{re-post} When it is in your power to act...

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Yesterday, while reading my devotions, out of Proverbs chapter 3, I found a verse that got me to thinking. Actually, it's a couple of verses that have grabbed my attention before and it all came rushing back - afresh!

"Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. 

 Do not say to your neighbor, 'Come back later, I'll give it tomorrow', when you now have it with you." ~ Proverbs 3:27-28

  We all have it within us (those of us who are children of God, because of the Holy Spirit residing in us) to be faithful encouragers, not just sometimes, but always,  to our fellow brothers and sisters in the Lord.  I know how it is.  I want to send someone a note to let them know I've been thinking about them or praying for them, and life happens. The "to do" list is already rather long.  I quickly forget or get distracted.  Maybe it's pure procrastination - by simply saying, "Oh, I'll do that tomorrow". 

We all know a timely word or deed when it comes.  We have had it happen to us. Right??   Someone shared specifically to our need.  Whoever offered that "word" or deed was faithful.  They did not withhold... it was within their power to act...they had it and gave it - NOW!

Be encouraged.  But, what about you?  Are there specific things you've been meaning to follow through on and/or to act upon.  The Scripture is clear in asking us to determine to withhold nothing, especially when we have the power to act and accomplish something good.  We just need to do it.

Here are a few ways that I thought of to better communicate God's grace to others, and, for doing this myself (because I am preaching to the choir, here):

• 
  
  send that handwritten Thank-You, Thinking of You, appreciation, or encouragement note
• 
  
  give a (sincere) compliment - just because
• 
  
  a friendly wave of hello
• 
  
  a gift or gift card/basket (let your imagination go wild on this one)
• 
  
  a home-cooked meal (or at least a hot meal)
• doing something random and anonymously as a simple act of kindness
• a phone call

MAYBE- just maybe it's also a step in this direction; to extend forgiveness to someone who has sinned against us and maybe it just means taking that first step towards reconciliation towards that person.

There are boundless ways to show God's grace through forms of hospitality (because this is really what this is all about).  I like what these two verses have to say about this as well.

" Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers". ~Galatians 6: 9-10

I know me.  I have many, many days when I don't feel like it.  I have nothing left to give.  And, I am sure you have those kinds of days, too.  If we don't give up... we will reap a harvest.  I love that.  Sometimes it's not about us,...but we're just meant to be faithful...as encouragers. Doing good.  It's kind of like the rushing river in the picture above.  Our lives are to be that constant flow, that rush, that source of refreshment... we're forever connecting with people in ways that we have no idea how we truly affect them.

The end result of "doing good" may never be known to us here on this earth.  Are we really refreshing others, though?  That is the question.

: : Have I encouraged you, today?  If so, find a simple and tangible way to pass it on to someone else.

 It's in your power to do so... so, go ahead. Don't wait until tomorrow.

Of course, please feel free to leave a thought or comment on how you have been a recipient of a timely word or deed. And, how did that have an affect on you?

Work at it!

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Have you ever heard these words by Benjamin Franklin - they're said to be famous.  I don't recall hearing them before reading them, to the kids, this morning... but.  Let me tell you - they're about to become quite famous in this household.  I smile.  But, it is true.   These words are  most likely based on Scripture - I'm sure.  Maybe someone can share in the comments where they think they are found.  One verse I thought of is quoted in the photo I shared below.

Here is what Benjamin Franklin pens...

"Work while it is called today, for you know not how much you may be hindered tomorrow.  One today is worth two tomorrows; never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today."

(as discovered in the pages of The Book of Virtues, by William Bennett)

To be honest, Procrastination has been known to take root in this homes heart-soil.  It goes in spurts - the "weed" yanked out... but, by golly, it reappears from time to time!!  And... it, never fear, will get someone in trouble.

Let's just say - it created some lively conversation around the breakfast table, this morning,  as we took this "lesson" in and I simply pray - it will be truly taken to heart by all of us.  There never really is a good excuse.  Ever!! 

Working a home-based business reveals all the true colors.  I have to ask myself,  How hard am I willing to put in, what it takes, to see the harvest that I'm expecting!?!

I also like this scripture from 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 (NIV)...

Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

Here is another quote by Admiral "Bull" Helsey... from the same book; The Book of Virtues.

"The Lord gave us two ends to use, one to think with and one to sit with.  The "war" depends on which we choose - heads we win, tails we lose."

~~

Have a wonderful and productive week!!

Whimsy Wednesday Weekly Challenge

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In loving support of my friend, Kaitlin, and her pose of a weekly challenge.  I present... my take on this particular challenge.
The prompt for this week came from Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

You know.  So many times. Life is really out of our control.  We can try to manage it all on our own. But, ultimately... He{God!}really is at the center of it all.  We'll have our highs and our lows; our up's and downs.
Yet, somehow this escapes our minds... in the immediate moments, doesn't it?  We forget that we are not the ones who make things happen.

I appreciate this reminder in Scripture.  The reminder of who we are.  Who we need to rely on. And the what that will happen when we do.

***

I know Kaitlin would appreciate to see and have more participation...in this challenge.
Please check out her blog for details...

Pass the word along.  Maybe you know of someone else - who would also be interested in joining along!  The more the merrier...I would say.
(Can you tell I'm just trying to help my friend?)

Oh.. and she has a really great post prompt for next week.  Kaitlin sure knows how to stretch... the creative abilities. :)  WOW!!

***

The Weekend Brew :: deep and wide

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I don't know about you, but I can read and read and reread... this passage... and still not fully comprehend the depths of its truth!

Does it matter that I don't fully grasp?  No, not really.  But I can rest in this.  I can be satisfied in this. I can know it...
I am aware...Jesus' love runs deep and wide for me!!

One day, I will know it.  Fully.

I like this... "filled to the measure of the fullness".

Oh, and I laugh. Ha!!  I just caught a typo on my photo, there, and it looks like I'm "stuttering", pausing for effect - when I say it twice ... "the the"... and in a way it can be just that.  A stutter in the sense of being truly overwhelmed to the fact that this is something I may never fully comprehend while here on this earth.

Amen?

Get Out Of The Van!

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Recently, I heard a sermon illustration that I want to relay to you - simply because it struck a cord with me.  I'd imagine this could relate to some of you as well.

The Pastor, sharing this illustration, was talking about himself.

He went on to say that as a young teenager he had gone through a season of where they would go somewhere as a family - say, to a family reunion or something - and he would choose, rather, to spend 6,7,8 hours  -alone!-out in the van rather than participate with the family gathering.  He said, he can't believe it to this day - how or why his parents didn't "kill him".

He humbly recounted, "This all came to a head - one summer- when our family decided to go on a trip out West!  My parents had saved and saved to make this a memorable family vacation - and yet, sad to say.  

I missed over 80% of our stops because I had stayed in the van."

The Pastor went on..

{via}

"We were at the Grand Tetons.  We parked.  And we only had to walk maybe 200 yards down around some trees, to where you could take in a glorious view...the most glorious view.  But you know what?  To this day - I actually never saw the Grand Tetons, the way my family did. They all got to take in this breathtaking grandeur, up close and personal, as up close and personal as that could be, but not me!  

Because, I stayed in the van."

***

Isn't that so true of us?

We miss out on ALL that God has for us...

Because we simply stay in the van.

{pause, for effect}

GET OUT OF THE VAN!

***

Here are the verses from Ephesians 3:16-21... that were shared that day!

16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Interestingly enough for me.  Back in December, when I began the series of carols, talking about preparing...

I started with these very verses (in bold print) as a prayer of mine.  And, as a prayer for you!  

God's love is so vast, and deep, and rich, and true!  It's more than we can ask or think...we can't even wrap our minds around it and yet we can fully know this love.  We can be filled to the fullest measure of this..

It's not that I would love HIM more - but that I would know all the more the depth, richness, and fullness of His LOVE for me!

I thought it was neat that now at the end of the yuletide season, and it the beginning of a very New Year ~  I'm hearing the very same thing.  Okay...I'm getting it.  The Lord certainly has my attention.  But, I need to participate.  I simply need to get out of the van!

***

Don't Forget:  Tomorrow is the last day to enter the Mugs & Muffins Giveaway!!

Please do.  I would love to hear your thoughts and comments.

{yuletide carols} Preparing...

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Hello December -

Hello Friends.

This month I would like to prepare my heart room for the beauty of the season.  Christmas is coming at a high rate of speed; its just a few short weeks away.  I'm not nearly as busy - at least, according to my calendar - as I was last year...but, busy enough.  Albeit to say, I'm sure the "business" will find it's way in.  

The verse above describes, in prayer, my thoughts, for myself, this holiday season.  

I just want to know HIM more..fuller, richer, deeper.

I was trying to think how I might keep blogging simple, as well, and yet still celebrate (with you! as readers) in the true beauty of Christmas.  I thought...I love {Yuletide} Carols... I have fond memories of Christmas caroling..

So, that said,  I think I'll just be posting random carols (probably just the lyrics) in either bits and pieces or in full...over this month of December, perhaps with a few other thoughts/quotes, and photos in between.  Maybe I'll even sprinkle in a few holiday recipes, as well.  Seasonal - of course!

I'm sure some of you will enjoy that!

I'm sure there will be another Daybook Post, for December and at least one more
Mugs & Muffins for the year!

So - one way you can join in here is to leave me, in the comments, one or two of your favorite carols..I would love to hear from you!!  I'm sure you'll all be picking many of my favorites - but please come back and "listen in"/read along, for your favorite carol..
***

And, here is one to help get us going..

Caroling, caroling, now we go
Christmas bells are ringing
Caroling, caroling thru the snow
Christmas bells are ringing
Joyous voices sweet and clear
Sing the sad of heart to cheer
Ding dong, ding dong
Christmas bells are ringing

Caroling, caroling thru the town
Christmas bells are ringing
Caroling, caroling up and down
Christmas bells are ringing
Mark ye well the song we sing
Gladsome tidings now we bring
Ding dong, ding dong
Christmas bells are ringing!

Caroling, caroling, near and far
Christmas bells are ringing
Following, following yonder star
Christmas bells are ringing
Sing we all this happy morn
"Lo, the King of heav'n is born!"
Ding dong, ding dong
Christmas bells are ringing

"Have Faith in God".. the verse says.

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Embrace this God-life.

Really embrace it, and nothing will

be too much for you...

That's why I urge you to pray

for absolutely everything, 

ranging from small to large.

Include everything as you embrace 

this God-life, and you'll

get God's everything.

~ Mark 11:22-24 (Message)

**

Look around... find yourself having that wonderful weekend you hoped for!

all praise

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I don't know about you...

But I am thoroughly enjoying this day.  I just want to bottle it up.  Eh?

Alongside ... another joy this morning was to read Psalm 100.  Particularly, verses 3 and 4.

Know that the LORD is God.  It is he who made us and we are his, we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

***
I'm off to enjoy the rest of this day...

And you??

"hands and feet"

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How lovely is your dwelling place, Oh LORD, Almighty!  My soul yearns, even faints for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God... a place near your altar.

Blessed are those who dwell in your house...better is one day in your courts, than a thousand elsewhere...I would rather be a doorkeeper...than to dwell in the tents of the wicked.

 ~ Psalm 84

 

These are just a few verses I've been reflecting on here today. I just thought I would share them with you.

 What is neat is to see firsthand how the "Body of Christ" really pulls together when there is and has been compromise in and to a member's body.  

I had surgery today.

The morning started early.  I was to be at the hospital by 6AM.  Around 11:00AM today I back home from having had a surgerical procedure done on my lower right leg.  A procedure called : Vein Ligation.

 My children were well cared for, by dear friends.

My husband has come through on all counts.  He always does...

My friends have either called, stopped by or sent emails...checking in!

Meals are coming in over the rest of this week.  Though an unecessary measure, it is one I want to receive and be grateful for.  I am.

My mom - brought me flowers!

 I can walk around and am encouraged to do so.  A good recovery is going to be on me.

Hard to do because of a 24hour/6week requirement of wearing a particular Compression Stocking to aid in the healing.

I'm grateful that this isn't the dead heat of Summer.

~~
I just want to say "thank you" for all your kind thoughts and prayers past, present and continued..

Thank you for being the "hands and feet" of Jesus.

I'll be back sometime later this week..

I have another *new*  recipe I've been meaning to share.

.

Snow days... and I quote.

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 ~~~

O the snow, the beautiful snow,

     Filling the sky and the earth below.

        Over the house-tops, over the street,

           Over the heads of the people you meet.

  Dancing,

           Flirting,

                Skimming along.

                          Beautiful snow, it can do nothing wrong.
                                                                                          ~ John Whitaker Watson

                                       

*** 

Good Morning Friends.  Happy Monday!

I don't know if there will be any more snow is in our near future, for our neck-of-the-woods...but, I hope!  For one more.  At least, that.  Honestly, I had this post in the que for awhile, adding photos here and there; piling them up like a stockpile of snowballs.  For one thing, it is cold enough out there, this morning, to bring on another snow day for there is a smell to the air!  You know that smell.  When we can say, "It smells like snow!", you get that bundle-up sort of feeling going on and either you want it or you don't.   My kids would love it.  (Provided they get better..)

Caleb is well enough to go back to school today.  He is on antibiotics, too.  Actually, this is funny.  Yesterday morning while getting ready for church... I said something about going back to school today.  And in the most pathetic of voices he yawns and says, and I quote, "I don't know if I can do that tomorrow".

Stinker!

But. While he is better.  Jayne is not.  I may be calling the doctors on her now.  We'll see..

I know I have shared this last photo with you before.  But these verses..

I just want to cling to them today.  The truth in God's Word is so powerful.           

I don't know why I feel compelled to share this encouragement with you this morning, but I do.  It's a reminder for all of us. Call on Him.  Cast is all..

There is HOPE in the name of Jesus.  There is POWER, in the name of Jesus.  There is VICTORY in the name of Jesus.

    

Oh, what a wonderful name..

No LOVE is higher, wider, deeper than that, the love of  OUR LORD!  Don't go looking elsewhere..   It won't fulfill.

Do you believe this today, my friend?  If not,  I'm praying that you will..

~~
Love to you, this Monday morning.            

fence row grace

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Sometimes, when it seems you can see no further than the wall in front of you...
Know this.  His Grace can still reach through and touch you. 

You hem me in - behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, ...
Where can I go from your Spirit?  ~ Psalm 139
***

Blessings to you, this weekend!
May it surround you...this grace.  His Grace.

May you and I...

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***

Busy Monday here...
** laundry **
** bread baking **
** tween-sitting **
** cleaning up broken glass  ;( **
** dishes **
** sweeping floors **
** fielding all the "Mother-may-I's" **
** sorting through kids clothing, cleaning out a closet **
** hopes of sewing ;) **
** dinner plans... of Pork Chops, Spinach and Stove-Top Dressing, w/fresh bread on the side **
~~~
Blessings on your day!!

May you and I be filled to the fullness of the measure...

my Shepherd

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The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want...

Psalm 23:1

I didn't realize, I mean it wasn't my intention, that I was going to be doing a mini-series here. 
But, here we go!  And of course, my thoughts have been so random about this, but so it goes.

The Lord keeps bringing things to mind as I continue to reflect on this portion of Scripture, and so, as he does that, I'll just keep on sharing it with you. 
Hopefully, you don't mind.

Obviously when you think of a shepherd you think of sheep.  And rightly so. 

Since I don't have the privilege of sheep out in my back yard I thought I would share a photo of the farmer - my landlord -and his cows.  I have to tell you about these cows.  They know the voice and presence of Mr. A...

As soon as he walks into the barnyard to feed or check in... they literally come running across the meadow.  Especially when he gives out a particular "call" that he has. 

This photo was from earlier this spring as he was on "standby" while one of the cows was about to calve.  I took this photo out of an upstairs bedroom window... it just caught my attention, of how this farmer-man  "lovingly" looks after and cares for his herd. 

He really does.

When you read about shepherds calling for their sheep and the sheep come to follow the voice of their shepherd... you can picture a beautiful scene, can't you?  It's a scene that displays a sense of belonging. 

Of Knowing.  Of being cared for.  As sheep towards the shepherd.

They have all they want...

***

I hope and pray that I know my Shepherd's voice.  Well.

Not just his voice.

But Him as...my Shepherd.

In his presence...I shall not want.

I shall not want...

anything more.

anything less.

I shall not be in want...

He is good.

He sees to every need, every care, every desire, every qualm.

This is so comforting.

***

Friend, do you know the good Shepherd?

You can.

He's calling...

(even though) I walk through the valley

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Well, if you're wondering...

Why yes! 

I am still pondering on the verses from Psalm 23.

Today I particularly have been thinking of the phrase, (even though) "I walk through the valley".

We all have those times of walking through the valley.  Don't we?

I know the verse I'm sharing from includes these words, "of the shadow of death - I will fear no evil... for Thou art with me..."

I'm grateful to know that GOD is Sovereign over me while I walk through the valley.

This means, any valley.

Some days go better then others. Don't they?

  Some moments are deep and dark and wide and long...just like our valley's can be.

I don't always like it.

But.

Good News!

The Lord is always with me.

He is always by my side.

Leading me.

Guiding me.

Assuring me.

Protecting me.

Keeping me.

Loving me.

I'm going to walk right out of this valley.  Lift my hands and praise the Lord.

I ain't going to let ole Satan get me down. 

No sirree.

***

How about you?  Do you mind the valley? 

Even though it can be a low place, the depth of the riches of our Lord Jesus Christ go even deeper still.

The mountian top might be a wonderful place... after all, but it's in the valley where He restores my soul.

Thank you, Lord!

10,000 Reasons

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Just been humming along with this song, all week long.

Hope you enjoy!

Why Did Jesus Fold the Napkin?

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Why did Jesus fold the linen burial cloth after His resurrection?

I never noticed this before... and maybe you haven't either.

The Gospel of John (20:7) tells us that the napkin which was placed over the face of Jesus, was not just thrown aside like the grave clothes. The Bible takes an entire verse to tell us that the napkin was neatly folded, and was placed at the head of the stony coffin.

Early Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, "They have taken he Lord's body out of the tomb, and I don't know where they have put him!"

Peter and the other disciple went to the tomb to see. The other disciple outran Peter and got there first. He stopped and looked in and saw the linen cloth lying there, but he didn't go in. Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus' head was folded up and lying to the side.

Why is this significant?

In order to understand the significance of the folded napkin, you have to understand a little bit about Hebrew tradition of that day. The folded napkin had to do with the Master and his Servant. Every Jewish boy knew this tradition. When the servant set the dinner table for the master, he made sure that it was exactly the way the master wanted it.

The table was furnished perfectly, and then the servant would wait, just out of sight, until the master had finished eating. The servant would not dare touch that table, until the master was finished. Now if the master was done eating, he would rise from the table, wipe his fingers, his mouth, and clean his beard, and would wad up that napkin and toss it onto the table.


The servant would then know to clear the table. For in those days, the wadded up napkin meant, "I'm finished"

But if the master got up from the table, and folded his napkin, and laid it beside his plate, the servant would not dare touch the table, because........

The Folded Napkin meant,

"I AM COMING BACK!"

and so He shall.

***
I was reminded of this beautiful explanation through a friend's post the other day.  However, I first read it through an email that had once been forwarded to me.  It was good to reread it. And, to reflect on it.

 I just thought I would share it again, with you today.

You'll have to forgive me, I have no idea who the original author of this is.


:: The photo is my own personal interpretation. Thank-you.

18th of December | Photo Project

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This just says it all...right here.

More DPP here.

just a handful | more then enough

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"Would you like some?", we're asked.

"Sure!", we reply and we continue...

"Hey wait - slow down.  Not so many.  I only wanted a few... just a handful.  It's all I want.  And, this is plenty. Thank you." 

Unless you're my kids and who never have enough of anything - and especially when it comes to chocolate chips, etc. getting doled out.

***

So the story goes.  When we've decided that just a handful, of whatever it is, is more then enough.  That we don't (usually) want or expect more then what we've been given. Or, at best, that we're far too polite to ask for more.

But. What about when God gives us (abundantly) his hand-full-blessing?  Isn't it neat to be on the receiving end of his giving? Amazing, or what?

His hand is full of grace sufficient.  Mercies unending.  Love without bounds.  He never tires to bless us with more then we can imagine.  Am I not right?

Unlike ours, His Hand never empties.

With Him a handful is plenty but yet, never enough.  His is a hand full. Amen?

It is a hand-full of blessing.

My Jehovah-jireh :: My Provider

And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 

~ Philippians 4:19

He knows what we have need of before we even ask... and yet he wants us to. 

Come. 

Come asking...begging for more.

You know. As a mom, I tire rather quickly at the constant begging and asking for more snacks; more time; more of me... and yet, again, God, our gracious and loving Father - He never does.

All of these thoughts came flooding, recently, through my heart and mind one early morning while nursing Jayne.  I was struck with the thought of how FULL God's hand is towards me...not stingy.  Not selfish like I can be.  He doesn't say - "No, I've already given you a handful, you have enough."  No!...instead he says "Here, have more".  I want to give you more.

My husband and I were discussing these thoughts, again, just last night.  The phrase - All your needs.  In our minds that phrase implies a stopping point.  That our needs have been met or supplied care for.  But I read it differently in thinking about this subject.  In reality, our needs are never, ever fully met, are they? 

God says he will supply all we need according to His riches... to me that means over and over and over. 

Hand - Full!

a new creation

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"The old is gone...the new has come... if anyone is in Christ... he is a new creation.  He is a new creation."

There was humming and singing going around in my head and coming out of my mouth.  Caleb's too!   I would catch us both singing this song through out the day.  It was kinda cool...hearing my four year old...singing about something that he doesn't really understand, but boy! does he ever know how to bring on the challenge for me. 

To be a *new* creation when it comes to mothering/parenting.

There is so much happening in my son's (preschool) world right now.  His mind is growing with rapid speed.  He is exploring this world of so much to learn.  His social skills are being honed in on and challenged.  His ability to simply keep up is being stretched.  His manner's?  oh yea...they're there, but sometimes they hide. ;)

He's doing GREAT!!  I'm full of excitement and I'm so proud of him.  However.

Every day he goes to school, he just comes home with SO MUCH energy/defiance - it's an interesting combination.  Is it out of...Exhaustion?  Hunger?  Peer Influence?  Boredom?  I quickly find myself reacting rather then responding.  Something I really have been working on for a long while and something I don't want to keep doing.

I have to daily remind myself that he - like me - is a sinner in need of a Saviour.

Create in me a clean heart, Oh God; and renew a right spirit within me.  Cast me not away from thy presence; {Oh Lord}and take not thy holy spirit from me.  Restore until me the joy of thy salvation; and renew a right spirit within me.  {Ps. 51: 10-12, as sung out of the KJV}

And, through this daily prayerful process... I can say I am (becoming) a New Creation.  That these moments with my son are not merely an interruption, a challenge, or even an over-all frustration but simply an opportunity.

An opportunity to share the gospel with him and to live out the gospel before him. 

Vessel of Honor

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As water reflects a face; so a man's heart reflects the man.

 ~ Proverbs 27: 19

This was the verse that came to mind - after this photo was taken several weeks ago.   I thought about how beautifully the water puddle - lying low- reflected the sunset, settling - high above.

As I reflected on this verse... I began to become more and more aware of how much my face really does reflect my heart.  Just like this water puddle reflecting the glorious sunset... it - in this case - is a beautiful thing.  But, that isn't always the way, is it?

You know - you really can't see your own face unless your looking into a mirror, right?  So, others around us are the ones that get the distinct privilege of seeing our faces on a regular basis. 

But, what do they see?

I mean just this morning, I got caught in my own thoughts, regarding this.  I was sitting here trying to type out these very words when my three year old began his begging and pleading to play his computer 'game' (which is really a preschool learning tool, but he calls it his game).  Basically, I had to keep my heart in check and not reflect the frustration (mounting) that I felt about getting "pushed" off the computer.  I had to literally choose to be gracious in that moment and walk away - reflecting Jesus in that moment.  A moment of grace, gentleness and forbearance.

It was hard.  Obviously, it wasn't in my heart to be putting my son first - I had an agenda; a me moment.

Granted Caleb needs to learn patience as well, but it was an opportunity, for me, to just take a deeper look at myself.

Another thought I had was...

May the whole earth be filled with his glory. (Ps. 72:19)

Just like the low lying areas of this earth become as vessels to hold rain drops that fell from heaven... our souls (hearts, lives) are to be as earthen vessels holding (all of) God's glory.  We can only be filled - by his Spirit falling on us...and we receiving.

Without the true light of Christ shining down on us, or we taking that and receiving it... we are darkness.  Our faces (our lives) reflect that.

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.  And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. ~ 2 Corinthians 3:17-18

For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness", made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. ~ 2 Corinthians 4: 6-7

I just thank the Lord for his specific care to refine us; transform us; grow us... for us to be an increasing reflection of his glory to all who look on us.  I know I need him, every single day, and his all-surpassing grace in my life to be what he has called me to be:

a Vessel of Honor.