May 14, 2010

He Delights

My husband took today off. His brother, Tom, is getting married tomorrow so Wesley took the day off to help set up for the wedding. (Isn’t he so sweet?) So, last night I turned to Wes and said, “You get to sleep in tomorrow!” He replied with an enthusiastic, “I know!”

This morning I got out of bed a little before 6 a.m. When I came out of the bathroom to get something I see that our bed is empty. “Wesley?” I yell out. My husband pops around the corner and says, “I’m here!” So much for sleeping in! Wesley was up and bopping around at 6 a.m. this morning on his day off. Such a silly head.

Not really sure why I’m writing this except that I found it amusing. I love it when God’s kids live full of life and joy. And that’s what my husband reminded me of this morning. His face was beaming and he was up and ready to seize the day…even on his day off! I believe God delights in our joyful, child like hearts. I know I do.

We may not always have cheery mornings like Wesley had today; but when we do I know God is joining in on the fun as he laughs and watches us with delight…

“He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.” Psalm 18:19

Apr 30, 2010

Jesus noticed

We say we do things for “Jesus” but do we always really? When we don’t get a “thank you” or “good job” doesn’t it irk us? I know time and time again I have to lay down my need for approval, that is, man’s approval. I tell myself I did “this or that” for Jesus but then when someone doesn’t notice how hard I worked at something I get a little peeved.

But Jesus noticed…

…and this brings a smile to my heart because in the end I really did want to do it just for Jesus. When I realize His approval is the only thing that truly matters I breathe a sigh of relief. I align myself once again, repent of my pride and thank Him for the grace to endure the “thankless” jobs. Because in the end I know that the “thankless” jobs are what bring Him the most glory.

Apr 15, 2010

A Merry Heart

Proverbs 17:22 (NKJ)
“A merry heart does good, like medicine,
But a broken spirit dries the bones.”

Isn’t it great to know that a merry heart is good for us? I don’t know about you, but it gives me great relief to know that being merry is not just a fun thing, but God’s Word says it’s good for me.

Sometimes I find myself being really intense. I know a lot of it is just my personality, I’m an intense person, but often I can be too serious. At times I’ve really needed someone to slap me in the face and say, “Hey…chill out…it’s gonna be okay.”

Yeah…I should chill out…it will be okay and God loves me and He thinks I’m pretty amazing. He wants me to smile, relax, and to not freak out. Go figure.

A merry heart sounds like too much fun to pass up on...I think I might try it more often...and take a few more chill pills.

Apr 13, 2010

once again

God likes to give me life themes.

Lately it’s two words…”let go”. (He ususally makes it simple like this because he knows me...I need simple.)

They seem like easy words to follow…just let go! Be free! La-la-la! But, isn’t it a lot harder than it sounds?

But I feel like I’m slowly, and I mean slowly, learning how to let go and let God.

This morning I decided to let go of another “thing” that has really been weighing on me. It’s one of those things that just nag at you and you can’t control it but you keep trying to. Do you know what I mean? Well, this morning I decided I’m done. I really am going to let go. And guess what? I feel a lot better! (And no, I didn’t let go of paying my mortgage or anything like that!)

All I have to say is…God is really smart. When I actually get it through my thick skull to listen and trust…things go a lot smoother. My circumstances don’t necessarily change, but my thinking does and my joy expands.

God…really smart.

Apr 7, 2010

1 comment

I log on to my computer, check my emails, respond, and then I make another click to a regularly visited website with anticipation to what I seek...

I admit it...I love it when people leave comments on my blog page. When I see those little lit up words that read "1 comment" I get all giddy inside. I can't help it. I just want to know someone is actually reading what I write. Even if they hate it...at least I know someone is noticing.

Am I vain?

Don't answer.

To all my blog followers out there who leave comments (mainly Marci)...thank you! You brighten my day and give me hope that my blog page isn't just another site in the vast sea of the web.

Mar 31, 2010

wrinkles

I wonder what makes us push and strive for beauty? Is it the media? Is it insecurity? Is it competition with other beautiful women? What is it that drives us to madness? (Or with some women they can’t take the pressure anymore and just throw in the towel with make-up and tweezers to follow.)

I think deep down each girl knows…in the very depths of her soul that she was meant to be beautiful. We just don’t quite understand how. We know and hear inner beauty is more important than outer beauty…we even read it in the Bible so we know it’s true. But it also talks about the physical beauty of a Beloved in Psalm of Psalms…or the beauty of Rachel, Sarah, Esther, and Bathsheba. So, someone noticed these women’s features and put them down on paper for goodness sake!

So what does this all mean? I’m still figuring it out. But I think I’m learning that it’s okay to want to be beautiful as long as I’m not consumed with it. I will grow old. I will wrinkle. My hair will turn gray (underneath the dye of course). And my skin will sag (yikes).

But nothing can top an elderly women whose smile can light up a room and make the youngest of men blush in awe of their wisdom, character, and yes...beauty.

I do long to be beautiful and I will always pamper myself…even when I’m 100. But I also look forward to the day when my gray hair and laughing lines light up the room because Jesus is behind it all.

Mar 15, 2010

His Warmth

There is something beautiful that the sunshine does…it makes me smile inside and I feel like everything is going to be okay. When the warmth of the sun kisses my face after a long, gray winter, I close my eyes and just soak it in. It rejuvenates me and gives me strength.

Yeah…everything…all of it will be okay.

Jesus is the Son of God. I just love how powerful the earth’s sun is, but think how much more powerful God’s Son is? When Jesus kisses my face with His love and warmth I really know everything is going to be okay. His love fills me inside and out and He gives me strength I know does not come from me.

So, I thank God for these Spring days when the sun starts to shine it’s warmth and it’s rays give out hope. But oh, how much more I love Jesus’ warmth and his rays of love, power, and strength that can shine even on the cloudiest of days.