The Lord is merciful and gracious; he is slow to anger and full of unfailing love. He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. He has not punished us for all our sins, nor does he deal with us as we deserve. For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our rebellious acts as far away as the east is from the west. The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. For he understands how weak we are; he knows we are only dust.
PSALM 103:8-14
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Favorite Quotes from BATHSHEBA...
Favorite quotes from the book "Bathsheba" by Francine Rivers...
"Maybe it's only those who've made such chaos of their lives who can understand the heights and depths of God's mercy." (p147)
"When fear threatened to overwhelm her, she set her mind upon the Lord, comforting herself with thoughts of what God had already done for her." (p120)
"She learned not to expect perfect love from David...she turned to God for healing and comfort. And the Lord was always there. For His love was perfect." (p121)
"God loves you because you repented every time you realized you'd sinned. You grieved. You tried to do right. God knows you are only a man..." (p152)
"'I will trust in You, oh, Lord. I will trust in You. Do with me as You will.'" (p141)
"Maybe it's only those who've made such chaos of their lives who can understand the heights and depths of God's mercy." (p147)
"When fear threatened to overwhelm her, she set her mind upon the Lord, comforting herself with thoughts of what God had already done for her." (p120)
"She learned not to expect perfect love from David...she turned to God for healing and comfort. And the Lord was always there. For His love was perfect." (p121)
"God loves you because you repented every time you realized you'd sinned. You grieved. You tried to do right. God knows you are only a man..." (p152)
"'I will trust in You, oh, Lord. I will trust in You. Do with me as You will.'" (p141)
Out of the mouths of babes!
Caleb: "Does Mommom live on a no outlet street?"
Mommy: "Yes!"
Caleb: "Does that mean there are no stores at the end of the street?"
----------------------------------------------------------------
Caleb: "What's wrong with Aunt Kim?"
Mommy: "She's sick. She has an infection."
Caleb: "What kind of infection?"
Mommy: "A 'none of your business' infection."
A few moments later...
Caleb: "What's a bladder?"
Mommy: "It's the organ that stores your tinkle."
Caleb: "So it's a bladder infection. I already heard you talking about it. Let's just leave it at that."
Mommy: "Yes!"
Caleb: "Does that mean there are no stores at the end of the street?"
----------------------------------------------------------------
Caleb: "What's wrong with Aunt Kim?"
Mommy: "She's sick. She has an infection."
Caleb: "What kind of infection?"
Mommy: "A 'none of your business' infection."
A few moments later...
Caleb: "What's a bladder?"
Mommy: "It's the organ that stores your tinkle."
Caleb: "So it's a bladder infection. I already heard you talking about it. Let's just leave it at that."
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Nothing better than a good book!
As the mother of 2 young children, I have found it difficult to set time aside to read a book for myself. The truth is, if it's not a really, really good book then I just don't have the time to waste reading it. Over the last few years I have found a few of these "diamonds in the rough". One of them being THE SHACK (check out my post on favorite quotes from The Shack) and REDEEMING LOVE by Francine Rivers (a compelling story worth reading). It's so fun to get swept up in a good book!
Right now I'm enjoying going between 2 series. Both of which I would recommend highly. Francine Rivers' Lineage of Grace series explores 5 of the most important and influential women in the Bible; Rahab, Tamar, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary. They are short novellas based on the biblical stories. As a woman, I find these women's strength and character encouraging and inspiring! Great reading when you don't have a lot of time.
The other series I have been reading are the Sullivan Crisp novels, Healing Stones, Healing Waters, and Healing Sands (releasing 11/11/09), by Nancy Rue and Stephen Arterburn. The stories themselves are unique and can stand alone, but the main character, Sullivan Crisp, is part of them all. Sully is a counselor specializing in healing, although a personal tragedy in his own life has forced him to test out his own ideologies. They are realistic and meaningful glimpses into the struggles people face and the choices we make to either let the struggles swallow us up whole or fight our way through to the other side of them.
Right now I'm enjoying going between 2 series. Both of which I would recommend highly. Francine Rivers' Lineage of Grace series explores 5 of the most important and influential women in the Bible; Rahab, Tamar, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary. They are short novellas based on the biblical stories. As a woman, I find these women's strength and character encouraging and inspiring! Great reading when you don't have a lot of time.
The other series I have been reading are the Sullivan Crisp novels, Healing Stones, Healing Waters, and Healing Sands (releasing 11/11/09), by Nancy Rue and Stephen Arterburn. The stories themselves are unique and can stand alone, but the main character, Sullivan Crisp, is part of them all. Sully is a counselor specializing in healing, although a personal tragedy in his own life has forced him to test out his own ideologies. They are realistic and meaningful glimpses into the struggles people face and the choices we make to either let the struggles swallow us up whole or fight our way through to the other side of them.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Friendship ROCKS!
Feeling better since my last post. It's amazing how up and down life is and frustrating how hard it is to stay positive when you're in the "down". I thank God for friends and my counselor, Dr. Bob. Sometimes you don't know you need another perspective until you get one. Boy, it can change everything!
Have I ever mentioned that I'm an overthinker? My counselor calls it "chatter", which makes me laugh, but that's exactly what it is. Too much chatter going on in my mind, with a little devils advocate sprinkled in for good measure. Have you ever met someone that can see things from every possible angle imaginable? Well, that's me a lot of the time. It's very tiring actually. And I know that's why I have a hard time making decisions. It's not because I don't want to, but because I'm too busy thinking up alternatives to Plan A, Plan B, etc. Any-who...
I think a lot about friendship. I have always had friends. I have had all kinds of friends. And I know that God doesn't want us to do this life alone so he provides friends for all seasons. Some friends have come and gone. Some friendships have changed. Some friends have moved far away. And some friends are brand new. I have relationships in all stages of friendship. But in all my life I have only had a select few friends that have been really, really close. Who knew me very well. I got a card for a friend of mine, my closest friend (and I haven't even given it to her yet), but it says, "It amazes me that even before we met, the Lord already knew we were going to be friends. He could see even before we could that our friendship would fill the little spot in our hearts that was just waiting for someone really special to come along. I'm so glad God planned our friendship, and that all the times I prayed for a friend- the answer was already you." Wow! I have a lot of friends that I know were brought into my life by God. And I am so thankful for them! But my friend, Kim, there's something different about her. She is the first friend that knows every part of me. She knows the nitty-gritty yucky stuff, she knows my hopes and fears, she sees it all and is still my friend. If I had a sister, I'd imagine it would feel like having Kim. A few months ago, Kim & her family moved into the house across the street from us. I truly believe that God had our friendship planned from the start. And just like meeting a spouse, when the time is right He brings you together. Since this is about my friendship, I'll leave out the details of God's hand in bringing our spouses together. Adam & Peter were friends first. Instant friends, drawn together by God. And they prayed that God would draw our families close and Kim & I would become friends, too. So our friendship is actually their fault.
One last thing about friendship... Early on in my marriage I didn't really have any close friends. I pretty much had my husband and we were struggling then. Not only did God lead us to our church, but he was preparing us for the day it would all come crashing down. He was establishing friendships for us that, when the going got tough, would be the love and support we would need at that time. We wouldn't be the people we are today without the friends that prayed, talked, and supported us during that time and are still loving us today. I had a dream one night during the "yucky days" four years ago. I was in church and I started weeping. I felt hands on my shoulders and I looked up. Standing around me were 4 women from my church that God had brought into my life. What an image for me. I never knew how important it was to have women friends until I had them. What an amazing dream! But it wasn't just a dream...it was real. I do have a group of women, some peers, some older that love me and advise me and help me make it through the down times. What a blessing they are!
There is a Casting Crowns song called "Stained Glass Masquerade". There are a couple of lines that always overwhelm me and I think about my friendships and how thankful I am for them.
"But would it set me free
If I dared to let you see
The truth behind the person
That you imagine me to be
Would your arms be open
Or would you walk away
Would the love of Jesus
Be enough to make you stay"
Thank you friends, for staying and loving me just the way I am.
Have I ever mentioned that I'm an overthinker? My counselor calls it "chatter", which makes me laugh, but that's exactly what it is. Too much chatter going on in my mind, with a little devils advocate sprinkled in for good measure. Have you ever met someone that can see things from every possible angle imaginable? Well, that's me a lot of the time. It's very tiring actually. And I know that's why I have a hard time making decisions. It's not because I don't want to, but because I'm too busy thinking up alternatives to Plan A, Plan B, etc. Any-who...
I think a lot about friendship. I have always had friends. I have had all kinds of friends. And I know that God doesn't want us to do this life alone so he provides friends for all seasons. Some friends have come and gone. Some friendships have changed. Some friends have moved far away. And some friends are brand new. I have relationships in all stages of friendship. But in all my life I have only had a select few friends that have been really, really close. Who knew me very well. I got a card for a friend of mine, my closest friend (and I haven't even given it to her yet), but it says, "It amazes me that even before we met, the Lord already knew we were going to be friends. He could see even before we could that our friendship would fill the little spot in our hearts that was just waiting for someone really special to come along. I'm so glad God planned our friendship, and that all the times I prayed for a friend- the answer was already you." Wow! I have a lot of friends that I know were brought into my life by God. And I am so thankful for them! But my friend, Kim, there's something different about her. She is the first friend that knows every part of me. She knows the nitty-gritty yucky stuff, she knows my hopes and fears, she sees it all and is still my friend. If I had a sister, I'd imagine it would feel like having Kim. A few months ago, Kim & her family moved into the house across the street from us. I truly believe that God had our friendship planned from the start. And just like meeting a spouse, when the time is right He brings you together. Since this is about my friendship, I'll leave out the details of God's hand in bringing our spouses together. Adam & Peter were friends first. Instant friends, drawn together by God. And they prayed that God would draw our families close and Kim & I would become friends, too. So our friendship is actually their fault.
One last thing about friendship... Early on in my marriage I didn't really have any close friends. I pretty much had my husband and we were struggling then. Not only did God lead us to our church, but he was preparing us for the day it would all come crashing down. He was establishing friendships for us that, when the going got tough, would be the love and support we would need at that time. We wouldn't be the people we are today without the friends that prayed, talked, and supported us during that time and are still loving us today. I had a dream one night during the "yucky days" four years ago. I was in church and I started weeping. I felt hands on my shoulders and I looked up. Standing around me were 4 women from my church that God had brought into my life. What an image for me. I never knew how important it was to have women friends until I had them. What an amazing dream! But it wasn't just a dream...it was real. I do have a group of women, some peers, some older that love me and advise me and help me make it through the down times. What a blessing they are!
There is a Casting Crowns song called "Stained Glass Masquerade". There are a couple of lines that always overwhelm me and I think about my friendships and how thankful I am for them.
"But would it set me free
If I dared to let you see
The truth behind the person
That you imagine me to be
Would your arms be open
Or would you walk away
Would the love of Jesus
Be enough to make you stay"
Thank you friends, for staying and loving me just the way I am.
Friday, July 10, 2009
I Surrender
Dear God:
I'm sorry. I have been stubborn and feeling sorry for myself. But I realize now that you are doing a great work in Adam and in me. When times get tough, when tempers flair, it's so easy for me to want to put my foot down and say "I'm done. I don't want to do this anymore." But You are much more patient and offer so much more grace then I could ever hope to offer others. Sometimes I get lost in my own longings, that there could somehow be a person on this earth that would love me perfectly. But I know that's impossible. How easy it is for me to become disappointed by the people in my life because my desire is to be treated exactly the way I "need" to be treated all the time. After all I've been through I'm frustrated that I am still expecting that. How do I forget that You are ALL I need? I can depend on You and You will provide me with all I need. And then there's the enduring through the tough times part. Once I can get over my stubborness and self-pity, I remember that it is through the struggles, through the rough patches that change happens. I accept that sometimes, when you are working in another's life, I may receive some collateral damage. I need Your strength to be patient and loving during those times, even when I'm not really feeling like it. The song "God is good, all the time" is running through my head. If I just believed that, deep down in my soul, I would trust You even in the most annoying, frustrating, valley times. When I'm feeling hopeless and frustrated because I can't seem to help someone I care about see the truth, You remind me that it's not within my power, but in Yours. I surrender! Take him, mold him! I actually want peace and healing more for him then for myself. I want him to experience the forgiveness You and I have already extended to him. I want him to believe, that like You, I am for him and not against him. I want him to have peace so bad it hurts. And I know where You lead us (especially through the valleys) is the way to that peace and healing. I'm sorry! You can carry this burden because I don't want it anymore. I just want to be who You want me to be, who You ask me to be. And You know me...I'll think I can do it perfectly, even though I know I can't. Just remind me, Lord, that You love me whether I achieve "the goal" or not and You forgive me when I mess it all up.
YOU ARE ALL I NEED WHEN I'M SURROUNDED.
YOU ARE ALL I NEED WHEN I'M BY MYSELF.
YOU FILL ME WHEN I'M EMPTY.
THERE IS NOTHING ELSE,
YOU'RE ALL I NEED.
YOU'RE STILL THE GOD THAT OPENS SEAS
EVERY FLOWER, EVEN ME
YOU'RE ALL I NEED.
"All I Need" by Bethany Dillon
I'm sorry. I have been stubborn and feeling sorry for myself. But I realize now that you are doing a great work in Adam and in me. When times get tough, when tempers flair, it's so easy for me to want to put my foot down and say "I'm done. I don't want to do this anymore." But You are much more patient and offer so much more grace then I could ever hope to offer others. Sometimes I get lost in my own longings, that there could somehow be a person on this earth that would love me perfectly. But I know that's impossible. How easy it is for me to become disappointed by the people in my life because my desire is to be treated exactly the way I "need" to be treated all the time. After all I've been through I'm frustrated that I am still expecting that. How do I forget that You are ALL I need? I can depend on You and You will provide me with all I need. And then there's the enduring through the tough times part. Once I can get over my stubborness and self-pity, I remember that it is through the struggles, through the rough patches that change happens. I accept that sometimes, when you are working in another's life, I may receive some collateral damage. I need Your strength to be patient and loving during those times, even when I'm not really feeling like it. The song "God is good, all the time" is running through my head. If I just believed that, deep down in my soul, I would trust You even in the most annoying, frustrating, valley times. When I'm feeling hopeless and frustrated because I can't seem to help someone I care about see the truth, You remind me that it's not within my power, but in Yours. I surrender! Take him, mold him! I actually want peace and healing more for him then for myself. I want him to experience the forgiveness You and I have already extended to him. I want him to believe, that like You, I am for him and not against him. I want him to have peace so bad it hurts. And I know where You lead us (especially through the valleys) is the way to that peace and healing. I'm sorry! You can carry this burden because I don't want it anymore. I just want to be who You want me to be, who You ask me to be. And You know me...I'll think I can do it perfectly, even though I know I can't. Just remind me, Lord, that You love me whether I achieve "the goal" or not and You forgive me when I mess it all up.
YOU ARE ALL I NEED WHEN I'M SURROUNDED.
YOU ARE ALL I NEED WHEN I'M BY MYSELF.
YOU FILL ME WHEN I'M EMPTY.
THERE IS NOTHING ELSE,
YOU'RE ALL I NEED.
YOU'RE STILL THE GOD THAT OPENS SEAS
EVERY FLOWER, EVEN ME
YOU'RE ALL I NEED.
"All I Need" by Bethany Dillon
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
ALL THE WAY THE SAVIOR LEADS ME
Traditional Hymn (listen to the tune)
I also enjoy the version arranged by Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman (listen).
All the way my Savior leads me;
What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy,
Who thru life has been my guide?
Heavenly peace, divinest comfort,
Here by faith in Him to dwell!
For I know whatever befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well.
All the way my Savior leads me;
Cheers each winding path I tread,
Gives me grace for every trial,
Feeds me with the living bread:
Though my weary steps may falter,
And my soul athirst may be,
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! a spring of joy I see.
All the way my Savior leads me;
Oh, the fullness of His love!
Perfect rest to me is promised
In my Father's house above:
When my spirit clothed immortal,
Wings its flight to realms of day,
This my song through endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way.
I also enjoy the version arranged by Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman (listen).
All the way my Savior leads me;
What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy,
Who thru life has been my guide?
Heavenly peace, divinest comfort,
Here by faith in Him to dwell!
For I know whatever befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well.
All the way my Savior leads me;
Cheers each winding path I tread,
Gives me grace for every trial,
Feeds me with the living bread:
Though my weary steps may falter,
And my soul athirst may be,
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! a spring of joy I see.
All the way my Savior leads me;
Oh, the fullness of His love!
Perfect rest to me is promised
In my Father's house above:
When my spirit clothed immortal,
Wings its flight to realms of day,
This my song through endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way.