A couple of days ago I pushed everything aside and sat down and read a book. Opportunities like this rarely happen in my busy life, so I enjoyed the day of down time and getting lost in a good book.
I chose to read The Christmas Sweater, by Glenn Beck. It is a powerful story based on a personal experience from his life. It is a quick read, at only 263 pages long.
It is the story of a young boy named Eddie who endures incredible hardship and heartbreak. Near the beginning of the book, his father dies of cancer. His mother takes on multiple jobs and struggles to make ends meet. Eddie is twelve years old, and the only thing he wants for Christmas is a new, red bike. He works hard at his chores, keeps a positive attitude, and drops a lot of hints to his mom about his desire for the bike. As Christmas approaches, he is convinced that he has done everything he can to earn it. He doesn’t understand that the money simply isn’t there for such a purchase. His mom knits him a beautiful sweater, and that is his big gift for the year. He is devastated…and angry. He tells her that he wants to go upstairs and put it away. When she checks on him, she sees it crumpled in a ball on the floor. She is deeply pained by that, and in his youth, he is too angry to apologize. Tragedy strikes again. He is surrounded by love, but because of the trauma, his heart becomes cold and hard, and he begins to head down a dark and bitter road. He thinks that happiness lies in wealth and tries to break free from everything in his life that reminds him of the pain that he has endured. I don’t want to give away too much of the story, as there is a significant twist in it that I never saw coming.
In the epilogue, Mr. Beck offers his own personal reflections on the story. This particular passage caught my eye and has stuck with me ever since I closed the book:
“I guess the real lesson I learned that last Christmas with my mother was that the greatest gift is any gift that is given with love. I so clearly remember the look in her eyes as she saw my sweater rolled up in a ball on the floor of my room, and I remember realizing all that she had done for that gift. I refuse to stand at His feet and see Him with the same look in His eyes as he asks me, “Son, is that the gift I gave you.”
Pick up your redemption. Cherish it. Wear it. Share it. It has the power to transform lives. It has transformed mine.” (The Christmas Sweater, Glenn Beck, pages 271-272)
Mr. Beck is right. The greatest gift is one that is given with love. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) God is love, and He offers redemption and eternal life to anyone who will accept His Son as atonement for his or her sin.
Regardless of whether you agree with Mr. Beck’s political views or not, I would encourage you to read this book. It is a powerful story of love and redemption, and a wonderful way to spend a wintry day.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Friday, December 30, 2011
Five Minute Friday: Open
I'm linking with Lisa Jo at The Gypsy Mama for her Five Minute Friday series. She encourages her readers to write for five minutes on a given topic, not worrying about editing, etc. Just write what comes into your mind. The word for today is:
Open
Most people who know me, know that this is not my favorite time of year.
Christmas is over and a year of full of activities is coming to a close. I enjoy reflecting on all that has been accomplished and remembering the good times. It makes me sad to have to take down the twinkling lights and fun décor that add a special touch of warmth to my home.
For whatever reason, January and a new year always feels overwhelming to me. It doesn’t help matters that I live in a region of the country where it is constantly gray and rains a lot…for months on end.
I tend to close down.
That’s why when I saw today’s word, it didn’t surprise me at all that my first thought was “Closed.”
I recognize this about myself, and consciously fight it each year.
I want to be open, but open with intent and purpose.
Regardless of the time of year, I seek to be continually open to:
His abundant grace
His mercies that are new every morning
His faithfulness, day by day, moment by moment
His sovereign control over my life
His blessings
I am open, Lord.
Use me.
Open
Most people who know me, know that this is not my favorite time of year.
Christmas is over and a year of full of activities is coming to a close. I enjoy reflecting on all that has been accomplished and remembering the good times. It makes me sad to have to take down the twinkling lights and fun décor that add a special touch of warmth to my home.
For whatever reason, January and a new year always feels overwhelming to me. It doesn’t help matters that I live in a region of the country where it is constantly gray and rains a lot…for months on end.
I tend to close down.
That’s why when I saw today’s word, it didn’t surprise me at all that my first thought was “Closed.”
I recognize this about myself, and consciously fight it each year.
I want to be open, but open with intent and purpose.
Regardless of the time of year, I seek to be continually open to:
His abundant grace
His mercies that are new every morning
His faithfulness, day by day, moment by moment
His sovereign control over my life
His blessings
I am open, Lord.
Use me.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Chocolate Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies
Every Christmas I try a new cookie recipe. Today I made Chocolate Peanut Butter Surprise cookies, and now I am wondering where these have been my whole life!! They are SO good. I got the recipe from Pennies on a Platter. For any family that loves chocolate and peanut butter, I guarantee these won't stay around long!
1 1/2 C all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 C granulated sugar (plus more for dipping)
1/2 C packed brown sugar
1/2 C unsalted butter, softened
1 C creamy peanut butter, divided
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 egg
3/4 C powdered sugar
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Stir together the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the sugar, butter and 1/4 C of the peanut butter until light and smooth. Add in the vanilla and egg, beating one at a time to combine. Gradually stir in the flour mixture. Set dough aside.
To make the filling, cream together the powdered sugar and remaining 3/4 C of peanut butter until smooth.
To assemble the cookies, spoon a generous tablespoon of chocolate cookie dough and flatten into a circle in your hands. Scoop a small amount of peanut butter filling mixture and place in the center of the chocolate dough. Wrap the chocolate dough around the peanut butter filling, pinching ends together to seal. Roll the cookie in between hands to smooth into a ball. Roll into a bowl of sugar and place on the cookie sheet.
Use the bottom of a glass to slightly flatten the cookies. Bake for 7 to 9 minutes. Do not over bake. Let cool on wire rack.
********
I got two dozen cookies out of this recipe. My only comment would be that there was way too much peanut butter filling left over. You could easily get away with 1/2 a cup of peanut butter and 1/2 a cup of powdered sugar.
Overall I give this recipe a very high two thumbs up, and it is going straight into my cookie arsenal for years to come. Yes, these cookies are THAT good!!!
1 1/2 C all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 C granulated sugar (plus more for dipping)
1/2 C packed brown sugar
1/2 C unsalted butter, softened
1 C creamy peanut butter, divided
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 egg
3/4 C powdered sugar
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Stir together the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the sugar, butter and 1/4 C of the peanut butter until light and smooth. Add in the vanilla and egg, beating one at a time to combine. Gradually stir in the flour mixture. Set dough aside.
To make the filling, cream together the powdered sugar and remaining 3/4 C of peanut butter until smooth.
To assemble the cookies, spoon a generous tablespoon of chocolate cookie dough and flatten into a circle in your hands. Scoop a small amount of peanut butter filling mixture and place in the center of the chocolate dough. Wrap the chocolate dough around the peanut butter filling, pinching ends together to seal. Roll the cookie in between hands to smooth into a ball. Roll into a bowl of sugar and place on the cookie sheet.
Use the bottom of a glass to slightly flatten the cookies. Bake for 7 to 9 minutes. Do not over bake. Let cool on wire rack.
********
I got two dozen cookies out of this recipe. My only comment would be that there was way too much peanut butter filling left over. You could easily get away with 1/2 a cup of peanut butter and 1/2 a cup of powdered sugar.
Overall I give this recipe a very high two thumbs up, and it is going straight into my cookie arsenal for years to come. Yes, these cookies are THAT good!!!
Out in the Fields
"And in the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields, and keeping watch over their flock by night." (Luke 2:8 NASB)
Oregon has an abundance of sheep. Every Sunday on the way to church, we often see sheep grazing in the fields. It occurred to me that in all the years of travel to church, I have NEVER seen a shepherd out there! These days, most farmers rely on fences to keep their sheep safe and together. Jesus is often referred to as the Good Shepherd. He isn't trusting other things to keep us safe, He is in the field with us, keeping watch over us!!!
John 10 reveals what He does for us as our Shepherd:
"...he calls his own sheep by name, and leads them out" (John 10:3)
He knows us by name (personal, intimate)
He leads us
"When he puts forth all his own, he goes before them" (John 10:4)
He protects us
"I am the door, if anyone enters through Me, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture" (John 10:9)
He provides salvation
He gives us freedom
He provides our needs
"I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly" (John 10:10)
He gives us eternal life
Isn't this wonderful?!?! I am rejoicing anew at the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Merry Christmas!
Oregon has an abundance of sheep. Every Sunday on the way to church, we often see sheep grazing in the fields. It occurred to me that in all the years of travel to church, I have NEVER seen a shepherd out there! These days, most farmers rely on fences to keep their sheep safe and together. Jesus is often referred to as the Good Shepherd. He isn't trusting other things to keep us safe, He is in the field with us, keeping watch over us!!!
John 10 reveals what He does for us as our Shepherd:
"...he calls his own sheep by name, and leads them out" (John 10:3)
He knows us by name (personal, intimate)
He leads us
"When he puts forth all his own, he goes before them" (John 10:4)
He protects us
"I am the door, if anyone enters through Me, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture" (John 10:9)
He provides salvation
He gives us freedom
He provides our needs
"I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly" (John 10:10)
He gives us eternal life
Isn't this wonderful?!?! I am rejoicing anew at the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Merry Christmas!
Monday, December 19, 2011
One Thousand Gifts
91. Strands of her golden hair dancing in the wind.
92. Watching her grow in confidence.
93. Words that stir the soul.
94. When he shares his day at school with me.
95. How she spins in circles while memorizing Scripture.
96. Hand lotion.
97. Chatting with a friend.
98. Birds on a wire.
99. An afternoon nap.
100. Blanket forts.
101. Lazy Saturday mornings.
102. Music that stirs something deep within.
103. Live Internet concert feeds that make it feel like he's with me, even when he's a thousand miles away.
104. Decorated mailboxes on country roads.
105. Quaking aspens.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Five Minute Friday: Connected
I'm linking with Lisa Jo at The Gypsy Mama for her Five Minute Friday series today. She encourages her readers to write for five minutes on a given topic, not worrying about editing, etc. Just write what comes into your mind. The word for today is Connected.
*****
Connected.
The phrase, “It’s all about who you know” comes to mind.
Just yesterday I received an email from my mom. She reminded me that if my grandmother (her mother) were still alive, she would be 108 years old. She wrote that she was thankful for her mother’s influence in her life.
I remember going up to Grandma’s farm in the northern panhandle of Idaho every summer when I was little. At night, after I got my jammies on, I would go into the living room and sit on the couch across the room from her. I remember her head bent over her Bible and the glow of the lamp on her face. After she had read for a bit, she would close her Bible and begin to braid her long hair. I watched this happen many nights over the years of summer visits.
I remember walking through the kitchen at home as a pre-teen and teenager. It would often be dark except for the light on the stove. My mom would be sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of tea, and the radio on the table would be tuned to a station where she could listen to sermons and meditate on the Word. Again, I remember many nights of this.
Throughout my life I have witnessed these two women connecting with their Savior.
As each year passes, I realize more and more how vital this spiritual connection is, both to maintain for myself, as well as to pass on to my children.
They led by example.
They taught me the most important thing that anyone can know…
It really is all about Who you know.
*****
Connected.
The phrase, “It’s all about who you know” comes to mind.
Just yesterday I received an email from my mom. She reminded me that if my grandmother (her mother) were still alive, she would be 108 years old. She wrote that she was thankful for her mother’s influence in her life.
I remember going up to Grandma’s farm in the northern panhandle of Idaho every summer when I was little. At night, after I got my jammies on, I would go into the living room and sit on the couch across the room from her. I remember her head bent over her Bible and the glow of the lamp on her face. After she had read for a bit, she would close her Bible and begin to braid her long hair. I watched this happen many nights over the years of summer visits.
I remember walking through the kitchen at home as a pre-teen and teenager. It would often be dark except for the light on the stove. My mom would be sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of tea, and the radio on the table would be tuned to a station where she could listen to sermons and meditate on the Word. Again, I remember many nights of this.
Throughout my life I have witnessed these two women connecting with their Savior.
As each year passes, I realize more and more how vital this spiritual connection is, both to maintain for myself, as well as to pass on to my children.
They led by example.
They taught me the most important thing that anyone can know…
It really is all about Who you know.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Keeping Watch
When you stop trying to control your life, and instead allow your problems to bring you to God in prayer, you shift from worry to watching. (A Praying Life, Paul Miller)
I saw this quote on Facebook about a week or so ago, and it caught my attention. Specifically, it was the phrase “from worry to watching” that caught my eye. I could be a poster child for worry. It comes a little too easily and happens much too often. It isn’t something I’m proud of by any stretch of the imagination. I know the verses like Philippians 4:6, “Be anxious for nothing…” and Matthew 6:27, “And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?” Somewhere between my head and my heart there seems to be a disconnect when it comes to this subject. Worrying is the opposite of walking in faith, which is my daily goal.
Scripture is filled with verbs like look, see, observe, and consider.
In Genesis 15:5, God is speaking to Abraham. “And He took him outside and said, “Now look toward the heavens, and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.”
Psalm 66:5 says, “Come and see the works of God, who is awesome in his deeds toward the sons of men.”
Habakkuk 1:5 says, “Look among the nations! Observe! Be astonished! Wonder! Because I am doing something in your days -- You would not believe if you were told.”
As we approach Christmas, I have been thinking about the birth of Jesus and the shepherds who were keeping watch over their flocks by night. I wonder if any of those shepherds were prone to worry? When it comes to worrying, nighttime is the worst. It is dark and quiet and I am alone with my thoughts. I ponder and pray and yes, worry over my little flock of two. I can’t even imagine what that would have been like to be awake in the still of the night, lost in thought, and be suddenly surrounded by the glory of the Lord along with an accompanying host of angels. Talk about a life-changing event!
And what was their immediate response?
“And it came about when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” (Luke 2:15)
They sought out their Savior. Perhaps if I stop looking within and worrying about my problems, and instead seek the Lord in all things, then I too can catch a glimpse of His glory. I know it is there. I just need to look for it.
I saw this quote on Facebook about a week or so ago, and it caught my attention. Specifically, it was the phrase “from worry to watching” that caught my eye. I could be a poster child for worry. It comes a little too easily and happens much too often. It isn’t something I’m proud of by any stretch of the imagination. I know the verses like Philippians 4:6, “Be anxious for nothing…” and Matthew 6:27, “And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?” Somewhere between my head and my heart there seems to be a disconnect when it comes to this subject. Worrying is the opposite of walking in faith, which is my daily goal.
Scripture is filled with verbs like look, see, observe, and consider.
In Genesis 15:5, God is speaking to Abraham. “And He took him outside and said, “Now look toward the heavens, and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.”
Psalm 66:5 says, “Come and see the works of God, who is awesome in his deeds toward the sons of men.”
Habakkuk 1:5 says, “Look among the nations! Observe! Be astonished! Wonder! Because I am doing something in your days -- You would not believe if you were told.”
As we approach Christmas, I have been thinking about the birth of Jesus and the shepherds who were keeping watch over their flocks by night. I wonder if any of those shepherds were prone to worry? When it comes to worrying, nighttime is the worst. It is dark and quiet and I am alone with my thoughts. I ponder and pray and yes, worry over my little flock of two. I can’t even imagine what that would have been like to be awake in the still of the night, lost in thought, and be suddenly surrounded by the glory of the Lord along with an accompanying host of angels. Talk about a life-changing event!
And what was their immediate response?
“And it came about when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” (Luke 2:15)
They sought out their Savior. Perhaps if I stop looking within and worrying about my problems, and instead seek the Lord in all things, then I too can catch a glimpse of His glory. I know it is there. I just need to look for it.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Tuesdays Unwrapped: Soft and Quiet Moments
Today's gift was one of contrasts.
In the midst of rumbling dishwashers, whirring garbage disposals, blaring horns, fluorescent lights, and cheesy overhead mall music...
I noticed and enjoyed those moments, soft and quiet, woven into the fabric of my day...
Linking with Emily at Chatting at the Sky for her Tuesdays Unwrapped series.
In the midst of rumbling dishwashers, whirring garbage disposals, blaring horns, fluorescent lights, and cheesy overhead mall music...
I noticed and enjoyed those moments, soft and quiet, woven into the fabric of my day...
Linking with Emily at Chatting at the Sky for her Tuesdays Unwrapped series.
Monday, December 12, 2011
One Thousand Gifts
76. Ribbons of sunset colors, stretched along the horizon.
77. Windshield wipers.
78. Shrieks of delight welcoming me home.
79. Mom's apple crisp.
80. Learning new skills.
81. Honest conversations.
82. An extra hour of sleep.
83. Family jokes.
84. Seeing my children sing, "Yes, Lord!"
85. The ability to harmonize.
86. Hearing her tell the cat how cute he is 20 times a day.
87. Flannel sheets.
88. Squirrels scampering across the fence.
89. My crockpot.
90. His cheery voice on the other end of the line.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Five Minute Friday: Color
I'm linking with Lisa-Jo at The Gypsy Mama for her Five Minute Friday series today. She encourages her readers to write for five minutes on the given topic, not worrying about editing, etc. Just write what comes into your mind. The word for today is Color.
GO.
Color is simply the reflection of light.
We see something as red because it reflects wavelength from the red end of the spectrum. White light is simply the combination of many colors of the rainbow. We are surrounded by light, and I find that comforting.
We live in a kaleidoscope world full of colors and hues that can be obtained from mixing red, yellow, and blue. I find it fascinating that centuries’ worth of all different kinds of music can be created from a combination of seven different notes. Music is intangible, and yet it powerfully affects our souls. Color is the same way. We see it, but we can’t really touch it, taste it or feel it. Music and color are some of the intangible ways in which our Creator God communicates with us.
Since color and music can powerfully move the soul on earth, I wonder what it will be like in heaven, where the source of light is Jesus himself?
STOP
GO.
Color is simply the reflection of light.
We see something as red because it reflects wavelength from the red end of the spectrum. White light is simply the combination of many colors of the rainbow. We are surrounded by light, and I find that comforting.
We live in a kaleidoscope world full of colors and hues that can be obtained from mixing red, yellow, and blue. I find it fascinating that centuries’ worth of all different kinds of music can be created from a combination of seven different notes. Music is intangible, and yet it powerfully affects our souls. Color is the same way. We see it, but we can’t really touch it, taste it or feel it. Music and color are some of the intangible ways in which our Creator God communicates with us.
Since color and music can powerfully move the soul on earth, I wonder what it will be like in heaven, where the source of light is Jesus himself?
STOP
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Megan's Heart
Two little girls named Marcy and Megan are sisters, and their favorite time of year is Christmas! Each year they look forward to sitting down with the glossy, brightly colored catalogs that come in the mailbox and looking through them. Marcy snuggles up in her favorite chair and begins to flip pages… “I want this one, and this one, and this one…” After she’s done, she hands the catalog to Megan. Slowly, Megan begins to flip through the pages. Periodically, she points and says, “I have this one, and this one, and this one…”
We recently visited a church where the pastor shared this little anecdote with the congregation. The message is obvious, and has been ringing in my ears for weeks now. The Christmas season is upon us. In a season where the world screams, “Consume!” my heart whispers, “Be content.”
“Let your character be free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)
His name is Emmanuel…God with us.
He walked among us.
He died for us.
His IS the gift…the only gift we need.
Let us spend this season counting His blessings.
Let us have a heart like Megan.
We recently visited a church where the pastor shared this little anecdote with the congregation. The message is obvious, and has been ringing in my ears for weeks now. The Christmas season is upon us. In a season where the world screams, “Consume!” my heart whispers, “Be content.”
“Let your character be free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)
His name is Emmanuel…God with us.
He walked among us.
He died for us.
His IS the gift…the only gift we need.
Let us spend this season counting His blessings.
Let us have a heart like Megan.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Tuesdays Unwrapped: Through the Fog
I live in the Willamette Valley in western Oregon, and every now and then a blanket of dense fog will descend down to the valley floor and hover for a few days. Today was one of those days. It is the kind of fog that delays flights and makes your stress level rise if you have to drive in it because visibility is so limited.In addition to limited visibility, it left me feeling a little isolated and lonely. Every now and then I would see the faint shadows of birds flying in the treetops. I have no idea what kind of birds they were, but it reminded me of the hymn entitled “His Eye is on the Sparrow.”
Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
Chorus:
I sing because I'm happy,
I sing because I'm free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.
"Let not your heart be troubled," His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
Today’s gift was the reminder that no matter where I am, He is with me. Sometimes we can feel like we’re in a mental or emotional fog. Sometimes it is difficult to see what God is doing in our lives, and that can leave us feeling isolated and unsure. In order to navigate through my physical world today, headlights were a necessity. As long as I have His light shining on the path in front of me, I know I can trust Him to get me safely where He wants me next.
Being reminded of His constant care and love today felt like a warm, snuggly blanket on a cold, foggy night.
**Linking with Emily at Chatting at the Sky
Monday, December 5, 2011
One Thousand Gifts
61. Telephone wire shadows looping lazily down the road.
62. That she gives names to the crows and makes up fanciful stories about them.
63. His tender heart.
64. Dust bunnies.
65. The rhythmic, rumbling purr of my cat.
66. That she so willingly shares with others.
67. Sisterhood in Christ.
68. The lavish love of my Father in heaven.
69. Surprise snow!
70. Crystalline snow resting on fire-colored leaves.
71. The sound of melting snow.
72. My husband, "Bug Slayer Extraordinaire."
73. Quotes that inspire.
74. A good night's sleep.
75. Safe flights.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Five Minute Friday: Tired
I'm linking with Lisa-Jo at The Gypsy Mama for her Five Minute Friday series today. She encourages her readers to write for five minutes on the given topic, not worrying about editing, etc. Just write what comes into your mind. The word for today is Tired.
GO.
There are different kinds of tired.
There is “I have a newborn and a toddler, mountains of laundry and dishes piling up, and I haven’t slept in a month” kind of tired.
"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)
There is “I’ve been up since 6:00am, have a “to do” list a mile long, spent half my day in the car taxiing children around, have bare cupboards, and dinner is in five minutes” kind of tired.
"Yet those who wait upon the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary." (Isaiah 40:31)
There is the kind of tired you feel from battling the thoughts in your head that plague you and drain your emotions, leaving you feeling empty and exhausted.
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you." (I Peter 5:6-7)
I find I am different kinds of tired at different times. These are some of my favorite verses that I draw on a lot during these seasons of motherhood. I love these verses because they offer promises, and I draw my strength from remembering and resting on His promises. Whenever I find verses like these in my Bible, I underline the action I need to take in red, and His promise in blue.
“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable.” (Isaiah 40:28)
STOP
Note to the reader: I did exceed the five minute limit on this post. I wrote the descriptions of tired, the scripture reference, and the final four sentences while the clock was ticking. Afterwards, I went back and typed in the actual verse, because it is important to me to quote scripture accurately. I spent additional time adding color to the verses, since I mentioned it in the final sentence.
GO.
There are different kinds of tired.
There is “I have a newborn and a toddler, mountains of laundry and dishes piling up, and I haven’t slept in a month” kind of tired.
"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)
There is “I’ve been up since 6:00am, have a “to do” list a mile long, spent half my day in the car taxiing children around, have bare cupboards, and dinner is in five minutes” kind of tired.
"Yet those who wait upon the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary." (Isaiah 40:31)
There is the kind of tired you feel from battling the thoughts in your head that plague you and drain your emotions, leaving you feeling empty and exhausted.
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you." (I Peter 5:6-7)
I find I am different kinds of tired at different times. These are some of my favorite verses that I draw on a lot during these seasons of motherhood. I love these verses because they offer promises, and I draw my strength from remembering and resting on His promises. Whenever I find verses like these in my Bible, I underline the action I need to take in red, and His promise in blue.
“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable.” (Isaiah 40:28)
STOP
Note to the reader: I did exceed the five minute limit on this post. I wrote the descriptions of tired, the scripture reference, and the final four sentences while the clock was ticking. Afterwards, I went back and typed in the actual verse, because it is important to me to quote scripture accurately. I spent additional time adding color to the verses, since I mentioned it in the final sentence.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Security
On “Black Friday” I hopped in the car around 10:00 a.m. (no 4:00 a.m. for this girl, no way!) and began to make my way out of the neighborhood. I turned on the car radio in hopes of finding some Christmas music. I wasn’t expecting to hear what I heard. It was on a commercial break, and since it caught me off guard and I was paying attention to the road (!), I can’t remember it exactly, but it went something along these lines…
A young man has just purchased the perfect engagement ring for his girlfriend and is so excited to give it to her for Christmas. You hear her unwrap it, there’s a pause, and then she says in a very disappointed tone, “Oh.” He asks, “Don’t you like it?” She says that it’s nice, but she was really hoping for (company name) insurance. After a brief blurb by the announcer, you hear the mother of the girlfriend say through tears and sniffling, “I just wanted her to feel secure!”
Now don’t get me wrong. I know that this scenario is contrived and over the top. It is a silly commercial meant to grab your attention (it did!) and sell a product. It was the underlying message though, that left me unsettled. Here is someone who is offered an engagement ring, a symbol of love that is supposed to last for her lifetime, and she would rather have been given insurance…something that would have to be paid for year after year, and has terms and limits.
It was a reminder to me of the incredible gift of love that we received in that manger so long ago. Our Savior was born in humble surroundings, walked among us, and loved us so much that He gave His very life so that all who believe would be eternally secure and with Him forever. I know this. I believe this. How easy it is though, to forget and look for an insurance plan…something tangible that I can see and hold on to so that I can feel secure. Two years ago this month, I was in Texas on tour with my husband and children when my purse was stolen out of our van. We suddenly entered a whirlwind of police reports, dumpster diving, viewing video surveillance cameras, and making numerous phone calls to banks and credit card companies. I felt completely vulnerable and scared. I understood the damage that could be done if your personal and financial data falls into the wrong hands, and the havoc it can wreak on your life. This happened half way through the trip. For twelve days, I could do nothing but wait…wait for the police to call, wait to get home so that I could do more necessary paperwork, and “re-build” my life on paper. I was completely reliant on my husband (he was awesome through all of this, by the way!) for everything I needed, down to asking him for money to buy a drink at a mini-mart. It felt strange and awkward not to have a purse. It was unsettling to realize how much our identity on this planet is tied up in plastic and numbers.
The Lord gently reminded me during this time that:
He knew me before He even created me.
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you.” (Jeremiah 1:5a)
He created me.
“I will give thanks to Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Thy works, and my soul knows it very well.” (Psalm 139:14)
My identity is in Him.
“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me.” (Galatians 2:20)
I am secure
“And I give eternal life to them, and they shall never perish; and no one shall snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.” (John 10:28-29)
Love or insurance? For me, it is a “no brainer.”
I choose Love.
I choose eternal security.
A young man has just purchased the perfect engagement ring for his girlfriend and is so excited to give it to her for Christmas. You hear her unwrap it, there’s a pause, and then she says in a very disappointed tone, “Oh.” He asks, “Don’t you like it?” She says that it’s nice, but she was really hoping for (company name) insurance. After a brief blurb by the announcer, you hear the mother of the girlfriend say through tears and sniffling, “I just wanted her to feel secure!”
Now don’t get me wrong. I know that this scenario is contrived and over the top. It is a silly commercial meant to grab your attention (it did!) and sell a product. It was the underlying message though, that left me unsettled. Here is someone who is offered an engagement ring, a symbol of love that is supposed to last for her lifetime, and she would rather have been given insurance…something that would have to be paid for year after year, and has terms and limits.
It was a reminder to me of the incredible gift of love that we received in that manger so long ago. Our Savior was born in humble surroundings, walked among us, and loved us so much that He gave His very life so that all who believe would be eternally secure and with Him forever. I know this. I believe this. How easy it is though, to forget and look for an insurance plan…something tangible that I can see and hold on to so that I can feel secure. Two years ago this month, I was in Texas on tour with my husband and children when my purse was stolen out of our van. We suddenly entered a whirlwind of police reports, dumpster diving, viewing video surveillance cameras, and making numerous phone calls to banks and credit card companies. I felt completely vulnerable and scared. I understood the damage that could be done if your personal and financial data falls into the wrong hands, and the havoc it can wreak on your life. This happened half way through the trip. For twelve days, I could do nothing but wait…wait for the police to call, wait to get home so that I could do more necessary paperwork, and “re-build” my life on paper. I was completely reliant on my husband (he was awesome through all of this, by the way!) for everything I needed, down to asking him for money to buy a drink at a mini-mart. It felt strange and awkward not to have a purse. It was unsettling to realize how much our identity on this planet is tied up in plastic and numbers.
The Lord gently reminded me during this time that:
He knew me before He even created me.
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you.” (Jeremiah 1:5a)
He created me.
“I will give thanks to Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Thy works, and my soul knows it very well.” (Psalm 139:14)
My identity is in Him.
“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me.” (Galatians 2:20)
I am secure
“And I give eternal life to them, and they shall never perish; and no one shall snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.” (John 10:28-29)
Love or insurance? For me, it is a “no brainer.”
I choose Love.
I choose eternal security.
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