I have mentioned before that I absolutely love my devotional, Jesus Calling. There are so many mornings when I feel that He is speaking directly to me in what I read - as if He knew the exact day I would read a certain devotion or verse, and He has catered it specifically to my heart.
Today, I really feel that way.
"You make a practice of judging yourself, based on how you look or behave or feel. If you like what you see in the mirror, you feel a bit more worthy of My Love. When things are going smoothly and your performance seems adequate, you find it easier to believe you are My beloved child. When you feel discouraged, you tend to look inward so you can correct whatever is wrong.
Instead of trying to "fix" yourself, fix your gaze on Me, the Lover of your soul. Rather than using your energy to judge yourself, redirect it to praising Me. Remember that I see you clothed in My righteousness, radiant in My perfect Love."
I had to stop at the very first sentence and stay right there for a few minutes: "You make a practice of judging yourself, based on how you look or behave or feel." There could never be a more direct statement at me...but I'm going to take a big assumption and say that most women fall into this practice. Is it because we feel judged by others that we judge ourselves so severely? I do believe this is part of it (and shame on us for making each other feel this way!). I also believe that we set such unrealistic standards, and when we fall short - which we are bound to do - we take it out on ourselves. And sometimes we do so harshly.
I love how Sarah Young finished this devotion, "Instead of trying to "fix" yourself, fix your gaze on Me, the Lover of your soul." I just LOVE this. When we fix our gaze on Jesus, we are saying He is greater and we are less (John 3:30). We are not allowing ourselves to consume our thoughts; we are choosing to fix our gaze on Him. We are choosing to be consumed with Him.
I don't know about you, but when I am consumed with Him, He not only consumes my thoughts, but He is there in my actions and my words as well. When I allow my gaze to remain on Jesus, who loves me, everything I do and say and how I feel are all simply better. For when my gaze is on Him, my heart is full of Him. And when my heart is full of such goodness, that goodness is bound to come out of me despite all of my own imperfections. When I think of how this affects me as a wife, as a mother, as a daughter, as a friend - it makes me all the more excited to spend time alone with my Savior. To become closer to Him, more full of Him, that He comes out of me.
My prayer this morning is that we will stop judging ourselves against unrealistic standards (our own or that of others), and that we will simply focus on Jesus. He loves us with a "Never Stopping, Never Giving Up, Unbreaking, Always and Forever Love."* When we fix our gaze on that beautiful truth, His Love is bound to show up and come out in our own lives. And that is exciting!
*http://www.jesusstorybookbible.com/
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Fixing Our Gaze
I have mentioned before that I absolutely love my devotional, Jesus Calling. There are so many mornings when I feel that He is speaking directly to me in what I read - as if He knew the exact day I would read a certain devotion or verse, and He has catered it specifically to my heart.
Today, I really feel that way.
"You make a practice of judging yourself, based on how you look or behave or feel. If you like what you see in the mirror, you feel a bit more worthy of My Love. When things are going smoothly and your performance seems adequate, you find it easier to believe you are My beloved child. When you feel discouraged, you tend to look inward so you can correct whatever is wrong.
Instead of trying to "fix" yourself, fix your gaze on Me, the Lover of your soul. Rather than using your energy to judge yourself, redirect it to praising Me. Remember that I see you clothed in My righteousness, radiant in My perfect Love."
I had to stop at the very first sentence and stay right there for a few minutes: "You make a practice of judging yourself, based on how you look or behave or feel." There could never be a more direct statement at me...but I'm going to take a big assumption and say that most women fall into this practice. Is it because we feel judged by others that we judge ourselves so severely? I do believe this is part of it (and shame on us for making each other feel this way!). I also believe that we set such unrealistic standards, and when we fall short - which we are bound to do - we take it out on ourselves. And sometimes we do so harshly.
I love how Sarah Young finished this devotion, "Instead of trying to "fix" yourself, fix your gaze on Me, the Lover of your soul." I just LOVE this. When we fix our gaze on Jesus, we are saying He is greater and we are less (John 3:30). We are not allowing ourselves to consume our thoughts; we are choosing to fix our gaze on Him. We are choosing to be consumed with Him.
I don't know about you, but when I am consumed with Him, He not only consumes my thoughts, but He is there in my actions and my words as well. When I allow my gaze to remain on Jesus, who loves me, everything I do and say and how I feel are all simply better. For when my gaze is on Him, my heart is full of Him. And when my heart is full of such goodness, that goodness is bound to come out of me despite all of my own imperfections. When I think of how this affects me as a wife, as a mother, as a daughter, as a friend - it makes me all the more excited to spend time alone with my Savior. To become closer to Him, more full of Him, that He comes out of me.
My prayer this morning is that we will stop judging ourselves against unrealistic standards (our own or that of others), and that we will simply focus on Jesus. He loves us with a "Never Stopping, Never Giving Up, Unbreaking, Always and Forever Love."* When we fix our gaze on that beautiful truth, His Love is bound to show up and come out in our own lives. And that is exciting!
*http://www.jesusstorybookbible.com/
Today, I really feel that way.
"You make a practice of judging yourself, based on how you look or behave or feel. If you like what you see in the mirror, you feel a bit more worthy of My Love. When things are going smoothly and your performance seems adequate, you find it easier to believe you are My beloved child. When you feel discouraged, you tend to look inward so you can correct whatever is wrong.
Instead of trying to "fix" yourself, fix your gaze on Me, the Lover of your soul. Rather than using your energy to judge yourself, redirect it to praising Me. Remember that I see you clothed in My righteousness, radiant in My perfect Love."
I had to stop at the very first sentence and stay right there for a few minutes: "You make a practice of judging yourself, based on how you look or behave or feel." There could never be a more direct statement at me...but I'm going to take a big assumption and say that most women fall into this practice. Is it because we feel judged by others that we judge ourselves so severely? I do believe this is part of it (and shame on us for making each other feel this way!). I also believe that we set such unrealistic standards, and when we fall short - which we are bound to do - we take it out on ourselves. And sometimes we do so harshly.
I love how Sarah Young finished this devotion, "Instead of trying to "fix" yourself, fix your gaze on Me, the Lover of your soul." I just LOVE this. When we fix our gaze on Jesus, we are saying He is greater and we are less (John 3:30). We are not allowing ourselves to consume our thoughts; we are choosing to fix our gaze on Him. We are choosing to be consumed with Him.
I don't know about you, but when I am consumed with Him, He not only consumes my thoughts, but He is there in my actions and my words as well. When I allow my gaze to remain on Jesus, who loves me, everything I do and say and how I feel are all simply better. For when my gaze is on Him, my heart is full of Him. And when my heart is full of such goodness, that goodness is bound to come out of me despite all of my own imperfections. When I think of how this affects me as a wife, as a mother, as a daughter, as a friend - it makes me all the more excited to spend time alone with my Savior. To become closer to Him, more full of Him, that He comes out of me.
My prayer this morning is that we will stop judging ourselves against unrealistic standards (our own or that of others), and that we will simply focus on Jesus. He loves us with a "Never Stopping, Never Giving Up, Unbreaking, Always and Forever Love."* When we fix our gaze on that beautiful truth, His Love is bound to show up and come out in our own lives. And that is exciting!
*http://www.jesusstorybookbible.com/
Monday, July 11, 2011
Multitudes on Mondays
318. Ella Beth asking, "Mommy, can I wear a dress today?"
319. BOTH kiddos sleeping in late
320. laid back Sundays as a family
321. new adventures
322. walking through a creek
323. walking sticks
324. quiet times with the Lord in the morning
325. breakfast cereals that are healthy and taste good
326. that my children enjoy eating healthy
327. chatting with a friend I haven't seen in 4 months
328. that friend with whom it never seems a day has gone by
Psalm 118:19 "Open for me the gates of the righteous; I will enter and give thanks to the LORD."
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Martha, Martha, Martha
Luke 10:38-42 "As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Martha had good intentions. She had the most honorable guest in her home, and she wanted to make things perfect. She wanted her home to be worthy of Jesus' presence. Cleanliness is next to godliness, right? Her focus was on preparing, organizing, and perfecting everything for the evening that welcomed His Presence into her home. She wanted Him to sit in the best seat, to eat the best meal, to have clean napkins, to use a clean bathroom. She had to be busy to make sure He was satisfied.
I am so much like Martha.
I busy myself daily on things that seem important, but I often neglect the most important. I prayed so long for the opportunity to be at home full time with Birdie and Buddy-Ro. Sacrifices have been made (are still being made) to make this happen. But I often spend my days being busy instead of just being with them.
Now, my children aren't as honored guests in our home as Jesus would be, but they are still very honorable. And the time I have with them is fleeting. We have all heard grandparents say, "Enjoy them now because they grow up so fast." I hear that, and I believe that I need to enjoy them, but I allow myself to get caught up in the "doing."
I know this story in the Bible is related to how we should prioritize our relationship with Jesus above all else, but I can only imagine the mother that Mary would have been. "Mary was so desirous to hear the words of The Lord that she was unconcerned about the situation around her. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to assist her sister in the preparing of the meal, but for her it was that she found to sit and hear the words of The Lord MORE important than busying herself about in the handling of one task after the other." Khandielse
When I compare the priorities of these two sisters - both who had good intentions - I see that one had greater intentions. Mary wanted more to enjoy the moment; to cherish time that she knew she could not get back. She didn't want to miss out on the gifts that Jesus was giving her.
And that's what my children are: gifts.
I feel at times that I can actually hear Jesus whispering to me, "Amber, Amber, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one." My personal relationship with Him is important, but teaching my children about Jesus is equally important. Jesus loves the little children. They are so important to God's heart. The fields are ripe for harvest. Children who are taught about Jesus from an early age, will easily accept Him into their hearts. I don't know about you, but my children learn best from example.
I so easily slip into Martha's shoes...my intentions are good, but what example am I ultimately setting? Is cleaning the kitchen for the second time in a day more important than sitting in the floor doing puzzles? Is folding laundry more important than holding my waking children for five extra minutes in the morning? Is cleaning the bathroom more important than sharing the Truths of God's love through reading their Bible together?
A clean kitchen, folded laundry, a clean bathroom - all are good. But what is better?
My challenge to myself over the next week is to be fully present right where I am. If it's during my quiet time with the Lord, let me be all there. If it is sitting in peace and quiet reflection, let me be all there. And if it is with my children, let me be all there. Let them sense my full presence. And most importantly, let them sense the love of Jesus flowing from my heart straight to theirs. Let them know that I value them as the precious gifts that they are, that they are worth letting other things go. Because it really is true, time goes by so fast and I must make the most of every precious opportunity.
Mary understood this. And I pray that my heart will, too.
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Martha had good intentions. She had the most honorable guest in her home, and she wanted to make things perfect. She wanted her home to be worthy of Jesus' presence. Cleanliness is next to godliness, right? Her focus was on preparing, organizing, and perfecting everything for the evening that welcomed His Presence into her home. She wanted Him to sit in the best seat, to eat the best meal, to have clean napkins, to use a clean bathroom. She had to be busy to make sure He was satisfied.
I am so much like Martha.
I busy myself daily on things that seem important, but I often neglect the most important. I prayed so long for the opportunity to be at home full time with Birdie and Buddy-Ro. Sacrifices have been made (are still being made) to make this happen. But I often spend my days being busy instead of just being with them.
Now, my children aren't as honored guests in our home as Jesus would be, but they are still very honorable. And the time I have with them is fleeting. We have all heard grandparents say, "Enjoy them now because they grow up so fast." I hear that, and I believe that I need to enjoy them, but I allow myself to get caught up in the "doing."
I know this story in the Bible is related to how we should prioritize our relationship with Jesus above all else, but I can only imagine the mother that Mary would have been. "Mary was so desirous to hear the words of The Lord that she was unconcerned about the situation around her. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to assist her sister in the preparing of the meal, but for her it was that she found to sit and hear the words of The Lord MORE important than busying herself about in the handling of one task after the other." Khandielse
When I compare the priorities of these two sisters - both who had good intentions - I see that one had greater intentions. Mary wanted more to enjoy the moment; to cherish time that she knew she could not get back. She didn't want to miss out on the gifts that Jesus was giving her.
And that's what my children are: gifts.
I feel at times that I can actually hear Jesus whispering to me, "Amber, Amber, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one." My personal relationship with Him is important, but teaching my children about Jesus is equally important. Jesus loves the little children. They are so important to God's heart. The fields are ripe for harvest. Children who are taught about Jesus from an early age, will easily accept Him into their hearts. I don't know about you, but my children learn best from example.
I so easily slip into Martha's shoes...my intentions are good, but what example am I ultimately setting? Is cleaning the kitchen for the second time in a day more important than sitting in the floor doing puzzles? Is folding laundry more important than holding my waking children for five extra minutes in the morning? Is cleaning the bathroom more important than sharing the Truths of God's love through reading their Bible together?
A clean kitchen, folded laundry, a clean bathroom - all are good. But what is better?
My challenge to myself over the next week is to be fully present right where I am. If it's during my quiet time with the Lord, let me be all there. If it is sitting in peace and quiet reflection, let me be all there. And if it is with my children, let me be all there. Let them sense my full presence. And most importantly, let them sense the love of Jesus flowing from my heart straight to theirs. Let them know that I value them as the precious gifts that they are, that they are worth letting other things go. Because it really is true, time goes by so fast and I must make the most of every precious opportunity.
Mary understood this. And I pray that my heart will, too.
Martha, Martha, Martha
Luke 10:38-42 "As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Martha had good intentions. She had the most honorable guest in her home, and she wanted to make things perfect. She wanted her home to be worthy of Jesus' presence. Cleanliness is next to godliness, right? Her focus was on preparing, organizing, and perfecting everything for the evening that welcomed His Presence into her home. She wanted Him to sit in the best seat, to eat the best meal, to have clean napkins, to use a clean bathroom. She had to be busy to make sure He was satisfied.
I am so much like Martha.
I busy myself daily on things that seem important, but I often neglect the most important. I prayed so long for the opportunity to be at home full time with Ella Beth and Landon. Sacrifices have been made (are still being made) to make this happen. But I often spend my days being busy instead of just being with them.
Now, my children aren't as honored guests in our home as Jesus would be, but they are still very honorable. And the time I have with them is fleeting. We have all heard grandparents say, "Enjoy them now because they grow up so fast." I hear that, and I believe that I need to enjoy them, but I allow myself to get caught up in the "doing."
I know this story in the Bible is related to how we should prioritize our relationship with Jesus above all else, but I can only imagine the mother that Mary would have been. "Mary was so desirous to hear the words of The Lord that she was unconcerned about the situation around her. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to assist her sister in the preparing of the meal, but for her it was that she found to sit and hear the words of The Lord MORE important than busying herself about in the handling of one task after the other." Khandielse
When I compare the priorities of these two sisters - both who had good intentions - I see that one had greater intentions. Mary wanted more to enjoy the moment; to cherish time that she knew she could not get back. She didn't want to miss out on the gifts that Jesus was giving her.
And that's what my children are: gifts.
I feel at times that I can actually hear Jesus whispering to me, "Amber, Amber, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one." My personal relationship with Him is important, but teaching my children about Jesus is equally important. Jesus loves the little children. They are so important to God's heart. The fields are ripe for harvest. Children who are taught about Jesus from an early age, will easily accept Him into their hearts. I don't know about you, but my children learn best from example.
I so easily slip into Martha's shoes...my intentions are good, but what example am I ultimately setting? Is cleaning the kitchen for the second time in a day more important than sitting in the floor doing puzzles? Is folding laundry more important than holding my waking children for five extra minutes in the morning? Is cleaning the bathroom more important than sharing the Truths of God's love through reading their Bible together?
A clean kitchen, folded laundry, a clean bathroom - all are good. But what is better?
My challenge to myself over the next week is to be fully present right where I am. If it's during my quiet time with the Lord, let me be all there. If it is sitting in peace and quiet reflection, let me be all there. And if it is with my children, let me be all there. Let them sense my full presence. And most importantly, let them sense the love of Jesus flowing from my heart straight to theirs. Let them know that I value them as the precious gifts that they are, that they are worth letting other things go. Because it really is true, time goes by so fast and I must make the most of every precious opportunity.
Mary understood this. And I pray that my heart will, too.
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Martha had good intentions. She had the most honorable guest in her home, and she wanted to make things perfect. She wanted her home to be worthy of Jesus' presence. Cleanliness is next to godliness, right? Her focus was on preparing, organizing, and perfecting everything for the evening that welcomed His Presence into her home. She wanted Him to sit in the best seat, to eat the best meal, to have clean napkins, to use a clean bathroom. She had to be busy to make sure He was satisfied.
I am so much like Martha.
I busy myself daily on things that seem important, but I often neglect the most important. I prayed so long for the opportunity to be at home full time with Ella Beth and Landon. Sacrifices have been made (are still being made) to make this happen. But I often spend my days being busy instead of just being with them.
Now, my children aren't as honored guests in our home as Jesus would be, but they are still very honorable. And the time I have with them is fleeting. We have all heard grandparents say, "Enjoy them now because they grow up so fast." I hear that, and I believe that I need to enjoy them, but I allow myself to get caught up in the "doing."
I know this story in the Bible is related to how we should prioritize our relationship with Jesus above all else, but I can only imagine the mother that Mary would have been. "Mary was so desirous to hear the words of The Lord that she was unconcerned about the situation around her. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to assist her sister in the preparing of the meal, but for her it was that she found to sit and hear the words of The Lord MORE important than busying herself about in the handling of one task after the other." Khandielse
When I compare the priorities of these two sisters - both who had good intentions - I see that one had greater intentions. Mary wanted more to enjoy the moment; to cherish time that she knew she could not get back. She didn't want to miss out on the gifts that Jesus was giving her.
And that's what my children are: gifts.
I feel at times that I can actually hear Jesus whispering to me, "Amber, Amber, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one." My personal relationship with Him is important, but teaching my children about Jesus is equally important. Jesus loves the little children. They are so important to God's heart. The fields are ripe for harvest. Children who are taught about Jesus from an early age, will easily accept Him into their hearts. I don't know about you, but my children learn best from example.
I so easily slip into Martha's shoes...my intentions are good, but what example am I ultimately setting? Is cleaning the kitchen for the second time in a day more important than sitting in the floor doing puzzles? Is folding laundry more important than holding my waking children for five extra minutes in the morning? Is cleaning the bathroom more important than sharing the Truths of God's love through reading their Bible together?
A clean kitchen, folded laundry, a clean bathroom - all are good. But what is better?
My challenge to myself over the next week is to be fully present right where I am. If it's during my quiet time with the Lord, let me be all there. If it is sitting in peace and quiet reflection, let me be all there. And if it is with my children, let me be all there. Let them sense my full presence. And most importantly, let them sense the love of Jesus flowing from my heart straight to theirs. Let them know that I value them as the precious gifts that they are, that they are worth letting other things go. Because it really is true, time goes by so fast and I must make the most of every precious opportunity.
Mary understood this. And I pray that my heart will, too.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Our Garden
Once again, we have a great garden! Of course, I say "we" when it's really Scott who does all of the hard, sweaty work. But, I get to enjoy the fresh produce. That's where "we" comes in. :)
Ella Beth picked a large cucumber
Views from the garden
Landon picked tomatoes
We played with playdoh earlier, can ya tell?!
Left over strawberry containers make the perfect container for fresh produce
Time to pick blueberries
And when that big ol' cucumber doesn't fit inside the container? Improvise. ;)
Thanks for all your hard work, honey. "We" sure do appreciate and enjoy it!
Ella Beth picked a large cucumber
Views from the garden
Landon picked tomatoes
Left over strawberry containers make the perfect container for fresh produce
Time to pick blueberries
And when that big ol' cucumber doesn't fit inside the container? Improvise. ;)
Thanks for all your hard work, honey. "We" sure do appreciate and enjoy it!
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Fighting the need to be busy
Am I the only one who hates to feel left out? I'm not talking about hating to be left off the invitation list (although that could stink!) - I'm talking about the feeling that you are missing something because you aren't involved in everything.
That's where I'm at right now. Sometimes it's hard to balance the desire to be busy - to be involved in LOTS of activities - with the desire to just be simple. I know people who are busy 6 days out of the week with playgroups, lunch dates, parties, activities, etc, and sometimes I feel this need to make my own schedule more packed. That I'm "missing out" if I say "no" to an invite.
But, then I try it - I pack our schedule full and I say "yes" to everything. And for me, it just doesn't work. I feel exhausted, the kiddos feel exhausted, and those two together don't make for the cheeriest combination. ;)
For us, being home and moving at a slower pace works best for us. I know this. Yet, I still allow myself to get caught up in the feeling that I should be busier. That I am somehow missing out on the fun if we are home more than we are away.
I am learning, albeit slowly, that what works for others doesn't have to be what works for me. And while I know this, while I truly understand that what makes our family "tick," it's not always easy to just settle in to our life.
God has really impressed upon my heart lately two verses that are helping me see that (for us) it's not about being busy; it's about trusting Him and following His will for our family at this specific season.
I'm not saying that it's not in God's will to be busy. It's just not in God's will for us right now. And I'm having to learn that it's OK.
My fear is that others will view me as "standoffish" or not wanting to hang out and be friendly. I can assure you that is not the case at all. This girl loves to have fun! But, I am having to trust that God is molding me through this season, and that I simply have to trust His guidance and trust that He is calling me to be home more than He is calling me to be busy.
Can anyone else relate to this?
That's where I'm at right now. Sometimes it's hard to balance the desire to be busy - to be involved in LOTS of activities - with the desire to just be simple. I know people who are busy 6 days out of the week with playgroups, lunch dates, parties, activities, etc, and sometimes I feel this need to make my own schedule more packed. That I'm "missing out" if I say "no" to an invite.
But, then I try it - I pack our schedule full and I say "yes" to everything. And for me, it just doesn't work. I feel exhausted, the kiddos feel exhausted, and those two together don't make for the cheeriest combination. ;)
For us, being home and moving at a slower pace works best for us. I know this. Yet, I still allow myself to get caught up in the feeling that I should be busier. That I am somehow missing out on the fun if we are home more than we are away.
I am learning, albeit slowly, that what works for others doesn't have to be what works for me. And while I know this, while I truly understand that what makes our family "tick," it's not always easy to just settle in to our life.
God has really impressed upon my heart lately two verses that are helping me see that (for us) it's not about being busy; it's about trusting Him and following His will for our family at this specific season.
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 says, "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders."
Romans 12:2 says, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
I'm not saying that it's not in God's will to be busy. It's just not in God's will for us right now. And I'm having to learn that it's OK.
My fear is that others will view me as "standoffish" or not wanting to hang out and be friendly. I can assure you that is not the case at all. This girl loves to have fun! But, I am having to trust that God is molding me through this season, and that I simply have to trust His guidance and trust that He is calling me to be home more than He is calling me to be busy.
Can anyone else relate to this?
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