratitude belongs to Him.
4. Gratitude helps me give honor where honor is due...sometimes I forget to say thanks, forget to acknowledge something kind someone has done for me...taking the time to get my gratitude on gives me time to think about all those special people in my life. And I don't know anyone who doesn't like to be thanked.
5. Gratitude makes me feel better. And I know it shouldn't be about how it makes me feel. But, I'm gonna be honest, thinking positively about life does help me feel better. It's part of that ..whatsoever things are pure, honest, good report....those are the things you are to think about. Yep...there's a reason for that!
So a little while back I started posting on Thursdays, on Facebook my list of gratitudes and others started posting theirs...and I can't tell you how much it has encouraged me to see God doing such amazing things in the lives of people. I don't want to keep it a secret! He is good and even in my lowest times, I am amazed at how He showers me with things to be grateful for.
Join me this November as we daily give thanks on Facebook....I can't wait to see and hear about God's goodness in your life! You can follow me HERE or just list your own thanks anyway you can...in a notebook, on your blog, twitter or your own facebook page.
PS...if you go over to the column over on the right ...the arch
ives. Look under November of each year and read the Days of Thanks posts. It'll keep you entertained at least!
Monday, October 21, 2013
Day #21 Beautiful Comfort Food
The beauty of food...
I'm not a terribly good cook...I mean...I enjoy it, I'm adventurous...but let's just say, I'm pretty sure I've never made anything that looked as good as these pictures. Still, I love to see food displays that are creative and pleasing to the eye and taste...and maybe if I learned to be a little more creative with my display...my kids might eat more veggies!
We all find comfort in food. If nothing else it helps our belly quit growling like a band of wolves, but for most it's even more than that. A certain food might remind us of someone or a certain time in our lives. I can hardly eat a donut without thinking about all the Saturday morning's my dad would buy a dozen of Winn Dixie's hot and fresh bakery donuts. It's a sweet childhood memory that I have.
Then there's the smell of stinky cabbage and collard greens that reminds me of my Mimi. My grandmother passed on her love of all things southern to the rest of the family...I unfortunately don't like things that don't smell good while they're cooking. And by admitting that, I've lost some street cred in Georgia!
Those memories bring me some comfort. I think of the times shared with loved ones and the memories I have of the people I shared a meal with. But, real comfort food, only comes from God's Word...the Bread of Life. Real comfort doesn't know a perfect temperature, a pinch of this and that or more or less of anything. It's whole. Nothing lacking. Good for you. Everything you need to stay properly nourished in this life. It's the balanced meal your soul longs for...full of the nutrients that will help you grow into maturity.
So while my tummy might be rumbling for some apple cobbler and a scoop of homemade vanilla, my soul longs for the words found in the Bible. It's always fresh and ready.
I'm not a terribly good cook...I mean...I enjoy it, I'm adventurous...but let's just say, I'm pretty sure I've never made anything that looked as good as these pictures. Still, I love to see food displays that are creative and pleasing to the eye and taste...and maybe if I learned to be a little more creative with my display...my kids might eat more veggies!
We all find comfort in food. If nothing else it helps our belly quit growling like a band of wolves, but for most it's even more than that. A certain food might remind us of someone or a certain time in our lives. I can hardly eat a donut without thinking about all the Saturday morning's my dad would buy a dozen of Winn Dixie's hot and fresh bakery donuts. It's a sweet childhood memory that I have.
Then there's the smell of stinky cabbage and collard greens that reminds me of my Mimi. My grandmother passed on her love of all things southern to the rest of the family...I unfortunately don't like things that don't smell good while they're cooking. And by admitting that, I've lost some street cred in Georgia!
Those memories bring me some comfort. I think of the times shared with loved ones and the memories I have of the people I shared a meal with. But, real comfort food, only comes from God's Word...the Bread of Life. Real comfort doesn't know a perfect temperature, a pinch of this and that or more or less of anything. It's whole. Nothing lacking. Good for you. Everything you need to stay properly nourished in this life. It's the balanced meal your soul longs for...full of the nutrients that will help you grow into maturity.
So while my tummy might be rumbling for some apple cobbler and a scoop of homemade vanilla, my soul longs for the words found in the Bible. It's always fresh and ready.
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Day #19 Beautiful Hope
Death. It doesn't really matter how a person dies that catches our breath...it's that they're gone. Yes, we can analyze and compare stories of cancer and brain aneurysms and organ failure and old age...and even murder...but the end result is that we are left with this feeling of empty lonely purposelessness.
Death strikes. We are never prepared enough. We can't be ready enough. When that last breath is drawn and you realize it won't be followed by another raising of the chest and an exhale, no amount of preparation, of God-knowledge, of eternal perspective is enough for that first moment without the one you love. Its heavy thickness is near strangulation strength.
And then you remember. It may take a moment or a few months of moments ...even years...but your mind finally comprehends and shifts to the beautiful hope we have in Christ. That hope that we will be with our Christian loved ones once again...that this is not the end...this world is not the final stop. The hope ...the resurrection hope...that we can cling to in the worst of times. That same hope that he promised 2000 years ago...the hope that we have in a glorious future that He's prepared for us in eternity. The hope of His soon return. The hope that believes He keeps His promise. The hope that does not leave us lonely but filled with the beautiful reality that we are not alone as we walk in the day to day...in the weight of grief. We have hope. Hope in Him. Beautiful, beautiful hope.
Death strikes. We are never prepared enough. We can't be ready enough. When that last breath is drawn and you realize it won't be followed by another raising of the chest and an exhale, no amount of preparation, of God-knowledge, of eternal perspective is enough for that first moment without the one you love. Its heavy thickness is near strangulation strength.
And then you remember. It may take a moment or a few months of moments ...even years...but your mind finally comprehends and shifts to the beautiful hope we have in Christ. That hope that we will be with our Christian loved ones once again...that this is not the end...this world is not the final stop. The hope ...the resurrection hope...that we can cling to in the worst of times. That same hope that he promised 2000 years ago...the hope that we have in a glorious future that He's prepared for us in eternity. The hope of His soon return. The hope that believes He keeps His promise. The hope that does not leave us lonely but filled with the beautiful reality that we are not alone as we walk in the day to day...in the weight of grief. We have hope. Hope in Him. Beautiful, beautiful hope.
Friday, October 18, 2013
Day #18 Beautiful Keys
At eleven years of age my mom enrolled me in piano lessons. I'm not sure if it was my incredible ability to play "Heart and Soul" or if it was her dream of personally playing the piano, that prompted this move but after school on Thursday afternoons, my brother, sister and I would walk to the piano teachers home just down the street from our school.
And what I learned over the next seven years has been invaluable to me over the years. By age thirteen I was playing in church and through college it paid the way for me to go tuition free. And as a church musician I have been playing in some sort of capacity for nearly 20 years.
I tried to pick up other instruments. After a month of violin lessons, Bruce begged me to quit. I agree it was absolutely awful. I also tried the guitar---didn't work out. So, I finally gave up and just embraced the keys for all it was worth. I don't play by ear, my theory knowledge lacks, and I didn't learn to play by a chord sheet until my thirties...but one thing is for sure...all those hours of practicing, and God's orchestration have allowed for many years of piano playing. Sometimes God gives you an ability...to be developed. Sometimes it takes work. Sometimes patience. I'm thankful for a determined mother who ordered at least 30 minutes a day tickling the ivories. I'm thankful for some of the best teachers in the world pushing me...sometimes to tears...to work hard...harder and even harder. And I'm thankful most of all for the years God has allowed me to do this for His glory..for the joy it brings Him, others and even myself.
God's good that way. He allows us to worship Him in so many different ways. When we use our gifts, talents, ability to honor Him, it's worship. We are giving back some of what He's given to us. It's an offering of sorts.
God's good that way. He allows us to worship Him in so many different ways. When we use our gifts, talents, ability to honor Him, it's worship. We are giving back some of what He's given to us. It's an offering of sorts.
And over the years, I've listened to many great pianist. Here are a few of my favorites...some inspiration to play on...
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Day #17 Beautiful Promises
No earthly promise is as beautiful to me as the vows I exchanged with Bruce 20 years ago. The day, the moment...etched in my mind and my heart forever.
The next most important and beautiful promise I made in my life was when my kids were dedicated back to the Lord. I promised to do my part in training them up to love the Lord...heart, mind and soul.
Recently I was at a meeting with Bruce and the speaker spoke on "ministry vows". These promises that we made or maybe needed to make in ministry. I'm reposting them here so maybe if you're in the ministry, serve as a teacher or helper in a class at your church...or are a minister in any way...you might glean something from them. I know they have helped me to renew my own vows to serve God faithfully with my life.
1. I promise to depend on God alone to provide for all my needs.
2. I promise to remind myself daily that I cannot accomplish my calling without the Holy Spirit.
3. I promise not to seek significance or approval in what others think about me.
4. I promise never to convince myself that I am indispensable.
5. I promise not to isolate myself in sin, sorrow or success.
6. I promise to be a man/woman of God...not a whiny, little baby.
7. I promise to be myself, not some version of someone I wish I was.
8. I promise to never stop saying "Yes" to new ministry opportunities.
9. I promise to walk with the Lord...not run.
10. I promise to prioritize renewal in my weekly and yearly schedules.
(From Pastor Max Kennedy)
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Day #16 Beautiful Quietness
I'm writing this post in my den, small corner lamp, feet propped up on an ottoman, sweet tea within reach....everyone is asleep. It's beautifully quiet. I almost want to pinch myself because in this house of piano lessons and Taekwondo forms and homeschool and nerf guns this is a rarity.
I'm learning though, that to enjoy the quiet in my home, it takes effort.
- Effort to plan ahead so there aren't distractions.
- Effort to get up early or stay up late when the eyeballs are wishing otherwise.
- Effort to settle myself, to relax, to not feel guilty.
- Effort to be prepared with Bible, books, journal, computer.
It's almost as much work to prepare for quietness as it is to get quietness. And sometimes, if I'm honest, it's too much work and in my laziness I miss the beauty of the quietness.
Because it's in the quietness that I hear things otherwise unheard. Sweet truths of Jesus fly off the pages of His Word when I sit quietly before Him. I recall things in the quiet that I would otherwise not take the time to savor....memories, answered prayer, intercessory request. In the quiet I also realize my own worth and my own sin. I have the time to confess and praise and thank.
Being still before the Lord isn't some silly mantra that we obligate ourselves to as Christians. It's a privilege....we are being still so we can KNOW the Lord God. (Ps. 46:10) Depending on your season of life, you may or may not have plenty of time to do this at anytime during the day....for me, it requires effort. A real, purposeful, decision to get up or stay up so that I can spend quiet time getting to know the Lord.
Here are a few things I do....
- Get comfortable
- Sit quietly for a few minutes, settling my mind down
- Consider things to be thankful for, write them down if desired- Pray
- Read God's Word
- Confess sins that are brought to mind- Pray
- Think about the gift of salvation and praise God for giving me salvation - Pray
- Think about others and their needs and requests - Journal these
- Meditate on 2-3 scriptures that have something to do with something I'm struggling with
- Listen for anything that God may be saying to be through His Word.
There's no set rules for spending time with God. No time limit. No list of things you must do in order. Find what works for you. I can honestly tell you, when I start my day sitting in the beautiful quietness with the Lord, it does help me through out the day. I'm finding too, that when I don't have time for some quiet time with the Lord, in reality, that's really all I do have time for.
I've come across journaling ideas through pinterest and thought they might inspire you to document your beautiful quietness:
What's On Your Mind Today (printable)
Story Analysis (printable)
I'm learning though, that to enjoy the quiet in my home, it takes effort.
- Effort to plan ahead so there aren't distractions.
- Effort to get up early or stay up late when the eyeballs are wishing otherwise.
- Effort to settle myself, to relax, to not feel guilty.
- Effort to be prepared with Bible, books, journal, computer.
It's almost as much work to prepare for quietness as it is to get quietness. And sometimes, if I'm honest, it's too much work and in my laziness I miss the beauty of the quietness.
Because it's in the quietness that I hear things otherwise unheard. Sweet truths of Jesus fly off the pages of His Word when I sit quietly before Him. I recall things in the quiet that I would otherwise not take the time to savor....memories, answered prayer, intercessory request. In the quiet I also realize my own worth and my own sin. I have the time to confess and praise and thank.
Being still before the Lord isn't some silly mantra that we obligate ourselves to as Christians. It's a privilege....we are being still so we can KNOW the Lord God. (Ps. 46:10) Depending on your season of life, you may or may not have plenty of time to do this at anytime during the day....for me, it requires effort. A real, purposeful, decision to get up or stay up so that I can spend quiet time getting to know the Lord.
Here are a few things I do....
- Get comfortable
- Sit quietly for a few minutes, settling my mind down
- Consider things to be thankful for, write them down if desired- Pray
- Read God's Word
- Confess sins that are brought to mind- Pray
- Think about the gift of salvation and praise God for giving me salvation - Pray
- Think about others and their needs and requests - Journal these
- Meditate on 2-3 scriptures that have something to do with something I'm struggling with
- Listen for anything that God may be saying to be through His Word.
There's no set rules for spending time with God. No time limit. No list of things you must do in order. Find what works for you. I can honestly tell you, when I start my day sitting in the beautiful quietness with the Lord, it does help me through out the day. I'm finding too, that when I don't have time for some quiet time with the Lord, in reality, that's really all I do have time for.
I've come across journaling ideas through pinterest and thought they might inspire you to document your beautiful quietness:
What's On Your Mind Today (printable)
Story Analysis (printable)
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Day #15 Beautiful Dust Bunnies and Dirty Laundry
See the complete List of Beautiful Things HERE
I've only been doing the mom things for 11 years. Some of you have been doing it much much longer, but whether you're a veteran or a new mom, there is a common bond between us...whether it comes from intense labor, the terrible twos, or the pride and joy of just being blessed with this beautiful job of raising the next generation, I'm not sure. But I'm glad to be a part of the unofficial club.
There were a few things I underestimated before I became a mom..
- the amount of talking these kids would do.
- the amount of dirty laundry they would produce.
- the amount of time it would take to instruct and train them.
- the tears of joy I would cry over them.
- the blessing and pride I would feel as I watch them make good decisions
- the trust I would need to put their lives in God's hands
and my list could go on and on and on.
Other moms can describe the feelings of becoming a mom but it doesn't do it justice. There's no words to describe your personal feelings about the blessing it is to be "The Mom" on a good day. But let's get real....some days the days aren't good.
In any "job" or "calling" there are off days. Days where the employee doesn't get everything done, gets mad at the boss, frustrated with co-workers, questions God. Why do we think mothering is any different? We all have those days.
Recently I was thinking to myself..."Why can't I seem to get it all together?" "Shouldn't this be easier no that I am home full time?" "Where the heck do all these dust bunnies come from?"
And maybe you've thought the same thing...or at least something similar. Let me tell you something that I am in the thick of learning- This parenting thing...it's hard work....important work...a heavenly assignment. Sure I've known this in my head since 2002. But I'm paying better attention lately and quite frankly, I'm pretty sure I'm not qualified to raise two kids to become high functioning adults in a postmodern world.
Thank God...that's not my job!!!
What I'm in the throws of learning is that my job is to train them to be a reflection of Jesus....and even that is mostly the working of the Holy Spirit in their lives. What I do is create an environment where they are exposed to Jesus, His people, His Word, His love...and I let Him do the rest. I'm not really the one in charge....it's up to Him. As we do Bible study at home, go to church, sing in the car, discipline them...it's all about what Jesus is doing and so little about what I am actually doing. He's got these kids....their hearts....already. Thankfully I get to play this small, but important role in giving them the tools to know Him better. But the growth...that part...it's between them and God...I can't make it happen.
Hebrews 11:6 says: But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
This verse has comforted me in times when I have felt overwhelmed with parenting. But the beautiful promise is that God rewards those who diligently seek Him. If there was ever an area in my life that I need to be seeking Him in...it's how to raise my kids. But I know who my God is...and He knows my name....and He is a rewarder of wisdom and of grace...of which I need in bulk daily.
So, how about we spend just a little less time thinking about the dirty laundry and the dust bunnies and maybe a few more minutes in the "diligently seeking" department. In the end, there will be plenty of time to catch those bunnies and do the laundry...but these days...the ones we are living and breathing right this second.... are flying by... flying...by.
Monday, October 14, 2013
Day #14 Beautiful Surprises
In 2002 I was surprised with a positive pregnancy test after being told there was no way I would ever get and stay pregnant. You can imagine our surprise again, when baby Savannah arrived three months early.
Again in 2005 after taking three pregnancy tests I finally realized God was surprising us again with baby #2 and although it took a lot of careful care, this one didn't surprise us at all. After a very planned C-section, Tucker arrived right on time.
I remember being surprised as a child when I spent the weekend with a friend and came home to a brand new bedroom re-do. It was so pretty and I was so excited about my newly painted refurbished furniture and sweet girly bedspread.
I also remember getting an urgent phone call that my dad was on life support at age 45. I can't even tell you how surprised I was when he passed away 45 hours later.
Surprises happen. Good ones and bad ones. You don't know to prepare...so you don't. You can't plan how you're going to react...because you don't know!
But with God, there are no surprises...and that is what is so beautiful.
He isn't surprised by your life or your death.
He isn't surprised by your health or your wealth.
He isn't surprised by you children or your parents.
He isn't surprised by war or peace.
He isn't surprised by your 40th birthday....or your 60th.
He isn't surprised by government shutdowns, Obama Care or Social Security debacle.
He knows about it all. Everything. Every.Single.Thing.
He's knows...and He's got it under control. It's in His hands.
And that's beautiful.
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Friday, October 11, 2013
Day #11 Beautiful Details
The word tells us that through Him and for Him all things were created,
That we are as clay in the potter's hands.
What kind of potter possesses the power to change the seasons
And the subtlety to bring forth a radiant flower from the smallest bud
Or endows a fragile monarch butterfly with the instinct to travel thousands of miles
Or through the thunder and lightning of a panoramic storm brings life-giving rain?
Who blesses a humble grain of wheat by some miracle to germinate and produce a stalk with multiple grains at its head?
When planted in great numbers it produces food for thousands.
The Word tells us that the pinnacle of creation,
The baby conceived in a virgin's womb by the Holy Spirit
Died on a cross to pay for his workmanship's failures
That if we believe in Him we do not perish but are re-created by nail-scarred hands
Emerging as from a cocoon
Raptured souls finding rest beyond the river
Glorifying the triune Creator forever and ever!
--Jack L. Griffin
Details are beautiful. And sometimes we need to take a closer look so we can understand better what God is up to. Looking at the details cause us to stop, think and sit in wonderment of the extreme creativity and detail that God spent on us. The human body, nature, space...it all screams of God's amazing attention to details.
And..since we were created in His image, He's given us all a spirit of creativity. Maybe it's crafting or music or computer design or gardening...if you look hard enough, you'll find an area of creativity, an area of detail that He's given you too. Honor Him with that. The details scream of God's majesty. I want to be a part of that..don't you?
Leave a comment: What's your area of creativity or attention to detail?
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