Last night, as I lay awake sleepless (which happens all too often), I felt God's urging. I felt him asking me to give up something in my life to which I have grown very acustom. I had read in Matthew 4 how disciples "immediately, they left the boat and father and followed him." (Matt 4:20)
I wanted so much to get up out of my bed and get rid of a medication which I am so used to using. I feel like I can't sleep without it. I wanted to obey with all of my heart, but I was paralyzed with fear. I was so afraid with how I was going to get along without it, IF I could live without it. My fear was bigger than my trust in God's provision for me. I didn't get out of bed.
In my quiet time today, the word on my heart even before I opened my bible was "More of You, God. Less of me, More of You." I want my trust in God to grow, vanquishing my fear.
Then I opened the text assigned to us today. Matthew 5:3. "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven." (NIV) However, the Message version paraphrases it to say,
"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule." Unbelievable! Once again, God shows how much He loves me and puts Himself into my life. Amazingly, even after this incredible sign, fear still ruled my heart. I did not throw away the medicine.
Today, I had my bible study group. I was planning on not sharing my experience, but I did anyway. Through their support and love, they are walking me through this. I gave my medicine to my friend and she took it away.
I know they will be there with me through my tough transition, carrying me with their love and prayers. I know that once over this mountain, my faith and trust will be bigger and stronger. My faith in God, but also in my friends whom He gave me to help me through.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Family Photos!
Just thought I'd add something lighthearted to the blog.
The first picture is Katie and Nikki fooling around in their Tumbling outfits. Today we are having Nikki's birthday party at her Gym so all her friends can have fun tumbling!
Here's Joey (my 2 year old) during a movie night. He's so into it, I loved his face! He is having a nap right now with Dad, and Joey is taking up most of the queen sized bed!
The other pic is Joey in his new Mickey Mouse bed, with Goofy in hand. He loves Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.
God Bless you today - thanks for sharing in our lovely family!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
What God Can Do!
Acts 4:13 NIV "When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus."
During my readings today, I am just amazed at what God can do out of our failings. Here is Peter, whose claim to fame is denying Jesus three times before the cock crowed on his most vulnerable night. We don't remember that Peter was an amazing speaker, powerful because of the Holy Spirit in him, who lead thousands of people to a belief in Christ.
David's worst sin was with Bathsheba. He saw her bathing one day, had an affair with her, had her husband killed in battle and then took her into his court and married her. The consequence was sure - their first baby died. However, out of this sinful relationship came Solomon - Israel's wisest king, Solomon - whose wisdom is applicable even today.
I am just amazed at what God can do, even though we fail (and fail BIG). When we turn back to Him, He can make us powerful and strong to do His great work!
During my readings today, I am just amazed at what God can do out of our failings. Here is Peter, whose claim to fame is denying Jesus three times before the cock crowed on his most vulnerable night. We don't remember that Peter was an amazing speaker, powerful because of the Holy Spirit in him, who lead thousands of people to a belief in Christ.
David's worst sin was with Bathsheba. He saw her bathing one day, had an affair with her, had her husband killed in battle and then took her into his court and married her. The consequence was sure - their first baby died. However, out of this sinful relationship came Solomon - Israel's wisest king, Solomon - whose wisdom is applicable even today.
I am just amazed at what God can do, even though we fail (and fail BIG). When we turn back to Him, He can make us powerful and strong to do His great work!
Saturday, January 3, 2009
My Charmed Life
Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit come on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (NIV)
What kind of witness can I be? I have not come out of the pit of despair. I have not walked in the shadow of death. I am a suburban mom, happily married with a nice home and a 403b.
Jesus had a hard talk with a man who had also lived a charmed life. He came to Jesus and asked him what he had to do to have eternal life. This young rich man proudly replied that he had followed the commandments since the day he was born. Jesus told him to sell all he had and follow Him. The young man sadly walked away, unable to let go of his things. (Matthew 19:16-32 NIV)
When you live a charmed life, there are many things to rely on other than God. You trust your abilities to support your family. You trust your savings will continue to grow. You trust your home will stand strong. You trust your husband will always be by your side.
Psalm 121:2 says “My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (NIV) My witness is that I believe that all good things are gifts from God alone, and in Him I place my trust. My testimony is that if everything was taken away, He would be there to comfort me. My joy is in Him. I know that in the end, I will be with Him and nothing will compare to that.
The strength to say these things is not of myself, it is another gift. Even the thought of losing my family makes me want to cry. Jesus knows this of us. Of the young rich man he said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (Matt. 16: 26b NIV) I am powerful because of the Holy Spirit living in me. In His strength, I will trust.
What kind of witness can I be? I have not come out of the pit of despair. I have not walked in the shadow of death. I am a suburban mom, happily married with a nice home and a 403b.
Jesus had a hard talk with a man who had also lived a charmed life. He came to Jesus and asked him what he had to do to have eternal life. This young rich man proudly replied that he had followed the commandments since the day he was born. Jesus told him to sell all he had and follow Him. The young man sadly walked away, unable to let go of his things. (Matthew 19:16-32 NIV)
When you live a charmed life, there are many things to rely on other than God. You trust your abilities to support your family. You trust your savings will continue to grow. You trust your home will stand strong. You trust your husband will always be by your side.
Psalm 121:2 says “My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (NIV) My witness is that I believe that all good things are gifts from God alone, and in Him I place my trust. My testimony is that if everything was taken away, He would be there to comfort me. My joy is in Him. I know that in the end, I will be with Him and nothing will compare to that.
The strength to say these things is not of myself, it is another gift. Even the thought of losing my family makes me want to cry. Jesus knows this of us. Of the young rich man he said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (Matt. 16: 26b NIV) I am powerful because of the Holy Spirit living in me. In His strength, I will trust.
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